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, Composition, or Music (B.A.), 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

Note: the previously published audition date of November 16, 2013 has now been changed to November 23, 2013.

1. All voice candidates who wish to audition live in Dallas on January 18, January 25, February 1 or February 8 must FIRST submit a pre-screening video by December 1. 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).
2. Submit your audition registration by clicking on the desired audition date below.
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 see Music Composition admission requirements.

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 see Music Composition requirements.

Recorded Auditions

1. Submit your video audition registration through our online registration form. 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).
2. Audition repertoire must comply with the stated requirements.
3. Submissions are due by January 15 for scholarship consideration.
4. Music faculty may choose an interview or follow-up visit with candidates before reaching an admission decision.

2013-2014 Music Audition Dates

Dallas Auditions

• November 23, 2013: Audition (no voice pre-screening required)
• January 18, 2014: Audition (required voice pre-screening deadline Dec. 1)
• January 25, 2014: Audition (required voice pre-screening deadline Dec. 1)
• February 1, 2014: Audition (required voice pre-screening deadline Dec. 1)
• February 8, 2014: Audition (required voice pre-screening deadline Dec. 1)

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.

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. In addition, SMU Prof. Mark Feezell's materials may be helpful: complete 4 semester review notes in downloadable pdf form are available for $3.95 at Learnmusictheory.net.