University of South Florida

School of Music

USF College of The Arts

Graduate Admissions

Welcome to the School of Music Admissions Office at the University of South Florida. Our School of Music is an exciting place for study in one of the most artistically active regions in Florida. Numerous incentives that attract music students to USF include: more than 150 annual lectures, concerts or symposia; distinguished artist faculty; splendid ensembles that perform regularly at state, regional, and national music events; an exceptional jazz studies program; one of the most complete electronic music studios in the nation (SYCOM); a visionary music education program; and an environment that boasts a wide range of excellent cultural activities. The School of Music offers three graduate degree programs including a Master of Arts in Music Education, Master of Music (Performance, Conducting, Composition, Jazz Studies, Chamber Music, Piano Pedagogy) and a PhD in Music Education. The School of Music is proud to offer the highest quality education and performances in one of the finest buildings in arts academia.

We encourage prospective students to explore our website to learn about the School of Music and to visit the University to meet current students and faculty and explore our campus. Before applying, please read the Application Procedures and Audition Requirements links located on the left side of this page.  Music scholarships and graduate assistantship awards are available to students in applied areas and are awarded on the basis of competitive auditions and portfolio submissions. Note: All auditions are due by February 7, 2022.

Thank you for considering our School of Music as you prepare for your continued education in music. If at any point you have questions or concerns not answered on our website, please contact us.

 

How to Apply

Master of Music in Performance Degree Procedure

Step 1: University Application

All students must first apply online for admission to the University of South Florida by visiting the USF Office of Admissions. Applying to the School of Music is a separate procedure from University admissions. After fully completing and submitting your university application for admission to USF, applicants will receive a "U Number." This identification number must be entered into the School of Music application in order for it to be accepted. Applicants do not have to wait for a University admission decision to apply to the School of Music, you only need your “U Number”. Note: This identification number is only provided to applicants upon full completion of their university application.

Step 2: Apply for a School of Music audition/interview.

Note: there is a $30 application fee to submit your application.

Simply upload your audition videos to GetAcceptd for USF. All auditions received prior to February 7, 2022 are eligible for scholarship consideration.

To complete your School of Music application you will need your U-Number (a unique University ID Number that is generated for you once you submit your online university application). You do not have to wait for a university admission decision in order to apply to the School of Music and schedule your audition.

To prepare for your audition, visit the Audition Requirements page to find out what you will need.

Undergraduate Music applicants will also need to obtain the name and email address of at least one Reference - Music Director or Private Instructor (maximum of three).

Graduate Music applicants will need to obtain the names and email addresses of at least two References (maximum of three) relevant to the field of study for which you are applying.

Should you have any questions, please contact us.

 

Step 3: School of Music Application

Once applicants have secured their “U Number”, they will need to complete their online application for the School of Music. During this application process, you will be asked to register for an audition date. Auditions are required for all undergraduate degree programs: both for incoming freshman and transfer students. Audition dates and deadlines can be found in the Application Overview.

The School of Music Admissions Office will contact applicants with their audition day schedule approximately two-weeks before their chosen audition date. Completing a live audition on the dates above is strongly recommended. However, in the event extreme circumstances prevent you from coming to campus, applicants may contact our Admissions Director for alternative options.

Step 4: Auditions

To become a Graduate Music Performance Major, applicants must complete an audition and be accepted into a performance studio. It is not possible to become a performance major if the applicant does not exhibit sufficient performing competence in his or her audition. Only our February audition dates will be considered for scholarships and graduate assistantships, based upon the level of performance exhibited during the applicant’s audition. Please contact your potential applied professor with questions related to audition materials.

Step 5: Acceptance and Denial Notification

The School of Music will make final admission decisions for February applicants once both audition dates have been completed.

Master of Music in Composition Procedures

Step 1: University Application

All students must first apply online for admission to the University of South Florida by visiting the USF Office of Admissions. Applying to the School of Music is a separate procedure from University admissions. After fully completing and submitting your university application for admission to USF, applicants will receive a "U Number." Applicants do not have to wait for a University admission decision to apply to the School of Music, you only need your “U Number”. Note: This identification number is only provided to applicants upon full completion of their university application.

Step 2: Application and Portfolio

Please visit the Auditions Requirements page for the portfolio submission procedure and requirements.

Master of Arts in Music Education

The Master of Arts in Music Education program does not require an audition. Please see the Graduate Admissions Page for admission requirements and how to apply.

PHD in Music Education

The PhD in Music Education program does not require an audition. Please see the Graduate Admissions Page for admission requirements and how to apply.