APPLY ONLINE

Degree applicants

click here to apply for

YDS and YSM
degree programs at the
Institute

ISM Fellows applicants

click here to apply for

ISM Fellowships in Sacred Music,

Worship and the Arts

Admissions Contact

(203) 432-9753
ism.admissions@yale.edu

ISM/Yale Divinity School Application Requirements

For degrees in Yale Divinity School, the Institute admits students who seek a theological education with emphasis on liturgical studies or religion and the arts, as well as M.Div. candidates for ordination who desire interaction with practicing musicians as part of their education.

Students who wish also to be considered for enrollment in the Divinity School alone (should they not be accepted to the ISM) must fill out a separate Divinity School application by the deadline; they will pay only one application fee.

The following materials must be received by February 1 (January 15 priority deadline):

1. Completed online application with nonrefundable application fee of $75 (U.S.) by January 15 or $100 by February 1. This fee must be submitted with the application and cannot be waived.
2. Official transcripts from each college or university attended, each in a sealed envelope, from the registrar or designated school records official.
3. A personal statement not to exceed 700 words explaining reasons for your interest in theological study at the Institute and the Divinity School. Include your preparation for or interest in the academic programs in liturgical studies, in religion and the arts, or in preaching, and/or interest in and preparation for the ministry in common formation with musicians.
4. A writing sample of 5–6 pages representing the best of your academic writing and thinking. A portion of a senior thesis or term paper is acceptable.
5. Three letters of recommendation.
6. Scores from the International English Language Testing System (IELTS) if English is not your first language (see required exams). TOEFL scores will not be accepted.
7. Graduate Record Examination (GRE) scores (optional; recommended for applicants to the M.A.R. concentrations and/or those considering an eventual Ph.D.).

ISM/Yale Music School Application Requirements

The Institute admits outstanding choral conductors, organists, and singers to its music programs based on the application and auditions. The following materials must be received by December 1:

1. Completed online Institute application (for all disciplines except composition; see below). (Applicants must also apply separately to the School of Music at http://apply.music.yale.edu.)
2. Official transcripts of all academic records sent in a sealed envelope from all colleges and universities attended.
3. Curriculum vitae (a résumé of academic, performance, and employment information). Optional: examples of involvement in liturgical, musical, or artistic activities (orders of worship, prayers, hymn texts or tunes, sermons, special events, etc.).
4. Repertory list of major performance area.
5. Audition recording (see recording guidelines below).
6. A writing sample, such as a term paper, thesis, course paper, etc.
7. A short essay (500–1,000 words) relating your goals to the mission of the Yale Institute of Sacred Music. The essay might discuss:
   • your work thus far in sacred music;
   • your sense of vocation; and
   • your interest in interdisciplinary study.
8. Three letters of recommendation.
9. Official TOEFL scores, if applicable (see required exams).

Recording Guidelines

An audition recording is required of music candidates. All applicants should upload audio and video files directly to the application Web site.

ORGAN

All applicants are required to submit representative works from the major areas of organ literature—a major Bach work, a Romantic work, and a contemporary work. DVDs will not be accepted.

CHORAL CONDUCTING

Applicants must submit a video file up to fifteen minutes in length showing the conducting of both rehearsal and performance.

VOICE: EARLY MUSIC, ORATORIO, AND CHAMBER ENSEMBLE

Repertoire for the audition recording should include seven selections of contrasting style and language from the sacred (oratorio, mass, cantata, sacred song, etc.), operatic, and art song repertoire. Selections can be chosen from any period, including contemporary compositions. At least three selections should be from the Renaissance and Baroque periods, and one aria by J. S. Bach is required. Applicants should choose selections that highlight their versatility as performers.

(Updated July 2011)

Academics | Admissions | Alumni | Works | Listen | Look | Contact | Index | Home | Yale University

Copyright © 2003-2005.  Yale Institute of Sacred Music
409 Prospect Street,   New Haven, Connecticut 06511
Telephone: 203 432 5180    Fax: 203 432 5296