Programs
Woodwind, Brass, and Percussion
The primary goal of the Woodwind, Brass, and Percussion Department is to instill the highest possible level of musicianship in each student. This is accomplished in our teaching studios by embracing the fundamentals of posture, breathing, characteristic tone production, intonational acuity, solidity of rhythm, beauty of phrasing, sight reading, and good ensemble skills. Participation in studio classes, solo recitals, chamber music groups, and our school’s wind ensembles, orchestras, film music ensembles, new music groups, and jazz ensembles all help to prepare our students for their futures as professional performers and teachers.
Information about faculty and research can be found on the Woodwind, Brass, and Percussion website.
AdmissionsLink to section
ApplyingLink to section
See the ESM graduate admissions page for the most up-to-date application/audition and pre-screening requirements.
Applying to Advanced CertificatesLink to section
Application requirements:
- Online application
- A personal statement
- A resume or CV
- An audition on the major instrument (and prescreening recordings in most cases)
- Three recommendation letters
Applying to Master's ProgramsLink to section
Application requirements:
- Online application
- A personal statement
- A resume or CV
- An audition on the major instrument (and prescreening recordings in most cases)
- Three recommendation letters
Applying to Doctoral ProgramsLink to section
Application requirements:
- Online application
- A personal statement
- A resume or CV
- A sample writing of a past research paper and/or previously published article or submission
- An audition on the major instrument (and prescreening recordings in most cases)
- Three recommendation letters
AcademicsLink to section
Advanced Certificates and RequirementsLink to section
The Advanced Diploma in Performance is a one-year program (which can be extended) that centers around private instruction on the major instrument as well as high-level chamber music and ensemble experiences. In addition, students will have the ability to enroll in practical elective coursework that will supplement their performance study and better prepare them for a career as a professional musician. For each of the two semesters, the core courses are four units of applied music lessons, one unit of ensembles, a one-unit Diploma Colloquium, and Performance Project (completed in the second or final semester of study).
Master's Degrees and RequirementsLink to section
The Master of Music degree is a two-year program with strong emphasis on applied instrumental or vocal study and performance as well as broad intellectual development. Prerequisites include demonstrated proficiency on the major instrument or voice and an undergraduate degree in music or its equivalent. Core requirements include 16 units of applied instruction, three music history courses, a theory course, ensembles, electives, and a degree recital.
Doctoral Degrees and RequirementsLink to section
The Doctor of Musical Arts degree is designed to represent high attainment in the practice of music. Prerequisites include demonstration of high achievement in performance through an audition, and demonstration of writing ability through submission of a scholarly paper and academic credentials, including transcripts of all previous collegiate-level coursework. The coursework for the degree is typically completed over six semesters (three years), followed by the doctoral comprehensive exam. Core coursework generally includes six semesters of lessons, four doctoral seminars, three theory courses, and a minor or electives. In addition, there are two performance recitals and a lecture-recital. The degree culminates in the comprehensive exam: a two-day written exam covering music history and theory, and a final oral exam centered around the student’s major instrument and its repertoire, pedagogy, and organology.
Graduate Course TitlesLink to section
- 430A: Primary Lessons (half-time)
- 460A: Primary Lessons
Most courses for this program are housed in other departments, such as musicology and music theory.