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How to Apply

Critical Information for All Students Applying to Programs in the Department of Music

male-student-playing-bass-orchestra

Admission to all programs in the Department of Music is by entrance audition only. All prospective freshmen and undergraduate transfer students must pass the entrance audition to be admitted into Music, in addition to all University admissions requirements.

General Entrance Audition Information for All Applicants

In-person Audition Dates for Fall 2023 Freshmen & Spring 2023 Transfers will be posted soon.

  1. Submit an application to the University’s Undergraduate Admissions Office.

  2. Submit an entrance audition through:
  3. In addition, Composition for New Media requires an entrance portfolio be submitted, via the same submission portal. For more information on the Composition for New Media portfolio requirements, please visit the Composition for New Media webpage.

It is expected that students will spend extensive time in preparation for the entrance audition process: private instrumental or vocal instruction is critical. Students auditioning must demonstrate sufficient technical and musical skill on an instrument or in the vocal area to provide evidence of readiness to undertake college level instruction.

All students will be notified of their status by e-mail and post within 10 days after their audition is received.

Audition Submission Deadlines

  • Deadline for Fall 2022 Transfers who have been admitted to the University is August 15, 2022.
  • Deadline for Fall 2022 Freshmen who have been admitted to the University is August 15, 2022.

Theory Diagnostic Examination

The Theory Diagnostic Examination is waived until further notice.

Video Audition Requirements and Instructions

All video auditions should be unedited live takes, uploaded to YouTube and should include the requirements below. You will then submit the YouTube link and upload the pdf of your music (see #2 below) to our Audition Submission Portal.

Note: If you do not yet have a UMass Lowell student email account set up, you can use a Gmail, Facebook or Microsoft account to set up your profile.

  1. SCALES - DEMONSTRATE MAJOR AND HARMONIC MINOR SCALES
    • Students will be assessed on the degree to which they possess a working knowledge of their instrument, which scales they can play when asked, technical facility, and intonation. Please choose two scales each major and harmonic minor.
    • Notes:
      • Guitarists/bassists are strongly encouraged to use different positions (fingerings).
      • Percussionists will be asked to play their scales on the marimba or other pitched mallet instrument. If you don’t have access to one, you may use a piano or other keyboard.

  2. PERFORM TWO PREPARED WORKS, OF THE STUDENT'S CHOOSING, IN CONTRASTING STYLES
    • At least one piece must have sheet music; a copy of which should be submitted as a pdf with the audition materials. One of the pieces may be an original composition, however, this is optional.
    • Students will be assessed on accuracy, technical facility, musicality and expressiveness.
    • Notes:
      • As part of their prepared audition, percussionists are also encouraged to play a snare drum solo of at least intermediate difficulty (i.e., Intermediate Snare Drum by M. Peters).

  3. PITCH MATCHING
    • Please play 5 random pitches on any instrument and sing the pitches. These may be given from different sources, i.e., piano, mallet instrument, wind or string instrument.

  4. RESPOND TO A FEW SHORT INTERVIEW QUESTIONS
    • The department would like to know more about the mind-set and motivations of the students auditioning. Please answer the following questions in your video:
      • "What are your future career goals?"
      • "Why do you think the music program at UMass Lowell would be a good fit for you?"