Private school2.9K

Charleston Southern University

Charleston, SC

Faith-BasedTest-OptionalGreek Life

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ProgramOfficial Program Page

Program snapshot

Admissions

No PrescreenScholarship AuditionNo InterviewUniversity App Required

Audition format

In-Person or Virtual

Program

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ProgramOfficial Program Page

Program snapshot

Admissions

No PrescreenScholarship AuditionNo InterviewUniversity App Required

Audition format

In-Person or Virtual

Browse programs

Quick links

BA Performance

Instrumental Emphasis

ProgramOfficial Program Page

Program snapshot

Admissions

No PrescreenScholarship AuditionNo InterviewUniversity App Required

Audition format

In-Person or Virtual

Program Recognition

Part of the NASM-accredited Horton School of Music and Performing Arts

Faculty perform with organizations such as the Charleston Symphony Orchestra, Charleston Jazz Orchestra, North Charleston Pops Orchestra, and Piccolo Spoleto Festival

Christian university perspective on arts education

Training

Extensive instrumental study in technique, tone, musicianship, repertoire, stage presence, pedagogy, and professionalism

Junior recital (30 minutes) and senior recital (60 minutes) required

Solo, chamber, ensemble, community, regional, national, and international performance opportunities

Facilities

1,500-seat Lightsey Chapel Auditorium with modern stage

Whittington Hall with classrooms, rehearsal hall, practice rooms, and music technology lab

School info

Snapshot

Avg GPA (W)

3.28

Admit rate

96%

school-wide

Grad rate

47%

Enrollment

2.9K

Earnings

$46K

10yr after

Costs & aid

Tuition & fees

$35,070

Before aid

Cost of attendance

$52,254

Before aid

Average net price

$21,666

After aid

Financial Aid · charlestonsouthern.edu College Scorecard

Program info updated Sep 11, 7:51 PM

Program Highlights

Program Recognition

Part of the NASM-accredited Horton School of Music and Performing Arts

Faculty perform with organizations such as the Charleston Symphony Orchestra, Charleston Jazz Orchestra, North Charleston Pops Orchestra, and Piccolo Spoleto Festival

Christian university perspective on arts education

Training

Extensive instrumental study in technique, tone, musicianship, repertoire, stage presence, pedagogy, and professionalism

Junior recital (30 minutes) and senior recital (60 minutes) required

Solo, chamber, ensemble, community, regional, national, and international performance opportunities

Facilities

1,500-seat Lightsey Chapel Auditorium with modern stage

Whittington Hall with classrooms, rehearsal hall, practice rooms, and music technology lab

Program Highlights

Program Recognition

Part of the NASM-accredited Horton School of Music and Performing Arts

Faculty perform with organizations such as the Charleston Symphony Orchestra, Charleston Jazz Orchestra, North Charleston Pops Orchestra, and Piccolo Spoleto Festival

Christian university perspective on arts education

Training

Extensive instrumental study in technique, tone, musicianship, repertoire, stage presence, pedagogy, and professionalism

Junior recital (30 minutes) and senior recital (60 minutes) required

Solo, chamber, ensemble, community, regional, national, and international performance opportunities

Facilities

1,500-seat Lightsey Chapel Auditorium with modern stage

Whittington Hall with classrooms, rehearsal hall, practice rooms, and music technology lab

Key Info

Enrollment Term

University AppApplication

Apply

Common App School Website

Fee

$25

Opens

Jul 1, 2027

Deadline

Regular DecisionRolling

Official page · apply.charlestonsouthern.edu

Program AppApplication

Apply

School Website

Scholarships Auditions · charlestonsouthern.edu

Scholarship Audition Requirements

These requirements are from the Fall 2026 entry cycle. Fall 2027 requirements are typically posted between August and October and usually change only slightly — confirm on the official source before submitting.

Optional audition for scholarship consideration only; it is not required for program admission.

Repertoire List

Wind and string applicants: prepare a solo, etude, or technical exercise from a standard method book; All-State audition solos are acceptable

Percussion applicants: prepare solos on snare drum, keyboard percussion, and timpani; four-mallet keyboard solo preferred

Harp applicants: prepare two contrasting works; CSU lists suggested repertoire on the scholarships/auditions page

Guitar applicants: prepare two contrasting solos or excerpts that show technical and musical range

Scholarships Auditions · charlestonsouthern.edu

Good to Know

Application Logistics

University application via Common App or CSU website

Music Audition Application via Horton School of Music website

Eligibility

All prospective students eligible for music scholarships

Scholarships available for majors and non-majors

BA Performance does not require a minor

What's The Process

Audition Process

Audition is for music scholarship consideration only

Students must first be admitted to Charleston Southern University

Complete the Music Audition Application to request an audition

After university admission, the Horton School of Music will request a brief video audition in the student's primary performance area

Confirmation email sent within 24-48 business hours

Post-Enrollment

Incoming music students complete the Musicianship Skills Entrance Assessment during summer Preregistration

Assessment has two parts: written theory skills and aural/sight-singing skills

Used for placement/preparation, not as an audition gateway

Contact

Marshall Forrester, Professor of Music

Mforrester@csuniv.edu | 843-863-7967

Technique & Sight-Reading

Prepare applicable major scales; percussion scales are required on mallet instruments only

Wind, string, harp, and guitar applicants complete short sight-reading

Percussion sight-reading may be on snare drum, timpani, and/or keyboard percussion

Guitar applicants should demonstrate working knowledge of major and minor chord forms

Scholarship Info

Music Scholarships

Available to majors and non-majors by audition

Premiere Scholarship available to incoming freshman music majors only

Audition recommended during senior year of high school

Studio lessons taught by full-time performance faculty or Charleston Symphony Orchestra musicians

School info

Snapshot

Avg GPA (W)

3.28

Admit rate

96%

school-wide

Grad rate

47%

Enrollment

2.9K

Earnings

$46K

10yr after

Costs & aid

Tuition & fees

$35,070

Before aid

Cost of attendance

$52,254

Before aid

Average net price

$21,666

After aid

Financial Aid · charlestonsouthern.edu College Scorecard

Program Recognition

Part of the NASM-accredited Horton School of Music and Performing Arts

Faculty perform with organizations such as the Charleston Symphony Orchestra, Charleston Jazz Orchestra, North Charleston Pops Orchestra, and Piccolo Spoleto Festival

Christian university perspective on arts education

Training

Extensive instrumental study in technique, tone, musicianship, repertoire, stage presence, pedagogy, and professionalism

Junior recital (30 minutes) and senior recital (60 minutes) required

Solo, chamber, ensemble, community, regional, national, and international performance opportunities

Facilities

1,500-seat Lightsey Chapel Auditorium with modern stage

Whittington Hall with classrooms, rehearsal hall, practice rooms, and music technology lab

Updated Sep 11, 7:51 PM