Private school3K

Elmhurst University

Elmhurst, IL

HSIFaith-BasedTest-OptionalGreek LifeLGBTQ+

Start free

ProgramOfficial Program Page

Program snapshot

Admissions

No PrescreenAudition RequiredInterview RequiredUniversity App Required

Audition format

In-Person or Virtual

Program profile

Transfer In Friendly

Program

Quick links

ProgramOfficial Program Page

Program snapshot

Admissions

No PrescreenAudition RequiredInterview RequiredUniversity App Required

Audition format

In-Person or Virtual

Program profile

Transfer In Friendly

Browse programs

Theatre

Music performance

Composition & music studies

Music education

Music technology

Quick links

BS Music Business

Music Business

ProgramOfficial Program Page

Program snapshot

Admissions

No PrescreenAudition RequiredInterview RequiredUniversity App Required

Audition format

In-Person or Virtual

Program profile

Transfer In Friendly

Program Recognition

One of the oldest music business programs in the world

Strong liberal arts component alongside the professional music-business curriculum

Training

Bachelor of science track — lighter music-theory core (MUS 135, 136) and one term of music history (MUS 344), plus two required math courses

Business coursework: Principles of Marketing, Management Theory and Practice, Accounting for Non-Business Majors, Entrepreneurship, and Advertising and Integrated Marketing Campaigns

One elective from Introduction to Public Relations, Digital Cinema, Video Editing, or Audio Engineering

Music business core: Music Industry Survey, Principles and Procedures in Music Business, Advanced Studies in Music Business, Production of Sound Recordings, Music and Entertainment Law, and Concert Promotion and Venue Management, plus a required internship (MUS 468)

Professional Development

Vast Chicago-area resources for internships, faculty, and career opportunities

Location

Campus located about 30 minutes from Chicago, a major center for the music industry

School info

Snapshot

Avg GPA (W)

3.59

Admit rate

74%

school-wide

Grad rate

70%

Enrollment

Earnings

$61K

10yr after

Costs & aid

Tuition & fees

$46,158

Before aid

Average net price

$24,185

After aid

Undergraduate · elmhurst.edu College Scorecard

Program info updated Sep 8, 12:55 AM

Program Highlights

Program Recognition

One of the oldest music business programs in the world

Strong liberal arts component alongside the professional music-business curriculum

Training

Bachelor of science track — lighter music-theory core (MUS 135, 136) and one term of music history (MUS 344), plus two required math courses

Business coursework: Principles of Marketing, Management Theory and Practice, Accounting for Non-Business Majors, Entrepreneurship, and Advertising and Integrated Marketing Campaigns

One elective from Introduction to Public Relations, Digital Cinema, Video Editing, or Audio Engineering

Professional Development

Vast Chicago-area resources for internships, faculty, and career opportunities

Location

Campus located about 30 minutes from Chicago, a major center for the music industry

Program Highlights

Program Recognition

One of the oldest music business programs in the world

Strong liberal arts component alongside the professional music-business curriculum

Training

Bachelor of science track — lighter music-theory core (MUS 135, 136) and one term of music history (MUS 344), plus two required math courses

Business coursework: Principles of Marketing, Management Theory and Practice, Accounting for Non-Business Majors, Entrepreneurship, and Advertising and Integrated Marketing Campaigns

One elective from Introduction to Public Relations, Digital Cinema, Video Editing, or Audio Engineering

Professional Development

Vast Chicago-area resources for internships, faculty, and career opportunities

Location

Campus located about 30 minutes from Chicago, a major center for the music industry

Key Info

Enrollment Term

Fall 2027

University AppApplication

Apply

Common App

Deadline

Early ActionNov 15, 2026

Regular DecisionRolling

Important Dates Deadlines · elmhurst.edu

Program AppApplication

Auditions

In-Person Audition

Dec 5, 2026Jan 18 & 23, 2027Feb 15 & 26, 2027Mar 6 & 13, 2027

Audition Process · elmhurst.edu

Audition Requirements

Repertoire

Prepare an audition on your major instrument or voice using two contrasting prepared pieces

Voice: two contrasting pieces, memorized - one classical (foreign language preferred; English acceptable) and one in musical theater, jazz, or classical style

Strings/winds/brass: two contrasting solo pieces, or one solo piece and one etude

Piano: two contrasting works; guitar: an etude plus a contrasting piece

Percussion: prepared selections demonstrating facility across snare, mallets, timpani, and drum set

Electric guitar/bass option: music business applicants may instead prepare repertoire on electric guitar or electric bass

Electric guitar repertoire: prepare "Autumn Leaves" (G minor) or "There Is No Greater Love" (Bb) - play the head, solo one chorus, accompanist solos over the two A sections, play the melody on the bridge to the end

Electric bass repertoire: prepare "Tenor Madness" (Bb) and "Autumn Leaves" as a bossa (comping only)

Scales & Technique

Two scales demonstrating your highest level of technical proficiency (per-instrument requirements vary)

Audition Process · elmhurst.edu

Verified for Fall 2027 entry

Good to Know

Application Logistics

Apply to Elmhurst University via Common App — no application fee

Schedule audition through the Music Department (separate from Theatre Department)

Encouraged to apply to Elmhurst before auditioning for financial aid purposes

Placement

Admitted students complete a brief Music Theory Assessment after auditioning — for placement only, not admission

Scholarships

Must audition prior to June for fall admission to be eligible for music scholarships

Transfer Pathway

Elmhurst publishes College of DuPage 2+2 maps for Music Business AA and AAS students. BS Music Business applicants still complete the Department of Music audition and interview process.

College Dupage 2 2 Programs · elmhurst.edu

What's The Process

Audition Process

Request an audition via the Department of Music audition process

In-person and virtual audition options available

Personal appointments available upon request

Audition Expectations

In-person audition before a faculty panel

Maximum 10 minutes total audition time

Includes a brief interview with the director of music admissions and faculty

Music Theory Assessment completed after audition (non-binding)

Business casual dress recommended

Jeans, sneakers, shorts, and t-shirts discouraged

Sight-Reading

A short sight-reading excerpt will be presented at the audition

Accompaniment

Faculty pianist provided at no cost — request in advance

May bring your own accompanist or use a CD track (instrument not present on track)

Accompanists are optional for instrumentalists

Microphones are not used

Bring four copies of each piece for the faculty panel

Scholarship Info

Music Scholarship

Awarded based on entrance audition performance

Available to first-year and transfer students majoring in music

Must audition prior to June for fall admission to be eligible

Summer (June) auditions may not be considered for music scholarships

Renewable by maintaining GPA associated with academic scholarship plus full-time enrollment

School info

Snapshot

Avg GPA (W)

3.59

Admit rate

74%

school-wide

Grad rate

70%

Enrollment

Earnings

$61K

10yr after

Costs & aid

Tuition & fees

$46,158

Before aid

Average net price

$24,185

After aid

Undergraduate · elmhurst.edu College Scorecard

Program Recognition

One of the oldest music business programs in the world

Strong liberal arts component alongside the professional music-business curriculum

Training

Bachelor of science track — lighter music-theory core (MUS 135, 136) and one term of music history (MUS 344), plus two required math courses

Business coursework: Principles of Marketing, Management Theory and Practice, Accounting for Non-Business Majors, Entrepreneurship, and Advertising and Integrated Marketing Campaigns

One elective from Introduction to Public Relations, Digital Cinema, Video Editing, or Audio Engineering

Professional Development

Vast Chicago-area resources for internships, faculty, and career opportunities

Location

Campus located about 30 minutes from Chicago, a major center for the music industry

Updated Sep 8, 12:55 AM