Private school1.3K

Concordia University - Chicago

River Forest, IL

HSIFaith-BasedTest-Optional

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Program

ProgramOfficial Program Page

Program snapshot

Admissions

No PrescreenAudition RequiredNo InterviewUniversity App Required

Audition format

In-Person or Virtual

Program

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ProgramOfficial Program Page

Program snapshot

Admissions

No PrescreenAudition RequiredNo InterviewUniversity App Required

Audition format

In-Person or Virtual

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BA Music

ProgramOfficial Program Page

Program snapshot

Admissions

No PrescreenAudition RequiredNo InterviewUniversity App Required

Audition format

In-Person or Virtual

Quick Links

BME Music Education with Cert

Choral Emphasis

ProgramOfficial Program Page

Program snapshot

Admissions

No PrescreenAudition RequiredNo InterviewUniversity App Required

Audition format

In-Person or Virtual

Program profile

PK-12Teacher Cert

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BME Music Education with Cert

General Music Emphasis

ProgramOfficial Program Page

Program snapshot

Admissions

No PrescreenAudition RequiredNo InterviewUniversity App Required

Audition format

In-Person or Virtual

Program profile

PK-12Teacher Cert

Quick Links

BME Music Education with Cert

Instrumental Emphasis

ProgramOfficial Program Page

Program snapshot

Admissions

No PrescreenAudition RequiredNo InterviewUniversity App Required

Audition format

In-Person or Virtual

Program profile

PK-12Teacher Cert

Quick Links

BA Music

ProgramOfficial Program Page

Program snapshot

Admissions

No PrescreenAudition RequiredNo InterviewUniversity App Required

Audition format

In-Person or Virtual

Program Recognition

•Broad liberal arts BA Music degree with exposure to arts and sciences

•Faith-based Lutheran (LCMS) university with a Christ-centered music mission

•51-credit music major in the 2026-2027 catalog

Training

•Academic core includes music theory, aural skills, music history and literature, conducting, applied study, and ensemble participation

•All music majors study a primary instrument or voice, and many study a second instrument

•Applied study is available in every instrument and voice

Performance & Productions

•Senior capstone options include senior recital, senior composition project, or senior research project

•Choral ensembles include Kapelle, Schola Cantorum, Laudate, and Mannerchor

•Instrumental ensembles include Wind Symphony, Chamber Orchestra, University Handbell Choirs, University Band, Jazz Band, Cougar Band, and Resonanz

Facilities

•Kretzmann Hall houses rehearsal rooms, teaching studios, practice rooms, five pipe organs, 35 pianos, a music computer lab, and an electronic piano lab

Location

•Chicago-area access includes student tickets to Chicago Symphony Orchestra, Lyric Opera, and other performance venues

Degree Flexibility

•Students may emphasize another humanities area, add a minor or second major, or add certificates in parish music or piano pedagogy

School Info

Snapshot

3.14

Avg GPA (W)

93%

Admit Rate

school-wide

36%

Grad Rate

1.3K

Enrollment

$54K

Earnings

10yr after

Costs & Aid

Tuition & Fees

$39,898

Before aid

Cost of Attendance

$54,778

Before aid

Average Net Price

$18,436

After aid

Official source College Scorecard

Program info updated Jun 29, 5:14 PM

Program Highlights

Program Recognition

•Broad liberal arts BA Music degree with exposure to arts and sciences

•Faith-based Lutheran (LCMS) university with a Christ-centered music mission

•51-credit music major in the 2026-2027 catalog

Training

•Academic core includes music theory, aural skills, music history and literature, conducting, applied study, and ensemble participation

•All music majors study a primary instrument or voice, and many study a second instrument

•Applied study is available in every instrument and voice

Performance & Productions

•Senior capstone options include senior recital, senior composition project, or senior research project

•Choral ensembles include Kapelle, Schola Cantorum, Laudate, and Mannerchor

•Instrumental ensembles include Wind Symphony, Chamber Orchestra, University Handbell Choirs, University Band, Jazz Band, Cougar Band, and Resonanz

Facilities

•Kretzmann Hall houses rehearsal rooms, teaching studios, practice rooms, five pipe organs, 35 pianos, a music computer lab, and an electronic piano lab

Location

•Chicago-area access includes student tickets to Chicago Symphony Orchestra, Lyric Opera, and other performance venues

Degree Flexibility

•Students may emphasize another humanities area, add a minor or second major, or add certificates in parish music or piano pedagogy

Program Highlights

Program Recognition

•Broad liberal arts BA Music degree with exposure to arts and sciences

•Faith-based Lutheran (LCMS) university with a Christ-centered music mission

•51-credit music major in the 2026-2027 catalog

Training

•Academic core includes music theory, aural skills, music history and literature, conducting, applied study, and ensemble participation

•All music majors study a primary instrument or voice, and many study a second instrument

•Applied study is available in every instrument and voice

Performance & Productions

•Senior capstone options include senior recital, senior composition project, or senior research project

•Choral ensembles include Kapelle, Schola Cantorum, Laudate, and Mannerchor

•Instrumental ensembles include Wind Symphony, Chamber Orchestra, University Handbell Choirs, University Band, Jazz Band, Cougar Band, and Resonanz

Facilities

•Kretzmann Hall houses rehearsal rooms, teaching studios, practice rooms, five pipe organs, 35 pianos, a music computer lab, and an electronic piano lab

Location

•Chicago-area access includes student tickets to Chicago Symphony Orchestra, Lyric Opera, and other performance venues

Degree Flexibility

•Students may emphasize another humanities area, add a minor or second major, or add certificates in parish music or piano pedagogy

Key Info

Enrollment Term

Fall 2026

University AppApplication

Apply

Common App School Website

Deadline

Regular DecisionRolling

Program AppApplication

Apply

School Website

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.

Repertoire List

•Prepare two selections of contrasting styles from standard solo repertoire

•Choose repertoire totaling 8-10 minutes for instrumentalists or 5-10 minutes for singers

•Singers are encouraged to include one piece in a foreign language

•Do not use etudes, pop tunes, show tunes, or Christian contemporary music

•All auditions must use a live accompanist; instrumentalists may perform one piece unaccompanied only if it was written that way

•Guitar, piano, organ, harp, and percussion auditions do not require accompaniment

Video

•Begin the recording with a brief spoken introduction of yourself, your instrument or voice, and what you will perform

•Video is required; audio-only recordings are not accepted

•Keep the camera on you and your instrument at all times

•Submit a YouTube link, mp4/equivalent file, Google Drive share, flash drive, or DVD to the Music Office

Official Source

Good to Know

Application Logistics

•Submit the university application through Common App or CUC's online application; CUC lists no application fee

•Once admitted, register for a music audition through Concordia Connect

•Students who have not yet been admitted but still want to audition should contact the Music Office

•Transfer applicants can request an unofficial transfer-credit evaluation through Transferology or a CUC admissions counselor

Enrollment

•New undergraduate students are accepted for fall and spring study

•CUC publishes suggested fall and spring material deadlines for undergraduate transfer applicants

Important Notes

•The current music scholarship page lists mixed audition-cycle years; confirm the next available in-person date with the Music Office before planning travel

What's The Process

Audition Process

•An entrance audition is required for incoming music majors

•The music scholarship audition also serves as the entrance audition for incoming music majors

•Auditions may be completed in person or by recording

Audition Expectations

•Faculty review musical ability, potential contribution to the music department, and fit with department needs

•Recorded auditions must include video and should follow the same repertoire standards as in-person auditions

Post-Enrollment

•Music majors complete the music fundamentals test for placement into Music Theory I and Aural Skills I

•Prior keyboard experience is recommended; keyboard technique courses are available for piano proficiency

Decisions

•Music scholarship decisions are announced after the audition window: end of December for November auditions and end of March for February auditions

Contact

•Music Office contact for audition questions: Fiona.Chisholm@CUChicago.edu or 708-209-3062

Scholarship Info

Music Scholarships

•Performance-based music scholarships are awarded by audition to students demonstrating musical talent and potential

•Both music and non-music majors may audition; for incoming music majors, the scholarship audition also serves as the entrance audition

•Awards depend on audition performance, department needs, applicant pool, and the student's total award package

•Awards are divided between fall and spring semesters and may be renewed annually for four years if academic standards and participation requirements are met

•Scholarship recipients take lessons on their instrument or voice and participate in an approved ensemble each semester

•CUC offers renewable awards for qualified Lutheran Summer Music alumni and a specialized Trusheim Freshman Award for incoming organ students

School Info

Snapshot

3.14

Avg GPA (W)

93%

Admit Rate

school-wide

36%

Grad Rate

1.3K

Enrollment

$54K

Earnings

10yr after

Costs & Aid

Tuition & Fees

$39,898

Before aid

Cost of Attendance

$54,778

Before aid

Average Net Price

$18,436

After aid

Official source College Scorecard

Program Recognition

•Broad liberal arts BA Music degree with exposure to arts and sciences

•Faith-based Lutheran (LCMS) university with a Christ-centered music mission

•51-credit music major in the 2026-2027 catalog

Training

•Academic core includes music theory, aural skills, music history and literature, conducting, applied study, and ensemble participation

•All music majors study a primary instrument or voice, and many study a second instrument

•Applied study is available in every instrument and voice

Performance & Productions

•Senior capstone options include senior recital, senior composition project, or senior research project

•Choral ensembles include Kapelle, Schola Cantorum, Laudate, and Mannerchor

•Instrumental ensembles include Wind Symphony, Chamber Orchestra, University Handbell Choirs, University Band, Jazz Band, Cougar Band, and Resonanz

Facilities

•Kretzmann Hall houses rehearsal rooms, teaching studios, practice rooms, five pipe organs, 35 pianos, a music computer lab, and an electronic piano lab

Location

•Chicago-area access includes student tickets to Chicago Symphony Orchestra, Lyric Opera, and other performance venues

Degree Flexibility

•Students may emphasize another humanities area, add a minor or second major, or add certificates in parish music or piano pedagogy

Updated Jun 29, 5:14 PM