How to Apply - Current UA Students

We're delighted you want to apply for admission to the School of Music!

For questions regarding the School of Music's admissions requirements, or to change your major, please contact School of Music Student Services: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it

CHANGE OF MAJOR APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS

Each program requires application materials. Use the following list as a checklist for your application:

BM — Performance

• Make an appointment to meet with the Undergraduate Academic Advisor, This e-mail address is being protected from spambots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it , 621-1656
• School of Music application
• Letter of recommendation from a Music Teacher, Band, Orchestra, Choir director, or private instructor that discusses applicant's musical aptitude and ability.
• Applicants must take the Music Theory Placement Exam and earn a score of at least 30 out of a possible 77 points. (see below)
• Audition

BM — Music Education (Instrumental or Vocal Emphasis)

• Make an appointment to meet with the Undergraduate Academic Advisor, This e-mail address is being protected from spambots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it , 621-1656
• School of Music application
• Letter of recommendation from a Music Teacher or Band, Orchestra, Choir director that discusses applicant's music aptitude and ability.
• Applicants must take the Music Theory Placement Exam and earn a score of at least 30 out of a possible 77 points. (see below)
• Audition

BM — Jazz Studies

• Make an appointment to meet with the Undergraduate Academic Advisor, This e-mail address is being protected from spambots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it , 621-1656
• School of Music application
• Letter of recommendation from a Music Teacher or Band, Orchestra, Choir director that discusses applicant's music aptitude and ability.
• Applicants must take the Music Theory Placement Exam and earn a score of at least 30 out of a possible 77 points. (see below)
• Audition (Student must be proficient on two instruments for the Jazz Studies degree)

BM — Composition

• Students interested in Composition, please follow the BA - Instrumental Studies application checklist.
• Students who wish to be admitted into the BM program with an emphasis in Composition must pass a portfolio review following the completion of MUS 240 in the sophomore year.

BA — Instrumental or Vocal Studies

• Make an appointment to meet with the Undergraduate Academic Advisor, This e-mail address is being protected from spambots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it , 621-1656
• School of Music application
• Letter of recommendation from a Music Teacher or Band, Orchestra, Choir director that discusses applicant's music aptitude and ability.
• Applicants must take the Music Theory Placement Exam and earn a score of at least 30 out of a possible 77 points. (see below)
• Audition

BA — Integrated Studies or Theory/History/Criticism

• Make an appointment to meet with the Undergraduate Academic Advisor, This e-mail address is being protected from spambots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it , 621-1656
• School of Music application
• Letter of recommendation from a Music Teacher or Band, Orchestra, Choir director that discusses applicant's music aptitude and ability.
• Applicants must take the Music Theory Placement Exam and earn a score of at least 30 out of a possible 77 points. (see below)
• No audition is required

Online Music Theory Readiness Exam:

The music theory readiness exam is designed to determine if a prospective student possess the necessary theory skills in order to be successful in the first semester of required music theory. Prospective students will need to have access to a computer with speaker to complete the exam.

Recommended Music Theory Knowledge for students Applying to the Undergraduate Music Program.

1. Music Theory
   • Able to read notes in both treble and bass clef
   • Know how to construct and identify whole steps, half steps, and enharmonic equivalents
   • Able to construct the major and three kinds of minor scales
   • Understand meter signatures and be able to a barlines or to complete measures with notes and/or rests of correct duration
   • Understand how to write two contrapuntal parts with different rhythms so that simultaneous notes are aligned vertically and durations are correctly indicated
   • Know how to construct and identify diatonic intervals
   • Know how to construct and identify triads and some seventh chords
2. Aural Skills
   • Able to match both pitches in their singing range and pitch classes in a register outside their singing range
   • Able to sing simple scalar passages and major and minor triads with good intonation
   • Able to sing a familiar tune with good intonation and steady rhythm
   • Able to sing at sight a simple diatonic melody that includes stepwise motion and small skips
   • Able to identify a melody from its notation and spot errors in a a mis-notated melody
   • Able to identify meters aurally, including the presence or absence of upbeats
3. General Musical Knowledge and Abilities
   • Able to follow along with the printed score while listening to piano music or music for piano and one other instrument
   • Able to listen to music in a focused way and to independently note details of melody, rhythm and texture
   • Some listening familiarity with Classical music of the Baroque, Classical, Romantic and early 20th Century periods
   • Some listening familiarity with American folk music, African-American spirituals, historical and contemporary jazz, rock and other common styles of vernacular music

All students auditioning for the School of Music must pass the readiness exam in the areas of Music Theory and Aural Skills in order to register for freshman-level theory.

Suggested resources to help review music theory and/or aural skills fundamentals:

• Scales, Intervals, Keys, Triads, Rhythm, and Meter: A Programmed Course in Elementary Music Theory with an Introduction to Partwriting, by John Clough, Joyce Conley, and Claire Boge. W.W. Norton and Co.., 3rd edition. ISBN 0393973697
• Music Theory On Line (http://music-theory.com)
• MiBAC Music Software (www.mibac.com)
• MacGamut Music Software (www.macgamut.com)

Please contact David McGuiggan at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it or 621-1655 to make arrangements to take the online exam.