The Yale School of Music offers a unique approach to music education. Unlike many other institutions, it focuses solely on graduate programs, but there’s a special path for undergraduates too.
Aspiring musicians can start their journey at Yale University as music majors. In their junior year, they can apply to the School of Music, potentially earning both a B.A. and M.M. (Master of Music) in just five years.
You actually can also apply for both the School of Music and Yale University as a high school student for the 5-year BA/MMA, but it is quite hard to get into.
While Yale may not suit those seeking a dedicated undergraduate music program, it offers one of the most outstanding graduate programs in the world.
Here’s an exciting fact: graduate tuition at the Yale School of Music is completely free! Thanks to a generous $100 million donation in 2005, all incoming graduate music students receive full tuition awards and fellowships.
With its free tuition and top-notch programs in performance, conducting, and composition, the Yale School of Music is worth considering for advanced music students planning their graduate studies.
Acceptance Rate
The Yale School of Music is highly selective, with an acceptance rate of 11% in the most recent application cycle.
That means approximately 1 in 9 students who apply ultimately make the cut.
It’s important to note that acceptance isn’t solely based on overall numbers. The school’s capacity for students in each instrument category can vary year to year.
I like to remind my students that while these statistics can seem daunting, they shouldn’t discourage you from applying if Yale is your dream school.
Every application is considered individually, and your background & talents could help you stand out.
Admissions Tips for Yale School of Music
When applying to Yale School of Music, consider these strategies to strengthen your application:
Take a trial lesson with a faculty member before applying. This can provide valuable insights and potentially help you stand out in the application process.
Consider applying to any of the programs at Yale’s Norfolk Chamber Music Festival in Connecticut.
While highly selective, it’s an excellent opportunity to work with Yale faculty. The festival offers various programs, including the New Music Workshop, Chamber Music Session, and Choral Conducting Workshop.
As an undergraduate, don’t hesitate to apply to these programs if they align with your interests, even if you know that your chances of acceptance will be slim.
As a college student, I attended the Norfolk Chamber Music Festival’s New Music Workshop, and it was an amazing experience to work with Yale faculty members like composer Martin Bresnick.
Back to the actual college application for Yale: if your program requires an interview, prepare thoroughly.
Practice articulating your musical journey, goals, and why Yale is the right fit for you. Being able to speak confidently and eloquently about yourself can leave a lasting impression on the faculty.
Ultimately, each of these steps can help you become more familiar with Yale’s music environment and potentially increase your chances of admission.
Yale School of Music’s Ranking
There are virtually zero ranking tables and systems for music graduate schools, so the best I can offer is anecdotal information about Yale’s SOM ranking.
Many people in the music world consider Yale School of Music among the best schools in the world for classical performance, conducting, and composition, particularly at the graduate level.
It’s hard to beat the prestige + the free tuition that comes along with it.
Is Yale School of Music for Undergraduates?
No.
It is a graduate-only school meant for students who have completed a bachelor’s degree in music.
That being said, you can apply for the program technically while in high school as a dual bachelor’s at Yale University / master’s student at Yale School of Music, or you can apply for the Yale School of Music while a junior if you are currently attending Yale.
Yale University has an undergraduate department of music, but that is separate from the School of Music.
Notable Alumni of the Yale School of Music
The Yale School of Music has produced a remarkable array of musical talents who have gone on to shape the world of classical music and beyond.
David Lang, one of the most important living composers and himself a faculty member at Yale’s SOM, has claimed a Pulitzer and co-founded the innovative music organization Bang on a Can. The other Bang on Can founders also went to Yale, Michael Gordon and Julia Wolfe.
In the realm of film music, Marco Beltrami has made his mark with Academy Award-nominated scores for Hollywood blockbusters, including Wolverine, Terminator 3, and Logan.
Gisèle Ben-Dor is a renowned conductor who has made significant contributions to classical music, known for her passionate interpretations of Latin American music as well as her championing of contemporary composers.
Numerous notable performers went to Yale School of Music, including Achilles Liarmakopoulos, a member of the Canadian Brass, cello soloist Jian Wang who has performed with the Berlin Phil and NY Phil, among many others, and soprano Tiffany Jackson, a music professor who once was on the show America’s Got Talent.
Exceptional Faculty at the Yale School of Music
You can’t go wrong studying with any faculty member at Yale School of Music; they’re all exceptional musicians who have impacted the world of concert music. Here are just a few notable names:
Composer Martin Bresnick, known for his innovative post-minimalist works and mentorship of numerous successful composers, is the Charles T. Wilson Professor in the Practice of Composition.
The string faculty includes violinist Ani Kavafian, an accomplished teacher who has taught former students in major orchestras worldwide, including a recent appointment in the Seattle Symphony.
Conductor Peter Oundjian, formerly the first violinist of the Tokyo String Quartet and later the Director of the Toronto Symphony, brings experience in both performing and conducting to the school.
In the percussion department, Robert Van Sice stands out as a pioneer, having premiered over 100 works and earning recognition as one of the world’s leading marimba performers.
Clarinetist David Shifrin, a soloist of international repute and former artistic director of Chamber Music Northwest, continues to inspire students with his artistry.
Janna Baty, a notable mezzo-soprano who has performed with the Boston Symphony Orchestra, Hamburgische Staatsoper, and Los Angeles Philharmonic, is also on the faculty.
These faculty members exemplify Yale’s commitment to excellence in music education, offering students the opportunity to learn from some of the most accomplished musicians in their respective fields. Their combined experience and dedication contribute significantly to the school’s reputation as a top-tier institution for aspiring musicians.
Determining If Yale Is the Best-Fit School for You
Here’s what you should consider:
Yale School of Music is geared towards graduate students.
If you’re looking for an undergraduate program, you’ll need to explore other options or consider Yale’s undergraduate music major before transitioning to its graduate school.
The school excels in classical performance, conducting, and composition. If these are your areas of focus, Yale could be an excellent choice.
However, if you’re more interested in jazz or popular music, you might want to look elsewhere, as these genres are not the school’s primary focus.
While Yale doesn’t offer a dedicated film scoring program, it’s worth noting that many successful film composers have graduated from here.
If you’re interested in film scoring, Yale’s strong composition program could still provide a solid foundation.
Many Yale School of Music graduates go on to become academics, taking roles as professors or lecturers. Others pursue careers as professional performers, and some manage to balance both academic and performance careers.
Consider your long-term career goals when deciding if Yale is right for you. If you see yourself in academia, as a classical performer, conductor, or as a composer in various fields including potentially film, Yale could be an excellent springboard for your career.
It’s extremely difficult to get into, but don’t let a small acceptance rate discourage you.
After all – if not you, then who? You could have as good a chance as anyone else who applies.
