Music Admissions FAQs

No, you need to submit transcripts, letters of recommendation and test scores. As well as, sign up for your audition through Slate. If you have any questions, contact apply4music@vcu.edu

All music applicants are automatically considered for the Department of Music scholarships. To be considered for academic scholarships from the university, complete the essay portion of the application and submit your application by the scholarship deadline, November 1 st 2024.

We’re looking for students who are both good musicians and good students. In general, the better your grades and scores are, the better your admissions chances will be. The same is true for your sign-reading, aural skills, improvisation (if jazz) or any other element of your application.

Along with continuing to improve your technique and musicality on your instrument, you should also have developed the following skills before entering any music program – whether you are a singer or string player, classical or jazz musician.

• Matching pitch: when a note is played for you at the piano, you should be able to sing it back.
• Reading music: being able to read pitches and rhythms fluently is essential for any student planning to study music and/or pursue a career in music.
• For jazz students, the ability to create an improvised solo is a critical part of playing and studying jazz.

Once you have submitted your application and all necessary materials, you will need to sign up for your audition through Slate. We offer both virtual and in-person auditions, but we strongly encourage our students to audition in-person so they can meet faculty and see the facilities during the audition.

You can find audition requirements and in-person audition dates here.

We can send you a tentative time for your audition, but we are unable to provide an exact time of audition. Like many auditions, they may run a little behind or even run faster than anticipated.

Please email apply4music@vcu.edu if you have a conflict.

If you are confirmed for an audition day and need to reschedule, you must contact apply4music@vcu.edu as soon as possible. We will assist you in rescheduling your audition for another in-person date or virtually.

If you decide that you do not have to attend VCU as a music major, then you do not need to audition. Please contact apply4music@vcu.edu as soon as possible and let them know you would like to change your major. We will provide you with the next steps so you major can get changed.

If you have already auditioned, no worries, please contact apply4music@vcu.edu as soon as possible so we can provide the next steps to get your major changed.

If you change your major to another major within the School of the Arts you may be required to provide additional supplementary materials, like an audition or portfolio.

Applicants will upload videos in Slate after submitting the Common Application. In Slate, you will upload three videos. The videos should include the following:

• A brief introduction including your name, where you are from, what instrument you play and how long you have been playing. You should also perform scales of your instrument. Scale requirements for each instrument can be found here on the audition requirements page.
• Then you will additionally upload 2 more videos showcasing contrasting pieces. Piece suggestions can be found by instrument above. Please upload separate videos per piece. At the beginning of the video, please introduce the name of the piece and the composer.

Additionally, for all instruments, a virtual interview will be scheduled at a later date with a professor of corresponding expertise.

Once we receive your video audition and all other components of your application have been submitted (transcripts, test scores, etc.) you will receive a decision with 6-8 weeks.

Do your best with what is available to you. You can use some basic strategies to improve the quality of your recording, such as:

• Minimize background noise by turning off fans and appliances, closing doors and windows, etc.
• Set up your device on a stable surface and make sure the microphone is not obstructed.
• Do some test recordings and experiment with the placement of your device to see what will give you the best sound. Listen to the recording on more than one device if you can.
• Record your video in a well-lit space.

Please submit a minimum of three videos. One video for scales, and one per repertoire piece.

Contact Justin Alexander at jlalexander@vcu.edu for more information.

In general, auditionees only need to bring their instrument, or sticks and mallets, and music to the audition. There are special exceptions and additions for certain instruments, be sure to read the audition requirements for your particular instrument.

The audition day includes a welcome session, the audition, and an interview. You’ll have the chance to meet current students and speak with VCUarts Music faculty members. Your parents may also attend a panel discussion and have the opportunity to ask questions of faculty, students, and alumni.

Applicants who apply by the application deadline and complete an audition will be notified of their admission status by April 1. Please check your online application to confirm that we have received all required application materials including your transcripts and SAT scores.