Belmont University
Faith-BasedTest-Optional
Select Program
Program Characteristics
No Prescreen
Audition Required
No Interview
In-Person or Virtual
Selective
12-24 Students
University App Required
Program Highlights
RECOGNITION
•Award-winning, nationally ranked musical theatre performance program
•Bachelor of Music ranked in the top 10 in the nation
•Multiple productions recognized as winners of The American Prize in Musical Theatre Performance, chosen from among the nation's finest ensembles
TRAINING
•Conservatory-style intensive training in voice, theatre, and dance
•Vocal cross-training in all styles required for a career in musical theatre
•Intensive dance training and mock dance auditions in all styles
•Mock auditions every semester
PRODUCTIONS & INDUSTRY
•4 musicals per year, Freshman Showcase, and an NYC Industry Senior Showcase
•Masterclasses with Broadway professionals every semester, including casting directors, agents, choreographers, composers, music directors, and performers
•Business of the Business masterclasses on navigating the industry
•Opportunities in New York City through Belmont USA program
FACULTY & ALUMNI
•Faculty are highly trained professionals who maintain a working presence in the industry
•Notable alumni include Tony Award winner Levi Kreis (Million Dollar Quartet), Katie Ladner (Almost Famous, Wicked, Sunset Blvd), Rebecca Covington Webber (Beautiful: The Carole King Musical, Hamilton), Chris D'Sean Lee (Hamilton, Hell's Kitchen), Lissa DeGuzman (Wicked as Elphaba, Aladdin), and Cassie Donegan (Miss America 2026)
•Recent graduates working on Broadway, national tours, Disney, Norwegian Cruise Lines, and in TV/film
•Access to Nashville's professional theatre community including Nashville Repertory Theatre, Studio Tenn Theatre Company, Nashville Opera, and Nashville Shakespeare Festival
Key Info
University AppApplication
Apply atCommon App
Deadlines
Early ActionNov 1, 2025
Early Action IIDec 1, 2025
Regular DecisionMar 1, 2026
Fee
$50Waiver
Program AppApplication
Apply atAcceptd
Deadlines
Transfer Spring 2026 DeadlineNov 1, 2025
Scholarship Deadline (Video & In-Person)Feb 22, 2026
Final Submission Deadline (First-Year)Apr 17, 2026
Transfer Fall 2026 Final DeadlineJun 17, 2026
Auditions
On-Campus (Nashville, TN)Feb 7, 2026
On-Campus (Nashville, TN)Feb 21, 2026
Audition Requirements
Songs
THREE SONGS, each cut to 1 minute or less
•ONE GOLDEN AGE MUSICAL THEATRE SONG (displaying a more classical/legit sound)
•ONE CONTEMPORARY MUSICAL THEATRE SONG
•ONE POP/ROCK OR COMMERCIAL SONG (not from a musical)
ACCOMPANIMENT:
•All three songs performed with a live piano accompanist provided by Belmont
•Bring well-marked, legible sheet music in the correct key
PERFORMANCE TIPS:
•Show "legit" or classical style in one of the musical theatre songs, including head voice for females and using vibrato when possible
•Show knowledge of styles in contrasting selections, as well as range, vocal health, and good pitch
•Connect with your chosen material and communicate the story and character's journey
•Choose age-appropriate material; refrain from overly profane selections
Monologues
ONE MONOLOGUE, 1 minute or less
•Memorized
•Age-appropriate
•From a play or musical
Dance
IN-PERSON:
•Participate in a group dance class (~75 minutes)
•Learn several short dance combinations
VIDEO AUDITION:
•Submit a video of a live solo dance, 1 minute or less
•Must NOT be a video of a previous performance
•May be choreographed by you or an outside teacher
•Recorded music is permitted
Wildcard / Special Skill
N/A
Additional Materials
HEADSHOT:
•Hard copy 8x10 headshot (bring to in-person audition; upload for video)
resume:
•Upload under Audition Activities List/resume in your BU4U account
•Include all musical theatre roles performed in staged productions or in concert
•Include additional music activities (choir, band, awards, honors, solo performances)
•Include any instruments you play and at what level
Good to Know
The audition determines admission into the School of Music, which is separate from the University's admission decision. Must submit university application before registering for audition
What's The Process
AUDITION FORMAT:
•Three parts: Vocal (three songs), Monologue, and Dance
•No prescreen — Belmont does not prescreen for any School of Music programs
•If materials are submitted via Acceptd, they are reviewed as the full audition
REGISTRATION:
•After submitting the university application, register for an audition via your BU4U account
•Choose an in-person audition date or the video audition option
VIDEO AUDITION:
•Prerecorded and submitted via Acceptd
•Same faculty adjudicate both in-person and video auditions — virtual submissions are not penalized
•Videos may be recorded using a phone, tablet, or computer (no professional equipment needed)
•No production effects, video/audio editing, or external microphones
DECISION TIMELINE:
•Apply and submit video by Nov 1 → decision by Dec 5, 2025
•Apply by Dec 1 and submit video after Nov 1 → rolling after Dec 5, 2025
•Apply and submit video by Dec 1 → rolling after Jan 2, 2026
•Regular Decision video → 3-4 weeks post submission
•In-person audition → one week post audition
ADMISSIONS NOTES:
•School of Music decision sent after university decision
•Applicants who are academically admissible but don't pass audition may enroll in another major
Scholarship Info
•Automatically considered for School of Music talent-based scholarships when you audition
•Early Action I applicants receive highest consideration for Top Merit and Departmental Scholarships
•Early Action II applicants considered for Departmental Scholarships
•Video audition + apply by Nov 1 → scholarship decision December 2025
•Audition after Nov 1 → scholarship decision March 2026
Program info updated 1 week ago
Academic School Information
3.83
Avg GPA (W)
96%
Admit Rate
72%
Grad Rate
7,306
Enrollment
$55,930
Earnings
10yr after
Tuition & Fees
$41,320
before aid
Average Annual Cost
$32,096
after typical aid
Average annual cost is often lower than tuition because it accounts for grants and scholarships most students receive. It includes tuition, room & board, books, and supplies.
Annual Cost by Family Income
Family Income $0 - $30k$19,516
Family Income $30k - $48k$23,270
Family Income $48k - $75k$27,345
Family Income $75k - $110k$33,191
Family Income $110k+$42,908
