Apply — MFA in Music Composition

Start your application via the button below. The application fee is $75.

Applicants must have completed a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university. Official transcripts of all previous undergraduate coursework should be sent directly from the institution either electronically via Parchment, National Student Clearinghouse, or email to [email protected], or they can be physically mailed to the address below:

Office of Admissions – MFA in Music Composition
Vermont College of Fine Arts
36 College Street
Montpelier, VT 05602

Identify two references to provide letters of recommendation describing your qualifications for master’s level study and your aptitude for independent learning. The recommendations can be submitted directly into your Slate application. Your recommenders can also email their recommendations to us and we can upload them to your file. (You do not have to wait for the recommendations to be submitted to submit your application. However, you should contact references early in the process to avoid delays in reviewing your application.)

Note: Relatives and spouses are not eligible to provide references.

Submit up to 1000 words addressing the following:

• What are your current musical goals and reasons for seeking an MFA in Music Composition?
• Which areas of composition (contemporary composition, electronic music, jazz, scoring for media, or songwriting) are you most interested in pursuing through VCFA studies?

Submit three sound files of original compositions—live recording, video, or MIDI—with accompanying scores in PDF in the are you wish to focus on at VCFA. If you wish to study in a genre different from your samples, address your rationale and qualifications for doing so in your statement of purpose.

Submit a list in PDF describing your samples, providing context or addressing their significance to your development as a composer or your compositional process. Provide dates of completion, performance information, instrumentation, or in the case of electronic music what programs were used.

Scoring for Media applicants: At least one sample should be composed to video format. Credit studios or collaborators involved.

Electronic Music applicants: Submit at least one sample with accompanying score. Compositions combining acoustic instruments with electronics should be accompanied by a score.

Jazz Composition and Songwriting applicants: While scores are preferred, you may submit charts in PDF.

Submit a resume/CV, including a listing of compositions (including date of composition, instrumentation, and duration), significant performances, scholarships, and professional recognition.

Domestic applicants are encouraged to complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) along with their admissions application. The FAFSA is required for access to federal educational loans and is used for consideration of some merit- and need-based scholarships. International applicants should contact the Office of Student Services / Financial Aid at [email protected] to discuss their financial aid options.

Applicants are also asked to complete the VCFA Financial Aid form. This form provides us with important financial information that may not be captured on the FAFSA. It also helps the college identify financial need among our international students and others who are not eligible for federal financial aid.”

The VCFA Financial Aid form is available once the application for admission has been submitted.

For further information on tuition, scholarships, and financial aid, we encourage interested applicants to attend a financial aid information session.