All undergraduate applicants interested in pursuing a major in music must apply to the DePaul School of Music by December 1. Students apply to DePaul on the Common Application. All music applicants, regardless of intended major, must also perform an entrance audition on either a classical or a jazz instrument in order to be considered for admission to the School of Music.
Pre-Screening Recordings
Vocalists, Violinists, String Bassists and All Jazz Instrumentalists: In addition to your online application, you must submit a pre-audition screening video through our upload page, under "Portfolio Submission", by December 1. All recordings received after December 1 will only be considered based on the availability of audition times.
Upon passing the pre-audition screening, you will receive notification no later than December 20 inviting you to schedule your live audition.
At this time, pre-screening videos are not required for any instruments other than voice, violin, string bass and all jazz instruments.
Important Deadlines
Application deadline - December 1
Pre-screening video deadline - December 1
Composition portfolio deadline - February 1
Sound Recording Technology portfolio deadline - February 1
Audition recording deadline (for applicants outside the U.S.) - February 1
Non-performance track video audition submission deadline - February 1
All admission decisions sent to undergraduate applicants - by April 1
Auditions
For more information about auditions, including repertoire requirements, visit our Audition Page.
Live, on-campus auditions are required of all undergraduate applicants except those pursuing a non-performance track for Sound Recording Technology, and usually take place on weekends in February. This year, we are expanding our auditions times and locations. Regional Auditions will be available to all instruments except percussion in:
Atlanta: December 30th from 10:15am-5:15pm at the Steinway Piano Galleries in Alpharetta, GA
Los Angeles: January 19th from 4-7pm and January 20th from 9am-2pm at the Colburn School
Recorded auditions are acceptable for students currently residing outside of the continental United States and those pursuing the non-performance SRT track. These students should submit a recorded audition through our upload page, under "Portfolio Submission", by February 1.
Portfolios
Composition Portfolios
Undergraduate applicants intending to major in composition are required to submit a portfolio by February 1. The portfolio should include a list of works you have composed during the past three years and scores for 2 to 3 works that represent your compositional vocabulary and style. Composition portfolios should be submitted through our upload page, under "Portfolio Submission".
Sound Recording Technology Portfolios
Undergraduate applicants intending to major in Sound Recording Technology are permitted to submit a portfolio, although it is not required. Submissions may include any recording or video projects you have created that exhibit an understanding of music, video, and multimedia recording and production. Portfolios should be submitted through our upload page, under "Portfolio Submission", by February 1.
Application Requirements
Common Application
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)
We are a test optional university. Decide whether or not you would like to have your ACT or SAT test scores submitted as part of your application. If you choose to submit your test scores and they do not appear on your high school transcript, request the testing agency to forward a score report to DePaul using our college code numbers:
Official transcripts or score reports for any college credit earned during high school
Pre-screening video (required for all applicants on voice, violin, string bass and all jazz instruments)
Composition portfolio (required for all composition applicants)
Entrance audition (required for all applicants except non-performance track form Sound Recording Technology)
Recorded audition (only for applicants pursuing the non-performance track for Sound-Recording Technology)
Official transcripts should be mailed to:Office of Undergraduate Admission
1 East Jackson Boulevard, Suite 9000
Electronic transcripts or test scores should be emailed to:
electronictranscripts@depaul.edu
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the application fee?
There is no application fee for undergraduate applicants.
Can I update my application after if 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?
Yes, all undergraduate applicants must perform either a classical or a jazz audition to be admitted for any of the seven majors within the School of Music.
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 spearate 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?
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