Undergraduate Applicant Checklist
Important things to know
- Sep. 1, 2025: Undergraduate applications open for Fall 2026.
- Nov. 1, 2025: First-year applicants are recommended to apply for TCU admission by the Early Action Deadline of Nov. 1.
- Dec. 1, 2025: Preferred School of Music application deadline. Complete applications received by Dec. 1 will be given priority scheduling if invited to audition.
- Jan. 15, 2026: Complete applications submitted between Dec. 1 and Jan. 15 will be reviewed but may not be guaranteed their preferred audition date and time if invited to audition. Applications submitted after the Jan. 15 regular deadline are not guaranteed to be reviewed by faculty before live auditions conclude.
- Feb. 1, 2026: Final cutoff for complete applications.
First-Year Applicant Checklist
Complete the TCU Application.
The School of Music recommends all incoming first year applicants apply by the Early Action Deadline of Nov. 1 to receive a nonbinding admission decision by Jan. 1.
Complete the School of Music Application.
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.
As part of your School of Music application, the following items are required:
- A complete résumé in PDF format that includes:
- 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 in high school
- List of solo and small ensemble repertoire studied/performed, including composers of original compositions performed/recorded
- A one-page, double-spaced essay on the role of music in your life and why you wish to study music at the university level.
- Names and email addresses of two individuals for letters of recommendation regarding your musical accomplishments. These individuals will be notified as part of your application.
- A preliminary pre-screening video performance showcasing your instrumental or vocal ability, uploaded as part of your School of Music application.
A prescreening video is required for all applicants. Click on the link below to learn more about the pre-screening video and live audition requirements for your academic division. Composition applicants are not required to upload a video but may do so if desired.
You will be notified if you advance to the audition round.
Audition Dates:
- Jan. 24
- Jan. 31
- Feb. 7
All incoming music majors will take a music literacy exam at the start of the fall semester to assess music theory and ear training skills. Keyboard skills will also be evaluated for placement in the appropriate piano class if required.
If you have additional questions, contact:
Fund Your Education
In addition to TCU’s full range of scholarships, the School of Music offers scholarships for creative performance.
Why Choose the TCU School of Music?
At the School of Music, you'll be prepared to excel in any endeavor, becoming a globally minded, creative leader.