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Becoming an Undergraduate Music Major

2024 Audition Dates

December 2, 2023

January 27, 2024

February 24, 2024

March 23, 2024

An audition is required for consideration of acceptance into all undergraduate music degrees.

 


Preparing for your Undergraduate Audition

Step 1 - Submit your ApplyTexas application to TXST

All BA - Music, BM - Music Studies, BM - Performance, and BS - Sound Recording Technology applicants must apply and be accepted to Texas State.

Apply to Texas State University through the ApplyTexas application. Acceptance to the university does not have to be achieved prior to your audition, but having the application in process recommended! The university acceptance process can take up to 8 weeks after the completed ApplyTexas application is submitted. Pre-music is the major that should be selected in the ApplyTexas application if one of our 4 bachelor degree programs (BA - Music, BM - Music Studies, BM - Performance, or BS - Sound Recording Technology) is your desired major. Students interested in being considered for all TXST academic scholarships must be admitted by December 15th.

*Acceptance to the School of Music is contingent upon admission to the university! Applicants must meet the university's admission standards. The School of Music cannot change a student's university admission decision.*  

Step 2 - Submit your School of Music Application & Audition Request

Submit your online Application and Audition Request through Acceptd, ensuring you include all required media/documentation as outlined below based on your desired degree program (click on the appropriate box below to expand it for details).

Audition Dates and application submission deadlines:

  • December 2 audition date applications are due November 13
  • January 27 audition date applications are due January 8
  • February 24 audition date applications are due February 5
  • March 23 audition date applications are due March 4

Audition times are scheduled by the Recruitment Coordinator, and are released via the Acceptd messages feature approximately two-weeks before the audition date. If you require any specific accommodations on your audition day, reach out to her at the contact information below by the appropriate application deadline posted above. Be sure to turn on your notifications in Acceptd to receive alerts when messages are sent. Your messages are sent to the email that you used to create your Acceptd account which could be different than the email address you used to submit your TXST School of Music application.

**Live auditions are preferred; however, if there is a drastic time zone difference (out-of-state/international), you may select Media Only as your audition date. This selection requires you to attach a recorded video audition of the materials required by your instrument/voice part (see Audition Requirements) to the Audition Application's Media tab.**
 

For application upload requirements (based on your preferred degree plan), click on the appropriate tan box below for full details. Full degree plan details and jobs each program prepares you for can be found on our Undergraduate Degree Program page. Please explore both the media/document upload requirements and degree program details prior to submitting your application through Acceptd.

 

Audition Requirements

Select your music based on the Audition Requirements for the primary instrument or voice part indicated in your application.

BS - Sound Recording Technology applicants are required to complete an audition on their primary instrument or voice part. This is in addition to all pre-screen video/portfolio submission requirements.

Media/Document Requirements by Degree Plan

  • This program provides a general liberal arts overview of music and is combined with a minor or second major of the students choosing to lead to careers in a variety of fields. Potential careers opportunities/fields including music business, music therapy (NOTE: This degree is not the equivalent of a Bachelors degree in Music Therapy. Students must transfer to a full degree granting program prior to graduation and/or complete additional certifications through another institution in order to receive a Music Therapy degree or accreditation.), music history/ethnomusicology, entertainment law, music ministry, arts administration, and music journalism, just to name a few.

     

    Required Media/Documents

    • Vocalists must upload a pre-screen video(s) based on your admission level (music freshman vs music transfer). Details can be found on the Audition Requirements link (see link above the degree plan boxes) under vocalists - freshman - classical or vocalists - transfers (sophomores & juniors).
      • A decision as to whether you will be invited to our live auditions on the date that you selected will be made as soon as possible after your application is submitted.  
    • A current resume in either a .doc, .docx, or .pdf format. Be sure your resume includes an objective statement, all music honors, awards, and/or productions you have participated in, academic awards, organizations (e.g. National Honor Society), and any work/volunteer experience. 
    • Your unofficial transcript(s) in a .doc, .docx, or .pdf format (for freshmen = High School transcript; for transfers/current TXST students = High School transcript (if available) and all College/University transcript(s)).
      • The School of Music is unable to see your official transcript(s) that you send to University Admissions.
    • Two email addresses of music directors/applied lesson instructors and/or professional music or educational/occupational persons who have agreed to submit a positive and descriptive recommendation in support of your admission. They will receive an email request from Acceptd with a link and instructions to submit their recommendation.
      • Your recommendation letters do not need to be included before you submit your application, however, we appreciate their submission by your audition date.
  • This program leads to teacher certification for public schools, grades K-12. Areas of concentration include choral, band, and orchestra with all areas achieving elementary competencies.

    • An optional minor in Music Composition (18 hours) can be added to this concentration in the BM - Music Studies degree program. Courses in advanced theory, applied composition, and electronic music make up the Composition minor.

     

    Required Media/Documents

    • A pre-screen video(s) based on your admission level (music freshman vs music transfer). Details can be found on the Audition Requirements link (just above the degree plan boxes) under vocalists - freshman - classical or vocalists - transfers (sophomores & juniors).
      • A decision as to whether you will be invited to our live auditions on the date that you selected will be made as soon as possible after your application is submitted.  
    • A current resume in either a .doc, .docx, or .pdf format. Be sure your resume includes an objective statement, all music honors, awards, and/or productions you have participated in, academic awards, organizations (e.g. National Honor Society), and any work/volunteer experience. 
    • Your unofficial transcript(s) in a .doc, .docx, or .pdf format (for freshmen = High School transcript; for transfers/current TXST students = High School transcript (if available) and all College/University transcript(s)).
      • The School of Music is unable to see your official transcript(s) that you send to University Admissions.
    • Two email addresses of music directors/applied lesson instructors and/or professional music or educational/occupational persons who have agreed to submit a positive and descriptive recommendation in support of your admission. They will receive an email request from Acceptd with directions on submitting their recommendation.
      • Your recommendation letters do not need to be included before you submit your application, however, we appreciate their submission by your audition date.
    • A 250-500 word written statement answering the question "Why do you want to teach music?" 

     

    Transfer Students

    • The Music Studies area requires a GPA of 2.85 or higher. If your GPA is close to a 2.85, consult with one of our Music Education faculty (see Faculty Directory for contact information) prior to submitting your application.
  • This program leads to teacher certification for public schools, grades K-12 and is ideal for vocalists who want balanced studies in choral and mariachi music. Areas of concentration include choral, band, and orchestra with all areas achieving elementary competencies with an emphasis in mariachi education.

    • An optional minor in Music Composition (18 hours) can be added to the BM - Music Studies degree program. Courses in advanced theory, applied composition, and electronic music make up the Composition minor.

     

    Required Media/Documents

    • A pre-screen video(s) of you playing Son de la Negra on your mariachi instrument (any part is acceptable).
      • A decision as to whether you will be invited to our live auditions on the date that you selected will be made as soon as possible after your application is submitted.  
    • A current resume in either a .doc, .docx, or .pdf format. Be sure your resume includes an objective statement, all music honors, awards, and/or productions you have participated in, academic awards, organizations (e.g. National Honor Society), and any work/volunteer experience. 
    • Your unofficial transcript(s) in a .doc, .docx, or .pdf format (for freshmen = High School transcript; for transfers/current TXST students = High School transcript (if available) and all College/University transcript(s)).
      • The School of Music is unable to see your official transcript(s) that you send to University Admissions.
    • Two email addresses of music directors/applied lesson instructors and/or professional music or educational/occupational persons who have agreed to submit a positive and descriptive recommendation in support of your admission. They will receive an email request from Acceptd with directions on submitting their recommendation.
      • Your recommendation letters do not need to be included before you submit your application, however, we appreciate their submission by your audition date.
    • A 250-500 word written statement answering the question "Why do you want to teach music?".

     

    Transfer Students

    • The Music Studies area requires a GPA of 2.85 or higher. If your GPA is close to a 2.85, consult with one of our Music Education faculty (see Faculty Directory for contact information) prior to submitting your application.
  • This program leads to teacher certification for public schools, grades K-12 for all mariachi instrumentalists and vocalists. Areas of concentration include choral, band, and orchestra with all areas achieving elementary competencies with a concentrated focus on mariachi education.

    • An optional minor in Music Composition (18 hours) can be added to the BM - Music Studies degree program. Courses in advanced theory, applied composition, and electronic music make up the Composition minor.

     

    Required Media/Documents

    • A pre-screen video(s) of you playing Son de la Negra on your mariachi instrument (any part is acceptable).
      • A decision as to whether you will be invited to our live auditions on the date that you selected will be made as soon as possible after your application is submitted.  
    • A current resume in either a .doc, .docx, or .pdf format. Be sure your resume includes an objective statement, all music honors, awards, and/or productions you have participated in, academic awards, organizations (e.g. National Honor Society), and any work/volunteer experience. 
    • Your unofficial transcript(s) in a .doc, .docx, or .pdf format (for freshmen = High School transcript; for transfers/current TXST students = High School transcript (if available) and all College/University transcript(s)).
      • The School of Music is unable to see your official transcript(s) that you send to University Admissions.
    • Two email addresses of music directors/applied lesson instructors and/or professional music or educational/occupational persons who have agreed to submit a positive and descriptive recommendation in support of your admission. They will receive an email request from Acceptd with directions on submitting their recommendation.
      • Your recommendation letters do not need to be included before you submit your application, however, we appreciate their submission by your audition date.
    • A 250-500 word written statement answering the question "Why do you want to teach music?".

     

    Transfer Students

    • The Music Studies area requires a GPA of 2.85 or higher. If your GPA is close to a 2.85, consult with one of our Music Education faculty (see Faculty Directory for contact information) prior to submitting your application.
  • This program leads to teacher certification for public schools, grades K-12. Areas of concentration include choral, band, and orchestra with all areas achieving elementary competencies.

    • An optional minor in Jazz (18 hours) can be added to this concentration. Courses in jazz theory and improvisation, jazz ensemble participation, jazz history, and jazz pedagogy make up the Jazz minor.
    • An optional minor in Mariachi (18 hours) can be added to this concentration. Courses in mariachi ensemble, arranging, vihuela & guitarron techniques, mariachi history, and other mariachi techniques make up the Mariachi minor.
    • An optional minor in Music Composition (18 hours) can be added to the BM - Music Studies degree program. Courses in advanced theory, applied composition, and electronic music make up the Composition minor.

     

    Required Documents

    • A current resume in either a .doc, .docx, or .pdf format. Be sure your resume includes an objective statement, all music honors, awards, and/or productions you have participated in, academic awards, organizations (e.g. National Honor Society), and any work/volunteer experience. 
    • Your unofficial transcript(s) in a .doc, .docx, or .pdf format (for freshmen = High School transcript; for transfers/current TXST students = High School transcript (if available) and all College/University transcript(s)).
      • The School of Music is unable to see your official transcript(s) that you send to University Admissions.

    • Two email addresses of music directors/applied lesson instructors and/or professional music or educational/occupational persons who have agreed to submit a positive and descriptive recommendation in support of your admission. They will receive an email request from Acceptd with directions on submitting their recommendation.

      • Your recommendation letters do not need to be included before you submit your application, however, we appreciate their submission by your audition date.

    • A 250-500 word written statement answering the question "Why do you want to teach music?".

     

    Transfer Students

    • The Music Studies area requires a GPA of 2.85 or higher. If your GPA is close to a 2.85, consult with one of our Music Education faculty (see Faculty Directory for contact information) prior to submitting your application.
  • This program provides preparation for performance and studio teaching careers as well as graduate studies in all music areas.

    • An optional minor in Music Composition (18 hours) can be added to the BM - Performance degree program. Courses in advanced theory, applied composition, and electronic music make up the Composition minor.

     

    Required Documents

    • A current resume in either a .doc, .docx, or .pdf format. Be sure your resume includes an objective statement, all music honors, awards, and/or productions you have participated in, academic awards, organizations (e.g. National Honor Society), and any work/volunteer experience. 
    • Your unofficial transcript(s) in a .doc, .docx, or .pdf format (for freshmen = High School transcript; for transfers/current TXST students = High School transcript (if available) and all College/University transcript(s)).
      • The School of Music is unable to see your official transcript(s) that you send to University Admissions.

    • Two email addresses of music directors/applied lesson instructors and/or professional music or educational/occupational persons who have agreed to submit a positive and descriptive recommendation in support of your admission. They will receive an email request from Acceptd with directions on submitting their recommendation.

      • Your recommendation letters do not need to be included before you submit your application, however, we appreciate their submission by your audition date.

  • This program provides preparation for performance and studio teaching careers as well as graduate studies in all music areas.

    • An optional minor in Music Composition (18 hours) can be added to the BM - Performance degree program. Courses in advanced theory, applied composition, and electronic music make up the Composition minor.

     

    Required Documents

    • A current resume in either a .doc, .docx, or .pdf format. Be sure your resume includes an objective statement, all music honors, awards, and/or productions you have participated in, academic awards, organizations (e.g. National Honor Society), and any work/volunteer experience. 
    • Your unofficial transcript(s) in a .doc, .docx, or .pdf format (for freshmen = High School transcript; for transfers/current TXST students = High School transcript (if available) and all College/University transcript(s)).
      • The School of Music is unable to see your official transcript(s) that you send to University Admissions.

    • Two email addresses of music directors/applied lesson instructors and/or professional music or educational/occupational persons who have agreed to submit a positive and descriptive recommendation in support of your admission. They will receive an email request from Acceptd with directions on submitting their recommendation.

      • Your recommendation letters do not need to be included before you submit your application, however, we appreciate their submission by your audition date.

  • This program provides preparation for performance and studio teaching careers as well as graduate studies in all music areas.

    • An optional minor in Music Composition (18 hours) can be added to the BM - Performance degree program. Courses in advanced theory, applied composition, and electronic music make up the Composition minor.

     

    Required Documents

    • A current resume in either a .doc, .docx, or .pdf format. Be sure your resume includes an objective statement, all music honors, awards, and/or productions you have participated in, academic awards, organizations (e.g. National Honor Society), and any work/volunteer experience. 
    • Your unofficial transcript(s) in a .doc, .docx, or .pdf format (for freshmen = High School transcript; for transfers/current TXST students = High School transcript (if available) and all College/University transcript(s)).
      • The School of Music is unable to see your official transcript(s) that you send to University Admissions.

    • Two email addresses of music directors/applied lesson instructors and/or professional music or educational/occupational persons who have agreed to submit a positive and descriptive recommendation in support of your admission. They will receive an email request from Acceptd with directions on submitting their recommendation.

      • Your recommendation letters do not need to be included before you submit your application, however, we appreciate their submission by your audition date.

  • This program provides preparation for performance and studio teaching careers as well as graduate studies in all music areas.

    • An optional minor in Music Composition (18 hours) can be added to the BM - Performance degree program. Courses in advanced theory, applied composition, and electronic music make up the Composition minor.

     

    Required Documents

    • A current resume in either a .doc, .docx, or .pdf format. Be sure your resume includes an objective statement, all music honors, awards, and/or productions you have participated in, academic awards, organizations (e.g. National Honor Society), and any work/volunteer experience. 
    • Your unofficial transcript(s) in a .doc, .docx, or .pdf format (for freshmen = High School transcript; for transfers/current TXST students = High School transcript (if available) and all College/University transcript(s)).
      • The School of Music is unable to see your official transcript(s) that you send to University Admissions.

    • Two email addresses of music directors/applied lesson instructors and/or professional music or educational/occupational persons who have agreed to submit a positive and descriptive recommendation in support of your admission. They will receive an email request from Acceptd with directions on submitting their recommendation.

      • Your recommendation letters do not need to be included before you submit your application, however, we appreciate their submission by your audition date.

  • This program provides preparation for performance and studio teaching careers as well as graduate studies in all music areas.

    • An optional minor in Opera (20 hours) can be added to this concentration. Courses in opera, acting/theatre, dance, and language (Italian, French, or German) make up the Opera minor.
    • An optional minor in Music Composition (18 hours) can be added to the BM - Performance degree program. Courses in advanced theory, applied composition, and electronic music make up the Composition minor.

     

    Required Media/Documents

    • A pre-screen video(s) based on your admission level (music freshman vs music transfer). Details can be found on the Audition Requirements link (see the link above the degree plan boxes) under vocalists - freshman - classical or vocalists - transfers (sophomores & juniors). 
      • A decision as to whether you will be invited to our live auditions on the date that you selected will be made as soon as possible after your application is submitted.  
    • A current resume in either a .doc, .docx, or .pdf format. Be sure your resume includes an objective statement, all music honors, awards, and/or productions you have participated in, academic awards, organizations (e.g. National Honor Society), and any work/volunteer experience. 
    • Your unofficial transcript(s) in a .doc, .docx, or .pdf format (for freshmen = High School transcript; for transfers/current TXST students = High School transcript (if available) and all College/University transcript(s)).
      • The School of Music is unable to see your official transcript(s) that you send to University Admissions.

    • Two email addresses of music directors/applied lesson instructors and/or professional music or educational/occupational persons who have agreed to submit a positive and descriptive recommendation in support of your admission. They will receive an email request from Acceptd with directions on submitting their recommendation.

      • Your recommendation letters do not need to be included before you submit your application, however, we appreciate their submission by your audition date.

  • The Sound Recording Technology (SRT) program is the only one of its kind in the Southwest. It trains students to enter into the recording industry in various capacities. Potential careers include music producers, live sound technicians, and post-production editors. Please visit the SRT website for complete information.

    • An optional minor in Music Composition (18 hours) can be added to the BS - Sound Recording Technology degree program. Courses in advanced theory, applied composition, and electronic music make up the Composition minor.

    Note: Percussionists interested in the SRT degree program may audition on classical percussion instruments or on Drum Set only. However, if a student completes a classical percussion audition and is accepted into the SRT program, their applied lessons will be exclusively on Drum Set.

     

    Required Media/Documents

    • Vocalists must upload a pre-screen video(s) based on your admission level (music freshman vs music transfer). Details can be found on the Audition Requirements link (see link above the degree plan boxes) under vocalists - freshman - classical or vocalists - transfers (sophomores & juniors). 
    • All applicants must upload a SRT pre-screen video (60 seconds minimum – 90 seconds maximum)
      • Discuss why you think this is an appropriate major for you. You can address this in any way you choose; including, but not limited to: your background, experiences, career goals, academics, musicianship, equipment you own or have access to, or personal issues. What do you think are the most important things we need to know about you? It is imperative that you organize your thoughts to present a compelling presentation.
      • Acceptable formats (either raw files or URLs): MPEG4, Vimeo or YouTube. No DVD, Blu-Ray, or optical discs will be accepted. The quality of the video is not used in the selection process. It is recommended that you use the built in web-cam in a laptop, a cell phone, or any other device capable of capturing both audio and video.
    • A current resume in either a .doc, .docx, or .pdf format. Be sure your resume includes an objective statement, all music honors, awards, and/or productions you have participated in, academic awards, organizations (e.g. National Honor Society), and any work/volunteer experience. 
    • Your unofficial transcript(s) in a .doc, .docx, or .pdf format (for freshmen = High School transcript; for transfers/current TXST students = High School transcript (if available) and all College/University transcript(s)).
      • The School of Music is unable to see your official transcript(s) that you send to University Admissions.

    • Three email addresses of music directors/applied lesson instructors and/or professional music or educational/occupational persons who have agreed to submit a positive and descriptive recommendation in support of your admission. They will receive an email request from Acceptd with directions on submitting their recommendation.

      • Your recommendation letters do not need to be included before you submit your application, however, we appreciate their submission by your audition date.

     

    A decision as to whether you will be invited to our live auditions and interviews with the Voice and Sound Recording Faculty on the date that you selected will be made as soon as possible after your application is submitted.  


Audition Day Information

  • 8:30am: Check-in Begins
    • If your first activity (audition and/or interview) is in the late morning or afternoon, you do not need to arrive at 8:30am, however, you must arrive at least 15-minutes prior to your first activity (audition and/or interview time).
  • 8:45am: Campus tours begin and will be offered every 30 - 45-minutes throughout the audition day led by one of our School of Music Ambassadors. All tours include a walk through of the Performing Arts Center and Recital Hall. 
    • Comfortable walking shoes are recommended.
  • 9:00am: Auditions and SRT Interviews begin
  • 9:30am: Optional parent/guardian question and answer session Option #1 with the School of Music Interim Director and the Recruitment Coordinator.
  • 1:00pm: Optional parent/guardian question and answer session Option #2 with the School of Music Interim Director and the Recruitment Coordinator (Spring audition dates only).

Once you complete your performance audition for the faculty on your primary instrument/voice part and your SRT interview (if applicable) for studio/degree plan acceptance consideration, you are free to leave.

Instrumentalists: An aural diagnostic assessment of musicianship skills may be performed during your audition time. Most of the below aural diagnostic activities require singing. If you are not a singer, you may want to practice these activities prior to your audition.

  • Be prepared to demonstrate your ability to:
    1. Match pitch - We play a pitch at the piano, and you sing the same pitch anywhere in your singing range.
    2. Compare two pitches played on the piano - Is the second pitch higher, lower, or the same as the first?
    3. Sing a major scale (in any key)
    4. Echo-sing a short tune
    5. Sing “Happy Birthday”
    6. Sight-sing a melody
    7. Echo-clap rhythmic patterns
    8. Sight-read a rhythm in 4/4 and in 6/8

Vocalists: Vocalization exercises may be performed to determine your range, flexibility, etc. during your audition time. 


What to expect after your Audition

  • Acceptance to the School of Music is contingent upon admission to the University. We highly recommend that you submit your TXST ApplyTexas application prior to submitting your School of Music audition request and auditioning.
  • Results are sent to you as a PDF attachment via your Acceptd messages within two to three weeks of your audition with one of three results: accepted, not accepted, or pending. Be sure to turn on your notifications in Acceptd to receive alerts when messages are sent. Your messages are sent to the email that you used to create your Acceptd account which could be different than the email address you used to submit your TXST School of Music application.
    • If you receive a pending letter, you are on a waiting list until a more definite decision can be made. An updated result letter will be sent to you when your status has been finalized to either accepted or not accepted. At the latest, you can expect to receive an update by the beginning of May.
  • If you are accepted, we ask that you return your written acceptance of our offer as soon as possible. Your written acceptance is not binding with the TXST School of Music until May 1st. If a written acceptance is not received by then, we will assume that you will not be attending TXST and offer your space to a waitlist student on your instrument/voice part.
    • If you are in an area with multiple instructors (trumpet, trombone, percussion, keyboard, voice), you will be asked to indicate your top 2 applied lesson faculty choices and provide a written description of any/all communication and/or interaction (phone, email, or in person) you have had with that instructor. Indicating a professor as your top choice does not guarantee you a spot in their studio, but we will take your request into consideration when making studio decisions.
  • Music scholarship offers will be sent via the Bobcat Online Scholarship System (BOSS) as soon as an offer has been approved. All initial School of Music scholarship offers will be sent to students by the end of March.
    • If you receive a music scholarship offer and wish to accept it, you must do so in BOSS. Music scholarship offers from TXST are not binding until May 1st.
    • If you accept a music scholarship offer from another institution prior to May 1st and want to accept a music scholarship offer from TXST instead, you must notify the original institution prior to May 1st otherwise the TXST offer is void.
  • During your summer orientation, you will meet with an Undergraduate Advisor with music coursework knowledge to finalize your fall class schedule and register for classes.


Recruitment Coordinator Contact Information

Email: musicauditions@txstate.edu