Master of Arts in Music, tracks in Composition, Orchestral Conducting, Choral Conducting, Voice, Piano and Classical Guitar
Program Information: Please follow the link
The music department offers a Master of Arts in Music degree. Students can concentrate in the following areas: Composition, Orchestral Conducting, Choral Conducting, Voice, Piano and Classical Guitar. This is an academic degree with a thesis requirement.
For more information, please follow the link.
Application:
Only on-line applications are accepted. Please submit an online application here.
Requirements:
CGPA: 2.50 / 4.00
English Proficiency: TOEFL IBT (at least 87), IELTS (at least 6.5 average and 5.5 from each section) or Bilkent PAE (at least C).
Validity period for all exams: 2 years
Proof of Degree: Yes (if already obtained)
Transcripts: Yes
Statement of Purpose: A letter in English describing academic achievements, research interests, artistic vision, and motivations
for applying to the program (Word limit: 500 to 800 words, double-spaced)
Letter of Recommendation: 2
Required Documents / Files:
Music Performance and Interpretation (Voice, Piano, Classical Guitar Only):
• The program of works they have chosen to perform at the examination.
• A writing sample demonstrating scholarly ability, 10-15 pages
Orchestral Conducting:
• Videos of recently recorded performances in rehearsal/concert if applicable (encouraged but not required). The conductor’s face and hands must be clearly visible.
• The program of works they have chosen to conduct at the examination.
• A writing sample demonstrating scholarly ability, 10-15 pages
Choral Conducting
• Video of recently recorded performances in rehearsal/concert. The conductor’s face and hands must be clearly visible.
• A writing sample demonstrating scholarly ability, 10-15 pages
Composition:
• Musical scores of 3 recent original compositions reflecting a variety of genres and instrumental
combinations. Please check following web page for more details.
• Recordings of submitted scores if available. Midi recordings are discouraged. Recordings can be submitted as links to Soundcloud or other online resources.
• A writing sample demonstrating scholarly ability, 10-15 pages
All materials should be uploaded as Supporting Files and Documents in the online application.
Entrance Examination:
All applicants
The admission process for the master’s program in performance consists of a sequential oral exam and audition. The oral exam covers general questions about music history, theory, form and dictation along with the recognition and interpretation of score excerpts. This stage aims to assess the candidate’s knowledge and understanding of the fundamental principles and concepts of music. The exam focuses on evaluating the candidate’s ability to analyze and interpret musical compositions, familiarity with music notation and terminology, and overall understanding of music theory and history.
For detailed information please visit this page.
Audition/Interview:
Performance and Interpretation (Voice, Piano, Classical Guitar):
• Applicants for the Music Performance and Interpretation program will perform an examination concert. The program must include all titles stated in the submitted program. Please refer to the following document for repertoire requirements.
Conducting:
• Applicants will be asked to conduct (in two stages) the works they have chosen from the conducting admission repertoire with pianos or ensemble. For more information about the required repertoire please visit this page.
Choral Conducting:
• The audition involves conducting the following pieces with piano accompaniment: Faure Requiem: Libera me and Brahms: O schöne Nacht, op. 92/1 Additionally, candidates are required to play a prepared score on the piano (J.S. Bach – St. Matthew Passion, Befiel, du deine Wege) and sight-read a given piece on the piano during the exam.
Composition:
• The interview stage involves discussing the compositions submitted by the candidates in their application. Questions will revolve around the form, harmony, instrumentation, texture and style of these compositions, as well as the candidates’ musical and academic background and their future goals in the field of music.
Other: Curriculum Vitae
Application Deadline: 15 May 2025
Date of Interview: 12-13 June 2025
Contact Person:
Damla Vural
E-mail: damla.vural@bilkent.edu.tr
Phone: +90 312 290 2273
Fax +90 312 266 4539