Music Admissions FAQs

Yes, music majors must audition. The repertoire requirements vary by instrument, but are the same for all three of our degrees—Music Performance, Music Education, and Bachelor of Arts in Music. Review the audition repertoire requirements for details. Media Scoring majors must also submit original scores (see below).

Music minors do audition, but typically after arriving at VCU (during the first semester). We encourage you to contact us during the application process so you get to know us and learn about everything we offer. If you are considering a minor in music or just continuing to make music for pleasure while at VCU, please email the professor for your instrument.

You can also visit VCU Music during your application year by signing up for shadow day.

All students applying for the Media Scoring concentration are required to audition on their primary instrument. Additionally, students must submit two original compositions or arrangements—each 1 to 2 minutes in duration—in audio or video format. These should demonstrate your experience and skills in digital music production or scoring for media projects. Any style or genre is acceptable, though instrumental music selections (not songs) are preferred.

First-Year (Freshman) Students:
After you have applied through the Common App, you will receive an email invitation to the VCU Application Portal. Log in with your pin, then schedule your live audition in the portal (or, if you choose, submit a recorded audition). We always recommend auditioning in person, if possible. It’s a great opportunity to get to know us and our current students and explore the campus!

Transfer Students:
You will be applying in the VCU Application Portal, and that’s also where you will schedule your live audition (or, if you choose, submit a recorded audition). We always recommend auditioning in person, if possible. It’s a great opportunity to get to know us and our current students and explore the campus!

A Reminder of the Admissions Steps for Music Applicants:

• First-year (freshman): Apply through the Common App by Nov. 1 or Jan 15.
  Transfer: Apply in the VCU Portal by March 15.
• Submit transcripts. Submitting test scores is optional.
• Check your email for an invitation with a PIN to the VCU Application Portal. There, you will choose either a live audition date or the recorded audition option.
• Perform your live audition or submit your recordings.
  (Media scoring applicants will also submit two original compositions).

We don’t provide an exact audition time—you are given an arrival time. Students arrive in clusters and you will receive your approximate audition time once you arrive. Don’t worry—we will make sure you have time to warm up and get settled before your audition.

Please contact apply4music@vcu.edu to reschedule!

Recorded auditions follow the same requirements as live auditions. 

Please upload three individual video files, each under 25MB, of your prepared material in the VCU Application Portal.

Yes! We have a visiting process called shadow day. Come spend the day with us, sit in on classes, meet current students and receive a free private lesson. Learn more and sign up.

Until all steps of the application process are complete, you’ll get automatic reminders from the system, with an indication of exactly what’s missing. For example, if you have scheduled your audition, but it hasn’t happened yet, you’ll get reminders for that.

If you have questions about what’s missing from your application, email apply4music@vcu.edu.

There is no separate letter from the university. You will only receive one letter/email of acceptance, and that’s from the School of the Arts Music Department.

We admit students on a rolling basis. Once all of your application materials are complete (including transcripts) and you have performed your audition, decisions should take about 10 days.

First Year applicants: If you apply by the November 1 deadline, submit transcripts and audition, you’ll automatically be considered for university and Department of Music scholarships. You will still be considered for department scholarships if you apply by January 15.

Scholarship decisions are typically released beginning in mid-spring. There are university scholarships (for high academics), School of the Arts scholarships, and Department of Music scholarships. These notifications go out at various times, and scholarships from the department are released in rounds.

Contact us apply4music@vcu.edu if you have any questions about scholarship status or notification.