Undergraduate Admission Guide
The School of Music will begin accepting applications for the 2008 - 2009 academic year in early September.
Fall 2008 Application Deadlines
January 2: Deadline for freshman applications
February 16: Deadline to complete audition in order to be considered for merit-based scholarships
March 1: Deadline for transfer applications (transfer students are strongly encouraged to submit their Supplemental School of Music application by January 2 in order to receive full consideration for merit-based scholarships)
Audition Dates, Application Process, Evaluation Criteria, Programs of Study Requirements, Financial Aid
Application Process:
Applying to the University of Illinois School of Music is a two-step process. Applicants to the School of Music must be deemed academically eligible by the Office of Admissions and Records in order to audition for the School of Music. Applicants are not admitted to the University until the School of Music has made an admission recommendation following the completion of the audition process.
Step 1:
- Complete the University of Illinois Undergraduate Application.
Specific questions pertaining to the University application may be directed to the Office of Admissions and Records
Transfer applicants are strongly encouraged to submit the Supplemental Music Application on or before January 2 and audition before February 16 in order to be considered for merit-based scholarships. The School of Music will continue accepting transfer applications through March 1 (the University's deadline for transfer applications).
Step 2:
- Complete the Supplemental Music Application.
- Submit one letter of recommendation from a person who can speak about your musical abilities.
Applicants are strongly encouraged to complete the application electronically. However, these documents may also be printed and returned to the Music Admissions Office.
Auditions/Interviews are scheduled only after the applicant has submitted both the University Application and the School of Music's Supplemental Application. Every effort will be made to honor the candidate's preferred audition date, however, it is possible that another date will be assigned.
Candidates are advised to not make travel plans until the audition date has been confirmed. A confirmation letter and e-mail will be sent as your official notification. Confirmation letters are typically mailed a minimum of three weeks prior to your audition.
Evaluation Criteria:
Undergraduate candidates applying to the School of Music will be evaluated on the following:
- Supplemental Music Application Form
- Supporting Materials (see specialized areas for more details)
- Audition on primary instrument and/or in voice
- An Interview (all applicants except performance)
- Undergraduate Letter of Reference Form(up to three letters may be submitted; the School of Music will accept letters of recommendation on professional letterhead in lieu of the reference form)
- The Music Fundamentals Proficiency Exam (This is a sample of test that will be administered on the audition day)
- Review of Academic Profile
Audition Requirements:
All applicants must complete an audition as well as the Music Fundamentals Proficiency Exam. For requirements specific to one's proposed major, see specialized areas.
Bassoon, Clarinet, Cello, Double Bass, Euphonium, Flute, Harp, Harpsichord, Horn, Jazz Studies, Oboe, Organ, Percussion, Piano, Piano Pedagogy, Saxophone, Trombone, Trumpet, Tuba, Viola, Violin, Voice
Programs of Study Requirements:
Performance
Applicants must also complete:
- an audition on his/her primary instrument and/or voice, and
- the Music Fundamentals Proficiency Exam
Music Education
Applicants must also complete:
- an audition on his/her primary instrument and/or voice,
- an interview with a music education faculty member, and
- the Music Fundamentals Proficiency Exam
The music interview will cover information provided on the applicant's Supplemental Music Application.
All applicants accepted into an education program must also complete the following items during the first year of enrollment before advancing into the certification track:
- Complete and Pass the Illinois Basic Skills Test*
- Complete and Pass the Criminal Background Check
- Maintain a 3.0 GPA in all courses related to one's major field of study
- Students whose intended applied major is guitar, harp, piano, or voice may pursue the instrumental specialization only if they pass a Music Education-Instrumental audition on a wind, percussion, or (bowed) string instrument. This audition is audio recorded as part of an applicant’s audition day schedule and is evaluated by the instrumental music education faculty. The student who chooses this route must be enrolled in an instrumental music ensemble each semester during residency.
* Transfer students must complete the Illinois Basic Skills Test as an admission requirement.
Music History
Applicants must also complete:
- an audition on his/her primary instrument and/or voice,
- an interview with a music history faculty member, and
- the Music Fundamentals Proficiency Exam
Applicants to this curriculum must submit official transcripts along with a writing sample, preferably dealing with a topic in music. These materials must be submitted to the Music Admissions Office with your School of Music Application Form no later than January 2.
Music Composition-Theory
Applicants must also complete:
- an audition on his/her primary instrument and/or voice,
- an interview with music composition-theory faculty members, and
- the Music Fundamentals Proficiency Exam
Applicants to this curriculum must also present 3 to 5 original compositions at the time of the composition-theory interview. A writing sample concerning music theory or analysis may be submitted in addition to, or in lieu of original compositions.
Bachelor of Arts in Music with an emphasis in Composition, Theory, or Music History
Applicants must also complete:
- an interview with an advisor for the Bachelor of Arts (interview dates are January 19, February 9 and 16)
- the Music Fundamentals Proficiency Exam
Composition and/or Theory Emphasis: Applicants to this curriculum must also present 3 to 5 original compositions at the time of the composition-theory interview. A writing sample concerning music theory or analysis may be submitted in addition to, or in lieu of original compositions.
Music History Emphasis Applicants to this curriculum must submit official transcripts along with a writing sample, preferably dealing with a topic in music. These materials must be submitted to the Music Admissions Office with your School of Music Application Form no later than January 2.