Hayes School of Music

In addition to the audition on their principal instrument or voice, students interested in Music Industry Studies must supply a resume and a biography as part of the application process. A Word document or a PDF may be submitted.

• Your resume – This should be one page outlining your experiences related to the music industry, such as working a soundboard at church, recording a concert or running the lighting booth for a school musical. You may include any information that shows you are ready to pursue a demanding, competitive career field. Use any format you would like – show us your creativity.
  Note: Please name your file as FirstLastName.MIS.Resume.docx (Word file format) or FirstLastName.MIS.Resume.pdf (PDF file format). For example, JayJohnson.MIS.Resume.docx (Word file format)
• Your biography – Tell us about yourself in this essay, using the format outlined below. Please use Microsoft Word, 11-point Courier font. 
  Note: Please name your file as FirstLastName.MIS.Bio.docx (Word file format) or FirstLastName.MIS.Bio.pdf (PDF file format). For example, JayJohnson.MIS.Bio.docx (Word file format)
  • Paragraph 1: Where you are from, what instrument you play, how long you have played, and anything else you would like us to know about you.
  • Paragraph 2: Your interactions with the music industry up to this point – and what you have seen that you think you would like to be part of.
  • Paragraph 3: Where you see yourself 10 years from now. (We realize that is likely to change as time goes on, but many studies have shown that people with thoughtful, written out goals are much more likely to succeed in their chosen careers.)

In addition to the audition on their principal instrument or voice, an interview with members of the music therapy faculty is required for students interested in majoring in Music Therapy. The interview typically takes place on the day of the audition. The interview will include questions related to the applicant's understanding of music therapy,  why they are choosing a career in music therapy, and  strengths they would bring to the Music Therapy Program and the field of music therapy.  Instrumentalists (not those auditioning on voice) will be asked to sing a simple, familiar song seleted by tne student and sung with live or pre-recorded accompaniment.

NOTE: Our university encourages all students, faculty and staff to receive the covid vaccination, but does not require it. However, our clinical partners are legally free to require proof of covid vaccination, as well as other health and safety measures and onboarding requirements, such as drug screens and background checks. We cannot guarantee a path through our program that avoids the requirement that students show proof of vaccination.

Graduate student requirements.

In addition to successfully completing an audition on their principal instrument or voice, prospective students will also interview with Dr. Andrew Hannon. The interview and audition will be scheduled for the same day.

Prospective students will submit their portfolio materials in their MyMountaineer portal. The portfolio should include scores and recordings of 2-4 compositions (in both PDF and MP3 formats). Contact Dr. Andrew Hannon at hannonac@appstate.edu with questions.

In addition to successfully completing an audition on their principal instrument or voice, prospective students will participate in an interview with two members of our music education faculty. The interview and audition will be scheduled for the same day. Expect a pleasant conversation filled with opportunities to tell us more about you, your leadership experiences, and your interest in a teaching career as a music educator.

Uncertain how to prepare for this type of interview? Consider the following suggestions:

• Talk with the band, choir, and/or orchestra directors in your high school and a general music teacher from elementary or middle school. For example, what do they enjoy most about their work? What do they find most challenging?
• Talk with your music teachers about the process of selecting a college music education program and preparing for a music education career. What do they feel is most important?
• Educate yourself further by reviewing the websites of professional organizations for music educators such as:
• NAfME (the National Association for Music Educators). NAfME offers professional development and advocates for ALL music educators – band, choir, orchestra, and general music.
• NCMEA (the North Carolina Music Educators Association). NCMEA (or your own states’ MEA) is NAfME’s state level affiliate.
• ACDA (the American Choral Directors Association).
• ASTA (the American String Teachers Association).
• NBA (the National Band Association).
• Think about how past leadership experiences in an educational setting have influenced your desire to teach.
• Prepare questions you want to ask if there’s time to do so during your interview.

Don’t forget: It is extremely important that your application be complete (GPA, and class ranking) in order to be considered for the Music Education major.