GENERAL APPLICATION DETAILS

Graduate applicants must hold a baccalaureate degree in music from an institution accredited by the proper regional accrediting association, or, in the judgment of the School of Music Faculty, have equivalent competencies. Applicants should have attained a grade point average of 3.0 or better for all undergraduate work and achieved satisfactory scores on the degree-appropriate entrance examinations. Your admissions application is reviewed jointly by the Graduate School and the Hugh Hodgson School of Music. To apply to UGA and the Hugh Hodgson School of Music, click here.

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GRADUATE TEACHING ASSISTANTSHIP IN SAXOPHONE

The Graduate Teaching Assistantship in Saxophone is not available for Fall 2025. It is anticipated that this position will be open again in Fall 2027. However, there are other potential opportunities for support for graduate students ranging from assistantships in other areas of the HHSOM, to scholarships and fellowships outside of the HHSOM (see question below). Prospective graduate students should contact Dr. Quarles via email to discuss further. 

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ARE THERE OTHER GRADUATE ASSISTANTSHIPS OR FUNDING AVAILABLE?

Yes, the following sources of funding exist for which you may apply: School of Music assistantships, University assistantships, and out-of-state tuition waivers, among others. It’s important for applicants to check ALL categories of assistantships for which they feel qualified on the School of Music application. For instance, if you excelled in ear training as an undergraduate, mark the box for “aural skills teaching assistantship” in the list of assistantships. This is the only opportunity an applicant has for consideration for assistantships. Don’t miss the chance to be considered for as many assistantships as possible. 

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PRE-SCREENING REQUIREMENTS - DEC. 1, 2025 DEADLINE

A pre-screening recording is required for all MM and DMA graduate applicants on saxophone.  Applications to these programs must be submitted by the priority deadline of December 1, 2025. Pre-screening materials will be submitted online using Accept'd. Applicants will be notified of the results of the pre-screening round by December 20th, at which time they will coordinate their audition date directly with Dr. Quarles as soon as possible after receiving the invitation.

 

MM saxophone applicants must submit unedited video recordings of at least three contrasting works which display the applicant’s highest level of artistry. Movements of larger works are acceptable. Selected applicants will be invited for an on-site audition.

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DMA saxophone applicants must submit unedited video recordings of at least three contrasting works which display the applicant’s highest level of artistry. Movements of larger works are acceptable. Selected applicants will be invited for an on-site audition.

 

Contact Dr. Quarles at bquarles@uga.edu if you have questions about repertoire choices for the pre-screening recording.  

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AUDITION DATES FOR FALL 2025 ENROLLMENT

The audition dates for graduate students are: 

• Saturday, January 18, 2025

• Friday, January 24, 2025

• Friday January 31, 2025

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All graduate applicants invited for the live audition will receive a lesson with Dr. Quarles, at no cost to the applicant, as a part of the audition process. Dr. Quarles will schedule this directly with applicants when they are invited for the live audition. 

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The studio TA will also schedule a social event so that auditionees have the opportunity to get to know the studio and ask questions answered best by fellow students.

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MM AUDITION REQUIREMENTS

For the live 30-minute audition, applicants are required to prepare three complete works in the following categories:

• One work composed for the saxophone before 1970. 

• One work composed for the saxophone after 1970. 

• One work of the applicant’s choice.

 

Applicants should present a diverse selection of music that is inclusive of underrepresented identities. In addition to the selections listed above, applicants are also welcome to present selections of jazz transcriptions, etudes, and/or improvisations; other forms of improvisation; and/or music outside of the Western classical canon.

 

All invited graduate applicants will receive a lesson with Dr. Quarles, at no cost to the applicant, as a part of the audition process. 

 

DMA AUDITION REQUIREMENTS

For the live 30-minute audition, applicants are required to prepare a total of four works in the following categories:

• One work composed for the saxophone before 1970.

• One work composed for the saxophone after 1970.

• One saxophone concerto.

• One work of the applicant’s choice.

 

Applicants should present a diverse selection of music that is inclusive of underrepresented identities. In addition to the selections listed above, applicants are also welcome to present selections of jazz transcriptions, etudes, and/or improvisations; other forms of improvisation; and/or music outside of the Western classical canon. Demonstration of your ability to play multiple saxophones is encouraged, though you must provide your own instruments. 

 

All invited graduate applicants will receive a lesson with Dr. Quarles, at no cost to the applicant, as a part of the audition process. 

 

WHAT TO EXPECT AT THE AUDITION

Applicants must be prepared to perform chosen works in their entirety. However, the auditioning committee may elect to hear only certain portions.

 

A brief interview with the woodwind faculty will follow the audition during which time applicants should be prepared to discuss research interests and career goals. This is also the time for applicants to ask questions.  

 

Audition results will be determined and applicants notified by Dr. Quarles as soon as possible after all audition dates have taken place. This is typically by middle February. 

 

DO GRADUATE STUDENTS NEED TO TAKE THE GRE FOR ACCEPTANCE INTO UGA AND THE HODGSON SCHOOL OF MUSIC? 

No, the GRE is not required for acceptance into UGA or the Hodgson School of Music. Graduate applicants who wish to be considered for only a School of Music assistantship are also not required to take the GRE.  

 

The GRE is highly recommended for graduate applicants who are seeking nomination for the following university assistantships: The Presidential Fellowship, The Graduate School Assistantship and the Graduate Recruitment Opportunity Assistantship. These are university-wide awards to which each department on campus is allowed to nominate their top graduate applicants. If a graduate applicant has an excellent academic record, exceptional musical accomplishments such as competition prizes at the national or international level and/or professional-level experience, we recommend that he/she takes the GRE and auditions for the School of Music before February 1st in order to make the nomination deadline.

 

WANT TO KNOW MORE? 

Visit our Frequently Asked Questions page here. 

 

WISH TO SET UP A PRE-AUDITION VISIT?

Contact Dr. Quarles at bquarles@uga.edu 

 

READY TO APPLY TO UGA AND THE HODGSON SCHOOL OF MUSIC?

Return to School of Music website for the step-by-step application process.