Application Process: Transfer Students
- Application Process: First-Year Students
- Application Process: Inter-College Transfer Students
- Application Process: International Students
- Application Process: Master's Students
- Application Process: Post-master's Certificate Students
- Application Process: Teacher Licensure Students
- Application Process: Transfer Students
If you are a current DePaul University student interested in becoming a School of Music student, please visit the Inter-College Transfer page.
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.
Prescreen videos - December 1 - only applicable to classical vocalists, clarinetists, violinists and all jazz instruments.
All portfolios and video interviews - December 1
Additional application materials (transcripts, letters of recommendation, optional test scores) - December 1
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 and April.
Requirements by degree program
Performance/Jazz Studies - Bachelor of Music
Please see below for the list of requirements for the application to the Bachelor of Music in Performance.
Apply by December 1.
Music Requirements- 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 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.
Materials (due December 1)- Official college transcripts. You may also need to submit your high school transcript.
- Transfer Acknowledgement Form.
- One letter of recommendation representing your musical abilities.
- Studio preference form (for flute, violin, viola, cello, classical bass, and classical voice applicants)
Official transcripts should be mailed to:Office of Undergraduate Admission1 East Jackson Boulevard, Suite 9000Chicago, IL 60604Electronic transcripts or test scores should be emailed to: electronictranscripts@depaul.edu
Music Education - Bachelor of Music
Please see below for the list of requirements for the application to the Bachelor of Music in Music Education.
Apply by December 1.
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 December 1.
- Music Education Recorded Interview Submission: Prompts will appear in your Blue Demon Domain. Your Music Education Recorded Interview 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 (separate from the Music Education Recorded Interview listed above). Please visit the specific instrument page for the repertoire and interview requirements. Please contact musicadmissions@depaul.edu to request a recorded audition no later than January 15.
Materials (due by December 1)- Official college transcripts. You may also need to submit your high school transcript.
- Transfer Acknowledgement Form.
- One letter of recommendation representing your musical abilities.
- Studio preference form (for flute, violin, viola, cello, classical bass, and classical voice applicants)
Official transcripts should be mailed to:Office of Undergraduate Admission1 East Jackson Boulevard, Suite 9000Chicago, IL 60604Electronic transcripts or test scores should be emailed to: electronictranscripts@depaul.eduPerforming 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.
Apply by December 1.
- 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 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 December 1.
- Video submission. Prompts will appear in your Blue Demon Domain after submission of your audition videos. Must be submitted by December 1.
Materials (due December 1)- Official college transcript. You may also need to submit your high school transcripts.
- Transfer Acknowledgement Form.
- One letter of recommendation representing your musical abilities.
- Studio preference form (for flute, violin, viola, cello, classical bass, and classical voice applicants)
Official transcripts should be mailed to:Office of Undergraduate Admission1 East Jackson Boulevard, Suite 9000Chicago, IL 60604Electronic transcripts or test scores should be emailed to: electronictranscripts@depaul.eduPerforming 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.
Apply by December 1.
- 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 December 1)- Official college transcript. You may also need to submit your high school transcripts.
- Transfer Acknowledgement Form.
- One letter of recommendation representing your musical abilities.
Official transcripts should be mailed to:Office of Undergraduate Admission1 East Jackson Boulevard, Suite 9000Chicago, IL 60604Electronic transcripts or test scores should be emailed to: electronictranscripts@depaul.edu
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).
Apply by December 1.
- 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 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.
- Supplemental materials. Undergraduate applicants intending to major in Sound Recording Technology must submit 2-3 files of their work. Submissions may include any recording or video projects which exhibit an understanding of music, video, and multimedia recording and production. Files should be submitted through our upload page, under "Portfolio Submission", by December 1.
Materials (due by December 1)- Official college transcript. You may also need to submit your high school transcripts.
- Transfer Acknowledgement Form.
- One letter of recommendation representing your musical abilities.
- Studio preference form (for flute, violin, viola, cello, classical bass, and classical voice applicants)
Official transcripts should be mailed to:Office of Undergraduate Admission1 East Jackson Boulevard, Suite 9000Chicago, IL 60604Electronic transcripts or test scores should be emailed to: electronictranscripts@depaul.edu
Sound Recording Technology - Bachelor of Science (Audio Technology Track/Non-Performance Track)
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 December 1.
Music Requirements (Must be completed and submitted by December 1)- Brief written description of why you want to study Sound Recording Technology.
- Supplemental materials. Undergraduate applicants intending to major in Sound Recording Technology must submit 2-3 files of their work. Submissions may include any recording or video projects which exhibit an understanding of music, video, and multimedia recording and production. Files should be submitted through our upload page, under "Portfolio Submission", by December 1.
- 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 music theory test (to be provided after application submission).
Materials (due December 1)- Official college transcript. You may also need to submit your high school transcripts.
- Transfer Acknowledgement Form.
- One letter of recommendation representing your musical abilities.
Official transcripts should be mailed to:Office of Undergraduate Admission1 East Jackson Boulevard, Suite 9000Chicago, IL 60604Electronic transcripts or test scores should be emailed to: electronictranscripts@depaul.edu
Composition - Bachelor of Music
Please see below for the list of requirements for the application to the Bachelor of Music in Composition.
Apply by December 1.
Music RequirementsPre-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.
Portfolio of three representative compositions. Compositions should demonstrate your experience working with a variety of instruments, voices, and/or electronic media. Your portfolio selections may include solo pieces, chamber music (2-9 musicians), and/or large ensemble pieces (string or symphonic orchestra, concert band, choir, etc.) Portfolios should be submitted to the upload page of your portal. Submissions should demonstrate ability to notate clearly and effectively. Scores may be hand-notated (legibly) or created with notation software. Scores may be in concert pitch or transposed; include a cover page and notation key, as needed. Scores (PDF format) are required for all instrumental or vocal pieces. Recordings (MP3, AIFF, or WAV format) of live performances or MIDI-realizations are welcomed but optional. Applications must be submitted before portfolios can be uploaded. Must be submitted by December 1.Brief video interview (3-5 minutes) addressing the following questions:What is your musical background?What is your background in composition?What are your goals in composition?Why are you interested in studying composition at DePaul?All questions should be answered and recorded in one continuous video and uploaded to the application portal by December 1.Materials (due December 1)- Official college transcript. You may also need to submit your high school transcripts.
- Transfer Acknowledgement Form.
- One letter of recommendation representing your musical abilities.
- Studio preference form (for flute, violin, viola, cello, classical bass, and classical voice applicants)
Official transcripts should be mailed to:Office of Undergraduate Admission1 East Jackson Boulevard, Suite 9000Chicago, IL 60604Electronic transcripts or test scores should be emailed to: electronictranscripts@depaul.edu
Bachelor of Arts in Music
Please see below for the list of requirements for the application to the Bachelor of Arts in Music.
Apply by December 1.
- 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 December 1.
Materials (due December 1)- Official college transcript. You may also need to submit your high school transcript.
- Transfer Acknowledgement Form.
- One letter of recommendation representing your musical abilities.
- Studio preference form (for flute, violin, viola, cello, classical bass, and classical voice applicants)
Official transcripts should be mailed to:Office of Undergraduate Admission1 East Jackson Boulevard, Suite 9000Chicago, IL 60604Electronic transcripts or test scores should be emailed to: electronictranscripts@depaul.edu
International Applicants
Visit our Office of International Admission for detailed application and admission requirements for international applicants.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 - Kate Brucher, kbrucher@depaul.eduJazz Studies - Scott Burns, SBURNS2@depaul.eduMusic Education - Sara Jones, sara.jones@depaul.eduComposition - Osnat Netzer, ONETZER@depaul.eduPerformance - Michael Lewanski,mlewansk@depaul.eduPerforming Arts Management - Alan Salzenstein, asalzens@depaul.eduSound Recording Technology - Ryan Freeland, ryan.freeland@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'm already a student at DePaul. How can I become a music major?Please see our Inter-College Transfer page to learn more about entering the School of Music.
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.