Private school1.6K

Capital University

Columbus, OH

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ProgramOfficial Program Page

Program snapshot

Admissions

No PrescreenAudition RequiredInterview RequiredUniversity App Required

Audition format

In-Person or Virtual

Program

Quick links

ProgramOfficial Program Page

Program snapshot

Admissions

No PrescreenAudition RequiredInterview RequiredUniversity App Required

Audition format

In-Person or Virtual

Browse programs

Theatre

Music education

Music performance

Composition & music studies

Music technology

Quick links

BM Performance

Instrumental Performance

ProgramOfficial Program Page

Program snapshot

Admissions

No PrescreenAudition RequiredInterview RequiredUniversity App Required

Audition format

In-Person or Virtual

Training

Capital University's Conservatory of Music is NASM-accredited

Instrumental Performance develops a primary orchestral, band, or keyboard instrument through applied study and ensemble work

Students build instrumental technique, musicianship, and recital readiness with faculty who are active performers and educators

The broader curriculum includes theory, history, world music, conducting, and pedagogy

124 minimum semester hours for graduation

Performance & Productions

Conservatory hosts 200+ events annually and sponsors 50+ student ensembles

Half recital in the junior year and full recital in the senior year are required

The audition is built around the applicant's primary instrument or voice

Columbus-area performance opportunities extend classroom work into local arts organizations

School info

Snapshot

Avg GPA (W)

3.49

Admit rate

70%

school-wide

Grad rate

60%

Enrollment

1.6K

Earnings

$54K

10yr after

Costs & aid

Tuition & fees

$45,600

Before aid

Cost of attendance

$63,826

Before aid

Average net price

$22,576

After aid

Cost Of Attendance · capital.edu College Scorecard

Program info updated Sep 9, 4:27 PM

Program Highlights

Training

Capital University's Conservatory of Music is NASM-accredited

Instrumental Performance develops a primary orchestral, band, or keyboard instrument through applied study and ensemble work

Students build instrumental technique, musicianship, and recital readiness with faculty who are active performers and educators

The broader curriculum includes theory, history, world music, conducting, and pedagogy

124 minimum semester hours for graduation

Performance & Productions

Conservatory hosts 200+ events annually and sponsors 50+ student ensembles

Half recital in the junior year and full recital in the senior year are required

The audition is built around the applicant's primary instrument or voice

Columbus-area performance opportunities extend classroom work into local arts organizations

Program Highlights

Training

Capital University's Conservatory of Music is NASM-accredited

Instrumental Performance develops a primary orchestral, band, or keyboard instrument through applied study and ensemble work

Students build instrumental technique, musicianship, and recital readiness with faculty who are active performers and educators

The broader curriculum includes theory, history, world music, conducting, and pedagogy

124 minimum semester hours for graduation

Performance & Productions

Conservatory hosts 200+ events annually and sponsors 50+ student ensembles

Half recital in the junior year and full recital in the senior year are required

The audition is built around the applicant's primary instrument or voice

Columbus-area performance opportunities extend classroom work into local arts organizations

Key Info

Enrollment Term

University AppApplication

Apply

Common App School Website

Deadline

PriorityDec 1, 2026

Regular DecisionRolling

Apply First Year · capital.edu

Program AppApplication

Auditions

Conservatory Audition Day (vocal auditions only)Nov 14, 2026

Conservatory Audition Day (during Band Fest)Nov 21, 2026

Conservatory Audition Day

Jan 22–23, 2027Feb 20, 2027Mar 15, 2027

Conservatory Audition Day (evening, 4pm, followed by concert)Feb 10, 2027

Admission To Conservatory · capital.edu

Audition Requirements

Repertoire

Prepared repertoire: solo works on your principal instrument; specific requirements vary by instrument

Strings (violin, viola, cello, bass): one solo or movement from a large work (sonata or concerto) plus one etude

Woodwinds (flute, oboe, clarinet, bassoon, saxophone): two contrasting solos from different style periods, or a solo plus an etude

Brass (trumpet, horn, trombone, euphonium, tuba): a solo composition plus a contrasting etude

Harp: two contrasting solos and two orchestral excerpts (one cadenza) preferred

Guitar: two pieces in any style, at least one unaccompanied

Scales and technical requirements: percussionists demonstrate competency in at least three areas (snare, keyboard percussion, timpani, multi-percussion, drumset, hand percussion)

Scales & Technique

Major and minor (or chromatic) scales as specified for your instrument (e.g. strings through four sharps and four flats; winds two octaves or full range; mallets 12 major scales/arpeggios)

Scales and technical requirements: sight-reading is included as part of the audition

An accompanist will be provided by the Conservatory where needed; percussionists supply their own sticks/mallets and bring two copies of all music

Admission To Conservatory · capital.edu

Verified for Fall 2027 entry

Good to Know

Application Logistics

Apply via Capital's application portal or Common App — both are free

December 1 priority deadline for scholarship consideration

Rolling admissions after the priority deadline

Audition application opens after academic admission to Capital

Important Notes

Original compositions are discouraged for the audition — faculty want to hear published works

Theory, listening, and piano placement skills are assessed during the first week of classes — for course placement only, not admission

What's The Process

Audition Process

Two-step process: first apply and be admitted to Capital University, then submit an audition application

After academic admission, register for an audition date via the reply form on your Capital status page

Audition is in-person on campus with instrumental faculty

No audition fee

A short faculty interview is included to get to know you personally and as a performer

International students unable to attend in person may contact Ishan Thapa at ithapa@capital.edu for remote options

Remote auditions are recorded and uploaded as an unlisted YouTube link on your Capital status page

Audition Expectations

Plan to arrive for registration between 8:30 and 9:00 AM

Allow up to 30 minutes for the audition experience

Opportunities for campus tours, a student panel, and lunch are also available

Dress nicely and professionally

Parking pass and campus map emailed approximately 2 weeks prior

Contact

Ishan Thapa, Coordinator of Conservatory Recruitment

Phone: 614-236-6435

Email: ithapa@capital.edu

Scholarship Info

Conservatory Scholarships

Audition performance, academic record, and admission application used to determine scholarship eligibility

December 1 priority deadline for scholarship consideration

School info

Snapshot

Avg GPA (W)

3.49

Admit rate

70%

school-wide

Grad rate

60%

Enrollment

1.6K

Earnings

$54K

10yr after

Costs & aid

Tuition & fees

$45,600

Before aid

Cost of attendance

$63,826

Before aid

Average net price

$22,576

After aid

Cost Of Attendance · capital.edu College Scorecard

Training

Capital University's Conservatory of Music is NASM-accredited

Instrumental Performance develops a primary orchestral, band, or keyboard instrument through applied study and ensemble work

Students build instrumental technique, musicianship, and recital readiness with faculty who are active performers and educators

The broader curriculum includes theory, history, world music, conducting, and pedagogy

124 minimum semester hours for graduation

Performance & Productions

Conservatory hosts 200+ events annually and sponsors 50+ student ensembles

Half recital in the junior year and full recital in the senior year are required

The audition is built around the applicant's primary instrument or voice

Columbus-area performance opportunities extend classroom work into local arts organizations

Updated Sep 9, 4:27 PM