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Arizona State University

Tempe, AZ

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ProgramOfficial Program Page

Program snapshot

Admissions

Prescreen RequiredNo AuditionInterview RequiredUniversity App Required

Audition format

In-Person or Virtual

Program

Quick links

ProgramOfficial Program Page

Program snapshot

Admissions

Prescreen RequiredNo AuditionInterview RequiredUniversity App Required

Audition format

In-Person or Virtual

Browse programs

Composition & music studies

Theatre

Dance

Music performance

Quick links

BM Theory and Composition

Composition

ProgramOfficial Program Page

Program snapshot

Admissions

Prescreen RequiredNo AuditionInterview RequiredUniversity App Required

Audition format

In-Person or Virtual

Program Recognition

NASM-accredited composition study within ASU's School of Music, Dance and Theatre

Training

Develop techniques for chamber, orchestral and electronic music plus film and video scoring

Study with composition faculty including Garth Paine (electroacoustic/acoustic ecology) and Alex Temple, with access to the Acoustic Ecology Lab and electronic-music resources

Performance & Productions

Hear your works read and premiered by ASU ensembles, with new electronic pieces performed in the Ambisonic Dome

Compete in the school's student composition competition

School info

Snapshot

Avg GPA (W)

3.53

Admit rate

90%

school-wide

Grad rate

68%

Enrollment

64.7K

Earnings

$63K

10yr after

Costs & aid

In-state tuition

$14,814

Before aid

Out-of-state tuition

$39,262

Before aid

Cost of attendance

$38,946

Before aid

Average net price

$14,967

After aid

Resident First Year · admission.asu.edu College Scorecard

Program info updated Aug 20, 8:40 PM

Program Highlights

Program Recognition

NASM-accredited composition study within ASU's School of Music, Dance and Theatre

Training

Develop techniques for chamber, orchestral and electronic music plus film and video scoring

Study with composition faculty including Garth Paine (electroacoustic/acoustic ecology) and Alex Temple, with access to the Acoustic Ecology Lab and electronic-music resources

Performance & Productions

Hear your works read and premiered by ASU ensembles, with new electronic pieces performed in the Ambisonic Dome

Compete in the school's student composition competition

Program Highlights

Program Recognition

NASM-accredited composition study within ASU's School of Music, Dance and Theatre

Training

Develop techniques for chamber, orchestral and electronic music plus film and video scoring

Study with composition faculty including Garth Paine (electroacoustic/acoustic ecology) and Alex Temple, with access to the Acoustic Ecology Lab and electronic-music resources

Performance & Productions

Hear your works read and premiered by ASU ensembles, with new electronic pieces performed in the Ambisonic Dome

Compete in the school's student composition competition

Key Info

Enrollment Term

University AppApplication

Apply

School Website Common App

Deadline

ASU application required for Fall 2027 Music CompositionDec 1, 2026

ASU application required for Fall 2027 Music Theory and all other music programsJan 5, 2027

Apply Music Major · musicdancetheatre.asu.edu

Program AppApplication

Order

The university application must be submitted before the prescreen.

Apply

School Website

Fees

Music Application Fee

$10

Composition Prescreening Portfolio Fee

$15

Deadline

Fall admission applicationDec 1, 2026

Fall recommendation lettersDec 10, 2026

Auditions

On-Campus InterviewFeb 6 & 20, 2027

Virtual Experience Day interviewFeb 13, 2027

Apply Music Major · musicdancetheatre.asu.edu Audition Interview · musicdancetheatre.asu.edu

Prescreen Requirements

Portfolio

Submit three to five representative original works in varied genres or styles

Submit PDF scores for notated works, or describe how non-notated work was realized

Include supporting documentation when available; computer-generated realizations are acceptable

Include a works list as part of the composition portfolio

Letters of Recommendation

Provide names and email addresses for three recommenders; each recommender receives submission instructions by email

Statement

Submit a 300–500 word essay describing your educational background, objectives and career plans

Composition applicants also describe prior composing or arranging experience and the kinds of music they have composed

Repertoire List

List titles and composers of pieces studied intensively as solo repertoire, including technical studies

Resume (Optional)

Audition Interview · musicdancetheatre.asu.edu

Verified for Fall 2027 entry

Good to Know

Application

Submit both the ASU undergraduate admission application and the separate School of Music, Dance and Theatre application

Placement

Admitted students take music theory and aural-skills placement exams at orientation — for course placement only, not admission

What's The Process

Admission Process

Admission is by portfolio review, not a performance audition

Upload your composition portfolio with the School of Music, Dance and Theatre application

Applicants whose portfolios pass the pre-screening are invited to an interview with the composition faculty

Interview

Composition interviews are held on campus or virtually on February 13, 2027 (additional interview dates February 6 and February 20, 2027)

Students who also wish to take applied instrumental or vocal lessons complete the relevant performance audition

Scholarship Info

Eligibility

All music majors are automatically considered for merit-based scholarships

Live auditions receive scholarship preference over recorded auditions

Undergraduate students may be considered for scholarship for up to eight semesters

School info

Snapshot

Avg GPA (W)

3.53

Admit rate

90%

school-wide

Grad rate

68%

Enrollment

64.7K

Earnings

$63K

10yr after

Costs & aid

In-state tuition

$14,814

Before aid

Out-of-state tuition

$39,262

Before aid

Cost of attendance

$38,946

Before aid

Average net price

$14,967

After aid

Resident First Year · admission.asu.edu College Scorecard

Program Recognition

NASM-accredited composition study within ASU's School of Music, Dance and Theatre

Training

Develop techniques for chamber, orchestral and electronic music plus film and video scoring

Study with composition faculty including Garth Paine (electroacoustic/acoustic ecology) and Alex Temple, with access to the Acoustic Ecology Lab and electronic-music resources

Performance & Productions

Hear your works read and premiered by ASU ensembles, with new electronic pieces performed in the Ambisonic Dome

Compete in the school's student composition competition

Updated Aug 20, 8:40 PM