University of Redlands > Academics > School of Music > Graduate Studies > International Graduate Music Applicants

International Graduate Music Applicants

Every year, a number of international students join our graduate music community.

The University of Redlands has "rolling admissions," which means that you can apply, and be accepted, anytime throughout the admission season.

Step 1: Complete the Application

You can print a paper application (PDF) which is available on the School of Music web site and return it to:

Director of Music Admissions
School of Music
1200 E Colton Avenue
Redlands, CA 92373-0999 USA

As part of the application, please enclose your application fee, $40 (US) non-refundable, made payable to the University of Redlands.

Step 2: Take the TOEFL

International students, meaning those for whom English is not a first language, applying to the Master of Music program are required to submit the results of the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL). Official notification to the School of Music from ETS of a TOEFL score of 80 (213 on the computer-based test or 550 on the paper-based test) is required. However, applicants with scores slightly below 80 may be considered by the admissions committee.

Artist Diploma candidates whose primary language is not English must report a score of at least 45 (133 on the computer-based test or 450 on the paper-based test) on the TOEFL examination.

Step 3: Transcripts

An official copy of your transcript from each institution attended to date must be submitted to the Director of Music Admissions at the School of Music directly from the International Educational Research Foundation (IERF). Foreign transcripts must be evaluated, translated and received from the IERF. 

Step 4: Letters of Recommendation

Arrange to have two letters of recommendation from persons qualified to address your experience in relation to your possible success in your intended major field.

Step 5: Submit the Certificate of Finances

The U.S. government requires all international applicants to have the financial resources to pay for their school expenses. To fulfill this requirement, you may send us a Certificate of Finances, indicating your ability to cover annual educational, living, and travel expenses. U.S. government and university financial aid programs are not available for international students, but the School of Music does offer graduate assistantships based on the application and audition.

Step 6: Audition

All graduate applicants must audition on their major instrument or voice. Applicants to the Master of Music in Composition must also submit a portfolio of their work. Admission auditions may be performed on the University of Redlands audition days, by appointment, or through submission of recordings if residing more than 200 miles from Redlands. Auditions are approximately 20 minutes.

For information regarding audition repertoire and recorded auditions please see the Audition Requirements document.

To schedule an audition contact the Director of Music Admissions, Brad Andrews,  by phone at (909) 748-8014.

Step 7: Schedule a Visit or Take a Virtual Tour

Yes, we know a visit might not be possible. But if it is, we'd love to see you.