Application Deadlines

SEMESTER

PRIORITY DEADLINE

FINAL DEADLINE

Summer February 1 April 1
Winter August 1 October 1
Applications for Winter 2024 are still being accepted.

 

At VCFA, we see every applicant as an individual. If your desired starting semester’s application deadline has passed but you’d still like to apply, please contact our Admissions team to inquire about flexibility.

 

Residency Dates & Locations

  • Summer: July 21–29, 2023
    Colorado Springs, CO (Colorado College campus)
  • Winter: January 5-13, 2024
    Selinsgrove, PA (Susquehanna University campus)

 

Virtual Information Session

VCFA Students in the MFA in Music Composition program give a performance. Playing piano, drums and stringed instruments.

Join us to learn more about the low residency MFA in Music Composition program and the application process. In these sessions we will discuss: 

  •         MFA in Music Composition Overview
  •         What is Low Residency?
  •         Curriculum & Faculty Mentorship
  •         Preparing Your Application
  •         Q&A

To RSVP, tap the link below.

Sept 19, 2023
Oct. 11, 2023 (Rescheduled date)

Questions? Please email [email protected].

Let's Get Started!

Here are the steps to apply:

  • Fill out the application form
  • Request two (2) letters of reference (through system)
  • Submit program-specific credentials & upload creative materials
  • Click “Submit Your Application”
  • Pay the $75 application fee
  • Request official transcripts from your undergraduate college(s)

If you need any help along the way, you can contact our Admissions team at [email protected].

Application Materials

Application Form

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

Transcripts

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

References

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.

Statement of Purpose

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?

Portfolio/Creative Work

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.

Resume/CV

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

Financial Aid

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 schedule a meeting with the Associate Director of Student Services, Ryan Pontillas, to discuss their financial aid options.

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

Undergraduate Degree Requirement

Applicants to Vermont College of Fine Arts must have completed a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university.

In very rare cases, Vermont College of Fine Arts will accept students who have not attained a bachelor’s degree. If you would like to apply and do not have a bachelor’s degree, speak to your program’s admissions counselor to learn more.

Students who are admitted with less than a bachelor’s degree and seek financial aid should contact the Financial Aid office:

David Markow
COO/VP for Student Services
[email protected]

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