Undergraduate Student 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 letters of recommendation attesting to your musical accomplishments and ability. (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

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