If you are a current DePaul University student interested in becoming a School of Music student, please visit the Inter-College Transfer page.
All undergraduate applicants interested in pursuing a major in music must
apply to the DePaul School of Music by
January 6. Click
here to access the application.
All music applicants, unless interested in the Sound Recording Technology - Audio Technology track or the Performing Arts Management - Bachelor of Science, must also complete a live or recorded audition on either a classical or a jazz instrument in order to be considered for admission to the School of Music.
Important Deadlines
Transfer Application - January 6
Prescreen videos - January 6 - only applicable to classical vocalists, clarinetists, violinists and all jazz instruments.
All writing samples - January 6
All portfolios and video interviews - January 6
Additional application materials (transcripts, letters of recommendation, optional test scores) - January 6
Audition registration or recorded audition request (request a recorded audition by emailing musicadmissions@depaul.edu)- January 15
All recorded audition submissions (if approved by admissions office before January 15) - February 1
Please note: the School of Music does not have early action admission. This is because our audition process takes place in February. All School of Music applicants will hear of their admission and financial aid results between March 1 and April 1 2024.
Please see below for the list of requirements for the application to the Bachelor of Music in Performance.
Apply by January 6.
- Pre-screening video (required for applicants on clarinet, violin, classical voice and all jazz instruments only). 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 January 6.
- 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. Please contact musicadmissions@depaul.edu no later than January 15 to request a recorded audition.
Materials (due January 6)
Official transcripts should be mailed to:
Office of Undergraduate Admission
1 East Jackson Boulevard, Suite 9000
Chicago, IL 60604
Please see below for the list of requirements for the application to the Bachelor of Music in Music Education.
Apply by January 6.
Music Requirements
- Pre-screening video (required for applicants on clarinet, classical voice, violin and all jazz instruments only). 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 January 6.
- 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. Please contact musicadmissions@depaul.edu no later than January 15 to request a recorded audition.
- Music Education Recorded Interview Submission: Prompts will appear in your Blue Demon Domain. Your Music Education Recorded Interview must be submitted by February 1 whether you are auditioning in person or by recording.
Materials (due by January 6)
Official transcripts should be mailed to:
Office of Undergraduate Admission
1 East Jackson Boulevard, Suite 9000
Chicago, IL 60604
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.
Apply by January 6.
- Pre-screening video (required for applicants on clarinet, classical voice, violin and all jazz instruments only). 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 January 6.
- Audition: We encourage all applicants, if at all possible, to audition in-person. Below are the details for each format.
a. Live auditions 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. Please contact musicadmissions@depaul.edu no later than January 15 to request a recorded audition.
- Writing Sample. Prompt will be provided by the Performing Arts Management Department after application submission. Must be submitted by January 6
- Video submission. Prompts will appear in your Blue Demon Domain after submission of your audition videos. Must be submitted by January 6
Materials (due January 6)
Official transcripts should be mailed to:
Office of Undergraduate Admission
1 East Jackson Boulevard, Suite 9000
Chicago, IL 60604
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.
Apply by January 6.
Music Requirements (Must be completed and submitted by January 6)
- Video Submission. Prompt will be provided by the Performing Arts Management department after application submission.
- Writing Sample (prompt will be provided by the Performing Arts Management department after application submission).
Materials (due January 6)
Official transcripts should be mailed to:
Office of Undergraduate Admission
1 East Jackson Boulevard, Suite 9000
Chicago, IL 60604
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).
Apply by January 6.
- Pre-screening video (required for applicants on clarinet, classical voice, violin and all jazz instruments only). 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 January 6.
-
- 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. Please contact musicadmissions@depaul.edu no later than January 15 to request a recorded audition.
- Portfolio. Undergraduate applicants intending to major in Sound Recording Technology must submit a portfolio. 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 6.
Materials (due by January 6)
Official transcripts should be mailed to:
Office of Undergraduate Admission
1 East Jackson Boulevard, Suite 9000
Chicago, IL 60604
Students pursuing the audio technology 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 in Sound Recording Technology (audio technology track).
Apply by January 6.
Music Requirements (Must be completed and submitted by January 6)
- Video submission performing one piece of your choice that clearly demonstrates your musical abilities. (This is different from the audition repertoire required for those applying to performance track. You are invited to showcase your musical abilities on any instrument with any repertoire. Those who are not proficient on an instrument are still required to submit a video showcasing musical knowledge, such as creating or explaining an electronic composition).
- Online theory test (to be provided after application submission).
- Brief written description of why you want to study Sound Recording Technology.
-
Portfolio. Undergraduate applicants intending to major in Sound Recording Technology must submit a portfolio. 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 "Edit Portfolio", by January 6.
Materials (due January 6)
Official transcripts should be mailed to:
Office of Undergraduate Admission
1 East Jackson Boulevard, Suite 9000
Chicago, IL 60604
Please see below for the list of requirements for the application to the Bachelor of Music in Composition.
Apply by January 6.
- Pre-screening video (required for applicants on clarinet, classical voice, violin and all jazz instruments only). 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 January 6.
- 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. Please contact musicadmissions@depaul.edu no later than January 15 to request 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 December 1.
Materials (due January 6)
- Official college transcript. You may also need to submit your high school transcripts.
- Transfer Acknowledgement Form.
- One letter of recommendation representing your musical abilities.
- 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 should be mailed to:
Office of Undergraduate Admission
1 East Jackson Boulevard, Suite 9000
Chicago, IL 60604
Please see below for the list of requirements for the application to the Bachelor of Arts in Music.
Apply by January 6.
- Pre-screening video (required for applicants on clarinet, classical voice, violin and all jazz instruments only). 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 December 1.
- 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. Please contact musicadmissions@depaul.edu no later than January 15 to request a recorded audition.
- Writing Sample. Prompts will be provided by the Bachelor of Arts department after application submission. Must be submitted by January 6.
Materials (due January 6)
Official transcripts should be mailed to:
Office of Undergraduate Admission
1 East Jackson Boulevard, Suite 9000
Chicago, IL 60604
We strongly encourage all transfer applicants to contact and meet with the chair or director of their intended major to obtain more information. In doing so, you will learn about the requirements of each program. For more information, contact the following faculty members:
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'm already a student at DePaul. How can I become a music major?
Can I transfer in the spring?
No, we only admit new students to begin in the School of Music at the beginning of each academic year.
Do I need to send all of my transcripts?
Yes, we need official transcripts from every college or university you have attended. We are unable to accept unofficial transcripts.
I don't want to be a performance major. Do I still need to audition?
Maybe. If you are applying for the Bachelor of Arts, Music Education, Sound Recording Technology Performance Track, Performing Arts Management Bachelor of Music or Composition, you must still complete and entrance audition, in addition to the program requirements. If you are applying for the Sound Recording Technology Program Audio Technology Track (non-performance track) or the Performing Arts Management Bachelor of Science , the entrance audition is not required. Please refer to the correct entrance requirements for these two programs.
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.