Applying for undergraduate music programs is a nuanced process that requires learning admissions details specific to each program. Most of the programs featured in this series offer Bachelor of Music degrees; however some offer a Bachelor of Science, like Frost School of Music or Carnegie Mellon’s Music Production and Technology programs or a Bachelor of Arts, like Frost’s Music Industry degree. Some might even offer a BFA, like NYU’s Clive Davis Institute. While the admissions requirements for these different types of programs vary, there are some general rules of thumb in the undergraduate admissions process that you’ll need to be aware of in order to be a competitive candidate and strengthen your chances of admission.
Bachelor of Music Admissions Factors
Applying for a Bachelor of Music will look different depending on which area of study you choose. Admission for music performance majors (instrument or vocal) hinges on the audition, while students applying to composition, music production and technology, and music business programs are not always required to audition. NYU’s Steinhardt requires one “live” recording to demonstrate musicianship and Eastman School of Music at the University of Rochester requires its composition students to audition live or on Zoom with the instrument they write for. Be sure to check the requirements for each program.
Auditions
The audition is one of the most important aspects of the admissions process for a Bachelor of Music – Performance applicant, and a successful audition requires preparation. In addition to months of rehearsal and a keen understanding of what each school requires, audition prep includes selecting the pieces of music you will perform and lining up an accompanist if the school does not provide you with one. This is particularly important for vocal performance applicants.
Currently, most schools have a pre-screening requirement before the prospective student progresses to an official audition, as is the case at Juilliard. In other cases, pre-screening audition videos may stand in for a live audition, but only if the student is accepted. At Steinhardt, for example, students accepted via Early Decision are not required to participate in a live audition, but students accepted via Regular Decision are still considered for one.
Once you’ve submitted your pre-screening video and reached the stage of scheduling live auditions, try to visit the room you’ll be auditioning in. This will give a sense of how your voice or instrument will sound to the admissions panel and will help you determine which pieces of music will work best with the acoustics of the room. Memorizing the openings of your pieces can help lend confidence to your performance.
The order of your auditions is an important factor to consider. Scheduling your safety schools first can help you to get a feel for auditioning, allowing you to hone your performance as you go. This will set you up to give your best performances at your most important schools later on. Also, include a diverse selection of music to show the admissions team the breadth of your musical talent. Keep in mind that the top schools are often exceedingly competitive—be sure to dedicate yourself in every audition as best you can so that you have a variety of schools to choose from at the end of your application process.
Bachelor of Science Admissions Factors
The schools that offer a Bachelor of Science for Music Business or Music Production and Technology have a more traditional admissions process. These science-based programs, particularly the Music Business programs, often don’t require a musical background to apply (though having one will make you a more competitive candidate). Without the audition component, they place more emphasis on your supplemental materials, such as your personal essay, GPA, and extracurriculars to determine if they align with the program you’re applying to. Some BS programs, like Thornton’s Music Industry BS, have video submission requirements for their applicants to answer questions about their goals in the music industry. This helps admissions officers better understand the applicant’s unique aspirations and qualifications.
General Admissions Factors
Whether you choose a Bachelor of Science or a Bachelor of Music, there are some admissions factors that all the top music programs have in common. Below, we dig into some of those factors as well as the components of the Common Application, which allows students to submit one application when applying to many programs.
Academics
GPA
GPA is a universally important aspect of college applications. While most of the music programs we’ve highlighted in this series don’t have explicit GPA requirements, they are among the most selective programs in the country and therefore typically accept students with an average GPA of 3.0 or higher. NYU, for example, generally admits students with an average GPA of 3.7 or higher, while Thornton requires its prospective students to have at least a 3.0.
Testing: SAT/ACT
The programs we cover in this series are test-optional, meaning they don’t require standardized test scores from the SAT or ACT to apply. However, other schools not listed here, like Yale, will begin requiring scores in 2025 after a Covid-related hiatus, so be sure to confirm this requirement with your program of choice.
Musical Experience
While it will be more important for Bachelor of Music applicants to demonstrate a background in music, Bachelor of Science applicants will strengthen their candidacy if their applications also reflect an interest in music. If you’re not applying for musical performance or composition, you won’t have to demonstrate proficiency in an instrument. But for all music fields, in order to put your best foot forward, you’ll want to have an array of music-related extracurriculars on your application.
Extracurricular activities (in-school or out-of-school)
With enough lead time, you can design an extracurricular strategy that aligns with your musical goals. For example, are you attending school to become a music industry executive? Taking a summer music business course at a local community college can boost your resume. Or maybe you’re a singer without formal training. Does your town have a community choir? If you hope to be a commercial songwriter one day, you might volunteer with an organization that helps veterans or seniors put their stories to music. Using extracurriculars to support and amplify your future career aspirations is a key part of a successful application.
Internships and employment
Internships and employment can also bolster your application. Assisting composers or professional musicians, applying to a summer internship at a local music production studio or record label, or even working at a local music store will make you a more competitive applicant. When admissions officers see music-related internships or employment on your resume, it tells them you are dedicated, reliable, and able to succeed in the field you’re applying to.
Application Components
There are many components to an application and each school’s requirements vary. Here, we’ve pulled together some of the most common components and broken them down to give you an idea of what success looks like in each category.
Application Type
Most of the top schools accept what is known as The Common Application – one application that is accepted by over 1,100 participating institutions; however some schools, like Eastman or Juilliard, require you to use their own school-specific application. No matter which type of application you use, the following components will often be included.
Essays
Essays provide a unique opportunity to give the admissions officers and faculty an idea of the person behind the numbers.
Personal Essay. The personal essay is the key place where your personality, values, and significant experiences will shine. The Common App requires a personal essay of up to 650 words and offers six different prompts to choose from as well as a seventh option of an essay of your choice. It’s important that your personal essay reflects your core values and personality in a way that aligns with your pre-screening video and other application materials. There should be a sense of cohesion and flow from one to the other. In other words, those reviewing your application should think: it makes sense that this person created this music, or, of course this person desires to become a music industry professional.
Artistic Statement. Many music programs require an Artistic Statement in order to understand your artistic journey and goals as a musician. The prompt may also ask you to discuss your motivation for studying music at that particular institution. For example, Julliard asks: “What motivates you to continue growing as an artist, and what artistic habits do you value most in helping you achieve your professional/educational goals?” Often, programs will list their essay prompts on their websites, as Juilliard does, so be sure to do your research. Even if the artistic or personal statement is optional, like at Berklee, it is in your best interests to submit one.
Supplemental Essays. Most colleges require additional supplemental essays as well. The most common supplemental essays are “why x school” or “why x major.” For example, USC’s application asks: “Describe how you plan to pursue your academic interests and why you want to explore them at USC specifically.” Many music programs encourage interdisciplinary study and ask applicants to discuss interests outside of music. Other common prompts ask applicants to discuss how they will contribute to the campus community. We recommend submitting any optional essays allowed in order to give programs a more comprehensive portrait of who you are, but only do so if you can take your time and present writing you are proud of.
Letters of Recommendation, including letter from arts teacher
Letters of recommendation are required by most universities and conservatories, with the exception of very few, like Thornton School of Music, which lists them as optional. Letters of recommendation are an important part of conveying your musical and academic abilities, as well as other personal characteristics, such as your integrity, dedication, and collaborative skills. This is an opportunity for your recommenders to address questions such as: Are you a team player? Someone who leads and mentors others? An individual with the capacity and eagerness to grow and learn? Let these letters amplify the personal traits you highlighted in your essays.
And don’t forget: your recommenders are busy people, so give them plenty of lead time for the best results. Once an individual agrees to write a letter of recommendation for you, we also suggest sending them an email expressing appreciation for their willingness to write the letter, and detailing what you gained from the experience (of the academic course, extracurricular activity, internship, or employment). Include specific examples of the skills and accomplishments you are most proud of. These notes reflect how seriously you are taking the application process and illustrate the level of detail that will produce the most effective letters.
Interview
Finally, many undergraduate music programs require an interview alongside an audition for those students fortunate enough to be finalists for the program. An interview is a chance to demonstrate your knowledge of music and your passion for this field. It’s your chance to show the admissions team the person behind the music or the person who dreams of a career in the industry. Prepare for your interview by reaching out to a faculty member. While the benefits of this conversation are mostly for you to gain knowledge of the program, it’s also possible that this person could boost the attention your application is given during the admissions process. Express interest in the work of the person you’re speaking with. Being yourself and being inquisitive is your best bet for obtaining a positive recommendation to the program.
The admissions process is where you get to paint a nuanced and authentic picture of yourself for each music program you’re applying to. Consider the elements above and use them to tell a compelling story about who you are and why you will make a positive contribution to the school environment.
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