No. You will be sent a link prompting you to schedule an audition. You will also need to submit transcripts, letters of recommendation, and test scores. Visit VCUarts for the requirements.
All music applicants are automatically considered for 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. Music students are also eligible for certain School of the Arts scholarships. Some of these require additional applications or materials.
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 sight-reading, aural skills, improvisation (if jazz) or any other element of your application.
Scheduling an audition
Auditions for Fall 2023 are being conducted in-person and virtually. Audition requirements can be found here.
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’re 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. If you haven’t had much opportunity to improvise solos, you should first take private lessons from an experienced jazz instructor.
Once you’ve submitted your application to the university, you will receive an email with audition request information. If you don’t receive the email, check your spam folder. If you don’t receive it within 5 days, contact us.
No, your audition time will be assigned to you at check-in on your audition day. Audition times are generally scheduled according to when your audition request was received and what area you will be auditioning for. Since we schedule such a large number of auditionees, we cannot give you your audition time in advance.
If you are confirmed for an audition day and need to reschedule, you must contact our Admissions Office as soon as possible. We will assist you in rescheduling your audition, if it is possible. We cannot always accommodate rescheduled auditions, so you should make your best effort to attend on your assigned audition day.
If you decide that you do not want to attend VCU as a music major, then you do not need to audition. Please contact our Admissions Office in the Music Department as soon as possible to let us know that you will not be auditioning.
If you would like to apply to VCU as another major you must contact the Office of Undergraduate Admissions to change your intended major.
If you change your major to another major within the School of the Arts you may be required to provide additional supplementary materials.
Audition preparation
Auditions for Fall 2023 are being conducted in-person and virtually. Audition requirements can be found here.
You’ll want to present your best self on your audition day, so dress accordingly; semi-formal or business attire is generally appropriate. Be sure that you can comfortably play your instrument in whatever you choose to wear. The audition tips for your particular instrument may include additional information.
In general, auditionees only need to bring their instrument and music to the audition. There are special exceptions and additions for certain instruments so be sure to read the audition tips 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.
Some students prefer to bring their own accompanist to their audition day, but you may also request that VCU Music provide an accompanist for you.
If you would like VCUarts Music to provide an accompanist, you will need to indicate that in your audition request. You will need to submit a PDF copy of your music with your audition request. You should also bring your original music with you.
Students auditioning for the voice area may bring their own accompanist on the day of their audition. However, your audition time cannot be confirmed in advance, so your accompanist must be available for the entire event.
After the audition
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.
Applications are reviewed as they become fully complete. For music applicants this includes completing the audition. 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.
No. Your acceptance letter is all-inclusive. You are in!
No. If you were not accepted into the music department, but would like for your application to be considered for another major within VCU, you must contact the Office of Undergraduate Admissions to change your intended major.