Apply

The following programs require an application and audition to pursue. Additionally, music education and music therapy programs require an entrance interview. 

  • BMus (performance, music education, music therapy) 
  • BA in music with applied emphasis
  • Music minor (applied)
  • Music PSEO

Any student at the University of Minnesota may pursue the BA in music with academic emphasis or World Music Minor; no application or audition required.

Step 1: Apply to the University of Minnesota

Step 2: Apply to the School of Music

For admissions consideration, complete your application to the School of Music by the application deadlines below. Fall 2024 applicants to the following programs will also be automatically considered for music scholarships: Bachelor of Music (Performance, Music Education, Music Therapy) and Bachelor of Arts with Applied Emphasis.

Application requirements include:

  • Your personal and musical information 
    Includes proposed degree plan, audition/interview date, studio instructor preferences, musical and educational history, personal statements, and space to list musical accomplishments and goals.
  • Two letters of recommendation (suggested) 
    Letters of recommendation are suggested, but not required. The application will gather the email addresses of references you wish to include and collect the letters on your behalf.
  • $50 Non-refundable application fee 
    If the music application fee proves to be a barrier to submitting your application, please contact music@umn.edu to request an application fee waiver.

2024 Application Deadlines

Spring 2024 Admission Deadline 
December 1, 2023

Fall 2024 Admission Deadlines 
January 1, 2024

Step 3: Interview (Music Education/Therapy Only)

If you are applying to the music education and music therapy programs, you must complete a 15-minute remote interview via Zoom with the faculty one of the following interview dates: 

2024 Entrance Interviews

  • January 20, 2024
  • February 3, 2024
  • You will select your preferred interview date on your application. Applicants will be asked to submit a completed music education/music therapy interview profile at the time of the interview. Applicants can choose between in-person or Zoom interviews

Step 4: Schedule a Visit

We would love to welcome you to the School of Music! This step can take place at any point in your college exploration.

  • Schedule a campus visit with the Office of Admissions and request that your tour include a stop at the School of Music. We will coordinate with the Office of Admissions to ensure your trip to campus involves a tour of Ferguson Hall and a meeting with a music advisor. 
  • Take a virtual tour of Ferguson Hall
  • Meet our faculty. Introduce yourself, share your interests, and request to observe a sample lesson or rehearsal. They want to meet you!
  • Attend a School of Music concert or lecture. You can even join the School of Music events newsletter. 

Step 5: Prepare for Your In-Person Audition

The School of Music's in-person audition process will return for Fall 2024.

  • Instrumental audition in-person dates are December 9, 2023 (Spring 2024 admission only), January 20, 2024 and February 3, 2024.  
  • Vocal audition in-person dates are December 9, 2023 (Spring 2024 admission only), January 20, 2024 and February 3, 2024.  

See audition page for requirements, more specific audition info will be shared at a later date.

Dual Application Process

For School of Music consideration, students must submit applications for both University admission as well as School of Music admission. Each applicant will be reviewed based on the information presented in the application. The School of Music will also utilize the audition and interview to make a final determination. The Office of Admissions may indicate that a decision will be held until after the music application and audition process has been completed. Note that admission to the University of Minnesota does not guarantee admission to the School of Music, and admission to the School of Music does not guarantee admission to the University of Minnesota. 

Decision Communication

School of Music admissions and scholarship decisions are issued formally from the School of Music by the Director of Undergraduate Studies. While individual faculty members may express interest in working with you and nominate you for scholarships, their interest is not a formal offer of admission or scholarship. 

The School of Music aims to provide applicants who submit complete applications by the application deadline and conduct any required audition or interview on the established interview/audition dates by mid-December (for Spring admission) and mid-March (for Fall admission). 

Instructor Preference

School of Music applicants have the opportunity to indicate their primary and secondary choices of private lesson instructor. Every effort will be made to honor these requests based on studio availability and balance. However, we cannot guarantee placement in your preferred instructor's studio. 

If you have taken music coursework for credit at another institution, will need to undergo a transfer course review process that includes syllabus review for academic and specialized music courses and a transfer jury at the end of your first semester at the University for applied lessons and ensembles. Theory and ear-training proficiency is assessed via placement exams and theory courses as a general rule are not eligible for transfer credit.

Transfer specialists in the Office of Admissions will provide applicants with information on the transfer of liberal education/general credits to the University of Minnesota.