The Peabody Institute of The Johns Hopkins University

 

• Graduate Assistantship interviews are scheduled during the February Audition Week only.
• Applicants may interview for two assistantships.
• Assistantship awards are in the amount of full tuition, although some awards are divided and assigned a proportionate amount of duties.
• The award is for one year, and at the recommendation of the faculty is renewable for a second year.
• Graduate Assistants are expected to provide 12-15 hours of work each week of the academic year although duties and loads may vary according to the department.
• Several assistantships are available only to students in the second year of graduate study and are so noted.

 

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Accompanying (open to piano majors only) 

There are seven Accompanying assistantships. Only those with proven interest, ability and experience will be considered. The evaluating faculty has requested that applicants bring repertoire lists and/or printed programs to the interview as validation of prior experience. Sight reading is also part of the interview. There are more applicants for Accompanying assistantships than any other, making them highly competitive.

Computer Music

There are two assistantships in the Computer Music Department, normally awarded to those pursuing advanced graduate study in the field. Applicants need a strong background in computer music composition, performance, or research. Assistants work with computers and digital sound equipment, teaching and tutoring, and/or concert production depending on their skills.

Conducting

Conducting assistantships are available in opera, choral, and orchestral areas. Applicants are instructed to indicate their specialty on the application form, so we can schedule the appropriate interview(s). Choral conducting assistantships are open to experienced conducting majors.

Ear Training

There are two assistantships in Ear Training. Responsibilities include teaching classes, working with students having difficulties, grading papers, and testing undergraduates during audition periods. Candidates must be able to sight-sing in the soprano, alto, tenor and bass clefs, possess the skill to accurately play two- and three-part Bach Inventions on the piano (legato without using the pedal) and have good command of the English language for teaching.

Liberal Arts (Humanities)

The graduate assistant in Liberal Arts fulfills a variety of roles serving Humanities Department faculty. This is a highly competitive position (a single position becomes available on alternate years only). Application procedures, deadlines, and interview scheduling for this assistantship differ from others at Peabody. Interested candidates can find a complete discription of the assistantship, plus a link to the application page on the Humanities website. 

Library and Bibliography

Three graduate students hold half-assistantships in the Arthur Friedheim Music Library. Each works 7.5 hours per week from the first day of classes through the last day of final exams. Assistants will be assigned to manage the operation of the music library during evening and weekend hours and assist faculty with the graduate-level music Bibliography course. Library-related responsibilities include training and supervision of student staff, performing advanced and confidential circulation functions, and answering reference questions. Course-related responsibilities may include grading of homework assignments, class preparation, tutoring of ESL students, and substitute or group teaching. Assistants must be able to attend one section of the course regularly and meet weekly with the Head and Circulation Librarians. Applicants must have completed a graduate-level bibliography or research course by the end of this academic year. Preference will be given to MM and DMA students, and individuals with music library work experience. Outstanding writing and verbal skills are required.

Music Education

The Music Education assistants help with instruction as is appropriate to their background and are responsible for video-taping student teaching activities and performance workshops. Candidates must have public school teaching experience and be applying for the MM program in Music Education.

Musicology

Available only to applicants for the MM Musicology program, and to current Peabody Students. See below.

Opera Accompanying

In addition to accompanying opera rehearsals, the Opera Accompanying assistant works under supervision to coach singers and, if qualified, conduct rehearsals. This assistant usually has good piano skills, excellent sight reading skills and knowledge of vocal diction in languages other than English. Often the person awarded this assistantship has conducted, prepared and/or produced opera.

Piano Maintenance

The Piano Maintenance assistant helps keep Peabody's pianos in good condition. S/he also does light tuning such as touching up pianos on week-ends. Applicants should have some experience in tuning and maintenance as shown by successful completion of course work and/or previous experience with similar activities on the retail or self employment level.  All applicants must submit a resume of piano maintenance/tuning experience to Mary Schwendeman (mschwend@peabody.jhu.edu) by February 10 as part of the screening process.

Piano / Keyboard Studies

The three Piano/Keyboard assistants provide individual instruction to students in second year keyboard. They assist and sometimes teach first year classes and, when needed, tutor students who desire additional support. They also help by attending departmental meetings, hearing auditions and juries. Candidates must be strong in theoretical skills at the keyboard, including playing by ear and melody harmonization. Most recipients have had three to four years experience teaching privately.

Theory

There are seven Theory assistants, one for each full-time member of the classroom theory faculty. Theory assistants grade homework assignments, work one-on-one with students, take attendance, teach occasional classes, and do some clerical work. A very solid theory background, including analytical and written work in harmony and tonal counterpoint, and good keyboard and aural skills, are required. All candidates must place out of Graduate Theory Review by placement exam. The Theory Assistantship interview, lasting 15-20 minutes, will include discussion of musical examples at sight, and sight-reading at the keyboard.

Internal Assistantships (for second year students only)

The following assistantships are awarded by the faculty when openings occur. Application procedures vary. See the departmental coordinator and/or the admissions office for more information.

 

• Musicology: The Musicology assistants help with course preparation, proctoring, tutoring, instruction, and other activities of the department. All applicants must submit a resume to the Department Chair by February 10 as part of a screening process. The Department will respond to all applicants, and notify those who pass the screening process of the day and time of their interview. Contact Susan Weiss (sweiss@jhu.edu) for more information.

• Other: Audio Sciences, Composition, Voice