School of Music > Admission & Aid > Application Process > First-Year Students

Application Process: First-Year Students

All undergraduate applicants interested in pursuing a major in music must apply to the DePaul School of Music by the extended deadline of January 5.

Students apply to DePaul on the Common Application. Unless interested in the Sound Recording Technology - Audio Technology track or the Performing Arts Management - Bachelor of Science, all applicants must complete a formal audition on either a classical or a jazz instrument, in order to be considered for admission to the School of Music.​

Apply by the extended deadline of January 5:

Music Requirements

  • Pre-screening video (required for clarinet, violin, classical voice and all jazz instruments). Please visit the specific instrument page for the repertoire requirements. Pre-screen recordings can begin to be uploaded 24 hours after the application has been submitted (upon receiving Blue Demon Domain login credentials). Must be received by the extended deadline of January 5.
  • Audition. We encourage all applicants, if at all possible, to audition in-person. Below are the details for each format. 

a. Live audition dates are scheduled during the weekends in February. Live auditions can be scheduled here. Please visit the specific instrument page for the repertoire.

b. Recorded auditions are available by request and must be uploaded to your Blue Demon Domain no later than February 1. Recorded auditions must be accompanied by a short interview video submission. Please visit the specific instrument page for the repertoire and interview requirements. To enable the recorded audition, you may submit a request form for an exemption to upload a recorded audition. 

Materials (all due by February 1)

  • Official high school transcript.
  • Common Application School Report from your high school counselor.
  • One additional letter of recommendation (this may be submitted through the Common App).  A letter representing your music abilities is recommended. 
  • We are a test optional university. Freshman applicants to DePaul University who submit test scores will be able to self report those test scores, using the Common Application, or later in the process, using the Blue Demon Domain, our online portal for applicants. Admitted students who choose to enroll at DePaul will need to submit official test scores prior to the start of their entry term. We will accept these directly from the testing agency, on an official transcript, or sent from a school counselor.  Our test score codes are 1012 for ACT and 1165 for SAT.
  • Official transcripts or score reports for any college credit earned during high school.

Official transcripts should be mailed to:

Office of Undergraduate Admission
1 East Jackson Boulevard, Suite 9000
Chicago, IL 60604

Electronic transcripts or test scores should be emailed to: electronictranscripts@depaul.edu

Apply by the extended deadline of January 5:

Music Requirements

  • Pre-screening video (required for clarinet, violin, classical voice and all jazz instruments). Please visit the specific instrument page for the repertoire requirements. Pre-screen recordings can begin to be uploaded 24 hours after the application has been submitted (upon receiving Blue Demon Domain login credentials). Must be submitted by the extended deadline of Janury 5
  • Audition: We encourage all applicants, if at all possible, to audition in-person. Below are the details for each format. 

a. Live audition dates are scheduled during the weekends in February. Live auditions can be scheduled here. Please visit the specific instrument page for the repertoire.

b. Recorded auditions are available by request and must be uploaded to your Blue Demon Domain no later than February 1. Recorded auditions must be accompanied by a short interview video submission. Please visit the specific instrument page for the repertoire and interview requirements. To enable the recorded audition submission, you may submit a request form for an exemption to upload a recorded audition. 

  • Recorded interview submission. Prompts will appear in your Blue Demon Domain after you have submitted your audition videos. Must be submitted by February 1. Please note: you must first submit your audition videos before the Music Education interview prompts appear in your Blue Demon Domain. 24 hours after you submit the audition videos, you will be able to upload the Music Education interview video. Both the audition videos and the interview need to be received by February 1. 

Materials (due by February 1)

  • Official high school transcript.
  • Common Application School Report from your high school counselor.
  • One additional letter of recommendation (this may be submitted through the Common App). A letter representing your music abilities is recommended. 
  • We are a test optional university. Freshman applicants to DePaul University who submit test scores will be able to self report those test scores, using the Common Application, or later in the process, using the Blue Demon Domain, our online portal for applicants. Admitted students who choose to enroll at DePaul will need to submit official test scores prior to the start of their entry term. We will accept these directly from the testing agency, on an official transcript, or sent from a school counselor.  Our test score codes are 1012 for ACT and 1165 for SAT.
  • Official transcripts or score reports for any college credit earned during high school.

Official transcripts should be mailed to:

Office of Undergraduate Admission
1 East Jackson Boulevard, Suite 9000
Chicago, IL 60604

Electronic transcripts or test scores should be emailed to: electronictranscripts@depaul.edu

Students pursuing the Bachelor of Music are required to participate in private lessons and ensembles.

Apply by the extended deadline of January 5:

Music Requirements

    • Pre-screening video (required for clarinet, violin, classical voice and all jazz instruments). Please visit the specific instrument page for the repertoire requirements. Pre-screen recordings can begin to be uploaded 24 hours after the application has been submitted (upon receiving Blue Demon Domain login credentials). Must be submitted by the extended deadline of January 5
    • Audition: We encourage all applicants, if at all possible, to audition in-person. Below are the details for each format. 

1. Live audition dates are scheduled during the weekends in February. Live auditions can be scheduled here. Please visit the specific instrument page for the repertoire.

2. Recorded auditions are available by request and must be uploaded to your Blue Demon Domain no later than February 1. Recorded auditions must be accompanied by a short interview video submission. Please visit the specific instrument page for the repertoire and interview requirements. To enable the recorded audition submission, you may submit a request form for an exemption to upload a recorded audition. 

  • Writing Sample. Prompts will be provided by the Performing Arts Management Department after application submission. Must be submitted by February 1.
  • Video submission. Prompts will appear in your Blue Demon Domain after submission of your audition videos. Must be submitted by February 1. Please note: you must first submit your audition videos before the PAM interview prompts appear in your Blue Demon Domain. 24 hours after you submit the audition videos, you will be able to upload the PAM interview video. Both the audition videos and the interview need to be received by February 1. 

Materials (due February 1)

  • Official high school transcript.
  • Common Application School Report from your high school counselor.
  • One additional letter of recommendation (this may be submitted through the Common App). A letter representing your music abilities is recommended. 
  • We are a test optional university. Freshman applicants to DePaul University who submit test scores will be able to self report those test scores, using the Common Application, or later in the process, using the Blue Demon Domain, our online portal for applicants. Admitted students who choose to enroll at DePaul will need to submit official test scores prior to the start of their entry term. We will accept these directly from the testing agency, on an official transcript, or sent from a school counselor.  Our test score codes are 1012 for ACT and 1165 for SAT.
  • Official transcripts or score reports for any college credit earned during high school.

Official transcripts should be mailed to:

Office of Undergraduate Admission
1 East Jackson Boulevard, Suite 9000
Chicago, IL 60604

Electronic transcripts or test scores should be emailed to: electronictranscripts@depaul.edu

Students pursuing the Bachelor of Science will not participate in private lessons or be required to participate in ensembles.

Apply by the extended deadline of January 5:

Music Requirements (Must be completed and submitted by February 1)

  • Video submission. Prompts will be provided by the Performing Arts Management department after application submission. 
  • Writing Sample. Prompts will be provided by the Performing Arts Management department after application submission. 
  • Online theory test (to be provided after application submission).

Materials

  • Official high school transcript.
  • Common Application School Report from your high school counselor.
  • One additional letter of recommendation (this may be submitted through the Common App). A letter representing your music abilities is recommended. 
  • We are a test optional university. Freshman applicants to DePaul University who submit test scores will be able to self report those test scores, using the Common Application, or later in the process, using the Blue Demon Domain, our online portal for applicants. Admitted students who choose to enroll at DePaul will need to submit official test scores prior to the start of their entry term. We will accept these directly from the testing agency, on an official transcript, or sent from a school counselor.  Our test score codes are 1012 for ACT and 1165 for SAT.
  • Official transcripts or score reports for any college credit earned during high school.

Official transcripts should be mailed to:

Office of Undergraduate Admission
1 East Jackson Boulevard, Suite 9000
Chicago, IL 60604

Electronic transcripts or test scores should be emailed to: electronictranscripts@depaul.edu

Students pursuing the Performance Track are required to participate in private lessons and ensembles.

Apply by the extended deadline of January 5:

Music Requirements

    • Pre-screening video (required for clarinet, violin, classical voice and all jazz instruments). Please visit the specific instrument page for the repertoire requirements. Pre-screen recordings can begin to be uploaded 24 hours after the application has been submitted (upon receiving the Blue Demon Domain login credentials). Must be submitted by the extended deadline of January 5.
    • Audition: We encourage all applicants, if at all possible, to audition in person. Below are the details for each format. 

1. Live audition dates are scheduled during the weekends in February. Live auditions can be scheduled here. Please visit the specific instrument page for the repertoire.

2. Recorded auditions are available by request and must be uploaded to your Blue Demon Domain no later than February 1. Recorded auditions must be accompanied by a short interview video submission. Please visit the specific instrument page for the repertoire and interview requirements. To enable the recorded audition sumbmission, you may submit a request form for an exemption to upload a recorded audition. 

  • Portoflio. Undergraduate applicants intending to major in Sound Recording Technology (SRT) must submit a portfolio. The SRT portfolio is your opportunity to demonstrate musicianship and technical ability to the admissions committee. Videos of you performing, either solo or with a group are excellent submissions. The portfolio could also include projects that demonstrate technical ability such as recordings you have made or produced. It can also include composition projects such as songs or classical compositions you have written. Multimedia projects such as videos or film projects are also excellent suggestions. Creativity is highly valued. Portfolios should be submitted through our upload page, under "Portfolio Submission", by February 1.

Materials

  • Official high school transcript.
  • Common Application School Report from your high school counselor.
  • One additional letter of recommendation (this may be submitted through the Common App). A letter representing your music abilities is recommended. 
  • We are a test optional university. Freshman applicants to DePaul University who submit test scores will be able to self report those test scores, using the Common Application, or later in the process, using the Blue Demon Domain, our online portal for applicants. Admitted students who choose to enroll at DePaul will need to submit official test scores prior to the start of their entry term. We will accept these directly from the testing agency, on an official transcript, or sent from a school counselor.  Our test score codes are 1012 for ACT and 1165 for SAT.
  • Official transcripts or score reports for any college credit earned during high school.

Official transcripts should be mailed to:

Office of Undergraduate Admission
1 East Jackson Boulevard, Suite 9000
Chicago, IL 60604

Electronic transcripts or test scores should be emailed to: electronictranscripts@depaul.edu

Students pursuing the audio technology track will not participate in private lessons or be required to participate in ensembles.

Apply by the extended deadline of January 5:

Music Requirements (Must be completed and submitted by February 1)

  • Video submission performing one piece of your choice that clearly demonstrates your musical abilities. 
  • Written Statement. Applicants must submit a brief written description of why you want to study Sound Recording Technology.
  • Online theory test (to be provided after application submission).
  • Portfolio. Undergraduate applicants intending to major in Sound Recording Technology (SRT) must submit a portfolio. The SRT portfolio is your opportunity to demonstrate musicianship and technical ability to the admissions committee. Videos of you performing, either solo or with a group are excellent submissions. The portfolio could also include projects that demonstrate technical ability such as recordings you have made or produced. It can also include composition projects such as songs or classical compositions you have written. Multimedia projects such as videos or film projects are also excellent suggestions. Creativity is highly valued. Portfolios should be submitted through our upload page, under "Portfolio Submission".

Materials

  • Official high school transcript.
  • Common Application School Report from your high school counselor.
  • One additional letter of recommendation (this may be submitted through the Common App). A letter representing your music abilities is recommended. 
  • We are a test optional university. Freshman applicants to DePaul University who submit test scores will be able to self report those test scores, using the Common Application, or later in the process, using the Blue Demon Domain, our online portal for applicants. Admitted students who choose to enroll at DePaul will need to submit official test scores prior to the start of their entry term. We will accept these directly from the testing agency, on an official transcript, or sent from a school counselor.  Our test score codes are 1012 for ACT and 1165 for SAT.
  • Official transcripts or score reports for any college credit earned during high school.

Official transcripts should be mailed to:

Office of Undergraduate Admission
1 East Jackson Boulevard, Suite 9000
Chicago, IL 60604

Electronic transcripts or test scores should be emailed to: electronictranscripts@depaul.edu

Please see below for the list of requirements for the application to the Bachelor of Music in Composition. 

Apply by the extended deadline of January 5:

Music Requirements
  • Pre-screening video (required for applicants clarinet, classical voice, violin and all jazz instruments). Please visit the specific instrument page for the repertoire requirements. Pre-screen recordings can begin to be uploaded 24 hours after the application has been submitted (upon receiving Blue Demon Domain login credentials). Must be submitted by the extended deadline of January 5
  • Audition:  We encourage all applicants, if at all possible, to audition in-person. Below are the details for each format.

1. Live audition dates are scheduled during the weekends in February. Live auditions can be scheduled here. Please visit the specific instrument page for the repertoire.

2. Recorded auditions are available by request and must be uploaded to your Blue Demon Domain no later than February 1. Recorded auditions must be accompanied by a short interview video submission. Please visit the specific instrument page for the repertoire and interview requirements. To enable the recorded audition submission, you may submit a request form for an exemption to upload a recorded audition. 

  • Portfolio of three representative compositions. Portfolios should be submitted to the upload page of your portal. Applications must be submitted before portfolios can be uploaded. Must be submitted by February 1. 
Materials
  • Official high school transcript
  • Common Application School Report from your high school counselor
  • One additional letter of recommendation (this may be submitted through the Common App). A letter representing your music abilities is recommended. 
  • We are a test optional university. Freshman applicants to DePaul University who submit test scores will be able to self report those test scores, using the Common Application, or later in the process, using the Blue Demon Domain, our online portal for applicants. Admitted students who choose to enroll at DePaul will need to submit official test scores prior to the start of their entry term. We will accept these directly from the testing agency, on an official transcript, or sent from a school counselor.  Our test score codes are 1012 for ACT and 1165 for SAT.
  • Official transcripts or score reports for any college credit earned during high school.
Official transcripts should be mailed to:
Office of Undergraduate Admission
1 East Jackson Boulevard, Suite 9000
Chicago, IL 60604
 
Electronic transcripts or test scores should be emailed to: electronictranscripts@depaul.edu
 

Apply by the extended deadline of January 5:

Music Requirements

  • Pre-screening video (required for applicants on clarinet, violin, classical voice and all jazz instruments). Please visit the specific instrument page for the repertoire requirements. Pre-screen recordings can begin to be uploaded 24 hours after the application has been submitted (upon receiving Blue Demon Domain login credentials). Must be submitted by the extended deadline of January 5
  • Audition: We encourage all applicants, if at all possible, to audition in-person. Below are the details for each format.

    1. Live audition dates are scheduled during the wekeends in February. Live auditions can be scheduled here. Please visit the specific instrument page for the repertoire.

    2. Recorded auditions must be uploaded to your Blue Demon Domain no later than February 1. Recorded auditions must be accompanied by a short interview video submission. Please visit the specific instrument page for the repertoire and interview requirements. To enable the recorded audition submission, you may submit a request form for an exemption to upload a recorded audition. 

    • Writing Sample. Prompts to be provided by the Bachelor of Arts department after application has been submitted. Must be submitted by February 1. 

    Materials

    • Official high school transcript.
    • Common Application School Report from your high school counselor.
    • One additional letter of recommendation (this may be submitted through the Common App). A letter representing your music abilities is recommended. 
    • We are a test optional university. Freshman applicants to DePaul University who submit test scores will be able to self report those test scores, using the Common Application, or later in the process, using the Blue Demon Domain, our online portal for applicants. Admitted students who choose to enroll at DePaul will need to submit official test scores prior to the start of their entry term. We will accept these directly from the testing agency, on an official transcript, or sent from a school counselor.  Our test score codes are 1012 for ACT and 1165 for SAT.
    • Official transcripts or score reports for any college credit earned during high school.

    Official transcripts should be mailed to:

    Office of Undergraduate Admission
    1 East Jackson Boulevard, Suite 9000
    Chicago, IL 60604

    Electronic transcripts or test scores should be emailed to: electronictranscripts@depaul.edu

What is the application fee?
There is no application fee for undergraduate applicants.

Can I update my application after it has been submitted?
Yes, please go to the Application Update Form to do so.

I don't want to be a performance major. Do I still need to audition?
Not necessarily. If you are interested in either Sound Recording Technology Non-Performance track or Performing Arts Management Bachelor of Science you must follow the following requirements:
Sound Recording Technology - Audio Technology Track (non-performance) applicants must submit a video audition of one piece (see above), a written statement of intent and perform a Music Theory test. Please contact the admissions office at musicadmissions@depaul.edu to take the test.
Performing Arts Management - Bachelor Of Science applicants must participate in an interview with the Director of the PAM program, submit a writing sample and take a Music Theory Test. Please contact the admissions office at musicadmissions@depaul.edu to take the test.
 

 

 
 
 

 

 

 Can I audition on more than one instrument?
 
 
Yes, applicants are welcome to audition on more than one instrument. However, if you are admitted for both of the instruments you audition on you will need to select one to be your primary instrument moving forward.
 

I play both jazz and classical. Do I need to audition for both?
 
Maybe. Entrance auditions affect which private lessons students can take throughout their degree program. If you would like to take both jazz and classical private lessons on your instrument while at DePaul, you do need to perform two separate auditions. If you are only interested in taking private lessons in one area, you only need to perform that audition. Students are able to audition for and perform in both jazz and classical ensembles regardless of which entrance auditions they complete.

How does DePaul award AP or IB credit?
 
You can find information about this process on the Undergraduate Admission page.
 

 


What classes do I need to take in high school to be eligible for admission to DePaul?
 
We strongly encourage all applicants to meet the following curricular requirements:
 
  • Four years of English
  • Three years of mathematics (minimum coursework equivalent to Alegebra I, Geometry, Algebra II)
  • Three years of science (two of which must be lab science)
  • Two years of social science
  • Two years of language study other than English
Visit our Office of International Admission for detailed application and admission requirements for international applicants.

Important Deadlines

Common Application - Extended to January 5
Pre-screen videos - Extended to January 5​ - only applicable to classical vocalists, clarinetists,  violinists and all jazz instruments.

All recorded audition submissions (if opting for recorded and not in person) - February 1
All writing samples - February 1
All portfolios and video interviews​ - February 1
Additional application materials (transcripts, letters of recommendation, optional test scores) - February 1​​​