The undergraduate concentrations in Composition, Music History, and Music Theory require supporting materials instead of, or in addition to, an audition.
All prospects to the music program must submit a Music Application.
- Prospects applying for the BM in Composition must pass an audition (any instrument or voice) to be admitted to the program.
- Composition applicants must additionally submit a portfolio of original work in the Western classical tradition, consisting of the following:
- A work for solo piano
- A large ensemble piece (10 or more players)
- One work of the applicant's choosing
- Scores must be emailed as PDF documents to @email after submitting the Music Application by the same deadline as the Music Application. View Music Application deadlines here.
- Applicants whose portfolios pass initial review will be invited to a live interview with the composition faculty on or near the date of the audition (or scheduled via Zoom if the applicant chose the Remote Audition option). The result of the total application – including the audition and interview – will be released in the same letter.
- An audition is not required for entry to the BA in Music History.
- Prepare a brief personal statement (approx. 500 words) that describes previous musical experiences and explains the student's interest in Music History.
- Students must submit an academic writing sample of 7 pages or more, preferably on a musical subject.
- Students must submit the writing samples in one of the following ways:
- Submit a cloud-based link in the Music Application to where your writing samples can be viewed. Please be sure to set your file permissions to public so that the faculty can access them.
- Email PDFs of both samples to Prof. Emiliano Ricciardi at @email and CC @email by the due date of the Music Application. View Music Application deadlines here.
- An audition is not required for entry to the BA in Music Theory.
- Prepare a brief personal statement (approx. 500 words) that describes previous musical experiences and explains the student's interest in Music Theory.
- Students must submit the personal statement in one of the following ways:
- Submit a cloud-based link in the Music Application to where your personal statement can be viewed. Please be sure to set your file permissions to public so that the faculty can access them.
- Email a PDF of the statement to Prof. Brent Auerbach at @email and CC @email by the due date of the Music Application. View Music Application deadlines here.
- Applicants must complete an online Music Theory Diagnostic Exam. A link to the exam and its instructions will be sent to Music Theory applicants after the Music Application is submitted.
Questions? Please contact Department Admissions Director Nate Gowen at @email or by phone at 413-545-6048.