Music Composition

Applicants should submit (1) a portfolio of two to four scores and (2) a list of completed compositions, including date, instrumentation, duration, and any performances (recordings of performances are recommended). Those invited to interview should be prepared for a brief ear-training examination. Admission to "Performance Study Option 1" requires a classical audition on an instrument or voice.

Admission is very competitive in all programs.You must apply to the Jacobs School of Music and can arrange for a fall audition for spring semester admission or a spring audition for fall admission. For more information concerning admission and the application, contact the Music Admissions Office, East Studio Building, JS 100, (812) 855-7998. You may also want to check out the Applications Procedures page.

To find out more about the majors offered in the music school, see the Degree Requirements page on the Jacob School of Music website.

Use the following guidelines to begin to think about your options for your first enrollment, in preparation for a fall audition.

Bloomington General Education Curriculum Common Ground courses (the Foundations requirements of English Composition and Mathematical Modeling are strongly encouraged.)

Ensemble: Ensembles are recommended, but not required for non-admitted students. Ensembles meet for one or two periods daily, typically between 2:30 p.m. and 6 p.m. Most ensembles require an audition. Assignments will be posted during the first week of classes.

Performance Study: Select the MUS-Z 110, Non-Music Major Performance Elective, corresponding to your interest.

Music Theory: Music theory course selections should match your background. Take the Music Fundamentals Online (MFO) assessment.

Piano: MUS-P 110, Beginning Piano Class 1 (unless your primary instrument is piano, guitar, organ, or harp). If you wish to investigate more advanced classes, take the secondary piano placement examination during the orientation program prior to the fall or spring semester. The schedule is available from the secondary piano coordinator, secpiano@indiana.edu.

‘PLAN B’ courses: Alternative academic plans in case you are not admitted to the School.