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Program

ProgramOfficial Program Page

Program snapshot

Admissions

No PrescreenAudition RequiredInterview RequiredNo PortfolioUniversity App Required

Audition format

In-Person or Virtual

Program profile

Transfer In Friendly

Program

Quick links

ProgramOfficial Program Page

Program snapshot

Admissions

No PrescreenAudition RequiredInterview RequiredNo PortfolioUniversity App Required

Audition format

In-Person or Virtual

Program profile

Transfer In Friendly

Browse programs

Quick links

BA Popular Music Performance and Enterprise

ProgramOfficial Program Page

Program snapshot

Admissions

No PrescreenAudition RequiredInterview RequiredNo PortfolioUniversity App Required

Audition format

In-Person or Virtual

Program profile

Transfer In Friendly

Program Recognition

Popular Music Performance and Enterprise BA is offered by AU's Department of Performing Arts

New performance-centered degree for students interested in popular music and today's music industry

Designed to combine music performance with audio technology, business, recording, marketing, and project leadership

Training

Core of the degree is music performance, either vocal or instrumental

Required private instrumental or vocal study plus six semesters of approved performance ensembles

Curriculum includes music theory, music history, audio production and technology, entertainment industry coursework, and popular music enterprise

Professional Development

Culminates with a final project, recording, or performance

Students can tailor upper-level concentration electives to their interests

Degree supports paths such as performing artist, audio engineer, music industry professional, and creative leader

Degree Flexibility

Designed to pair with a double major such as the BS in Business and Entertainment

AU describes only a handful of US universities as offering performance-centered degrees like this

School Info

Snapshot

3.65

Avg GPA

62%

Admit Rate

school-wide

75%

Grad Rate

7.3K

Enrollment

$77K

Earnings

10yr after

Costs & Aid

Tuition & Fees

$64,652

Before aid

Cost of Attendance

$87,374

Before aid

Average Net Price

$41,943

After aid

Undergraduate First Year Students.Cfm · american.edu College Scorecard

Program info updated 1d ago

Program Highlights

Program Recognition

Popular Music Performance and Enterprise BA is offered by AU's Department of Performing Arts

New performance-centered degree for students interested in popular music and today's music industry

Designed to combine music performance with audio technology, business, recording, marketing, and project leadership

Training

Core of the degree is music performance, either vocal or instrumental

Required private instrumental or vocal study plus six semesters of approved performance ensembles

Curriculum includes music theory, music history, audio production and technology, entertainment industry coursework, and popular music enterprise

Professional Development

Culminates with a final project, recording, or performance

Students can tailor upper-level concentration electives to their interests

Degree supports paths such as performing artist, audio engineer, music industry professional, and creative leader

Degree Flexibility

Designed to pair with a double major such as the BS in Business and Entertainment

AU describes only a handful of US universities as offering performance-centered degrees like this

Program Highlights

Program Recognition

Popular Music Performance and Enterprise BA is offered by AU's Department of Performing Arts

New performance-centered degree for students interested in popular music and today's music industry

Designed to combine music performance with audio technology, business, recording, marketing, and project leadership

Training

Core of the degree is music performance, either vocal or instrumental

Required private instrumental or vocal study plus six semesters of approved performance ensembles

Curriculum includes music theory, music history, audio production and technology, entertainment industry coursework, and popular music enterprise

Professional Development

Culminates with a final project, recording, or performance

Students can tailor upper-level concentration electives to their interests

Degree supports paths such as performing artist, audio engineer, music industry professional, and creative leader

Degree Flexibility

Designed to pair with a double major such as the BS in Business and Entertainment

AU describes only a handful of US universities as offering performance-centered degrees like this

Key Info

Enrollment Term

University AppApplication

Apply

Common App

Fee

$75

Deadline

Early application deadlineNov 1, 2026

Early Decision IIRegular DecisionJan 15, 2027

Decision Plans And Deadlines.Cfm · american.edu

Program AppApplication

Order

The audition may be submitted before the university application.

Apply

SlideRoom

Opens

Sep 1, 2026

Auditions

In-person music auditionLive Zoom music auditionFeb 6, 2027

OR — Recorded Video Audition

Early Action and Early Decision I recorded audition deadlineNov 1, 2026

Early Decision II and Regular Decision recorded audition deadlineJan 15, 2027

Application portal · SlideRoom Decision Plans And Deadlines.Cfm · american.edu Music Auditions.Cfm · american.edu

Audition Requirements

Repertoire List

Audition repertoire: prepare about 10 minutes of music that best represents your abilities

Repertoire style: a broad range of approaches and styles is welcome

Accompaniment: perform with or without accompaniment

Composer submissions: upload your music through SlideRoom

Music Auditions.Cfm · american.edu

Verified for Fall 2027 entry

Good to Know

Application Logistics

Submit the music supplement through AU SlideRoom when current program applications are available

University application via Common App

Common App ID is required to access SlideRoom; the full Common App can be completed later

Admission Pathway

Formal admission to the music major requires department approval after audition and interview

Students may enter AU as intended majors and audition/interview during the first year

The music supplement is currently open on AU SlideRoom for Fall 2027 admission

Transfer Pathway

Eligible community-college transfers can use American Transfer Advantage credit evaluation and advising. Popular Music Performance and Enterprise applicants may enter as intended majors and audition/interview during the first year, so program admission still depends on department approval.

American Transfer Advantage.Cfm · american.edu

What's The Process

Audition Process

Begin by completing the AU SlideRoom music application, open for Fall 2027

Live auditions for fall 2027 admission are scheduled for February 6, 2027, in person or on Zoom

Early Decision and Early Action candidates submit the audition by video at the time of application to AU

Regular Decision candidates may submit by video before the university application deadline or audition live on February 6, 2027

Students are notified of Music Program admission with the university decision

Audition Expectations

Prepare about 10 minutes of music that best represents your abilities

A broad range of approaches and styles is welcome

Auditions may be performed with or without accompaniment

Composers upload music through SlideRoom

Formal admission requires an audition and interview arranged with the department

Contact

Questions: musicauditions@american.edu

Scholarship Info

Available Awards

General Music Scholarships for music students

Esther Ballou Memorial Scholarships for music students

David Wainhouse Memorial Scholarship for undergraduate music students

Mary Howe-Hans Kindler Memorial Scholarship for music student assistance in composing, playing, or service to the program

Lylian Evans String Scholarship awarded annually to a major in string performance

Eligibility

All auditionees are automatically considered for merit scholarships

Music majors and double majors who audition before the faculty panel are eligible for music scholarships

Details

Awards range from one thousand to several thousand dollars depending on funding availability and program needs

Most scholarships are renewable for up to four years if award terms are met

Initial award offers are usually made by mid-April

School Info

Snapshot

3.65

Avg GPA

62%

Admit Rate

school-wide

75%

Grad Rate

7.3K

Enrollment

$77K

Earnings

10yr after

Costs & Aid

Tuition & Fees

$64,652

Before aid

Cost of Attendance

$87,374

Before aid

Average Net Price

$41,943

After aid

Undergraduate First Year Students.Cfm · american.edu College Scorecard

Program Recognition

Popular Music Performance and Enterprise BA is offered by AU's Department of Performing Arts

New performance-centered degree for students interested in popular music and today's music industry

Designed to combine music performance with audio technology, business, recording, marketing, and project leadership

Training

Core of the degree is music performance, either vocal or instrumental

Required private instrumental or vocal study plus six semesters of approved performance ensembles

Curriculum includes music theory, music history, audio production and technology, entertainment industry coursework, and popular music enterprise

Professional Development

Culminates with a final project, recording, or performance

Students can tailor upper-level concentration electives to their interests

Degree supports paths such as performing artist, audio engineer, music industry professional, and creative leader

Degree Flexibility

Designed to pair with a double major such as the BS in Business and Entertainment

AU describes only a handful of US universities as offering performance-centered degrees like this

Updated 1d ago