UNDERGRADUATE ADMISSIONS

Admission to the School of Music is contingent upon application and acceptance to the University of Maryland. You can read more about the requirements for admission to the university on its Freshman Application Requirements page. Transfer applicants can find information here.

Applying Early Action

The early action deadline for incoming freshmen is November 1 at 11:59 p.m. For Transfer and Current UMD applicants the deadline is December 1 at 11:59pm. The School of Music urges you, in the strongest possible terms, to submit both your University of Maryland application and your School of Music application by the early action deadline.

ALL EARLY ACTION AND CURRENT UMD APPLICANTS: You are eligible for an automatic fee waiver if you apply by the early action deadline (by November 1 for freshman and December 1 for transfer and current UMD applicants).

Early action is a non-binding early admission application round, but it affords you the best possible chances for admission and funding/scholarships from the university. The School of Music will consider you equally for admission and funding/scholarships regardless of which deadline you submit your application for, but it is in your best interest to meet the early action deadline if possible.

If you miss the November 1 freshman early action deadline, you can still apply for regular decision by applying to the School of Music by December 1 and the university by January 20.

If you have any questions about early action, please reach out to the Music Admissions Office.

Application Instructions

Undergraduate: Freshman

The application for the School of Music undergraduate degree programs and minors is a two-part process. Prospective students must apply to both the University of Maryland and the School of Music by 11:59 p.m. on November 1 in order to be considered for early action. Early action is the recommended best opportunity for both admission to the university and scholarship awards. Prospective students who miss the November 1 deadline may still apply by December 1 for consideration.

1. Apply to the University of Maryland College Park Office of Undergraduate Admissions. Click here to apply. Please indicate “yes,” that you intend to audition for a School of Music program when asked.
2. Apply to the School of Music by completing the School of Music application.
3. Submit two letters of recommendation from individuals who know your musical ability (ex: a private teacher or high school band, orchestra or choir director).
   • In the School of Music application, students must list their recommenders’ names and email addresses, and then their recommenders will receive instructions via email to submit their letters of recommendation online.
   • Please note: these letters of recommendation are separate from what the Office of Undergraduate Admissions requires.
   • We strongly recommend that the letters of recommendation submitted to the Office of Undergraduate Admissions focus on your performance in coursework in school, and not on your abilities as a musician. The letters of recommendation submitted to the School of Music should focus on your strengths as a musician.
   • You may also wish to ask your music recommenders to send an additional copy of their letters of recommendation to the Office of Undergraduate Admissions. The undergraduate application also requires two letters of recommendation, one from your school counselor and one from a teacher. While only two letters of recommendation are required by the Office of Undergraduate Admissions, you may submit more.
4. Submit a repertoire list (required) and a resume (optional). You may upload both documents as part of your School of Music application.
   • The repertoire list should include the most significant solo repertoire you have studied for your primary instrument or voice. Please include technical studies where appropriate. (Include both title and composer).
   • The resume should detail your musical achievements.
5. Upload your recorded audition and/or composition portfolio (for applicants submitting a recorded audition and/or composition applicants). If your audition video is not ready for upload at the time of your application, you can submit it on your application status page until December 1 for early action or February 1 for regular decision.
6. You may choose to upload any additional materials you would like us to review as part of your School of Music application on the Material Upload page.
7. Pay the music application fee ($50) when you submit your School of Music application. NOTE: Applicants are eligible for an automatic School of Music application fee waiver if the application is submitted by the early action deadline of November 1.

Please do not send any application materials via postal mail.

Undergraduate: Transfer

The application for the School of Music undergraduate degree programs and minors is a two-part process. All students must apply both to the University of Maryland and the School of Music.

PLEASE NOTE: Although the transfer admission deadline isn’t until March, transfer applicants should submit the School of Music application by 11:59 p.m. on December 1 in order to be considered. We do not hear auditions at any other time of the year.

1. Apply to the Office of Undergraduate Admissions by March 1. Click here to apply.
2. Apply to the School of Music by December 1 by completing the School of Music application.
3. Submit two letters of recommendation from individuals who know your musical ability (ex. private teacher, high school band, orchestra or choir director).
   • In the School of Music application, students must list their recommenders’ names and email addresses, and then their recommenders will receive instructions via email to submit their letters of recommendation online.
   • Please note: these letters of recommendation are separate from what the Office of Undergraduate Admissions requires. The School of Music is requesting two letters of recommendation from people who know your musical ability.
   • You may also wish to ask your recommenders to send an additional copy of their letter of recommendation to the Office of Undergraduate Admissions.
4. Submit a repertoire list (required) and a resume (optional). You may upload both documents as part of your School of Music application.
   • The repertoire list should include the most significant solo repertoire you have studied for your primary instrument or voice. Please include technical studies where appropriate. (Include both title and composer).
   • The resume should detail your musical achievements.
5. Upload your recorded audition and/or composition portfolio (for applicants submitting a recorded audition and/or composition applicants). If your audition video is not ready for upload at the time of your application, you can submit it on your application status page until February 1.
6. You may choose to upload any additional materials you would like us to review as part of your School of Music application on the Material Upload page.
7. Pay the music application fee ($50) when you submit your School of Music application. NOTE: Applicants are eligible for an automatic School of Music application fee waiver if the application is submitted by the transfer early action deadline of December 1.

Please do not send any application materials via postal mail.

Applicants who have not completed 30 college credits must also submit a high school transcript. Visit Applying as a Transfer Student for more specific information including housing options for transfer students.

Undergraduate: Music Minors

Current and incoming UMD students can apply to the Music & Culture and the Music Performance minors through the School of Music internal application. Click here to access the Internal Application

The Music Performance minor requires 4 semesters of approved large ensembles taken concurrently with minor level lessons (MUSP302, 303, 402, and 403). These courses add up to a combined 3 credits per semester. Students must also complete one 3-credit music theory course (MUSC140) and one 3-credit musicology elective.

Auditions for the Music Performance minor occur in person at the start of the Fall semester.

For information on the Arts Leadership minor, please see the Academic Catalogue.

Additional Information for International Students

International students must follow the above requirements as well as additional requirements specific to international students such as certification of finances and English proficiency.

For complete details on international admissions requirements, consult the International Admissions page maintained by the Office of International Programs.

Undergraduate international music applicants should refer to the requirements for international applicants. The School of Music does not evaluate TOEFL or Duolingo scores for undergraduate students, but they are required for admission to the university if you are not a native English speaker.