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Arizona State University

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ProgramOfficial Program Page

Program snapshot

Admissions

Prescreen RequiredNo AuditionInterview RequiredPortfolio RequiredUniversity App Required

Audition format

In-Person or Virtual

Program

Quick links

ProgramOfficial Program Page

Program snapshot

Admissions

Prescreen RequiredNo AuditionInterview RequiredPortfolio 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 RequiredPortfolio 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 Oct 18, 8:32 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

Additional Materials

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 a recording or other documentation of your pieces when available; computer generated recordings are acceptable

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 should prepare an additional essay describing previous experience as a composer or arranger and the types of music (e.g., choral, jazz) composed

Repertoire List

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

Resume (Optional)

Prescreen Notes

Composition requires a prescreening portfolio, uploaded to the music application, to be considered for an interview; the portfolio is due December 1, 2026 for fall admission and October 1, 2026 for spring admission

The portfolio should contain three to five of the applicant's most representative works demonstrating proficiency in a variety of genres or styles; recent works are preferred and contrasting works are recommended

Composition does not accept applications after the deadline

Audition Interview · musicdancetheatre.asu.edu

Verified for Fall 2027 entry

Good to Know

Application Logistics

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

Submit your ASU application first: you must submit it and log in to MyASU before you can begin the music application, and the ASU application takes 2-3 days to process

Important Notes

Admitted music majors complete an online music theory diagnostic exam in Canvas (deadline June 1 for fall entry) that is used for course placement

What's The Process

Audition Process

Admission is based on a composition interview; composition applicants are not required to perform an audition

Applicants who pass the prescreening are scheduled for an interview with the composition faculty; if you are not selected for an interview, you may apply for another music degree

Interviews are held on campus on February 6 and February 20, 2027; applicants who submit a recorded audition or request a virtual interview have the required composition interview during the Virtual Experience Day on February 13, 2027

Applicants are urged to come to campus for the interview, take part in all audition-day activities, meet the faculty and tour the facilities and campus

If you wish to take lessons on your main instrument, you must also complete an audition and follow the audition repertoire for that instrument

Scholarship Info

Eligibility

All music majors are automatically considered for merit-based scholarships

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 Oct 18, 8:32 PM