Academic Policies

General Requirements

All degrees and programs at the School of Music require the student’s engagement with performance requirements (practical coursework and related proficiencies specific to their major field) and non-performance requirements (classroom coursework and related proficiencies in a variety of disciplines). This page lists requirements that obtain broadly, either across all degrees, programs, and major fields or across many degrees, programs, and/or major fields. Requirements specific to each degree, program, and major field may be found in the Bulletin, organized first by degree or program, then by major field.

Performance Requirements

Major Field Instruction

· Each student is assigned a principal teacher in the student’s area of specialization, receives individual instruction in the major, and participates in required seminars and master classes given by the major department. Seminars may also encompass off-campus field trips and fieldwork as assigned by the instructors.

· All instrumental majors except organists are required to participate in Chamber Music in each term of enrollment and are also assigned to New Music New Haven. String, wind, brass, harp, and percussion majors perform in the Yale Philharmonia, as assigned.

· All vocal majors participate in Opera Workshop or Schola Cantorum and take specialized classes as indicated below.

· All composition majors compose music for New Music New Haven and take specialized classes as indicated below.

Recitals and Equivalents

· All students present work in their major field in public concerts during their course of study.

· Instrumentalists and vocalists present a juried public recital in the final year of study. Throughout this bulletin and in all written School of Music policies, these public recitals are known as degree recitals, even when they are requirements of a program (A.D., Certificate) rather than a degree (M.M., M.M.A., D.M.A.). Certain degrees, programs, and/or departments require an additional recital during the first year of residence, as described below.

· Orchestral conductors conduct the Yale Philharmonia in a public concert during their final year of study; choral conductors conduct the Recital Chorus in a public concert during their final year of study.

· Over the course of two years, composers present the equivalent of a full recital program in public performances of their music.

Accompanying Requirement for Piano Majors

All piano majors are required to play for at least one instrumental or vocal recital per academic year without pay as part of the departmental major. Priority will be given to degree recitals. Pianists must play all pieces that require piano accompaniment in a recital to fulfill this requirement, adding up to a total of no fewer than forty minutes of music.

· Pianists who are accompanying a recital for departmental major credit will play all rehearsals (including dress rehearsal), lessons, master classes, and studio lessons without pay. In extenuating circumstances that require more than fifteen hours of rehearsal, hours worked above fifteen hours can be paid with approval from the deputy dean.

· Fifteen hours of general accompaniment cannot be substituted for accompanying a recital.

· To fulfill this requirement, the student must notify the senior collaborative piano fellow in advance and provide a program after the recital is complete.

Additional Requirements

Students in individual departments are assessed for a variety of skills and may be required to take specific performance courses or to demonstrate specific proficiencies as outlined below.

Non-Performance Requirements

Non-Performance and Distribution Groups

· All students must complete at least one non-performance (NP) course per term.

· Master of Music and Certificate students must complete at least one NP class from each of distribution groups A, B, and C. Although some courses are cross listed in multiple distribution groups, each course can only be used to satisfy the requirements of one group. Most Yale University courses outside the School of Music and the Department of Music qualify for 4 NP credit hours per term under group C.

Analysis and Musicianship, Music History, and English Language

· All students entering the School of Music, with the exception of D.M.A. students, must take placement examinations in Analysis and Musicianship, Music History, and English Language.

· On the basis of the above examinations, students may be required to complete courses in Analysis and Musicianship (MUS 500, 501, 502) during their first year and/or courses in the Music History survey (MUS 511, 512, 513), or appropriate electives, during both years of their degree or program.

· On the basis of the above examinations or their admission materials, students may be required to complete English Language Skills (MUS 521) during their first year.

· D.M.A. students may be required to complete certain courses on the basis of the D.M.A. admission examination.

Practical Off-Campus Experience Requirement (updated 9/2/2026)

All students in the School of Music must complete approved practical musical experience (such as performing, creating, teaching, or presenting about music) outside the University. The requirement may be satisfied through one substantial, high-caliber experience or through multiple experiences, as determined by the student’s major teacher to ensure the student meets program expectations. Experiences may be completed during the academic year or during winter or summer recess. Completion or progress toward completion is documented and reviewed each semester in Individual Instruction in the Major. (See course description for Individual Instruction in the Major.)

Course description for Individual Instruction in the Major (updated 9/2/26): Individual instruction of one hour per week throughout the academic year, for majors in performance, conducting, and composition. Individual Instruction in the Major serves as the primary venue for academic oversight and documentation of the School’s Practical Off-Campus Experience degree requirement; each semester students submit faculty-approved evidence of completion or concrete progress toward completion.

Students are expected to attend classes, rehearsals, and all scheduled academic events. However, the nature of the music profession makes it possible that extraordinary opportunities may arise in conflict with scheduled classes. Students who wish to petition to be absent from class must complete the Short-Term Absence form found in ArtsVision. Students should submit this form as soon as they are aware of the conflict, but no later than thirty days before the beginning of the proposed absence. When all required signatures have been obtained, the form is to be submitted to the Office of Student Services. Upon approval by the deputy dean, students will be notified of the decision. Students will be denied approval for absences that exceed a total of ten days per year. It is possible that instructors may not extend permission for students to miss class, and may not sign the required form(s). In that case, students may petition directly to the dean or deputy dean for a review of the situation.

1. All students are required to abide by the rules and regulations of the University and the School of Music and are required to attend lessons, class sessions, rehearsals, and appointments arranged for them. Those whose attendance or progress is unsatisfactory, or whose conduct is disruptive, will be reviewed by the deputy dean and may be required to withdraw.
2. Participation in the Yale Philharmonia, Chamber Music, New Music New Haven, Yale Opera, Camerata, and/or Schola Cantorum is a continuing responsibility during the student’s stay at the Yale School of Music, depending on the student’s major. Attendance at all rehearsals and performances is required and takes precedence over all outside commitments. Unexcused absences from an assigned ensemble will be reviewed by the dean’s office under the provisions of the above paragraph.
3. Any student who is absent from studies for more than five consecutive days may be required to present a medical certificate to the dean’s office. 
4. The professional training program at the School of Music encourages all students to have occasional work assignments or short-term employment outside the University. Although professional work opportunities are necessary to musicians’ development, outside engagements must be scheduled so as to avoid rehearsal and performance conflicts. International students should consult with the Office of International Students and Scholars to request that employment permission is stated in the immigration documents.
5. Many School of Music students contract for college work-study jobs and are assigned to various duties throughout the School. The School of Music relies on the services provided by these work-study students. Students who accept these positions must meet the responsibilities of the job(s) completely. Students who do not comply with the terms of their work-study commitments may be subject to loss of job and reduction of financial aid.
6. Students are not permitted to schedule teaching, courses, or outside work during the hours reserved for assigned ensembles.
7. Students may not use School of Music facilities for private teaching.
8. Students may be in School of Music facilities only during the hours that the buildings are officially open.
9. During the school term, all students are expected to reside in the New Haven area.
10. The possession or use of explosives, incendiary devices, or weapons on or about the campus is absolutely prohibited.

The programs of study in the Yale School of Music reflect the symbiosis of the academic and professional worlds. Consequently, there are unique standards of behavior that apply to this enriched hybrid environment.

1. Students must maintain appropriate standards of behavior for rehearsal and classroom work, which include (but are not limited to): adherence to attendance requirements, preparedness, punctuality, cooperation, and honesty.
2. Students must learn to function in the face of the challenges and uncertainties that are inherent to the training and artistic process (as well as the profession).
3. Students must be prepared to accept appropriate suggestions and criticism in a professional manner.
4. Students must maintain health, diet, and practice habits that will allow them to be alert, responsive, and fully participatory.
5. Students must learn to manage their time and commitments to meet the rigorous demands of the academic and performance schedules.
6. Students must be prepared to reevaluate their technique, consider new approaches to training, and eliminate old habits that interfere with their progress, as guided by their teachers.
7. Students must be able to integrate their unique creative and expressive talents with performance in ensembles.
8. Students must develop and demonstrate the skills and self-discipline necessary to meet the rigors of and be thoroughly prepared for rehearsals and performances.

As with Yale College and the other professional schools of Yale University, students in the School of Music must uphold the highest standards of intellectual integrity and honesty. Within a university community founded upon the principles of freedom of inquiry and expression, instances of plagiarism and cheating of any kind are particularly serious offenses. Evidence of cheating within the School of Music will be subject to disciplinary action by the dean and/or the deputy dean of student affairs.

The School of Music expressly prohibits cheating and plagiarism in any of the following forms:

1. Falsification of documents. Students must not forge or alter or misrepresent or otherwise falsify any transcript, academic record, identification card, or other official document.
2. Examinations. Students must not copy material from other students, nor refer to notes, books, laptop computers, cellular phones, or other programmable electronic devices without written permission from the instructor. It is also prohibited for a student to use a cellular phone to discuss the exam with any other student.
3. Plagiarism. Students must not use material from someone else’s work without properly citing the source of the material. Ideas, opinions, and data, and of course textual passages, whether published or not, should all be properly acknowledged; these may derive from a variety of sources, including conversations, interviews, lectures, and Web sites. 

Students who violate these principles are subject to penalties, including expulsion.

The majority of concerts at the Yale School of Music are free and open to the public. These include concerts by the YSM Ensembles, New Music New Haven, Lunchtime Chamber Music, Faculty Artist Series, student recitals, and events presented by the Institute of Sacred Music.

YSM students may receive one or two free tickets (at the discretion of the Concert Office) to any ticketed event sponsored by the School of Music.

Tickets must be reserved in advance according to the following policy:

1. The concert office will send all students an email approximately one to two weeks before each ticketed event. 
2. To reserve your ticket, visit comp-tickets.yale.edu and log in with your Yale credentials. Note: You are responsible for booking your ticket via the online portal. Please do not send an email to make a reservation.
3. On the day of the concert, pickup your ticket at the Sprague Memorial Hall box office during business hours. For concerts in Woolsey and other locations, please see your email for ticket pickup instructions. 
4. Tickets not picked up by one half-hour before the concert will be released for sale. If you still wish to attend the concert, you will be required to purchase a ticket at the student rate, subject to availability.
5. If you reserve a ticket but cannot attend the concert, you must contact the concert office to release the ticket. Please send an email to the concert office at concerts@yale.edu before 4 p.m. on concert days, or call or stop by anytime during business hours. Many of our concerts sell out, and holding your ticket may prevent another person from attending. Please be courteous.
6. Reserving tickets and not picking them up may result in a loss of complimentary ticket privileges.
7. Tickets are not transferable.

Certain events, such as Yale in New York concerts at Carnegie Hall and Yale Opera’s annual production at the Shubert Theatre, have different policies. You will receive emails from the concert office about the ticket policies for these events.

For complaints of discrimination and harassment that do not relate to gender discrimination or sexual misconduct, students may address a complaint by contacting their Dean’s Designee or the Office of Institutional Equity and Access.

For complaints of discrimination and harassment that relate to gender discrimination including sexual misconduct, students may contact the SHARE Center, a Title IX coordinator, the University Wide Committee, the Yale Police Department, or the New Haven Police Department.

Read the full policy for student complaint resolution.

As required by federal law, the University is providing this notice to inform you that you will lose your eligibility for federal education loans, grants, and work-study assistance if 1) you are convicted of any federal or state offense involving the possession or sale of a controlled substance, and 2) the conduct for which you are convicted occurred during a period of enrollment for which you were receiving federal financial aid. This loss of eligibility will start on the date of your conviction and will last for the following periods:

If convicted of an offense involving the possession of a controlled substance:

First offense: One year
Second offense: Two years
Third offense: Indefinite

If convicted of an offense involving the sale of a controlled substance:

First offense: Two years
Second offense: Indefinite

Yale University is committed to maintaining and strengthening an educational, employment, and living environment founded on civility and mutual respect. Sexual misconduct is antithetical to the standards and ideals of our community, and it is a violation of Yale policy and the disciplinary regulations of Yale College and the graduate and professional schools.

Sexual misconduct incorporates a range of behaviors including sexual assault, sexual harassment, intimate partner violence, stalking, voyeurism, and any other conduct of a sexual nature that is nonconsensual, or has the purpose or effect of threatening, intimidating, or coercing a person. Violations of Yale’s Policy on Teacher-Student Consensual Relations also constitute sexual misconduct. Sexual activity requires consent, which is defined as positive, unambiguous, and voluntary agreement to engage in specific sexual activity throughout a sexual encounter.

Yale aims to eradicate sexual misconduct through education, training, clear policies, and serious consequences for violations of these policies. In addition to being subject to University disciplinary action, many forms of sexual misconduct are prohibited by Connecticut and federal law and may lead to civil liability or criminal prosecution. Yale provides a range of services, resources, and mechanisms for victims of sexual misconduct. The resources for undergraduate, graduate, and professional school students are described here: http://smr.yale.edu

Students who have concerns regarding the issue of sexual misconduct may discuss them with Albert R. Lee, who serves as the Title IX coordinator for the School of Music, at albert.r.lee@yale.edu or 203 535–6228.

Please visit the following links:

• Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act
• Yale University Statement on the Disclosure of Directory Information
• Request to Withhold Directory Information

Yale is a community committed to fostering an environment of diversity, mutual respect, and intellectual discovery in which all students can thrive. Acts of discrimination and harassment are contrary to the community standards and ideals of our university. Yale does not tolerate discrimination or harassment on the basis of sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, race, color, national or ethnic origin, religion, age, disability, or protected veteran status. 

If you have experienced or witnessed protected class discrimination or harassment or related retaliation or just need to talk, we encourage you to seek support. When you have concerns or questions, you have a wide range of choices for support.

You can reach out to a Discrimination and Harassment Resource Coordinator (DHRC) or the Office of Institutional Equity and Accessibility.  DHRCs receive concerns and offer advice and guidance related discrimination, harassment, and retaliation.

If you would like to talk with someone about sex- or gender- based discrimination including sexual misconduct, you can reach out to a Deputy Title IX Coordinator or the Title IX Office. Additionally, The Title IX at Yale website provides information on accessing support, reporting options, policies and definitions; and education and outreach including resources for pregnant and parenting students.

The DHRC and Deputy Title IX Coordinator for the Yale School of Music is Albert Lee, who can be contacted at albert.r.lee@yale.edu.