Steps to apply for music majors.
We invite you to apply to one of our undergraduate music programs.
Apply to a music major
1. Apply to ASU
You do not need to be admitted through ASU Undergraduate Admissions prior to submitting your music application.
- Admission to the music program is selective and based on an audition. Early application is strongly advised.
- If admitted to ASU but not yet to the music program, your major will say Music Audition. If you do not pass your audition or do not audition by the deadline, you will enter ASU as a music audition student. You are required to pass an audition milestone in your first semester at ASU to be eligible to complete the music degree. If you pass your audition, your major will be changed to the appropriate music major.
- A letter of acceptance from ASU Undergraduate Admissions does not signify admission into a music major. Official notification of acceptance into any music program will be by an emailed decision letter from the School of Music, Dance and Theatre.
2. Apply to Music
A separate music application is required in addition to your ASU application for admission. You can submit both applications at the same time.
A separate music application is required for each instrument on which you wish to audition. Application deadlines vary by instrument.
Application materials
Submit the name and email address for each of the three individuals submitting recommendation letters in support of your application. Each recommender will receive an auto-email with submission instructions. You can submit your application even if not all of the letters are in yet.
A 300–500 word essay describing your educational background, objectives and future career plans. Composition applicants should prepare an additional essay describing previous experience as a composer or arranger and the types of music (e.g., choral, jazz) composed.
Titles and composers of pieces studied intensively and considered part of your solo repertoire, including technical studies. See the FAQ section for a sample and template.
Voice performance and music theatre performance applicants are required to submit a resume. Artistic resumes for applicants to all other areas are optional.
Submit scores of three to five original works in PDF format. Audio files are not required, but encouraged.
Submit an example of your writing which can be a term paper from high school or other course, or an essay in which you express your interests and goals as a musician.
Required for all applicants who are not attending a live audition. Please note that the faculty strongly recommend applicants come to campus for a live audition. The recorded audition is due Nov. 1 for spring admission and Feb. 1 for fall admission.
Application deadlines and fees
Spring 2023 admission
| Complete application materials | Deadlines for music composition | Deadlines for all other music programs |
|---|---|---|
| ASU application | Oct. 1, 2022 | Oct. 15, 2022 |
| Music application | Oct. 1, 2022 | Oct. 15, 2022 |
| Recorded audition | Nov. 1, 2022 (if auditioning) | Nov. 1, 2022 |
| Three letters of recommendation | Oct. 10, 2022 | Oct. 25, 2022 |
| Composition prescreening portfolio | Oct. 1, 2022 | N/A |
Fall 2023 admission
| Complete application materials | Deadlines for music composition | Deadlines for all other programs |
|---|---|---|
| ASU application | Dec. 1, 2022 |
Jan. 5, 2023 Popular Music deadline extended to April 10, 2023. |
| Music application | Dec. 1, 2022 | Jan. 5, 2023 Popular Music deadline extended to April 10, 2023. |
| Recorded audition | Feb. 1, 2023 if auditioning | Feb. 1, 2023 |
| Three letters of recommendation | Dec. 10, 2022 | Jan. 15, 2023 |
| Composition prescreening portfolio | Dec. 1, 2022 | N/A |
Incomplete applications will not be considered. Auditions and interviews will not be scheduled until complete application materials have been received.
Fees
- Music application*: $10
- Composition prescreening portfolio*: $15
- Recorded audition: $65
- Late fee†: $40
* Undergraduate applicants who qualify for a fee waiver on the ASU Undergraduate Admissions Application may request a waiver for the music application and composition prescreening portfolio fees. Contact MDTAdmissions@asu.edu for details.
† A late application fee will be charged for all music applications submitted after the deadline with the exception of Composition which will not accept applications after the deadline.
Important: You will receive an application confirmation email upon successful submission of your music application. Email MDTAdmissions@asu.edu if you do not receive the confirmation email. Applications must be submitted in order to be considered for admission. The ASU School of Music, Dance and Theatre does not offer conditional admission for music majors.
You are responsible for tracking the status of your application materials.
- Recommendation letters: You are strongly encouraged to contact your references to ensure that your letters are submitted by the deadline. Incomplete recommendation letters may delay the scheduling of your audition.
- English proficiency (if applicable): English proficiency will appear under Priority Tasks on My ASU until proof of English proficiency has been processed by ASU Undergraduate Admissions. To verify, visit My ASU. Proof of English proficiency is required before your music application will be processed and before you can schedule an audition or interview.
3. Auditions and interviews
After your application is submitted and the deadline has passed, you will be scheduled for an audition and/or interview based on the date you selected. Audition/interview dates and times will be confirmed via email. Applicants who submit their application materials after the deadline will be scheduled for an audition slot only if spaces are available.
- An audition is required for applicants applying to the areas of music performance, music therapy, music theory, music theatre, music learning and teaching and Bachelor of Arts: Music. Auditions will be offered on-campus. If you submit a recorded audition, a follow-up virtual interview will be scheduled.
- An interview is required for applicants to the composition, music learning and teaching, music therapy, music and culture and popular music programs (popular music students may audition as part of their interview).