Graduate Music Awards

Yes, all admitted graduate applicants are automatically invited to apply for an assistantship at the time of admission. Through the application process, you will have an opportunity to express interest and share qualifications for positions in specific areas of the school. We strongly recommend admitted graduates submit their assistantship application no later than March 15th annually for priority consideration.

When are Graduate Assistantships issued?

Typically, admitted graduate students receive notice of their assistantship between March 15th and April 1st. If selected, your notice will include an updated letter of admission as well as an official assistantship offer that outlines the total graduate award package value alongside basic terms and conditions. 

View the Graduate Admission Timeline

Within each type of service there are multiple positions available. Each service type listed below includes a brief description of what you can expect in terms of service activities, however, these descriptions are general characterizations. Each assistantship position assignment is somewhat unique and involves collaboration between graduate assistants and their supervisor(s) to customize schedules and clarify specific expectations.

• Performance Ambassador - service includes dedicated rehearsal and performance hours in a formal quartet, quintet, or chamber group. Ambassadors also serve as the premiere music representatives on campus.
• Applied Area Assistant - service includes assisting faculty in specified applied areas (woodwinds, brass, keyboards, strings, voice) by supporting teaching studios, small ensembles, and maintaining applied area inventory and supplies.
• Ensemble Assistant - service includes directly assisting ensemble directors in preparing for and facilitating rehearsals, administrative tasks, and concert performance logistics.
  
• Musicianship Assistant - service includes tutoring, grading, and leading some instruction in the musicianship classrooms and providing direct administrative assistance to faculty members.
• Departmental Assistant - service includes assisting music faculty in specified departments (Music Education, Music Performance, Music Technology, Music Therapy; graduate and undergraduate divisions) and may include some grading, coaching, supervision, tutoring, and teaching.
• Staff & Admin Assistant - service includes assisting various staff members and administrators in event planning, concert staging and set up, maintaining computer labs and music libraries, marketing and advertisement, and community arts programming and administration.

• Gold-level Assistantship - Valued at 50% tuition remission. Requires a maximum of 20 service hours each week during the academic year. 
• Silver-level Assistantship - Valued at 35% tuition remission. Requires a maximum of 14 service hours each week during the academic year. 
• Bronze-level Assistantship - Valued at 20% tuition remission. Requires a maximum of 8 service hours each week during the academic year. 

How are service hours established and counted?

All graduate assistants have at least one position assignment and one faculty supervisor. In some cases, a graduate assistant's total weekly service time is divided across two assignments and two supervisors (most common among Silver- and Gold-level assistantships). All graduate assistants meet with their faculty supervisors at the beginning of each semester to establish a weekly schedule of availability. The total number of service hours must be accounted for in that weekly schedule. Supervisors are then responsible for tracking GA hours and participation throughout the semester. 

Are there assistantship positions specific to each level?

Generally, there are no predetermined positions offered at each level. The only exception is the Performance Ambassador role which typically carries a guaranteed Silver- or Gold-level assistantship value. Scroll below to view these special opportunities as well as other featured graduate assistantships.

 

• Fulfill all responsibilities and assigned duties, and communicate regularly with faculty supervisor(s).
• Perform in ensembles as requested by directors and broadly support departmental and school needs.
• Demonstrate the highest standards of artistry and professionalism while on campus and in public.
• Maintain satisfactory academic progress (3.0 GPA minimum each semester) and attend all classes.
• Contribute positively to the school culture by prioritizing teamwork and good citizenship. 
• Attend graduate student orientation annually, and complete any required training or certification.