Lionel Hampton School of Music

1. Apply to University of Idaho Graduate Admissions
2. Complete the LHSOM application
   You will also need to complete the Supplementary Information Form and the Graduate Assistantship Form and send them to the Graduate Admissions Office.

3. Schedule your audition

   Review the Master of Music concentration requirements before scheduling your audition.

Have questions? Contact Javier Rodriguez for more information.

Master of Music concentration requirements

• Piano performance: One Baroque piece, plus two contrasting works from different stylistic periods (Classical, Romantic, Impressionist, 20th/21st century). Memorization required.
• Piano pedagogy and performance: Three contrasting pieces from different stylistic periods (Classical, Romantic, Impressionist, 20th/21st century). Memorization required.
• Collaborative piano: Sight-reading: Score will be presented at the audition, one solo work or sonata movement (memorized), one collaborative instrumental piece or sonata movement, and two art songs representing two different languages.
• Choral conducting: Audition (in person or recorded performance), and submission of repertoire lists (solo, accompaniments, chamber music).
• Composition: Portfolio of representative compositions.

Graduate teaching assistantships

Assistantships include a stipend and tuition waiver. Priority consideration: February 1. Award notifications typically begin March 1. To be eligible for a teaching assistantship, you must be enrolled as a full-time graduate student (9 credits).

Students awarded assistantships are required to take the TA training course through the College of Graduate Studies before assuming teaching responsibilities. This course is offered the week prior to each semester.

Diagnostic placement exams

All incoming graduate students are required to take two diagnostic exams prior to enrolling in advanced (500-level) courses in the subject areas covered by the placement examinations. These exams are designed to assess foundational knowledge, ensure readiness for advanced study and help faculty advisors determine if any remedial coursework is needed to strengthen areas of deficiency.

Exam timing: Exams are typically administered on the Saturday before the start of the fall semester. Students must arrive on campus in time to complete the exams.

Required exams

• Music history and literature
• Aural skills/ear training

Exam resources

International students

You are required to have a minimum Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) score of 575 (PBT) if English is not your native language or if your undergraduate education was not in English. You must submit an official TOEFL report to the College of Graduate Studies (COGS) prior to admission to the music graduate program.

Transfer students

LHSOM provides advising support to help transfer students navigate their transition from another institution. We typically accept graduate-level music credits from NASM-accredited institutions, with a maximum of nine credit hours eligible for transfer. All transfer students are required to complete the diagnostic placement exams.

Auditions

Once you have submitted your U of I and LHSOM applications, you will choose one of the following audition formats:

1. Attend Audition Day (recommended): Held on Jan. 31, 2026, this in-person event allows you to:
   1. Meet LHSOM faculty and students
   2. Attend live performances and Q&A panels
   3. Audition for admission and scholarships
   4. Tour campus and speak with financial aid experts
2. Schedule a private Zoom audition – Speak directly with faculty and receive real-time feedback.
3. Submit a video audition – If you are unable to attend a live audition, upload a video via YouTube and email it to [email protected]. A faculty member will follow up with you.

Note: If auditioning on more than one instrument, submit a separate audition for each.

Accompaniment

• Instrumentalists: Auditions are typically unaccompanied.
• Vocalists: May bring their own accompanist or a pianist will be provided to sight-read the accompaniment. Please bring the original music or a double-sided, three-hole punched copy in a three-ring binder. CD or a cappella accompaniment is discouraged.