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, unless interested in the Sound Recording Technology - Non-Performance track or the Performing Arts Management - Bachelor of Science, 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.
Performance/Jazz Studies - Bachelor of Music
Please see below for the list of requirements for the application to the Bachelor of Music in Performance.
- Pre-screening video (required for all applicants on voice, violin, string bass and all jazz instruments only). Please visit the specific instrument page for the repertoire requirements. Pre-screen recordings can only be uploaded 24 hours after the application has been submitted.
- Live entrance audition. Recorded auditions are only available to those applicants living outside the continental US. Please visit the specific instrument page for the repertoire requirements.
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. 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: 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
Music Education - Bachelor of Music
Please see below for the list of requirements for the application to the Bachelor of Music in Music Education.
- Pre-screening video (required for all applicants on voice, violin, string bass and all jazz instruments only). Please visit the specific instrument page for the repertoire requirements. Pre-screen recordings can only be uploaded 24 hours after the application has been submitted.
- Live entrance audition. Recorded auditions are only available to those applicants living outside the continental US. Please visit the specific instrument page for the repertoire requirements.
- Recorded interview submission. Prompts will be provided by the Music Education department 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. 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: 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
Performing Arts Management - Bachelor of Music
Students pursuing the Bachelor of Music are required to participate in private lessons and ensembles. Please see below for the list of requirements for the application to the Bachelor of Music in Performing Arts Management.
- Pre-screening video (required for all applicants on voice, violin, string bass and all jazz instruments only). Please visit the specific instrument page for the repertoire requirements. Pre-screen recordings can only be uploaded 24 hours after the application has been submitted.
- Live entrance audition. Recorded auditions are only available to those applicants living outside the continental US. Please visit the specific instrument page for the repertoire requirements.
- Writing Sample. Prompt will be provided by the Performing Arts Management Department after application submission.
- Video interview with the Director of the Performing Arts Management Program.
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. 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: 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
Performing Arts Management - Bachelor of Science
Students pursuing the Bachelor of Science will not participate in private lessons or be required to participate in ensembles. Please see below for the list of requirements for the application to the Bachelor of Science in Performing Arts Management.
- Video Interview with the Director of the Performing Arts Management Program.
- 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. 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: 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
Sound Recording Technology - Bachelor of Science (Performance Track)
Students pursuing the Performance Track are required to participate in private lessons and ensembles. Please see below for the list of requirements for the application to the Bachelor of Science in Sound Recording Technology (Performance Track).
- Pre-screening video (required for all applicants on voice, violin, string bass and all jazz instruments only). Please visit the specific instrument page for the repertoire requirements. Pre-screen recordings can only be uploaded 24 hours after the application has been submitted.
- Live entrance audition. Recorded auditions are only available to those applicants living outside the continental US. Please visit the specific instrument page for the repertoire requirements.
- *Optional: 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 that you have created which exhibit an understanding of music, video, and multimedia recording and production. Portfolios should be submitted through our upload page, under "Portfolio Submission", by January 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. 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: 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
Sound Recording Technology - Bachelor of Science (Non-Performance Track)
Students pursuing the non-performance track will not participate in private lessons or be required to participate in ensembles. Please see below for the list of requirements for the application to the Bachelor of Science (Non-Performance Track) in Sound Recording Technology.
- Video submission performing two pieces of your choice that clearly demonstrate your musical abilities.
- Online theory test (to be provided after application submission).
- *Optional: 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 that you have created which exhibit an understanding of music, video, and multimedia recording and production. Portfolios should be submitted through our upload page, under "Portfolio Submission", by January 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. 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: 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
Composition - Bachelor of Music
Please see below for the list of requirements for the application to the Bachelor of Music in Composition.
- Pre-screening video (required for all applicants on voice, violin, string bass and all jazz instruments only). Please visit the specific instrument page for the repertoire requirements. Pre-screen recordings can only be uploaded 24 hours after the application has been submitted.
- Live entrance audition. Recorded auditions are only available to those applicants living outside the continental US. Please visit the specific instrument page for the repertoire requirements.
- 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.
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. 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: 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
Bachelor of Arts in Music
Please see below for the list of requirements for the application to the Bachelor of Arts in Music.
- Pre-screening video (required for all applicants on voice, violin, string bass and all jazz instruments only). Please visit the specific instrument page for the repertoire requirements. Pre-screen recordings can only be uploaded 24 hours after the application has been submitted.
- Live entrance audition. Recorded auditions are only available to those applicants living outside the continental US. Please visit the specific instrument page for the repertoire requirements.
- Writing Sample. Prompts to be provided by the Bachelor of Arts department after application has been submitted.
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. 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: 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
Important Deadlines
Common Application - December 1
Pre-screen videos - December 1
All writing samples - December 1
All portfolios - January 1
Additional application materials (transcripts, letters of recommendation, optional test scores) - January 1
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?
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 requirments:
Sound Recording Technology - Non-Performance Track applicants must submit a video audition with two contrasting pieces demonstrating their musical ability 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 seperate 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