Admissions

All prospective undergraduate students interested in majoring in Music must complete an audition to be considered for admission to the Division of Music. This audition process is separate* from the admission requirements of the University and allows the music faculty to evaluate your artistic accomplishments to date, as well as your potential for success in our programs. SMU Meadows Division of Music auditions include a performance audition in an instrumental area of study and also brief assessments in music theory, aural skills and sight-reading. Regardless of whether a prospective student wishes to major in Performance, Music Therapy, Music Education, or Composition, an audition is required. The same audition process is also required for admission to the Music minor.

*Note: Admission to SMU for the study of Music is contingent upon acceptance to both SMU and the Division of Music. Please be sure to indicate the significant amount of time engaged in musical activities (rehearsals, practicing, performances, competitions, etc.) on the Extracurricular Resume and Application which you submit to the Office of Admission as part of the application checklist.

Dallas Auditions

1. All voice candidates who wish to audition live in Dallas on January 26, February 9 or 23 must FIRST submit a pre-screening video.
2. To submit a pre-screening video or request an audition date visit our online reservation form. Prescreening videos may be uploaded to our Meadows website or submitted through GetAcceptd.com ($25 fee per submission with the option to submit the same recording to multiple schools).
3. Each performance area has its own requirements for your audition. Please view and prepare the required undergraduate audition repertoire.
4. If you are auditioning for Music Composition, please register through our online reservation form.

Regional Auditions

1. Regional audition locations and dates are listed below. 
2. Each performance area has its own requirements for your audition. Please view and prepare the required undergraduate audition repertoire.
3. If you are auditioning for Music Composition, please register through our online reservation form.

Recorded Auditions

While we strongly prefer that a prospective applicant audition in person, we accept auditions through a video recording. 
1. Submit your audition registration through our online registration form. Directions for uploading video will be provided upon completion of your registration. You may upload to our Meadows website or submit through GetAcceptd.com ($25 fee per submission with the option to submit the same recording to multiple schools).
2. Audition repertoire must comply with the stated requirements.
3. Submissions are due by February 1st for scholarship consideration.
4. Music faculty may choose an interview or follow-up visit with candidates before reaching an admission decision.

2012-2013 Music Audition Dates

Dallas Auditions

• December 1, 2012
• January 26, 2013
• February 9, 2013
• February 23, 2013

Regional Auditions

If you would like to complete a live audition for the Meadows School of the Arts but have conflicts with the standing audition dates, please email music@smu.edu to request a private audition.

Changes or Cancellations: If you need to make changes or cancellations to your standing audition appointment, please contact our office at 214-768-3680. Candidates may not revise or cancel audition appointments online.

Undergraduate Theory/Aural Skills Assessments

The Aural Skills Assessment will include pitch matching, melodic memory, rhythmic memory, and sight singing or sight reading on your instrument.

The Written Theory Assessment will examine your knowledge of the following: Major and minor (all forms) scales, major and minor triads (chords), key signatures, note names in both treble and bass clef, and common rhythms.

Candidates who would like to review their knowledge of music theory for auditions and prepare for college music theory studies are encouraged to use Fundamentals for the Aspiring Musician, by SMU Music professor Robert J. Frank and Kenneth Metz. This newly released interactive text/eBook allows for self-study, and is also used in many of SMU’s first-semester music theory courses.