Westminster offers a variety of world renowned graduate programs in music. Be a part of the history and tradition of Westminster Choir College... where music surrounds your life.
Steps to Apply
- Complete the application for graduate study online.
- Submit a $50 non-refundable application fee. If you are applying online, you may pay via credit card. All checks should be made out to Rider University and should include the student’s name and phone number.
- Complete an audition or submit a recorded audition and/or your digital materials.
- Applicants will receive a link to the online audition scheduler via email once the application and processing fee have been received.
- Note: Students applying for a Master of Music degree program who do not hold an undergraduate degree in music must submit a pre-screening recording following the same requirements as the on-campus audition. The pre-screening recording must be submitted at least one month prior to the requested audition date.
- Applicants will receive a link to the online audition scheduler via email once the application and processing fee have been received.
- Submit a repertoire list. All applicants (except Composition, Music Education, and American and Public Musicology) must submit a current and complete list of works performed. When registering for the audition or submitting a recorded audition you will have the option to upload documents, such as the repertoire list.
- Submit two reference letters. We would like a reference from your current or most recent music teacher. The remaining reference(s) can be of your choosing. You will have the option when registering for the audition or submitting a recorded audition to provide the names and email addresses of your two references which we will then contact with instructions on how to upload a letter to your application or please ask your references to mail the recommendations directly to the Admissions Office at the address below.
- Submit a personal statement. Each graduate applicant is asked to write a substantial essay of at least 500 words unless otherwise specified in the audition/admission requirements. When registering for the audition or submitting a recorded audition you will have the option to upload documents, such as the personal statement.
- Submit a current resume. When registering for the audition or submitting a recorded audition you will have the option to upload documents, such as the current resume. To be considered for a Graduate Assistantship please submit a work resume in addition to your performance resume.
- Submit official transcripts from every college or university attended.
- Submit Evidence of English Language Proficiency
International Applicants and Non-native English Speakers
In addition to the above requirements, international transcripts may need to be evaluated by a NACES member organization.
Non-native English speakers and those who have completed their undergraduate degrees in a non-English speaking countries are required to submit Proof of English proficiency in the form of one of the following:
- Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL)
- Rider University’s TOEFL Code: 2758
- Minimum Score: PBT 540, iBT 79
- International English Language Testing System (IELTS)
- Minimum Score: 6.0
- PTE (Pearson Test of English academic)
- Minimum Score: 53
- International Test of English Proficiency (ITEP)
- Minimum Score: 3.7
- Trinity Integrated Skills in English II (ISE II)
- Minimum Score: II Distinction
- Duolingo
- Minimum Score: 95
This requirement may be waived for students attending International schools. For more information, e-mail [email protected].
Students with scores below the university's minimum requirements will be considered for conditional admission through Rider's English Language Institute.
Application Deadlines
Applications must be received at least three weeks in advance of the requested audition date.
Admissions Mailing Address
Office of Admission
Westminster Application Processing Center
Rider University
2083 Lawrenceville Road
Lawrenceville, NJ 08648-9943