Music Theory and Composition

For entrance into the TCU School of Music and scholarship consideration, students who want to major in undergraduate music theory/composition must complete all university and  School of Music Admission Application requirements and submit the following:

Composition Emphasis

Composers should submit by mail* three to five original scores (including one handwritten example).  In addition, audio files of these compositions, if available, should be mailed and uploaded in the School of Music Admission Application. Please see separate submission instructions below for applicants requesting Nordan Young Artist Award prescreening consideration.

Scores and recordings * should be mailed to:

Texas Christian University
School of Music
TCU Box 297500
Fort Worth, TX 76129
Attn: Sarah Walters

Nordan Young Artist Award Requirements

Composers should mail scores and recordings, as explained above, demonstrating considerable ability and achievement in creative work. In addition, audio files of these compositions must be uploaded in the application.

Learn more about Nordan Young Artist Award requirements.

Theory Emphasis

Upload two to three examples of analytical writing to the School of Music Admission Application. At least one example should deal with an arts-related topic.

Learn more about music theory/composition at TCU.

Masters

• Complete all University and School of Music application requirements.
• Composers upload electronic portfolio (minimum 3 – 5) original scores and recordings to the School of Music Admission Application.
• Theorists upload a minimum of 3 papers that exhibit scholarly work in music. At least one of these papers must be analytical in nature.  Written documents will be uploaded as part of the School of Music Admission Application.

Doctoral

• Complete all University and School of Music application requirements.
• Upload an electronic portfolio of original scores and recordings as part of the School of Music Admission Application.
• These will be evaluated before an invitation to campus for testing and an interview is issued.
• In addition to School of Music entrance examination requirements, composers invited to campus are tested in the areas of keyboard literacy, orchestration, and counterpoint. The results of these exams are factored into the admission decision.

Learn more about music theory/composition at TCU.