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Music School Admissions

Danielle Arnold, Assistant Director of Admissions

Eastman School of Music of the University of Rochester

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Agenda

Considering Where to Apply

The Conservatory Application Process

The Eastman School of Music’s Offerings

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Where to Apply: Different Options

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Conservatory

    • Small student body (200-900)
    • Bachelor of Music degree
    • Majoring in two instruments and/or cross-registration at a liberal arts college sometimes possible
    • Collegiate experience centered around performance and music related activities
    • Faculty in major area is an important consideration

University

    • Wide range of institutions & sizes
    • B.M., B.A. and B.S. degrees
    • Wide variety of music majors (e.g. Performance, Jazz Studies, Sound Engineering, Music Education, Musical Theatre, Music Industry)
    • Double majors & dual degrees
    • Traditional collegiate experience
    • Faculty in major is an important consideration, but other considerations also important

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Where to Apply: Questions to Consider

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What does your private lesson teacher think?

Request suggestions, feedback, and input. Teachers may suggest intuitions or specific teachers or both.

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What are your goals after college?

Your goals can help you better understand what you are looking for in a college experience. What experiences will help you achieve your goals?

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What sort of environment would you like for college?

The size of the student body and location. Are you comfortable in a city, town, or rural area? What are the students studying at this college? How will that change your experience? Narrow in on the characteristics of the institution that are important to you.

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Who teaches at this school?

Learn about the instrumental instructors at the schools you are considering. Do you have a friend that studies with this professor? Ask them what they think.

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What else is important to you?

Are there classes, student groups, professional opportunities, or clubs that you are interested in during your college years? How about career advising and special program options?

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Application Process: Timeline

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Application Process: Requirements

  • Prescreen Recording/Materials
  • Audition
  • High School Transcript
  • Personal Statement
  • Letters of Reference
  • Resume
  • Application fee
  • Demonstration of English proficiency

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  • Sometimes: Interviews, Theory Tests, Headshots

List of Requirements

  • Most music schools will ask you to select major and instrument within the application
  • Pre-screening is just as important as audition
  • Each school will have different requirements/application process
  • Look out for additional requirements by major or instrument
  • Read the instructions for the application AND the repertoire requirements for the audition
  • Recorded audition is different from prescreening

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Keep in mind…

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Application Process: Auditions

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Audition

Length

    • Be prepared to be interrupted and you may not perform everything that you prepared
    • Know where you’d like to start

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Audition

Setting

    • Rehearsal room, performance hall, classroom are all options. Ask in advance.
    • Panel may be 1 or multiple faculty.

Audition Planning

    • Most will apply to multiple music programs. Planning can help!

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Application: Thoughts for Right Now

  • Practice - daily and thoughtfully

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  • Seek out challenging music opportunities

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  • Study music theory

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  • Academic excellence

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  • Reflection on experiences

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The Eastman School of Music

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  • Classical Performance​
  • Composition​
  • Jazz Performance​

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  • Jazz Writing​
  • Theory​
  • Music Education​

Bachelor’s of Music Majors​

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The Eastman School of Music

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The Eastman School of Music

University of Rochester

    • Dual Degree Program
    • Minors
    • Campus Life Opportunities

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Questions?