Application Process

1. Read through the Admissions Information page.
2. The application deadline for Fall 2027 admissions for the MA or PhD in Composition is December 15, 2026.
3. Complete the application found here:  https://graduateadmissions.stonybrook.edu/apply/
4. Please note that the Composition program may email you to request an interview (to be held on Zoom, date TBD), in order to learn more about your interests and potential in the program. 

Required Materials for Application

• M.A. in Music (Composition)
   

  1. Applications – submitted through the Graduate School application system (Slate) (link on this page, above).
  2. Application Fee – paid via the application.
  3. Statement of Purpose - uploaded to the application. Please indicate what you hope to accomplish from your graduate studies in Stony Brook's Music Department, what your career goals are, and what music or musicians have influenced your path as a musician. Please note: All written work submitted to support your application must be your own. In particular, the use of generative AI to generate entire sentences and paragraphs is not permitted and may be disqualifying.
  4. Resume/CV - uploaded to the application.
  5. Three (3) Letters of Recommendation – recommenders submit through the application system.
  6. Transcripts –official transcripts from institutions where a degree was received. For coursework relevant to the proposed course of study taken outside of a degree, unofficial transcripts will suffice.  Details on the submission process can be found here (see Transcripts: Requirements and Submission).
  7. Sample Compositions with Recordings – please provide 2-4 scores and recordings as appropriate, uploaded to the application.
  8. One academic paper:  Please upload one original paper that demonstrates your ability to write effectively about music and sound. The paper, typically generated in prior coursework, should be at least 2500 words, not including the bibliography, and demonstrate familiarity with conventional citation practices.  Please note: All written work submitted to support your application must be your own. In particular, the use of generative AI to generate entire sentences and paragraphs is not permitted and may be disqualifying.
  9. GRE Scores - GRE scores are NOT required.
  10. TOEFL Scores (if applicable): Please see  "TOEFL-IELTS Requirements" on our Admissions Information page for details.

  • • •  

• Ph.D. in Music (Composition)
   

  1. Applications – submitted through the Graduate School application system (Slate) (link on this page, above).
  2. Application Fee – paid via the application.
  3. Statement of Purpose - Please indicate what you hope to accomplish from your graduate studies in Stony Brook's Music Department, what your career goals are, and what music or musicians have influenced your path as a musician. Please note: All written work submitted to support your application must be your own. In particular, the use of generative AI to generate entire sentences and paragraphs is not permitted and may be disqualifying.
  4. Resume/CV - uploaded to the application.
  5. Three (3) Letters of Recommendation – recommenders submit through the application system.
  6. Transcripts – official transcripts from institutions where a degree was received.  For coursework relevant to the proposed course of study taken outside a degree, unofficial transcripts will suffice. Details on the submission process can be found here (see Transcripts: Requirements and Submission).
  7. Sample Compositions with Recordings – please provide 2-4 scores and recordings as appropriate, uploaded to the application.
  8. One academic paper:  Please upload one original paper that demonstrates your ability to write effectively about music and sound. The paper, typically generated in prior coursework, should be at least 2500 words, not including the bibliography, and demonstrate familiarity with conventional citation practices. Please note: All written work submitted to support your application must be your own. In particular, the use of generative AI to generate entire sentences and paragraphs is not permitted and may be disqualifying.
  9. GRE Scores - GRE scores are NOT required.
  10. TOEFL Scores (if applicable): Please see  "TOEFL-IELTS Requirements" on our Admissions Information page for details.