Admission

First, you will need to apply to TCU.*

Apply to TCU

*The School of Music recommends incoming first year applicants considering a degree in music apply by the Early Action Deadline of November 1 to receive a nonbinding admission decision by January 1.

A complete résumé, to include:

• Names and addresses of your high school(s)
• Names and addresses of your high school band/orchestra/choir director(s)
• Names and addresses of your private music teacher(s)
• Honors and awards received
• Work experience and/or musical performance experience
• List of all music courses taken at the high school level
• List of solo and small ensemble repertoire studied/performed. Composers should include a list of original compositions performed and/or recorded

The résumé must be saved as a PDF file.

A one-page essay, double-spaced typewritten or word-processed describing the part music plays in your life, and why you wish to study music at the university level. The essay must be saved as a PDF file.

Names of individuals for 2-3 letters of recommendation attesting to your musical accomplishments and ability. Two are required; the third is optional except for Nordan consideration where three are required. (You will need the email addresses for the individuals who will be writing your ‘Letters of Recommendation’ so they may be notified as part of your School of Music Admission Application – you will not personally submit these letters).

A preliminary pre-screening video performance that demonstrates your instrumental or vocal ability; the video file will be uploaded as part of your School of Music Admission Application. Please note that composition applicants are not required to upload a preliminary video but have the option to do so as part of their application. For pre-screening video submission requirements, please review audition repertoire requirements in your applied area of study listed under step 4. How to create a quality pre-screen media recording.

Acceptance Policy

Acceptance as a music major requires the completion of both the School of Music online School of Music Admission Application and the general TCU Undergraduate Student Application (including teacher and counselor evaluations). However, one audition will suffice for both acceptance as a major and consideration for music scholarships. Both applications must be submitted by February 1. Music Scholarships will be considered by audition as specified by area of study until February 18, 2023. Applicants must complete the School of Music Admission Application before an audition date and time can be scheduled. Notification of general TCU Admission will be sent by April 1, 2023.

Transfer Prospective Students Policy

If you are currently a music major and /or receiving scholarship funds to study music at another college or university and wish to transfer to TCU, you must present a letter of release from your current institution before the TCU School of Music may offer you admission and financial aid/scholarship. The TCU School of Music is a member of the National Association of Schools of Music (NASM) and must follow the NASM Code of Ethics when working with transfer students. Letters granting permission to withdraw from the commitments, obligations, and benefits at your current institution must be received by the Director of the TCU School of Music, Dr. Sean Atkinson. Please contact the TCU School of Music and/or the chair/director/dean of your current institution for more information regarding this process.

Application Deadlines

November 1 – TCU Admission Early Action Application –  (recommended for music applicants)
December 1 – Nordan Young Artist Award Pre-screening Deadline  – (Acceptd-School of Music Admission Application- First application deadline)
February 1 – TCU General Admission & School of Music Admission Application Deadline –  (Final deadline)

2023 Audition Dates

Nordan Young Artist Award – Live Audition

• Saturday, January 14, 2023 (By invitation only.  See area of study for specific pre-screening requirements.)

General Audition/Interview Dates (Specified by program if required beyond online recorded submission.)

• Saturday, January 21, 2023
• Saturday, February 4, 2023
• Saturday, February 18, 2023

The School of Music has three scheduled audition/interview days for the 2023-24 audition cycle. For the Nordan Young Artist Award in Music, students are invited to audition in January after first submitting a preliminary pre-screening video for review.  See area of study for additional details.

Please note: If applicable, Auditions/Interviews will not be scheduled until the School of Music has received the applicant’s Audition Request Application. Please see audition requirements for specific area of study.

 Click on the link below to learn more about audition requirements for your area of study.

• Brass
• Composition/Music Theory
• Organ/Church Music
• Percussion
• Piano
• Piano Pedagogy
• Strings
• Voice
• Woodwinds

Nordan Award Audition

Applications for the TCU School of Music for Fall 2023 admission are now open.

Apply to the TCU School of Music

You will be asked to upload the information from step two, and a $30 application fee is required to complete the application process. Fee will be waived for First-Generation applicants, veterans, PTK members, and students enrolled in the Federal Free and Reduced Lunch Program at their high school,

All incoming music majors will be tested in the area of music literacy. This exam, given at the beginning of the fall semester, is designed to assess music theory and ear training skills. In addition, incoming students will have their keyboard skills assessed for the purpose of placement in the appropriate level piano class (if required).

Please contact Sarah Walters, Coordinator of Music Admissions; s.walters77@tcu or 817-257-4742 for questions or more information.

The TCU Master of Music degree program provides the student with resources to successfully continue their study of music with an emphasis in performance, pedagogy, collaborative piano, musicology, theory/composition and music education.

To assure full consideration for the fall 2023 term, an application must be completed online and ALL supporting materials pertaining to the application for admission must be delivered to the TCU College of Fine Arts Office of Graduate Studies BEFORE February 1, 2023. Optimal consideration for scholarships and assistantships will be given to applications completed fully with ALL supporting materials received by February 1, 2023.

January 21, 2023
February 4, 2023
February 18, 2023

*Please note that Masters candidates in conducting may have a different audition date (will be scheduled close to above dates)

To be admitted to the MM/MME degree programs, students must possess a Bachelor of Music or its equivalent, with a major in the area of proposed graduate study, including sophomore-level credit in an approved foreign language in the case of prospective majors in musicology, theory, composition, voice, or voice pedagogy. For  admission, the student must have satisfactory undergraduate preparation for the particular degree sought which includes at least a “B” average (comparable to at least 3.0 on a 4.0 scale) in all undergraduate work and satisfactory scores on the appropriate tests required by the school/college.

For international students – A minimum score of 90 on the iBT, TOEFL, 6.5 on the IELTS or 105 on the Duolingo English test is required for admission. (See more information below under Application Guidelines.)

Master of Music degree plans

Master of Music Education degree plan

For full consideration, applicants seeking admission to the MM/MME program should complete their application by February 1 to be considered for a fall matriculation. All materials – transcripts, GRE, letters of recommendation, TOEFL, etc. must be received by the graduate office by the February 1 deadline. Incomplete files will not be considered for admission.

Requested official transcripts for all college college work should be sent by an electronic transcript service or by an official mail/courier service to: tcugradstudies@tcu.edu or to TCU Registrar’s Office. Electronic transcripts are preferred. (*If sending official, sealed transcripts by mail, send to:  TCU Registrar’s Office – Transcript, Box 297005, Fort Worth, TX 76129. If sending by FedEx, DHL, or UPS: use 2901 Stadium Dr Ste 1200, Fort Worth, TX 76129 in lieu of TCU box. ) Translations must be provided for all international transcripts. Unless requested otherwise, all other items should be submitted electronically through the School of Music Admission Application on Acceptd.

Prospective applicants should consult the School of Music website links below and with faculty in their intended major area for specific requirements and expectations and additional application requirements.

To begin the application process, follow these application guidelines below:

• Complete the TCU College of Fine Arts Graduate Studies Application.
• Complete the TCU School of Music Admission Application. An additional $30 application fee is required for this application.
• On a separate piece of paper, provide a personal statement of your experience and vocational goals, and discuss how the program at TCU can help you achieve those goals. (Upload in the School of Music Graduate Admission/Audition Request Application on Acceptd.)
• CV or résumé. For Collaborative Piano – Include a repertoire list of both solo and collaborative repertoire. (Upload in Acceptd)
• Three current letters of reference from persons qualified to comment on the applicant’s academic musical achievement, teaching and/or professional experience, and potential for success in the degree program. These will be requested electronically through the School of Music Graduate Admission/Audition Request Application on Acceptd. You will need to supply the e-mail address of each reference for this option.
• Audition Video/Recording – required audition pre-screening recording(s). (Upload in Acceptd)
• Email an official electronic transcript directly from the Registrar’s Office of each institution to tcugradstudies@tcu.edu. Do not upload these in your application as they are not considered official copies. (If the last school attended was TCU, we will obtain transcripts that are on file in the Registrar’s Office for you.) Translations must be provided for all international transcripts.  If sending official, sealed transcripts by mail/courier service*, please address it to: TCU Registrar’s Office – Transcript, Box 297005, Fort Worth, TX 76129. If sending by FedEx, DHL, or UPS: use 2901 Stadium Dr Ste 1200, Fort Worth, TX 76129 in lieu of TCU box..) Please note that electronic transcripts are preferred.
• TCU Music Theory Diagnostic Exam – Required of all Music applicants. (Upload hand-written scanned test into Acceptd)
• Official TOEFL Score –Required for international students. The Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) is required for all international applicants for the Master’s degree program, and achieve a minimum score of 90 on the iBT, TOEFL, 6.5 on the IELTS or 105 on the Duolingo English test. Official scores must be sent to TCU from the testing agency. The TOEFL is waived for international students at the master’s level with a 4-year U.S. undergraduate degree. Be sure to take the exam early enough that scores are available during the admission process. Test scores must be sent to TCU from the testing agency  to school code: 6820.  See other requirements for international students.
• The Graduate Record Examination (GRE) is optional for applicants in all MM/MME programs. Student are not required to take the GRE, but are strongly encouraged to do so and submit scores prior to admission. The test scores, along with other materials, provide valuable information aiding in the evaluation and placement of students. Test scores must be sent to TCU from the testing agency to school code: 6820.
• Please read the answers to frequently asked questions (FAQ) portion of the Graduate website.
• All applicants are considered for financial aid on a merit basis.  There is no separate application for financial aid.

• Brass
• Collaborative Piano
• Composition
• Conducting
• Music Theory
• Musicology
• Organ
• Percussion
• Piano
• Piano Pedagogy
• Strings
• Voice
• Woodwinds

College of Fine Arts graduate studies

Master of Music degree offerings

To assure full consideration for the fall 2024 term, an application must be completed online and ALL supporting materials pertaining to the application for admission must be delivered to the TCU School of Music office BEFORE December 1. Optimal consideration for scholarships and assistantships will be given to applications completed fully with ALL supporting materials received by December 1.

Doctor of Musical Arts applicants must hold a master’s degree (by matriculation) in either music or music education (or the equivalent) of at least 30 credit hours from an accredited college, university, or comparable institution, and present a grade point average of at least 3.0 for all previous graduate level work (A = 4.0).

Appropriate preparation for the doctoral study will vary according to the major/degree plan chosen; therefore; prospective applicants should consult the School of Music website and with faculty in their intended major area.

For international students – A minimum score of 100 on the iBT, TOEFL, 7 on the IELTS or 120 on the Duolingo English test is required for admission.  TOEFL is automatically waived with a US bachelor’s degree and can be waived with a US master’s degree.  (See more information below under Required Application Items.)

To find out more about TCU School of Music’s doctoral degree plans, please see the TCU catalog description.

In addition, applicants must complete the requirements for the major field of study as described below:  

Performance
Applicants must submit a video recording of a live performance and include a program (PDF preferred). These required materials are uploaded through the School of Music Admission Application. *Please note that DMA, flute performance candidates will not be accepted for the Fall 2024 admission cycle.

Composition
Applicants must submit five scores of recent works with recordings, as available. These electronic files will be uploaded as part of the School of Music Admission Application. See complete admission directions.

Conducting
Applicants must submit a video recording of a recent ensemble performance and rehearsal conducted by the applicant and a repertoire list of significant conducted, as well as those prepared for conducting. These required materials are uploaded through the School of Music Admission Application. *Please note that DMA choral and orchestral candidates will not be accepted for the Fall 2024 admission cycle.

Pedagogy
Students must submit a 15 minute DVD recording of their teaching. The teaching excerpt should include a private lesson and may include a group lesson. International students should submit a video demonstrating their ability to teach using the English language. (Teaching excerpts can be uploaded as part of the School of Music Admission Application.)

To begin the application process, follow these application guidelines below:

• Complete the TCU College of Fine Arts Graduate Studies Application. ($60 non-refundable application fee)
• Complete the School of Music Admission Application. ($30 non-refundable application fee)
• Email an official electronic transcript directly from the Registrar’s Office of each institution to tcugradstudies@tcu.edu.  Do not upload these in your application as they are not considered official copies. (If the last school attended was TCU, we will obtain transcripts that are on file in the Registrar’s Office for you.) Translations must be provided for all international transcripts.

Within the Acceptd application, please:

• Submit the emails of three individuals who can provide current letters of reference. These individuals should be qualified to comment on the applicant’s academic musical achievement, teaching and/or professional experience, and potential for success in the degree program. The letters will be requested electronically through the School of Music Graduate Admission/Audition Request Application on Acceptd.
• Upload a double-spaced typed paper of five pages or more that illustrates the applicant’s writing and research skills. A term paper completed as part of master’s level work is sufficient, or the student may submit a research paper, a critical analysis, or an article suitable for publication.
• Upload a curriculum vitae that includes a list of concert performances, compositions, publications, and other musical accomplishments.

Other materials to submit to TCU (some may be optional depending on the circumstance):

• The Graduate Record Examination (GRE) is optional for applicants in all DMA programs. Student are not required to take the GRE, but are encouraged to do so and submit scores prior to admission. The test scores, along with other materials, provide valuable information aiding in the evaluation and placement of students. Test scores must be sent to TCU from the testing agency to school code: 6820.
• Official TOEFL Score –Required for international students. The Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) is required for all international applicants for the Doctoral degree program. Official scores must be sent to TCU from the testing agency. A minimum score of 100 on the iBT, TOEFL, 7 on the IELTS or 120 on the Duolingo English test is required for admission.  If you have a degree from a US institution you may apply and be considered without a TOEFL score; however, admission is highly competitive and it would be advantageous to present an iBT score meeting the minimum requirements listed. The College of Fine Arts Graduate Office prefers you have a TOEFL score if you only have a two year U.S. degree. It is automatically waived if you also have an undergraduate U.S. degree. Be sure to take the exam early enough that scores are available during the admission process. Test scores must be sent to TCU from the testing agency to school code: 6820.  See other requirements for international students.

Please note that all applicants are considered for scholarships and assistantships on a merit basis.  There is no separate application for financial aid.

Based on the results of pre-screening, an invitation may be extended to perform an on-campus audition and/or interview in the major area before a faculty committee. Applicants should not select an audition day (including scheduling travel) until they have received an official invitation to do so. If invited, the audition/interview should be arranged in coordination with the faculty in the major area and the School of Music Admissions Coordinator. Consult the faculty in your major area for instructions concerning the audition requirements, material to bring, etc.

There will be testing in both Music Theory and Music History for all applicants who audition/interview. See Summary of skills to be evaluated

Conducting DMA Auditions:

TBA

All Other DMA Auditions:

TBA

• Brass
• Composition
• Conducting
• Organ
• Percussion
• Piano
• Piano Pedagogy
• Strings
• Voice
• Woodwinds

Step 1:

Complete the School of Music online Audition Request Application and upload your high-quality video file, résumé and letter of intent. 3 recommendations are required.
Applications open on September 1.  Application fee is $80.

• Applicant will submit a pre-screening video performance for review; those that qualify receive an invitation to perform a live audition.
• All international applicants must submit a TOEFL score. Those scoring below a 75 will be required to interview with a faculty committee in the area, either in person, or via Zoom or Skype, as a part of the admissions decision.

Application Deadline is February 15, 2023.

Step 2:

Order Transcripts

• Please request one official, sealed transcript or graduation certificate be sent to TCU either electronically* or by mail/courier service**. Please note that electronic transcripts are preferred.
• This document should represent the highest level of education you have completed or are currently completing.
• This document must be received before your application will be reviewed and processed.

*Transcripts/Graduation Certificates sent in an electronic format using a service such as National Student Clearinghouse. Electronic transcripts should be sent to s.walters77@tcu.edu.

** Mailed transcripts should be sent to:
via U.S. Postal Service
TCU School of Music Non-Degree Programs
Attn: Sarah Walters
TCU Box 297500
Fort Worth, TX 76129

via Courier Service (DHL, FedEx, UPS)
TCU School of Music Non-Degree Programs
Attn: Sarah Walters
2800 S. University Drive
Ed Landreth Hall, Suite 120
Fort Worth, TX 76129

If using the U. S. Postal Service, the School of Music recommends that applicants send their materials First Class Mail and utilize the USPS’s Delivery Confirmation Service.

Step 3: International Students Only

Complete the required International Student Financial Statement found online at International Applicant Admission Information. U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) requires evidence of sufficient financial resources for the duration of studies and sponsorship verification before issuing the I-20 or DS2019 (required to obtain a visa). All documents must be original and submitted with official English translations.

• Saturday, January 21, 2023
• Saturday, February 4, 2023
• Saturday, February 18, 2023

• Brass
• Organ
• Percussion
• Piano
• Strings
• Voice
• Woodwinds

Music Minor Requirements (21 Hours)

Studio Performance Lessons, Lower Division (4 hours)

Requires four semesters of successful jury examinations designated to fulfill music minor requirement

Music Theory (8 hours)

Music History (9 hours)

TCU’s artist diploma provides intensive study and performance opportunities under the guidance of master teachers in preparation for a performance career. This program accepts only the most advanced and gifted performers who demonstrate serious potential to become concert artists through their performance and credentials.

The artist diploma is a three-year program in Piano and Strings; two-year in Voice/Opera and Winds/Percussion (Please note: The Voice/Opera Artist Diploma program is only seeking mezzo-soprano and tenor applicants for the Fall of 2023), available in a post-baccalaureate track.

An audition is required. Admission to the program is allowed only upon the recommendation of the appropriate applied studio faculty and the approval of the School of Music director.

A minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 is required to maintain satisfactory academic progress in this program.

For more information about the Artist Diploma program in Voice, contact:

Dr. Corey Trahan
Interim Director of Opera, Instructor of Voice
Corey.trahan@tcu.edu

Admission Requirements