Prospective Student FAQs
About the Conservatory
Academic Programs
Undergraduate studies
Graduate studies
Minors/Double Majors/Non-music Majors
Prescreening Auditions
Live Auditions/Interviews
Application Questions
Cost of Attendance
Scholarships and Financial Aid
International Students
Student living
About the Conservatory
1. How many students attend the Conservatory of Music at Purchase College?
We have about 380 students, 75% undergraduate students and 25% graduate students, in
addition to 20 students minoring in music.
2. Who is on the faculty of the Conservatory of Music at Purchase College?
Please see our faculty page.
3. What is the student/teacher ratio? 16:1
4. Where do most of your students come from?
We are the most diverse school in the SUNY system. In addition to NY State residents, we have
students from all over the United States, such as Utah, Hawaii, Illinois, and Florida, and
countries as diverse as Korea, Mexico, Colombia, France, Japan, Australia, and Canada, to name a
few.
5. How can I make arrangements to visit the Conservatory?
Register for a Wednesday campus tour with the admissions office. Wednesday visits include a
guided tour of the Conservatory of Music. If you wish to meet your intended program’s
Department Chair, once you have scheduled your visit, please contact them directly:
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Classical Composition: Laura Kaminsky [email protected]
Opera: Jacque Trussel [email protected]
Strings: Julia Lichten [email protected]
Brass: Graham Ashton [email protected]
Winds: Tara O’Connor [email protected]
Percussion: Dominic Donato [email protected]
Piano: Paul Ostrovsky [email protected]
Guitar: Joao Luiz Rezende [email protected]
Jazz: Pete Malinverni [email protected]
Studio Composition/ Studio Production: Peter Denenberg
[email protected]
6. Can I attend rehearsals and/or classes when visiting, meet with faculty, or take a
lesson before I apply?
Yes, please contact our faculty directly.
7. Where can I find a schedule of Conservatory events?
Please visit our events page.
8. How many practice rooms and studios are there?
There are 28 practice rooms, 4 rehearsal rooms, 3 performance spaces, 10 classrooms, 15
teaching studios, 7 recording studios.
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Academic
9. What types of degrees do you offer?
We offer professional degrees in music: Bachelor of Music (BM), Master of Music (MM),
Performers Certificate (PC), and Artist Diploma (AD)
10. What academic programs are available?
The Conservatory of Music is structured in 3 main divisions, each one offering a series of
programs:
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Classical
o Instrumental Performance
o Voice/Opera Studies
o Classical Composition
 Jazz
o Instrumental Performance (including voice)
 Music Production and Technology
o Studio Composition
o Studio Production (only offered at undergraduate level)
11. What are the course requirements?
 Undergraduate Students, please look for your intended major’s 8-Semester Plan.
 Graduate Students, please see the Graduate 4-Semester Plan.
12. What’s the difference between Studio Composition and Studio Production?
Both programs have a number of courses in common, especially in the first 2 years, and become
much more specialized in the Junior and Senior years. Studio Composition students focus on
the craft of composing. Studio Production majors go into a more technical route, focusing on
technology, capturing and manipulating sound, etc., with the expectation of working on the
control room side of a recording studio setting. Both programs are offered at the
undergraduate level, but only Studio Composition is offered at the graduate level.
13. What’s the difference between Studio Composition and Classical Composition?
Generally speaking, classical composition refers to the type of music that is meant to be
performed live, for an audience, in a recital hall. Studio Composition students tend to work
more within the industry, in a recording studio environment, writing more popular or
commercial music. That said, there is a good amount of cross over happening between the two
programs.
14. Do you have a Music Education program?
No
15. I want to write music for film and TV, what program can I apply to?
We would suggest applying to Studio Composition or Classical Composition. We have
faculty members with film/TV experience teaching in both programs.
16. Can I cross register for classes in different programs?
Yes, for some courses you might need to ask permission from the instructor or the department
head.
17. Can I apply to more than one concentration or instrument?
Yes, you have to submit separate audition materials for each concentration.
18. Can I major in one program and minor in another, all within the Conservatory?
Yes, as long as your major and minor are from different programs. You must audition for both,
and have to be admitted for both. The Conservatory of Music offers 6 programs:
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Classical
o Instrumental Performance
o Voice/Opera Studies
o Classical Composition
Jazz
o Instrumental Performance (including voice)
Music Production and Technology
o Studio Composition
o Studio Production (only offered at undergraduate level)
19. How many ensembles do you have?
We have 7 large ensembles/orchestras, including the Symphony Orchestra and the Purchase
Jazz Orchestra, in addition to 25 chamber groups, 18 jazz combos, and a variety of other
ensembles.
20. Are there many performance opportunities for students?
Yes, many courses require a performance at the end of the semester. Additionally, we
encourage our students to engage in additional performance opportunities throughout the year,
so we expect our students to come ready and willing to perform.
21. How are students matched with private teachers? Can I request to study with a
specific teacher?
All assignments are done individually. Although we cannot guarantee specific assignments, you
may certainly request to study with a specific teacher to your area head.
22. Can I test out of some classes?
Yes, all undergraduate students (except Jazz) will take placement tests the day of their live
audition. Based on the results of those tests, they can test out of some basic skill courses such as
theory, ear training, and keyboard. The results of the test will not affect your chances for
admission into the Conservatory of Music.
23. Does Purchase provide career counseling?
Our faculty and staff are our best counselors since they are all working professionals in the
area, who can guide our students based on their own experience, expertise, and connections in
the industry. In addition to this, Purchase College has a Career Development Center with
services available to all students.
24. Will I have an academic advisor?
Yes, it will be a music faculty member.
25. Do you have any continuing education programs?
No.
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Undergraduate
26. What types of undergraduate degrees do you offer?
We offer a Bachelor of Music and a music minor.
27. What academic programs are available?
See answer to Q10
28. What are the course requirements?
See answer to Q11
29. Can I study part-time?
No, this is designed as a 4-year, 8-semester, full-time program.
30. Do undergraduates have to take liberal arts courses?
Yes, students typically take 1 liberal arts course per semester.
31. Is a thesis required?
No, but we do require junior and senior recitals for performance majors, and junior and senior
productions for production majors.
32. How are students matched with private teachers? Can I request to study with a
specific teacher?
See answer to Q21
33. How many students graduated in last year’s class?
69 undergraduate students and 34 graduate students.
34. Do I need to submit a separate application to Purchase and to the Conservatory?
Yes. Please see our Application Instructions Page.
35. If I transfer to Purchase, will I enter at the same level as my current school?
Most transfer students should be prepared to spend at least 3 years with us, but that may vary
depending on each student’s preparation. Students will have an opportunity to meet with an
academic advisor to finalize their transfer evaluations and be advised.
36. Can I test out of some classes?
See answer to Q22
37. What kinds of scholarship opportunities are available?
We have merit-based scholarships available. All students will be considered automatically
based on their live audition. No separate application is necessary. We do not offer scholarships
for Spring applicants.
38. Are there work/study opportunities for undergraduate students? How do I apply?
See answer to Q103
39. Are there Study Abroad opportunities?
Yes, we have a number of options for students interested in study-abroad programs taking
place during the summer and winter breaks. Opportunities to study abroad for a full semester
are less likely for music majors. For more information please contact the Purchase Study
Abroad Office at (914) 251- 6032, or visit their website.
40. How do I apply for admission?
Please see our Application Instructions Page.
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Graduate
41. What types of graduate degrees do you offer?
We offer a Masters of Music (MM), an Artist Diploma (AD), and a Performers Certificate (PC).
42. What is the difference between the Artist Diploma (AD) and the Performers
Certificate (PC)? How are they different from the MM?
They are both graduate level coursework. However the PC is a post-bachelor’s degree, for
students who only hold a Bachelor’s degree, while the AD is a post-master’s degree, for students
who hold a Master’s degree. However, the coursework is the same. Both are strictly oriented
towards performance, therefore are only offered to students in performance tracks. In this, they
differentiate from the MM degree, which has an additional academic component.
43. What academic programs are available?
See answer to Q10
44. What are the course requirements?
See answer to Q11
45. Can I study part-time?
Our graduate programs are conceived as full-time programs. However, on occasion, we might
approve one semester of part-time study, after consultation with the program director and your
academic advisor.
46. How many credits do I need to take to have full-time status?
9 credits.
47. Is a thesis required?
No, but all graduate students are required to offer a full-length recital at the end of each year.
48. How are students matched with private teachers? Can I request to study with a
specific teacher?
See answer to Q21
49. How many students graduated in last year’s class?
See Q33
50. Do I need to take the GRE?
No
51. Are classes scheduled in the morning or evening?
Classes are scheduled throughout the day. We expect students to be available for a full-time
program.
52. Do I have to submit a separate application to Purchase and to the Conservatory?
See answer to Q34
53. What scholarship opportunities are available?
See answer to Q37
54. Do you have graduate assistantships? How do I apply?
From time to time we are able to offer graduate assistantships, of a teaching nature or of an
administrative nature. These are subject to funding from the college. If you are interested in
being considered for a graduate assistantship, please request a Graduate Assistantship
Application Form at the Music Office, call (914) 251-6700 or email us at [email protected] .
The Graduate Assistantship Application can also be downloaded here.
55. How do I apply for admission?
See answer to Q40
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Minors/Double Majors/Non-music Majors
56. Can an undergraduate student from Purchase who is not majoring in music in the
Conservatory complete a minor in music?
Yes, more information may be found here.
57. Can I major in one program and minor in another, all within the Conservatory?
See Q18
58. Can a music student complete a minor outside of the Conservatory?
Yes, the student should consult with his/her faculty advisor about the coursework and potential
scheduling issues.
59. Can I double major at Purchase College?
Yes, but it is not easy. As a Conservatory program, we expect students to dedicate a good deal of
time to their craft. However, we will work with the student to make sure his/her needs and
interests are addressed.
60. Can non-music majors (i.e., students not majoring in music) register for private music
lessons?
Yes. The Applied Music Fee applies to those non-music students interested in taking private
lessons through the Conservatory of Music. Contact the Conservatory of Music office for more
information by calling (914) 251-6700, or sending an email to [email protected] .
61. Can non-music majors (i.e., students not majoring in music) register for music
ensembles?
Most music ensembles require audition. Please contact the ensemble faculty director for more
information. Students do not pay extra fees to register for ensembles.
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Application Questions
62. How many applications do you receive on average each year?
The Conservatory of Music receives about 850 total applications for music auditions.
63. What percentage of applicants gets accepted on average?
About 20%
64. Do I have to submit a separate application to Purchase and to the Conservatory?
See Q34
65. What are the application requirements?
Please see our Application Instructions Page.
66. How many letters of recommendation do you need?
Only one letter of recommendation is required.
67. What are admissions decisions based on?
The admission process is a collaboration between the College’s Office of Admissions and the
Conservatory of Music. Invitations for live auditions are based on the faculty’s evaluation of the
student’s prescreening audition materials. The Music Conservatory recommends a student for
admission based on his/her live audition. Acceptance into the College is determined by the
Office of Admissions based on the student’s academic records and live audition results.
For a detailed step-by-step explanation of the application process please see our Application
Instructions Page.
68. If admitted, may I defer acceptance?
You would need to contact the admissions office at [email protected] and formally request
to defer.
69. Can I apply to start on the Spring Semester?
Very few programs at the Conservatory of Music typically accept applications for Spring
admission. Please contact us in late September or early October to find out if your intended
program is accepting Spring applications. We can be reached at [email protected] . Also,
please note that we have no scholarships available for Spring applicants.
70. Do you accept the Common Application Form?
No
71. Am I eligible for a fee waiver? How can I request this?
Information may be found here.
72. I have some post-high school course work. Should I apply as a first-year student or as
a transfer student?
Please contact The Office of Admissions at (914) 251-6300, or visit their website.
73. How do I check the status of my application?
Click here.
74. What are the deadlines for application?
Please see deadlines posted on our audition dates page.
75. Can students apply if they miss the deadline?
If you missed the deadline, contact the main office at the Conservatory of Music. (914) 2516700. [email protected]
76. What if my recommendation is not completed by the deadline?
We are happy to process your application and collect letters of recommendation as they come
in.
77. I missed the application deadline. When can I apply for next season?
If you missed a Fall deadline, please know that very few programs at the Conservatory of Music
typically accept applications for Spring admission. Please contact us in late September or early
October to find out if your intended program is accepting Spring applications. We can be
reached at [email protected] . Also, please note that we have no scholarships available for
Spring applicants.
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Prescreening Auditions
78. Do all majors require prescreening auditions as part of the application process? Yes.
79. What are the prescreening audition requirements for my intended major?
Undergraduate Applicants click here.
Graduate Applicants click here.
80. When will I know if I will be invited to a live audition?
2-3 weeks after the application deadline, you will be notified via email.
How will I know whether you have received my application and prescreening materials
for a live audition?
You will receive a confirmation email from Slideroom confirming that your prescreening
audition materials have been submitted. You can also verify that your credit card has been
charged the Conservatory application fee, which will further verify that the application has been
processed successfully.
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Live Auditions/Interviews
81. When do live auditions take place?
Please see our audition dates page.
82. Do all majors require a live audition/interview as part of the application process?
Yes.
83. What are the live audition requirements for my intended major?
Undergraduate Applicants
Graduate Applicants
84. Do I need to audition for a minor?
Yes.
85. What can I expect on audition day?
Please see our Audition Day Document.
86. Will there be a theory or placement test? Will it affect my chances for admission?
After the live audition, all undergraduate students (except Jazz) will take a placement test for
basic skills such as Keyboard, Theory, and Ear Training. They do not affect your chances for
admission.
87. What if I can’t come to the live audition? Can I send a recording instead?
Yes, if you are unable to attend a live audition, please contact the Conservatory of Music main
office at [email protected], and our staff will work with you to find a solution.
88. Is there an advantage to performing a live audition?
Yes, whenever possible please come to the live audition. It is important for us to meet you and
see you live, and it is important for you to meet the faculty and other students. Also,
scholarships are awarded based on your live audition performance.
89. Do you conduct regional auditions?
No
90. How can I change or cancel my audition?
Please email us at [email protected]
91. When are admissions decisions disclosed?
Typically 2-3 weeks after the end of audition week, as long as your application for admission is
complete. If your admissions application is not complete, you will not be notified of a decision.
We encourage all applicants to check the status of their application online prior to their live
audition.
92. Do you have a wait list?
Yes, most programs do have a wait list.
93. What does it mean if I am “waitlisted”? What if I wish to withdraw from this list?
If you are waitlisted it means that we think you meet the criteria for admission, but we are not
sure that we can accommodate that many students in the program based on our resources.
Waitlisted students will receive a letter from the Admissions Office notifying them. They can
choose to stay or be removed from the list, and should notify the Admissions Office directly of
their decision. (914) 251-6300. [email protected]
94. Can I use the practice rooms if I arrive early for my audition?
Yes, a practice room will be made available to everyone 30 minutes prior to their live audition
time.
95. Are accompanists provided?
Accompanists are provided only for Voice/Opera applicants. They are not required for either
the prescreening or live auditions. All applicants are encouraged to perform solo, or to provide
their own accompanists if needed.
96. Is it possible to audition on two different instruments or for two programs?
Yes, however, please note that different programs hold auditions on different days. If you are
applying to 2 different programs, and are invited to 2 different live auditions, you might need to
audition on two different days.
97. Is audition feedback available?
No.
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Cost of Attendance
98. What is the annual tuition cost for my program?
Information may be found here.
99. When are payments due?
Please refer to the Office of Financial Services.
Scholarships and Financial Aid
100. What scholarships opportunities are available?
See Q37
101. What percentage of students receives scholarships from the Conservatory of Music?
Last year, 30% of our students received scholarships directly from the Conservatory of Music.
102. When will I be notified if I was awarded a scholarship?
Fall applicants will be notified between March/April. We have no scholarships available for
Spring applicants.
103. Are there work/study opportunities for undergraduate students?
The Conservatory of Music sometimes hires music majors for work study. If a position becomes
available, it will be posted on the Job Score website of the Purchase College’s Career
Development Department.
104. Do you have graduate assistantships?
See Q54
105. Are international students eligible for any type of scholarships, assistantships, or
financial aid?
They are eligible for scholarships and assistantships within the Conservatory. They are not,
however, eligible for state or federal financial aid, loans, grants, or work-study programs.
106. How do I apply for financial aid?
Information may be found here.
107. What are your deadlines for filing for financial aid?
Please see the Office of Financial Services website.
108. When will students receive notification of their financial aid award?
Please see the Office of Financial Services website.
109. Do I need to be admitted before I can apply for Financial Aid and/or scholarships?
No. You may submit your FAFSA form prior to a notification of admission. You are, in fact,
encouraged to do so, as some types of financial aid are available on a first come-first served
basis.
110. What is Purchase’s FAFSA school code?
006791
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International Students
111. How do International Students apply to Purchase?
Please see the Admissions website.
112. What additional application materials (tests, translations, certifications, etc.) are
required for international students?
Please see the Admissions website.
113. Who should take the TOEFL?
Please see the Admissions website.
114. Do I need to take the SAT as an international student?
Please see the Admissions website.
115. Are international students eligible for any type of scholarships, assistantships, or
financial aid?
See Q105
116. Will there be a special orientation day for International Students?
Yes. Information will be emailed to international students at the time of admissions.
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Student Living
117. How many practice rooms and studios are there?
See Q8
118. Will I have access to the practice rooms/studios 24/7?
The building is open 19 hours a day, from 7 am to 2 am.
119. Where would I, as a conservatory student, live? Is there a music-only residence
hall?
There is a conservatory floor located in one of our freshman residence halls. For more
information, and for all other housing options, please visit Office of Residence Life.
120. Are students required to live on campus?
No
121. Can students leave on the weekends during their program?
Yes. However, please keep in mind that there are a number of performances taking place on
campus over the weekends.
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Helpful Links
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Admissions
Student Financial Services
Campus Life
Conservatory of Music Calendar of Events
Campus Directory
Registrar
Academic Calendar
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Conservatory of Music Homepage
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Conservatory of Music Student Handbook
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Purchase College Student Handbook
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Purchase College Email
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Conservatory of Music Facebook
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Purchase College Facebook
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Conservatory of Music Twitter
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Purchase College Twitter
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Performing Arts Center
If we were not able to answer your questions, please contact the Conservatory of
Music office at (914)251-6700 or [email protected]