Financial Aid Information
Each year the Department of Music grants a limited number of scholarships for the study of music. The Department encourages its students to apply.
Apply Online or Mail Your Application:
For UNR freshmen and transfer students, applying for a music scholarship is a two step process.
- Step One: Reserve an audition date and time (Reno and Las Vegas locations).
- Step Two: Fill out and send the scholarship application (online or by mail).
Step One: Reserving the Audition
UNR Freshmen and transfer students seeking scholarships are required to audition. The Department of Music holds auditions each year in both Reno and Las Vegas, Nevada.
Reserving an audition date and time is the first step in the scholarship application process. If you are interested in auditioning, first secure an audition date and time by calling the Department of Music at (775) 784-6145. If you are unable to audition in person, an audition CD or DVD can be submitted as a substitute for the live audition. Make sure the audio materials are received by the Department of Music before February 16, 2013.
Scholarship Audition Dates for the 2013-2014 Academic Year
Las Vegas, Nevada
Saturday, January 12, 2013
Clark High School
Call (775) 784-6145 to reserve a time.
Reno, Nevada
Saturday, January 26, 2013 (No Jazz on this date)
Saturday, February 16, 2913 (Jazz and conflicts with the January date)
Location: Nightingale Concert Hall and classrooms.
Call (775) 784-6145 to reserve a time.
An accompanist will be provided and can be scheduled upon request when you schedule your audition.
Please Note: The audition dates are before the application deadline, so call now to reserve your audition date and time. Call (775) 784-6145.
Step Two: Completing the Application
The deadline for scholarship applications is February 16, 2013.
Once you've reserved your audition, step two is to complete the scholarship application. Applications are available from your high school music director or counselor, the UNR Department of Music, or online:
Alternative Method: form for freshmen and transfer students to download, print and send by US mail (we recommend the online wizard):
If you cannot audition in person, complete the application (either the online wizard, or the printable form), indicating that you will submit an audition CD or DVD by the application deadline (February 15, 2013). Plese note: if you are not auditioning in person, the audio audition must arrive at the Department of Music in Reno by the application deadline.
Audition Preparation
Violin, Viola, Cello, and Bass should prepare two contrasting pieces or movements. The combined duration must be 8 minutes or more. If the work requires it, the piano accompaniment is strongly encouraged.
Jazz Students should perform two jazz selections of contrasting styles, including melody and improvised solos. Rhythm section accompaniment and/or equipment will be provided (Reno only). Jazz Students auditioning in Las Vegas should provide accompanying tracks such as Aebersold; Audio will be provided. For more information, e-mail Peter Epstein at pepstein@unr.edu .
Percussionists should perform a short work on any two of the following instruments: snare drum, mallet percussion, or timpani. These instruments will be available at the audition locations. However, the University of Nevada, Reno Music Department will not provide sticks or mallets to students.
Instrumentalists should prepare a single work or 2 contrasting movements totaling no more than 8 minutes which demonstrate technical proficiency, sound and phrasing. Candidates should also be prepared to perform major scales with common articulations. Works with piano accompaniment are encouraged.
Vocalists must submit an application for scholarship consideration. Auditions are required for those interested in Opera and Choir. Transfer students who intend to major in vocal performance must contact Dr. Katharine DeBoer, kdeboer@unr.edu.
Composition students must submit a sample composition. If you have any questions, please call the Department of Music Office at (775) 784-6145.
Continuing students are encouraged to apply for scholarships. Applications are available from the UNR Department of Music office, or right here, online. Continuing students are not required to audition.
The deadline for applications is December 31, 2012
Music Scholarship Application Online Wizard -- Apply Online
Alternative Method: form to download, print and deliver by hand or by US mail:
Graduate Scholarships
The Department encourages its graduate students to apply for scholarships. Applications are available from the UNR Department of Music office, or right here, online.
For graduate students seeking scholarships, the application is a three step process:
- Step One: Fill out and send the application (online or by mail)
- Step Two: Send copies of undergraduate (or most recent) solo recital programs performed.
- Step Three: Send an audition recording by February 15, 2013 or call (775) 784-6145 to schedule your in-person audition at UNR.
The deadline for applications is February 15, 2012
Music Scholarship Application Online Wizard -- Apply Online
Alternative Method: form to download, print and deliver by hand or by US mail:
Scholarship Eligibility Requirements
To qualify for scholarships, graduate students must be full time, enrolled in the graduate core curriculum. The Graduate School defines full time as follows:
- Students who register for nine (9) graduate credits or more in a semester are considered full-time.
All new and returning students must apply each year for scholarships or grants.
February 15 is the deadline for applications for financial support for the following fall. Graduate students must complete nine credit hours each semester and maintain a grade point average of 3.0 in order to receive financial aid. Foreign students must score 525 or higher on the TOEFL exam in order to be considered.
Graduate Teaching Assistantships (GTA)
The department has some graduate assistantships available to current graduate students pursuing Master in Music degrees. Applications are available from the UNR Department of Music office, or right here, online.
For graduate students seeking teaching assistantships, the application is a three step process:
- Step One: Inquire about current availability.
- Step Two: Fill out and send the application (online or by mail)
- Step Three: Send copies of undergraduate (or most recent) solo recital programs performed.
The deadline for applications is February 15, 2012
Music Scholarship Application Online Wizard -- Apply Online
Alternative Method: form to download, print and deliver by hand or by US mail:
GTA Requirements
- Graduate Teaching Assistantships must complete a minimum of 6 credits per semester and a maximum of 12.
- A .50 Graduate Teaching Assistant must work 20 hours per week.
- A .25 Graduate Teaching Assistant must work up to 10 hours per week.
- As soon as an assistantship is awarded, the student should contact the department office to complete required paperwork, so that the first paycheck will not be delayed.
- Graduate Teaching Assistants must register for GRAD 701 (Preparing Future Faculty: College Teaching - 3 credits) during the first semester. Those classes begin the week prior to fall semester.
- Graduate Teaching Assistants will be assigned duties and be supervised by an assigned faculty member.
FAILURE TO MEET THESE REQUIREMENTS WILL RESULT IN THE LOSS OF SCHOLARSHIPS AND/OR ASSISTANTSHIPS.
- Stipend
- Stipends range from $7000 to $14,000, plus an out-of-state fee waiver, and in-state partial fee waiver.
- Responsibilities
- Teach one of the following: Music Appreciation, Jazz Survey, History of American Popular Song, Music Fundamentals, undergraduate applied studio lessons, and/or assist with the band program.
- Qualifications
- Bachelor's degree in music and admission to UNR Graduate School.
Financial Aid Contacts
Please contact Julia Bledsoe (juliab@unr.edu), or the area director, for current availability and application procedures. For more information and downloadable scholarship applications, click on the tabs above.
Louis Niebur, Ph.D., Department Chair, 775-784-4061
Music Department Office, 775-784-6145
Music Department Fax, 775-784-6896
Music Department Email, Julia Bledsoe, juliab@unr.edu
Mailing Address:
Music Department / 226
University of Nevada, Reno
Reno, NV 89577-0049
Area Directors
- Applied Voice
- Katharine DeBoer, D.M.A. - (775) 784-6862
- Academic Bands
- A. G. McGrannahan III, D.M.A. - (775) 682-9036
- Marching Bands
- William Plenk, D.M.A. - (775) 784-6807
- Choral Activities
- Paul Torkelson, D.M.A. - (775) 784-6145
- Jazz Studies
- Peter Epstein - (775)-784-1501
- Keyboard Studies
- James Winn, D.M.A. - (775) 784-4051
- Music History / Musicology
- David Ake, Ph.D. - (775) 682-8803
- Orchestral Activities
- Jason Altieri, D.M.A. - (775) 682-9017
- Orchestral Career Studies Graduate Program
- Stephanie Sant'Ambrogio, (775) 682-9024



