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 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 college transcripts. You may also need to submit your high school transcript.
- 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
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 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
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 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
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 (prompt will be provided by the Performing Arts Management department after application submission).
- Online theory test (to be provided after application submission).
Materials
- 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
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 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
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 in Sound Recording Technology (Non-Performance track).
- 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 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
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'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 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.
Contact Your Area Chair or Director
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:
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 will be provided by the Bachelor of Arts department after application submission.
Materials
- Official college transcript. You may also need to submit your high school transcript.
- 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
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 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