Music - Instrumental Performance (BM)
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The Instrumental Performance Degree
As a student in the Instrumental Performance degree program, you can choose to learn one or many types of musical instruments such as brass, including trumpet, trombone and tuba; woodwinds, including saxophone, clarinet and flute; percussion, including drums and vibes/vibraphone; guitar and bass; and piano. If you consider your instrument to be a true extension of yourself and your personality, if jazz or contemporary musical performance is what you want to do for a living, and if you’re a creative and critical thinker, then the bachelor of music in Instrumental Performance is a good fit for you. UArts will help put you on track to become a professional touring and recording musician, arranger, producer or music director. Find out more about our programs by visiting the School of Music.
Skills and Experience
While pursuing a degree in Instrumental Performance, you will sharpen your technical and improvisation skills on your instrument. You will master your overall musicianship during core study subjects of arranging and orchestration, music business, music history, music theory and technology. UArts features 19 ensembles of varying genres, including the premiere "Z" Big Band ensemble. Through private lessons and ensembles, you will increase your command of diverse repertoire and styles. Find more information on our ensembles in the Facilities tab below.
Awards and Accolades
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In 2020, the School of Music was ranked #2 in The 10 Best “Hidden Gem” Music Schools by Music School Central.
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Z Big Band tied for first place at the Monterey Next Generation Jazz Festival in 2017.
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Henry Tirfe BM ’17 won best soloist award at Monterey Next Generation Festival in 2016 and 2017.
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Z Big Band won the Downbeat Magazine Award for Best Undergraduate Big Band in 2023 and 2016.
Student Experience
From private lessons to masterclasses, you will hone your skills as a musician learning from professional performing and recording artist faculty.
A student practices vibraphone.
Student listen to an excerpt during class.
Ingrid Jensen performs during her masterclass.
A student laughs during their private piano lesson.
A student practices rhythms during Musicianship class.
Students set up instruments and gear for the Out of the Box performance.
Trumpeter Ingrid Jensen speaks with students during her masterclass.
Faculty member Randy Kapralick shows an excerpt to students during class.
A student takes a private piano lesson with faculty member AJ Luca.
Ensembles
UArts features premier groups known nationwide, such as the Z Big Band. From jazz to rock, you will get to play a range of styles in UArts ensembles and even perform original compositions.
Transfusion Ensemble features an eclectic mix of sounds. The group primarily performs newly commissioned works by current students, alumni and faculty.
School of Music Celebrates Opening of Laurie Wagman Recording Studios
The opening of these state-of-the-art recording studios marks the culmination of the School of Music relocation and renovation project which features brand new rehearsal, classroom, office, lab and production spaces.
University of the Arts recently celebrated the grand opening of the Laurie Wagman Recording Studios on the 11th floor of Terra Hall. On Wednesday evening, Nov. 13, School of Music faculty, staff, students, university administrators and honored guests gathered to dedicate the space to its benefactor, Trustee Laurie Wagman. The opening of these state-of-the-art recording studios marks the culmination of the School of Music relocation and renovation project, which started in June 2018 and also features brand new rehearsal, classroom, office, lab and production spaces.
The dedication celebration included remarks from UArts President and CEO David Yager, School of Music Dean Micah Jones BM ’97 (Jazz Performance) MM ’99 (Jazz Studies) and Laurie Wagman. Remarks were followed by a ribbon-cutting and performance by UArts’ Transfusion ensemble, a highly dynamic group that programs an eclectic mix of sounds and primarily performs newly commissioned works by current students, alumni and faculty.
“The studios are a transformational gift to our School of Music and MBET program, which is experiencing incredible growth,” said Yager upon the announcement of the gift. “Laurie Wagman is deeply connected to the students and programs at UArts through her commitment of time and financial support and her personal relationships with students.”
Both recording studios are equipped with state-of-the-art, 24-channel API consoles and Antelope interfaces. There is a surround sound system in Studio A, while Studio B has a pair of Adam reference monitors. Both studios have a number of outboard compressors, equalizers and other effects processors. Studio A will also function as a fully analog space equipped with a 16-track tape machine.
“These are some of the best spaces I have ever seen in an urban university setting,” says Dean Jones. “Now, we have an environment where our students’ creativity can thrive. I cannot express how grateful we are for Laurie Wagman’s unwavering support of the school and where it is heading. Likewise, to our president, who has not only encouraged us to reimagine our campus, but has taken action to make those dreams a reality.”
Wagman’s generosity also helped create Laurie Wagman Presents, an MBET concert series managed and promoted by the program’s students, including Out of the Box, a series which promotes experimental, electronic and improvised music, mostly composed by MBET students and often featuring guest artists working at the fringes of their disciplines.
Wagman’s philanthropic focus is in the arts, education and social services, and she has been the recipient of numerous awards for her dedication to young people. She is the founder and president of American Theater Arts for Youth lnc. and American Family Theater. Under her four-decade leadership, the two organizations have presented professional, original musical productions to more than 32 million students throughout the U.S. In addition to University of the Arts, Wagman also serves on the boards of the Kimmel Center for the Performing Arts, the National Children’s Theater Alliance and the Philadelphia Chamber Music Society.
Learn more about about Uniquely UArts, the campaign for creative capital.
Laurie Wagman Recording Studios Gallery
These state-of-the-art recording studios feature brand new rehearsal, classroom, office, lab and production spaces.
Two recording studios are equipped with state-of-the-art, 24-channel API consoles and Antelope interfaces. There is a surround sound system in Studio A, while Studio B has a pair of Adam reference monitors. Both studios have a number of outboard compressors, equalizers and other effects processors. Studio A will also function as a fully analog space equipped with a 16-track tape machine.
Visiting Artist
5 Questions with Ingrid Jensen.
Performances
As a student in the School of Music, you will get to perform with a variety of ensembles in our different performance venues.
Z Big Band Awards
The premiere ensemble known nationwide, Z Big Band, tied for first place at the Monterey Next Generation Jazz Festival in 2017. They won the Downbeat Magazine Award for Best Undergraduate Big Band in 2016 following their Downbeat Magazine Award for Best Big Band Performance in 2015.
Photo credit: Ian Douglas
Listen to UArts students, faculty and alumni on Spotify and Apple Music.
Faculty Spotlight
At UArts, you’ll develop your individual musical voice as you learn the fundamentals through hands-on education and private lessons with our professional performing and recording artist faculty. You’ll get exposure to all styles and genres of music while having the flexibility to focus on your particular niche. There are plenty of opportunities to collaborate with other Instrumental Performance students; students in Vocal Performance, Dance and Theater programs; and guest performers.
Kevin Haden
Dean, School of Music
Dean, educator, musician, composer and lyricist
Micah Jones
Instrumental Performance Program Director
Bassist and producer who has performed with Terence Blanchard, Randy Brecker, Patti LaBelle, Tiffany Jones, Patti LaBelle and others
Chris Farr
Associate Professor, Saxophone Faculty
Music - Instrumental Performance (BM)
Sax player who has performed with Eminem, John Legend, Rihanna and the Roots
Mark Allen
Saxophone/Woodwind Department Chair
Music - Instrumental Performance (BM)
Saxophonist and woodwind doubler who has performed with Tony Bennett, Orrin Evans, Lady Gaga, and the Philly Pops, among others
Steve Beskrone
Bass Department Chair
Music - Instrumental Performance (BM)
Performer who has worked with Ray Charles, Pat Martino, Horace Silver, the Philly Pops and many others
Matt Davis
Guitar Department Chair
Music - Instrumental Performance (BM)
Guitarist and composer who has performed with diverse artists such as the New York Pops, Odean Pope and the Silk Road Ensemble
Matt Gallagher
Trumpet Department Chair
Music - Instrumental Performance (BM)
Director of the “Z” Big Band; principal trumpet for the Philly Pops Orchestra and Broadway Philadelphia
Curriculum
The Instrumental Performance curriculum provides a direct and practical education for students interested in establishing careers in jazz and/or contemporary music. The core of this curriculum includes theory and musicianship, piano, improvisation, technology, and music business. Additional study topics include acoustics, arranging, orchestration, recording, and an array of music history and literature courses.
Students have weekly, one-hour private lessons in their major with renowned teaching artists. Ensemble and performance opportunities play a critical part in students’ education by sharpening technical and improvisation skills and increasing students’ command of repertoire and styles.
Areas of Concentration: Cello, Clarinet, Drums, Electric and/or Upright Bass, Flute, Guitar, Hand Drums, Percussion, Piano, Saxophone, Trombone, Trumpet, Tuba, Vibraphone, Violin and Woodwinds
Woodwind majors may elect to enroll in a woodwind specialist program that includes the study of various woodwind instruments.
Students successfully completing the Instrumental Performance program will demonstrate
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strong technique and artistry through the study of varied repertoire and technique exercises;
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knowledge and understanding of contemporary and traditional music theory;
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knowledge of fundamental aural skills through singing, sight-reading, dictation and solo transcription;
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understanding of jazz forms, improvisational concepts, and how to apply them to a broad range of musical styles;
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ability to collaborate artistically with other performers, both vocal and instrumental, as a performer, arranger, creator and leader;
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ability to compose, orchestrate and create musical arrangements; and
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knowledge of current technological applications to assist in the creation of one’s art.
Beginning your first year, coursework in the Instrumental Performance program is sequential. Each year you will have a midyear performance review, a jury performance, ensemble concerts and final exams or projects. As a senior, you will give a senior recital during spring semester.
In the School of Music at UArts, you’ll be able to take classes outside your major, including Audio Electronics, Intro to Ableton, Intro to Logic, Intro to ProTools, Live Sound I and Recording I and II. As a UArts student, you can take courses in other areas of study, such as Art History, Dance (for non-majors), Photography and Yoga. We also encourage students to take advantage of the many minors we offer, like a Musical Theater minor.
Sample Curriculum
Total Credits: 120
Duration: 4 years, full time
Major requirements: 69 credits
Critical Studies: 33 credits
Discipline history: 9 credits
Free electives: 9 credits
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First Year
Fall: 15 credits
Instrument Instruction (3c)
Ensemble (1c)
Music Theory I (3c)
Musicianship I (3c)
Class Piano (1c)
Comp I (3c)
Free elective (your choice) (1c)
Spring: 15 credits
Instrument Instruction (3c)
Music Theory II (3c)
Musicianship II (3c)
Freshman Improvisation (2c)
Music Technology Survey (1c)
Comp II (3c)
Second Year
Fall: 16 credits
Instrument Instruction (3c)
Jazz Theory I (3c)
Jazz Musicianship I (3c)
Class Jazz Piano I (1c)
Jazz Improvisation I (2c)
Science (your choice) (3c)
Free elective (your choice) (1c)
Spring: 16 credits
Instrument Instruction (3c)
Jazz Theory II (3c)
Jazz Musicianship II (3c)
Class Jazz Piano II (1c)
Jazz Improvisation II (2c)
Critical Studies (your choice) (3c)
Free elective (your choice) (1c)
Third Year
Fall: 16 credits
Instrument Instruction (3c)
Comprehensive Musicianship (3c)
Chorus (1c)
Discipline history (your choice) (3c)
Critical Studies (your choice) (3c)
Critical Studies (your choice) (3c)
Spring: 15 credits
Instrument Instruction (3c)
Chorus (1c)
Discipline history (your choice) (3c)
Critical Studies (your choice) (3c)
Critical Studies (your choice) (3c)
Free elective (your choice) (2c)
Fourth Year
Fall: 15 credits
Instrument Instruction (3c)
Ensemble (1c)
Ensemble (1c)
Business of Music (2c)
Discipline history (your choice) (3c)
Critical Studies (your choice) (3c)
Free elective (your choice) (2c)
Spring: 12 credits
Senior Recital (0c)
Instrument Instruction (3c)
Ensemble (1c)
Critical Studies (your choice) (3c)
Critical Studies (your choice) (3c)
Free elective (your choice) (2c)
Explore the Full Curriculum
Areas of Concentration
Our Instrumental Performance program focuses on the following instruments.
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Brass
Brass Instrumental Performance majors study with renowned trumpet and trombone faculty, including Matt Gallagher, John Swana, and Nick Lombardelli. Brass students at UArts have opportunities to perform in the Brass ensemble, numerous large and small ensembles, including the award winning Z Big Band.
- Trumpet
- Trombone
- Tuba
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Woodwinds
Woodwind Instrumental Performance majors study with renowned saxophone and woodwind faculty, including Mark Allen, Chris Farr, Greg Riley, and Tony Salicandro. Woodwind students at UArts have opportunities to perform in the Saxophone quartets, numerous large and small ensembles, including the award winning Z Big Band.
- Saxophone
- Clarinet
- Flute
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Percussion
Percussion Instrumental Performance majors study with renowned drum set and vibraphone faculty, including Steve Fidyk, Sherrie Maricle, Tony Miceli, and Marc Dicciani. Percussion students at UArts have opportunities to perform in the Salsa, Transfusion, and numerous large and small ensembles, including the award winning Z Big Band.
- Drums
- Vibes
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Guitar and Bass
Guitar and Bass Instrumental Performance majors study with renowned faculty, including Matt Davis, Steve Beskrone, Ben O’Neill, Micah Jones, Kevin Hanson, Madison Rast, and Ross Bellenoit. Guitar and Bass students at UArts have opportunities to perform in the Transfusion, Rock, Soul, and numerous large and small jazz and contemporary ensembles, including the award winning Z Big Band.
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Piano
Piano Instrumental Performance majors study with renowned faculty, including Don Glanden, AJ Luca, Tim Brey, and Tom Lawton. Piano students at UArts have opportunities to perform in the numerous large and small jazz and contemporary ensembles, including the award winning Z Big Band and Transfusion Ensemble.
“The interdisciplinary opportunities I’ve had have been some of the best benefits of this school. Animation majors are always looking for music and Dance majors have open jam events.”
— Raphael Krause-Palit ’21
Music - Instrumental Performance (BM)
Facilities
The School of Music offers a robust set of performance spaces, recording studios, rehearsal rooms and music labs.
- two state-of-the-art recording studios
- seven production suites
- eight rehearsal rooms
- 16 individual practice rooms
- two dedicated drum practice rooms
- four smart classrooms that double as rehearsal spaces
- one circuitry lab
- one electronic music lab featuring the 4th Moog analog synthesizer, built specifically for the School of Music at UArts
- two computer labs with keyboard controllers and audio interfaces
- two drum teaching and practice studios
Laurie Wagman Recording Studios
In November 2019, UArts celebrated the grand opening of the Laurie Wagman Music Studios on the 11th floor of Terra Hall. The two recording studios are equipped with state-of-the-art, 24-channel API consoles and Antelope interfaces. There is a surround sound system in Studio A, while Studio B has a pair of Adam reference monitors. Both studios have a number of outboard compressors, equalizers and other effects processors. Studio A will also function as a fully analog space equipped with a 16-track tape machine.
Laurie Wagman Recording Studios Gallery
These state-of-the-art recording studios feature brand new rehearsal, classroom, office, lab and production spaces.
Two recording studios are equipped with state-of-the-art, 24-channel API consoles and Antelope interfaces. There is a surround sound system in Studio A, while Studio B has a pair of Adam reference monitors. Both studios have a number of outboard compressors, equalizers and other effects processors. Studio A will also function as a fully analog space equipped with a 16-track tape machine.
- Arts Bank features a 230-seat main stage, rehearsal and dance studio, and the Laurie Beechman Cabaret Theater on the first floor.
- The Ellen and Ronald Caplan Center for the Performing Arts includes the Caplan Recital Hall and the black box Caplan Studio Theater.
- CBS Auditorium is used primarily for meetings, lectures, and workshops and symposia.
- The Elaine C. Levitt Auditorium is located within historic Gershman Hall. Levitt Auditorium is a space for large concerts and performances.
- The Gershman Black Box Theater hosts student-led productions.
In addition to our performance and recording spaces, students have access to facilities around campus including the Arts Bank Cabaret Theater, Black Box, dance studios, film and animation studios, photography labs and the woodshop.
Ensembles
UArts features premier ensembles known nationwide, such as the Z Big Band. The styles of music in our ensembles range from jazz to hip hop and ambient to rock and include original compositions. Students can perform in the following groups.
- Ambient Ensemble
- Big Band
- Brass Ensemble
- Chorus
- Femme Ensemble: an instrumental ensemble for women, non-binary and gender-neutral students
- Great American Songbook
- Handbells
- Hip Hop
- Jazz Composers
- Jazz Singers
- Motown
- Original Music Ensemble
- Rick Kerber Tribute Ensemble: an 18–20 piece Lab Band
- Rock Ensemble
- Saxophone Quartets
- Soul
- Stax Records Ensemble
- Transfusion Ensemble
- Vocal Session Ensemble for rhythm sections and individual vocalists
Rehearsals, Performances & Tours
Each ensemble rehearses weekly, culminating in an end of the semester performance. Some ensembles record live in the performance hall or in the recording studios. Many groups perform at regional high schools or notable events such as the Jazz Appreciation Month at Philadelphia City Hall, the Key of She Festival, the Philadelphia Jazz Summit and the Washington Women in Jazz Festival.
Awards & Accolades
- Z Big Band tied for first place at the Monterey Next Generation Jazz Festival in 2017.
- Henry Tirfe BM ’17 won best soloist award at Monterey Next Generation Festival in 2016 and 2017.
- Z Big Band won the Downbeat Magazine Award for Best Undergraduate Big Band in 2016.
Events
Femme Ensemble will be playing in the Washington Women in Jazz Festival September 2020.
UArts concerts and events at the Ellen and Ronald Caplan Center for the Performing Arts are live streamed.
Profiles & Careers
Careers & Internships
Throughout your studies in the Instrumental Performance program, you’ll have opportunities to shadow and substitute for faculty in professional rehearsals, performances and recordings. In some cases, you may be contracted through the School of Music to perform for outside events and organizations like social functions, jazz clubs and occasional high profile TV opportunities.
Internships ranging from administrative to teaching positions are available in a variety of professional music organizations. Companies who have hired UArts students include the Academy of Music, Bellevue Hotel, Comcast, DoubleTree by Hilton, FS Investments, Philadelphia 76ers, Philadelphia Eagles, Philadelphia Phillies, Philly POPS, Ritz-Carlton and the Walnut Street Theatre.
Common careers students could obtain after graduation include:
- Artist manager
- Arranger
- Composer
- Concert band member or director
- Entertainment booker
- K–12 music educator
- Military ensemble member
- Music copyist
- Music director
- Orchestral musician in a major ensemble
- Private event entertainer
- Private music teacher
- Producer
- Publicist
- Recording engineer
- Studio musician
- Touring musician
Featured Alumni
Jake Sommers
BM '13
Music - Instrumental Performance (BM)
Drummer for Luke Combs who's played at the CMA Awards, CMT Music Awards and SNL
Dan Berkery
BM ’11 (Instrumental Performance), MM ’12 (Jazz Studies)
Music - Instrumental Performance (BM)
Drummer for Broadway shows Hamilton, Book of Mormon, Dear Evan Hansen, Wicked, Avenue Q
Nick Bockrath
BM '10
Music - Instrumental Performance (BM)
Lead guitarist for Grammy-winning band Cage the Elephant
Jon Smith
BM '09
Music - Instrumental Performance (BM)
Bassist who's played with artists like Eric Wortham, Luke Carlos O'Reilly, George “Spanky” McCurdy and Rick Tate
Adam Blackstone
'04
Music - Instrumental Performance (BM)
Bassist, music director for Rihanna, Justin Timberlake, Maroon 5
Todd Groves
BM '99
Music - Instrumental Performance (BM)
NYC-based performer and composer who's played in Broadway musicals, the New York Philharmonic and more
Dan Zank
BM '95
Music - Instrumental Performance (BM)
Award winning composer and arranger whose work has been recorded in famed studios worldwide
Featured Students
Scott Blanke
'21
Music - Instrumental Performance (BM)
Hometown: Montgomeryville, PA
Raphael Krause-Palit
'21
Music - Instrumental Performance (BM)
Hometown: Sparta, NJ
Catherine Madewell
'20
Music - Instrumental Performance (BM)
Hometown: Medford, NJ
Morgan Walbridge
'20
Music - Instrumental Performance (BM)
Hometown: Rochester, NY
Peter Frank
'19
Music - Instrumental Performance (BM)
Hometown: Cherry Hill, NJ
Kevin Blanke
'18
Music - Instrumental Performance (BM)
Hometown: Montgomeryville, PA
Edward Castillo
'18
Music - Instrumental Performance (BM)
Hometown: Dominican Republic
Alex Delcourt
'18
Music - Instrumental Performance (BM)
Hometown: Versailles, France
Dallas Taylor
'18
Music - Instrumental Performance (BM)
Hometown: Mount Laurel, NJ
Scholarships & Aid
UArts recognizes the extraordinary talent of our students through a range of merit-based scholarships. All applicants are automatically considered for such scholarships—no special application is necessary.
Nearly 80 percent of UArts’ undergraduate students enrolled on a full-time basis are eligible for some type of need-based aid. Additionally, some scholarship opportunities take need-based criteria into account. All students who are U.S. citizens or eligible non-citizens and are enrolled in a degree program are encouraged to apply by completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).
How to Apply
UArts offers recommended priority deadlines; students who apply and submit all required materials by the priority deadline will receive first consideration for scholarship aid from UArts. Applications received after the priority deadline will be reviewed on a rolling, space-available basis.
International students requiring an F-1 visa for study in the U.S. might be subject to earlier deadlines to provide time for completion of the visa process. Contact Admissions for guidance if you are an international student who wishes to apply after the priority deadline.
Spring 2024 priority deadline: Oct. 15, 2023
Fall 2024 priority deadline: Feb. 15, 2024
We cannot accept spring 2024 applications after Jan. 8, 2024, and cannot accept fall 2024 applications after Aug. 16, 2024.
The following materials are required for your application.
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A completed application for admission
Start or resume your application.
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The application includes two required short-answer questions: What excites you about UArts? What inspires you?
A nonrefundable $60 application fee
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If you qualify for a fee waiver from NACAC, CollegeBoard, UArts or another source, indicate that on your application. If the cost of the application fee is a barrier, contact Admissions to request a fee waiver code.
Official high school transcript
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Official transcripts must be sent directly from your school by mail, email or a secure electronic document-delivery service.
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International transcript requirements
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If you’ve attended high school outside the U.S., read the additional guidelines for international transcripts.
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Transfer student transcript requirements
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High school transcripts may be waived for transfer applicants who have completed a minimum of 24 credits of college-level coursework, including a minimum of 18 academic, non-studio credits.
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Official college transcript(s)
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Official transcripts must be sent directly from all the colleges you have attended by mail, email or a secure electronic document-delivery service.
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If you’ve attended college outside the U.S., you are required to have an official course-by-course evaluation of your college coursework sent to UArts. Additional guidelines for international transcripts are available.
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Your audition
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Auditions or interviews are required for all Dance, Music and Theater programs. After submitting your application, go to your applicant status portal to register for your virtual or on-campus audition day. View a full list of audition requirements by program.
International applicants must submit proof of English proficiency.
Optional letters of recommendation
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Letters of recommendation from teachers or mentors are optional and may be submitted by the recommender via email to undergradcredentials@uarts.edu or by your high school through a secure electronic document-delivery service.
Apply now
About the School of Music
The School of Music at University of the Arts is dedicated to the preparation and training of musicians for careers in music performance, production, recording, all aspects of the music business, composition and music education. Your growth as a musician is the primary goal of the program. In 2020, the School of Music was ranked #2 in The 10 Best “Hidden Gem” Music Schools by Music School Central.
The school trains you to be a professional of the highest caliber through a comprehensive curriculum that includes private lessons with an actively performing faculty, an abundance and diversity of ensembles and performance experiences, and a focus on information literacy and critical thinking.
Performance opportunities sharpen your technical and improvisation skills and increase your knowledge of repertoire and styles. The school’s numerous performance ensembles represent a wide range of styles and categories of classical, hip-hop, jazz, R&B and world music. You’ll be involved in a rigorous schedule of performances: UArts produces over 150 concerts and recitals each year.
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