Capital University
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Program Characteristics
No Prescreen
Audition Required
Interview Required
In-Person Only
University App Required
Program Highlights
CONSERVATORY TRAINING
•Part of the Capital University Conservatory of Music
•Accredited by the National Association of Schools of Music (NASM)
•Personalized 1:1 mentoring with faculty who are active performers and educators
•Faculty includes Dr. Chad R. Payton (2022 Praestantia Award for Outstanding Teaching, Carnegie Hall and Kennedy Center debuts)
PERFORMANCE OPPORTUNITIES
•Conservatory hosts 200+ events annually and sponsors 50+ student ensembles
•Required Opera/Musical Theatre ensemble participation (minimum 2 semesters)
•Half recital (junior year) and full recital (senior year) required
•Top placement in regional and national music competitions
•Opportunities to perform with Columbus-area arts organizations and churches
CURRICULUM
•Core studies in theory, history, world music, conducting, and vocal pedagogy
•Vocal diction courses in multiple languages (two semesters)
•Two semesters of foreign language required (Spanish, French, German, Italian, or Russian)
•Electives include dance technique, acting for the stage, scenic design, song literature, and choral conducting
•124 minimum semester hours for graduation
Key Info
University AppApplication
Apply atCommon App
Apply atSchool Website
Deadlines
PriorityDec 1, 2025
Rolling
Program AppApplication
Auditions
Conservatory Audition DayJan 24, 2026
Conservatory Audition DayFeb 6, 2026
Conservatory Audition DayFeb 16, 2026
Conservatory Audition DayMar 20, 2026
Audition Requirements
Songs
TWO SELECTIONS IN CONTRASTING STYLES
•One selection must be in a foreign language
•Applicants interested in opera or musical theatre may perform an appropriate selection from that repertoire
•All selections must be memorized
•Pop songs and contemporary religious songs are not appropriate
ACCOMPANIMENT
•An accompanist will be provided by the Conservatory
ADDITIONAL SUBMISSION
•Choral excerpt and range diagnostic submitted prior to the audition
Wildcard / Special Skill
N/A
Good to Know
APPLICATION DETAILS
•Apply via Capital's application portal or Common App — both are free
•December 1 priority deadline for scholarship consideration
•Rolling admissions after priority deadline
AUDITION SCHEDULING
•Audition application opens after academic admission to Capital
•Register for audition date via reply form on your status page
IMPORTANT NOTES
•Original compositions are discouraged — faculty want to hear published works
•Theory, listening, and piano placement assessed during first week of classes (not at audition)
•Pop songs and contemporary religious songs are not appropriate for audition
What's The Process
ADMISSION PROCESS
•Two-step process: first apply and be admitted to Capital University, then submit audition application
•After academic admission, register for audition date via the reply form on your Capital status page
•Audition is in-person on campus with voice faculty
•No audition fee
AUDITION DAY FORMAT
•Plan to arrive for registration between 8:30 and 9:00 AM
•Allow up to 30 minutes for the audition experience
•Performance evaluated by voice faculty
•Short faculty interview to get to know you personally and as a performer
•Opportunities for campus tours, student panel, and lunch also available
•Dress nicely and professionally
•Parking pass and campus map emailed approximately 2 weeks prior
REMOTE AUDITIONS
•International students unable to attend in person may contact Ishan Thapa at ithapa@capital.edu for remote options
•Record video audition and upload as unlisted YouTube link to your Capital status page
CONTACT
•Voice area: Dr. Chad R. Payton — cpayton@capital.edu
•Conservatory recruitment: Ishan Thapa — ithapa@capital.edu, 614-236-6435
Scholarship Info
CONSERVATORY SCHOLARSHIPS
•Audition performance, academic record, and admission application used to determine scholarship eligibility
•December 1 priority deadline for scholarship consideration
Program info updated Today
Academic School Information
3.49
Avg GPA (W)
73%
Admit Rate
63%
Grad Rate
1,709
Enrollment
$54,143
Earnings
10yr after
Tuition & Fees
$41,788
before aid
Average Annual Cost
$23,585
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$20,774
Family Income $30k - $48k$19,860
Family Income $48k - $75k$22,265
Family Income $75k - $110k$24,482
Family Income $110k+$27,218
