Admission

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.

The TCU School of Music undergraduate application for Fall 2024 admission is now open!

Apply to the TCU School of Music

You will be asked to upload the information from Required Application Materials (see below), and a $35 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.

A complete résumé submitted as a pdf file, to include:

• Names and addresses of your high school(s)
• Names of your high school band/orchestra/choir director(s)
• Names 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

A one-page, double-spaced essay (pdf format) describing the part music plays in your life, and why you wish to study music at the university level.

Names of individuals for 2-3 letters of recommendation attesting to your musical accomplishments and ability. Two are required; the third is optional. (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 requirements in your applied area of study listed below under Audition Requirements for Area of Study. 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, 2024. 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 no later than April 1, 2024.

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.

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

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

Application Deadlines

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

The School of Music has three scheduled audition/interview days for the 2024-25 audition cycle.

2024 Audition Dates

• Saturday, January 27, 2024
• Saturday, February 3, 2024
• Saturday, February 17, 2024

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 2024 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 January 15, 2024. Optimal consideration for scholarships and assistantships will be given to applications completed fully with ALL supporting materials received by January 15, 2024.

*Please note that MM, flute performance candidates will not be accepted for the Fall 2024 admission cycle.

January 27, 2024
February 3, 2024
February 17, 2024

*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 80 on the iBT, TOEFL, 6.5 on the IELTS or 105 on the Duolingo English test is required for admission. The TOEFL may be waived for students who hold undergraduate degrees from a university with English as the language of instruction.Test scores must be sent to TCU from the testing agency  to school code: 6820.  See other requirements for international students.

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 January 15 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 January 15 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  to: tcugradstudies@tcu.edu. 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:

•  Apply here to TCU Graduate Studies A $60 application fee is required for this application.

• Apply here to TCU School of Music An additional $30 application fee is required for this application.

• Music Theory Diagnostic Test Please complete and upload hand-written scanned test into your Acceptd application.

In addition to completing the above three items, please include in your Acceptd application:

• Personal statement of your experience and vocational goals, and discuss how the program at TCU can help you achieve those goals.
• CV or résumé. For Collaborative Piano – Include a repertoire list of both solo and collaborative repertoire.
• Three names of 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 at the time of application (but not the letters themselves).
• Audition Video/Recording – required audition pre-screening recording(s).
• Email an official electronic transcript directly from the Registrar’s Office of each institution to tcugradstudies@tcu.edu.

Optional Materials:

• 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.

International Requirements:

• Official English Proficiency Score –Required for international students. The Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) or equivalent examination is required for all international applicants for the Master’s degree program. Students are required to achieve a minimum score of 80 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 may be waived for students with an undergraduate degree from a university with English as the language of instruction. 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.

Additional Information:

• 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, 2023. 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. Students who have earned a degree (in music) at an English-language university may be exempted from taking the TOEFL, at the discretion of the School of Music. 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.

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 and DMA, organ 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:

• Apply here to TCU Graduate Studies ($60 non-refundable application fee)

• Apply here to TCU School of Music ($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.

Optional Materials

• 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.

International Requirements

• Official English proficiency test score –Required for international students. The Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) or equivalent 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.  The TOEFL may be waived for students with an undergraduate or graduate degree from a university with English as the language of instruction. 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. 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
• Percussion
• Piano
• Piano Pedagogy
• Strings
• Voice
• Woodwinds

Step 1:

Apply here to TCU Graduate Studies and Apply here to the TCU School of Music Applications open September 1.

As part of your application, the following items are required:

• Pre-screening video performance for review; those that qualify receive an invitation to perform a live audition or to submit an audition video. For more information about pre-screening videos, please scroll down page and select “Artist Diploma Audition Requirements”.
• One-page personal statement that discusses your musical experience and vocational goals and how TCU’s program can help you achieve those goals.
• Three names of 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 at the time of application (but not the letters themselves).
• All international applicants must submit a TOEFL or english proficiency exam score. Those scoring below a 75 (TOEFL) 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, 2024.

Step 2:

Order Transcripts

• Please request one official, sealed transcript or graduation certificate be sent to TCU either electronically* to s.walters77@tcu.edu.
• 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. 

In-Person Audition Dates:

• Saturday, January 27, 2024
• Saturday, February 3, 2024
• Saturday, February 17, 2024

Virtual Audition Dates:

• Arranged at a later date with the Coordinator of Admissions, Sarah Walters.

• Brass
• 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 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