Application Materials
Important Deadlines
The application deadline is November 25, 2026. Supporting documents are due December 4, 2026.
Required Material for all Applicants
Transcript(s) of your academic record from every post-secondary institution attended must be uploaded to the online application by the applicant.
The following must be included in the transcript:
- Applicant Name
- Name of Institution
- Transcript Legend: typically appears on the back of a transcript or as an additional page, and provides information on the grading system used, weight of courses, symbols used and other relevant information to assist in evaluating credentials
- Full course titles and course codes
- Grades
Important Note: At the time of application, scanned transcripts should be uploaded to the application portal. If admitted, applicants will be required to submit official transcripts, sent directly from the issuing institutions, to the Faculty of Music. This condition must be met prior to registration in the program.
At least two (2) letters of reference (one from an instructor in your major area and one from an instructor familiar with your academic work) must accompany your application. References are to be submitted online using an institutional e-mail address.
If an institutional email address is not available, please contact gradadmissions.music@utoronto.ca with the referee's contact information as requested within the application.
Important Note: Referees will receive an email request as soon as you enter their contact information; please be sure to contact them well in advance prior to adding them to your application and provide them with the deadline (supporting document deadline).
Referees will receive instructions from the School of Graduate Studies (apply@sgs.utoronto.ca) on how to submit their letter of recommendation online; you can monitor your application to see if the letters have been submitted through the application portal.
In order for your application to be considered complete, letters of recommendation must be submitted by the document deadline.
Please refer to your degree program of choice below for formatting and content requirements.
Note on the use of Generative AI:
It is in your own best interest not to use AI to create any written materials submitted as part of your application for graduate studies in music at the University of Toronto. The inclusion of AI-generated writing does not improve your chances of admission; indeed, it is more likely to have the opposite effect. Writing that reflects your own voice, including your individual characteristics and idiosyncrasies, is preferable to smoothly crafted generic AI prose that is lacking in personal style. We are interested in what you have to say about music, and we want to hear it in your own voice.
Additional Supporting Documents by Program
Master of Arts
Applicants must hold an appropriate Bachelor of Arts specialist degree or Bachelor of Music degree from a recognized university, with an average standing equivalent to a University of Toronto mid-B or better over the final two years. Applicants whose undergraduate degrees do not meet this standard may be required to take up to a full year of prerequisite courses.
Exceptional applicants with an undergraduate degree may apply to the five-year fully-funded Direct Entry PhD program. Please see 'Direct Entry PhD' in the Programs drop-down menu for more information on this option, and the Doctor of Philosophy (Ethno/Musicology/Theory) drop-down for the application requirements.
In addition to your transcripts and letters of reference, the following materials must be submitted online by the posted document deadline.
Statement of Interest: A short statement indicating background and intended area of interest.
Writing Sample: An essay representative of your work in ethnomusicology/musicology/music theory.
Curriculum Vitae: An up-to-date Curriculum Vitae which also lists any relevant studies and/or professional experience that does not appear in official transcripts (e.g., certification courses; publications; workshop presentations).
Applications must be complete and all materials received by the appropriate deadlines to be considered.
Applicants must hold a Bachelor of Music degree in Music Education from the University of Toronto with an average standing of B or better over the final two years, or an equivalent program and standing from another recognized university. Applicants whose undergraduate degree does not meet this standard may be required to take appropriate prerequisite courses.
Applicants in Music Education will normally be required to have had two years of teaching experience, although this requirement may be waived at the discretion of the Department.
An online interview with the Music Education faculty will be scheduled once the required essay is received. This may be substituted by a videotaped interview at the discretion of the faculty.
In addition to your transcripts and letters of reference, the following materials must be submitted online by the posted document deadline:
Letter of Intent: A short statement indicating background and intended area of interest.
Writing Sample (2026-27): A 1500-2000 word essay presenting a critique/review of one of the following articles:
- Dillon, J. E. (2023). Project-based learning: Toward a world-centered music education. International Journal of Education & the Arts, 24(13). http://doi.org/10.26209/ijea24n13
- Westerlund, H., & Karlsen, S. (2017). Knowledge Production Beyond Local and National Blindspots: Remedying Professional Ocularcentrism of Diversity in Music Teacher Education. Action, Criticism & Theory for Music Education, 16(3). https://doi.org/10.22176/act16.3.78
Curriculum Vitae: This updated Curriculum Vitae should include an indication of your level of performance proficiency, including the number of years of instrumental/vocal studies, a summary of your performance experience, and lists of any relevant studies and/or professional experience which does not appear in official transcripts (e.g., certification courses; publications; workshop presentations).
Applications must be complete and all materials received by the appropriate deadlines to be considered.
A Bachelor of Music or Bachelor of Music Therapy degree with an average standing of mid-B or better over the final two years, or an equivalent program and standing from another recognized university. Applicants who have taken courses in music therapy, psychology, kinesiology, and/or rehabilitation science are preferred. Applicants whose undergraduate degree does not meet this standard may be required to take appropriate prerequisite courses.
Selected applicants will be invited for an interview. Depending on circumstances, an assigned essay may be substituted for the interview with faculty approval.
In addition to your transcripts and letters of reference, the following materials must be submitted online by the posted document deadline:
Writing Sample: An essay demonstrating your academic writing—preferably on a music and health-related topic. (1500-2000 word min.)
Letter of Intent: A short statement indicating your background and intended area of interest.
Curriculum Vitae: This updated Curriculum Vitae should include an indication of your level of performance proficiency, including the number of years of instrumental/vocal studies, a summary of your performance experience, and lists of any relevant studies and/or professional experience which does not appear in official transcripts (e.g., certification courses; publications; workshop presentations).
Applications must be complete and all materials received by the appropriate deadlines to be considered.
Doctor of Philosophy
The PhD in Ethnomusicology, Musicology, or Music Theory are research degrees. Applicants must hold a Master’s degree with specialization in Musicology, Ethnomusicology or Music Theory; for Ethnomusicology, applicants may also have a specialization in a cognate field such as Anthropology or Cultural Studies. Applicants must have an average standing of B+ or better.
Exceptional applicants with an undergraduate degree may apply to the five-year fully-funded Direct Entry PhD program. Please see 'Direct Entry PhD' in the Programs drop-down menu for more information on this option. Direct entry applicants must have an average standing of A- or better.
Applicants, whether from the University of Toronto or from elsewhere, may be interviewed by the Department.
In addition to your transcripts and letters of reference, the following materials must be submitted online by the posted document deadline:
Letter of Intent: A short statement indicating background and intended area of interest.
Writing Sample: An extended essay (ca. 3000 words) demonstrating an ability to handle research problems.
Curriculum Vitae: An up-to-date Curriculum Vitae which also lists any relevant studies and/or professional experience that does not appear in official transcripts (e.g., certification courses; publications; workshop presentations).
Applications must be complete and all materials received by the appropriate deadlines to be considered.
Applicants must hold a Master's degree specializing in Music Education from the University of Toronto with an average standing of B+ or better, or an equivalent degree and standing from another recognized university.
An online interview with the Music Education faculty may be scheduled in early February. This may be substituted by a videotaped interview at the discretion of the faculty. Candidates may also be required to provide a videotape of their teaching expertise.
Please note that there is no Direct Entry option for the PhD in Music Education.
In addition to your transcripts and letters of reference, the following materials must be submitted on-line by the posted document deadline:
Letter of Intent: A short statement explaining why you want to begin a doctoral program in Music Education
Sample of Writing: In example of your academic writing (ca. 3000 words)
Curriculum Vitae: This updated Curriculum Vitae should include an indication of your level of performance proficiency, including the number of years of instrumental/vocal studies, a summary of your performance experience.
Relevant Studies: List any relevant studies and/or professional experience which does not appear in official transcripts (e.g. certification courses; publications; workshop presentations).
Applications must be complete and all materials received by the appropriate deadlines to be considered.
Applicants must hold a four-year bachelor’s degree, either in music (or with a musical credential [e.g., ARCT]) or music therapy, plus a field-related master’s degree (e.g., master of music, master of music therapy, master’s degree in a health field (e.g., speech-language pathology, kinesiology, or neuroscience), with a standing of B+ or better, from the University of Toronto, or an equivalent degree and standing from another recognized university.
An interview with Music and Health faculty members must be scheduled whenever possible. With faculty approval, an assigned essay may be substituted for the interview.
Appropriate letters of reference commenting on the applicant's professional experience and academic ability.
Please note that there is no Direct Entry option for the PhD in Music and Health Sciences.
In addition to your transcripts and letters of reference, the following materials must be submitted on-line by the posted document deadline:
Letter of Intent: A short statement indicating background and intended area of interest.
Sample of Writing: An extended essay (ca. 3000 words) demonstrating your academic writing – preferably on a music and health related topic.
Curriculum Vitae: This updated Curriculum Vitae should include an indication of your level of performance proficiency, including the number of years of instrumental/vocal studies, a summary of your performance experience.
Relevant Studies: List any relevant studies and/or professional experience which does not appear in official transcripts (e.g., certification courses; publications; workshop presentations).
Applications must be complete and all materials received by the appropriate deadlines to be considered.
Master of Music
Applicants are admitted under the General Regulations of the School of Graduate Studies. Applicants must also satisfy the Faculty of Music's additional admissions requirements stated below.
Applicants to the MMus program must hold a Bachelor of Music degree in the area of specialization from the University of Toronto with an average standing of mid-B or better over the final two years or an equivalent program (Bachelor of Music or Bachelor of Music Arts) and standing from another recognized university. Selected applicants must pass an audition and interview.
In addition to your transcripts and letters of reference the following materials must be submitted on-line by the document deadline (please be sure to use templates where provided):
Letter of Intent: A short statement indicating your background and intended area of interest.
Audition Program: Using the provided template, indicate your repertoire for the audition and provide any pre-screening links (as required). You will also indicate on this form whether you intend to audition via recording, or in-person. Please see the Audition Requirements for full details on the audition process/requirements for your instrument/voice area.
Curriculum Vitae: This updated Curriculum Vitae should include an indication of your level of performance proficiency, including the number of years of instrumental/vocal studies, a summary of your performance experience, and lists of any relevant studies and/or professional experience which does not appear in official transcripts (e.g., certification courses; publications; workshop presentations).
Applications must be complete and all materials received by the appropriate deadlines to be considered.
Applicants to the MMus program must hold a Bachelor of Music degree in the area of specialization with an average standing equivalent to a University of Toronto "B" or better over the final two years. Applicants in composition must submit several original compositions, at least one of which shall be with moderately large instrumentation.
In addition to your transcripts and letters of reference, the following materials must be submitted on-line by the document deadline (please be sure to use templates where provided):
Scores and Recordings: A composition portfolio of three to five works for a variety of media, including some with moderately large instrumentation and some sustained movements of five minutes or more. The portfolio should contain scores, and recordings when available. (Please use the provided template to submit the portfolio.) The portfolio must be hosted online with one url link.
Curriculum Vitae: Up-to-date Curriculum Vitae.
Applications must be complete and all materials received by the appropriate deadlines to be considered.
Applicants to the MMus program must hold a Bachelor of Music degree in the area of specialization with an average standing equivalent to a University of Toronto "B" or better over the final two years. An extensive background in music technology is not required. Applicants with primary expertise in classical, jazz, or popular genres are all eligible to apply.
In addition to your transcripts and letters of reference, the following materials must be submitted online by the posted document deadline (please be sure to use templates where provided):
Letter of Intent: A short statement indicating your experience, intended area of interest, and goals.
Sound/Video Files: A portfolio of containing a total of three to five (3-5) works covering two or three of the following categories. The portfolio must be hosted online using a file sharing service with one url link.
- Original compositions (scores and, if possible, sounds files or MIDI realizations for acoustic works; sound files for electroacoustic works; video recordings for multimedia works)
- Music for film, television or commercials, or other media
- Arrangements of works
- Performances (video-recordings required)
- Recordings engineered/produced
- Music-related software/apps developed
Following a review of portfolios received, selected applicants will be invited for an online interview. Candidates will be expected to discuss the materials in their portfolios, demonstrate musical preparation (through conversation and/or performance) and comment on goals for their studies.
Curriculum Vitae: This updated Curriculum Vitae should include an indication of your level of performance proficiency, including the number of years of instrumental/vocal studies, a summary of your performance experience, and lists of any relevant studies and/or professional experience which does not appear in official transcripts (e.g., certification courses; publications; workshop presentations).
Applications must be complete and all materials received by the appropriate deadlines to be considered.
Applicants to the MMus program must hold a Bachelor of Music degree in the area of specialization with an average standing equivalent to a University of Toronto "B" or better over the final two years. Applicants in performance must pass an audition.
In addition to your transcripts and letters of reference, the following materials must be submitted online by the posted document deadline (please be sure to use templates where provided):
Writing Sample: A writing sample on a jazz-related research topic (approx.1,500 words).
Audition Program: Using a provided template in the online application, indicate your repertoire for the audition and provide any pre-screening links (as required). Please see the Audition Requirements for full details on the audition process/requirements for your area.
Sample Repertoire List: A substantial repertoire list (25-30 pieces)
- Titled with your name, instrument and applied teacher preference.
- The list must include representative pieces from the major stylistic areas: traditional, swing, bop, hard bop, cool, post-bop, standards, blues, modal, free, fusion and ‘Latin’ styles.
- The list must also include at least three original pieces.
- The MMus Repertoire List should indicate pieces you have previously performed or learned to a professional level; it is separate from your audition program
- Please provide lead sheets for any original pieces. Sample Repertoire List.
Curriculum Vitae: Up-to-date Curriculum Vitae.
Applications must be complete and all materials received by the appropriate deadlines to be considered.
Applicants to the MMus program must hold a Bachelor of Music degree in the area of specialization with an average standing equivalent to a University of Toronto "B" or better over the final two years. Applicants in performance must pass an audition.
In addition to your transcripts and letters of reference, the following materials must be submitted online by the posted document deadline (please be sure to use templates where provided):
Writing Sample: A 4-5-page writing sample (topic does not necessarily need to be in piano pedagogy).
Audition Program: Using the provided template in the online application, indicate your repertoire for the audition and provide any pre-screening links (as required). You will also indicate on this form whether you intend to audition via recording, or in-person. Please see the Audition Requirements for full details on the audition process/requirements for your instrument/voice area.
Curriculum Vitae: Up-to-date Curriculum Vitae.
Applications must be complete and all materials received by the appropriate deadlines to be considered.
Options: Collaborative Piano, Conducting, Historical Performance, Instrumental, Keyboard, Opera, Vocal, Vocal Pedagogy
Applicants to the MMus program must hold a Bachelor of Music degree in the area of specialization with an average standing equivalent to a University of Toronto "B" or better over the final two years. Selected applicants must pass an audition.
It is highly recommended that all applicants to graduate programs in Choral and Wind conducting have at least 3-5 years of teaching experience before considering an application.
The following materials must be submitted on-line by the posted document deadline (please be sure to use templates where provided):
Curriculum Vitae: Up-to-date Curriculum Vitae.
Audition Program: Using the provided template in the online application, indicate your repertoire for the audition and provide any pre-screening links (as required). You will also indicate on this form whether you intend to audition via recording, or in-person. Please see the Audition Requirements for full details on the audition process/requirements for your instrument/voice area.
Applications must be complete and all materials received by the appropriate deadlines to be considered.
Doctor of Musical Arts
Applicants for the DMA in the Composition field must hold a Master of Music Performance degree specializing in Composition or its equivalent from a recognized university, with an average standing of B+ or better. An online interview with the Composition faculty may be scheduled in February.
In addition to your transcripts and letters of reference, the following materials must be submitted on-line by the posted document deadline (please be sure to use templates where provided):
Letter of Intent: A one to two-page statement of plans for research and performance.
Scores and Recordings: A composition portfolio of three to five works for a variety of media, including some with moderately large instrumentation and some sustained movements of five minutes or more. The portfolio should contain scores, and recordings when available. The portfolio must be hosted online with one url link.
Curriculum Vitae: Up-to-date Curriculum Vitae.
Applications must be complete and all materials received by the appropriate deadlines to be considered.
Options: Collaborative Piano, Conducting, Historical Performance, Instrumental, Jazz, Piano Pedagogy, Vocal, Vocal Pedagogy
Applicants for the DMA in Performance field must hold a Master of Music degree specializing in Performance from the University of Toronto, or its equivalent from another university, with an average standing of B+ or better.
Applicants are required to pass an audition.
Applicants, whether from the University of Toronto or from elsewhere, may be interviewed by the Department.
In addition to your transcripts and letters of reference, the following materials must be submitted online by the posted document deadline (please be sure to use templates where provided):
Letter of Intent: A one-two page statement of plans for research and performance.
Writing Sample: In extended essay (ca. 3,000 words) demonstrating an ability to handle research problems.
Audition Program: Using the provided template in the online application, provide your pre-screening video link, and your repertoire for the audition (should you be invited). You will also indicate on this form whether you intend to audition via recording, or in-person. Please see the Audition Requirements for full details on the audition process/requirements for your instrument/voice area.
Curriculum Vitae: This updated Curriculum Vitae should include an indication of your level of performance proficiency, including the number of years of instrumental/vocal studies, a summary of your performance experience, and lists of any relevant studies and/or professional experience which does not appear in official transcripts (e.g., certification courses; publications; workshop presentations).
Repertoire List – Jazz & Collaborative Piano Applicants Only
Collaborative Piano: Submit a repertoire list containing all vocal and instrumental works
studied and performed.Jazz applicants: Submit a substantial repertoire list (25-30 pieces); lead sheets for any
original pieces should also be provided.- Titled with your name, instrument, and applied teacher preference.
- The list must include representative pieces from the major stylistic areas: traditional, swing, bop, hard bop, cool, post-bop, standards, blues, modal, free, fusion and ‘Latin’ styles.
- The list must also include at least three original pieces.
- Please provide lead sheets for any original pieces. Jurors will select repertoire from the candidate’s approved list (usually five pieces including one ballad and one up-tempo tune).
- Sample Repertoire List.
Applications must be complete and all materials received by the appropriate deadlines to be considered.
Have a question?
The Faculty of Music Graduate Office is a great resource for more information about the graduate application process.