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Furman University

Greenville, SC

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Program

Concentration

ProgramOfficial Program Page

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Admissions

No PrescreenAudition RequiredInterview RequiredUniversity App Required

Audition format

In-Person or Virtual

Program

Concentration

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ProgramOfficial Program Page

Program snapshot

Admissions

No PrescreenAudition RequiredInterview RequiredUniversity App Required

Audition format

In-Person or Virtual

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Concentrations

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BM Composition

Composition

ProgramOfficial Program Page

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Admissions

No PrescreenAudition RequiredInterview RequiredUniversity App Required

Audition format

In-Person or Virtual

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BA Theatre Arts

ProgramOfficial Program Page

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Admissions

No PrescreenNo AuditionNo InterviewUniversity App Required

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Study Abroad

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BA Theatre Studies

ProgramOfficial Program Page

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Admissions

No PrescreenNo AuditionNo InterviewUniversity App Required

Program profile

Study Abroad

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BM Performance

Vocal Emphasis

ProgramOfficial Program Page

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Admissions

No PrescreenAudition RequiredNo InterviewUniversity App Required

Audition format

In-Person or Virtual

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BM Performance

Organ Emphasis

ProgramOfficial Program Page

Program snapshot

Admissions

No PrescreenAudition RequiredNo InterviewUniversity App Required

Audition format

In-Person or Virtual

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BM Performance

Piano Emphasis

ProgramOfficial Program Page

Program snapshot

Admissions

No PrescreenAudition RequiredNo InterviewUniversity App Required

Audition format

In-Person or Virtual

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BM Performance

Strings Emphasis

ProgramOfficial Program Page

Program snapshot

Admissions

No PrescreenAudition RequiredNo InterviewUniversity App Required

Audition format

In-Person or Virtual

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BM Performance

Wind or Percussion Emphasis

ProgramOfficial Program Page

Program snapshot

Admissions

No PrescreenAudition RequiredNo InterviewUniversity App Required

Audition format

In-Person or Virtual

Quick Links

BM Composition

Composition

ProgramOfficial Program Page

Program snapshot

Admissions

No PrescreenAudition RequiredInterview RequiredUniversity App Required

Audition format

In-Person or Virtual

Quick Links

BM Music Education

Instrumental Music Education

ProgramOfficial Program Page

Program snapshot

Admissions

No PrescreenAudition RequiredNo InterviewUniversity App Required

Audition format

In-Person or Virtual

Program profile

SC Teacher Cert

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BM Music Education

Elementary Music or Choral Music Emphasis

ProgramOfficial Program Page

Program snapshot

Admissions

No PrescreenAudition RequiredNo InterviewUniversity App Required

Audition format

In-Person or Virtual

Program profile

SC Teacher Cert

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BM Music Theory

Music Theory

ProgramOfficial Program Page

Program snapshot

Admissions

No PrescreenAudition RequiredNo InterviewUniversity App Required

Audition format

In-Person or Virtual

Quick Links

BA Music

General Music Studies

ProgramOfficial Program Page

Program snapshot

Admissions

No PrescreenAudition RequiredNo InterviewUniversity App Required

Audition format

In-Person or Virtual

Program Recognition

•Music program recognized as one of the best and most comprehensive among liberal arts colleges

Program Focus

•Bachelor of Music in Composition: create, analyze, and teach music

•Composition seminar from the first year alongside upperclassmen — study contemporary works, write exercises, and produce concerts

•Guest composers visit each year to share skills and experience

Scholarships

•Dedicated composition scholarship awarded each year to an intended composition major (four-year potential)

•Music scholarship tiers from $1,000 up to $25,000 per year, renewable for up to four years

Academic info

Snapshot

3.67

Avg GPA (W)

43%

Admit Rate

school-wide

79%

Grad Rate

2.4K

Enrollment

$69K

Earnings

10yr after

Costs & Aid

Scorecard Average Net Price

$30,308

Scorecard data, after aid

Official Cost of Attendance

$84,926

2026-2027, Undergraduate tuition, student fees, and total estimated annual cost, before aid

Official Tuition & Fees

$63,288

2026-2027, Undergraduate tuition, student fees, and total estimated annual cost, before aid

Average net price reflects the grants and scholarships most students receive.

$0-30k$16,401

$30-48k$17,290

$48-75k$21,041

$75-110k$27,736

$110k+$39,310

View official cost source

Program info updated 1h ago

Program Highlights

Program Recognition

•Music program recognized as one of the best and most comprehensive among liberal arts colleges

Program Focus

•Bachelor of Music in Composition: create, analyze, and teach music

•Composition seminar from the first year alongside upperclassmen — study contemporary works, write exercises, and produce concerts

•Guest composers visit each year to share skills and experience

Scholarships

•Dedicated composition scholarship awarded each year to an intended composition major (four-year potential)

•Music scholarship tiers from $1,000 up to $25,000 per year, renewable for up to four years

Program Highlights

Program Recognition

•Music program recognized as one of the best and most comprehensive among liberal arts colleges

Program Focus

•Bachelor of Music in Composition: create, analyze, and teach music

•Composition seminar from the first year alongside upperclassmen — study contemporary works, write exercises, and produce concerts

•Guest composers visit each year to share skills and experience

Scholarships

•Dedicated composition scholarship awarded each year to an intended composition major (four-year potential)

•Music scholarship tiers from $1,000 up to $25,000 per year, renewable for up to four years

Key Info

University AppApplication

Apply

Common App Coalition App

Deadline

Early application deadlineEarly DecisionEarly ActionNov 1, 2026

Application deadlineEarly Decision IIRegular DecisionJan 15, 2027

Program AppApplication

Apply

School Website

Deadline

Recorded Audition DeadlineFeb 1, 2026

Auditions

In-Person Audition WeekendDec 5, 2025

In-Person Audition WeekendJan 23, 2026

In-Person Audition WeekendJan 30, 2026

In-Person Audition WeekendFeb 13, 2026

Audition Requirements

Composition Portfolio

•2 to 4 original works, notated in composition software (Sibelius, Finale, or similar) or clearly legible handwriting

•Sound or video recordings of live performances of those works

-Accepted formats: .mp3, .mp4, .wav, .mov, or YouTube/Vimeo/SoundCloud links

-Digitally rendered formats (e.g., MIDI) accepted only when live recordings are unavailable

•Cover letter introducing yourself, with a brief composition resume (composition experience, theory knowledge, performing experience)

•Submit at least two weeks before your audition date

Letters of recommendation (optional)

•At least one letter from a current or recent music instructor encouraged

•Recommendations are due February 1

Official Source

Good to Know

Application Process

•Apply to Furman via Common App or Coalition App (SCOIR)

•After submitting your admissions application, register for an audition via the Online Status Page

•Free to apply

Recorded Audition Submission

•Submit the registration form and media files by February 1

•Upload recordings via the Music Portfolio section on the Online Status Page

•Optional letter(s) of recommendation from a music instructor are due February 1

Placement

•Admitted music majors take a music theory placement examination for course placement only — it does not affect admission

What's The Process

Composition Review

•Required performance audition on your major instrument (follow that instrument’s audition criteria)

•Composition interview with members of the composition and theory faculty on Audition Day

-Faculty review your application and portfolio and discuss your experience, goals, and opportunities for composition majors

Audition Format

•Live audition strongly encouraged; recorded audition reviewed with equal weight

•Auditions include brief ear-training and pitch-matching exercises

In-Person Audition Weekends

•Includes campus tour, performance attendance, and catered reception with music faculty

•Register via the Online Status Page after submitting your admissions application

Audition Outcomes

•Results communicated by March 1, with potential adjustments through May 1

Sophomore Approval

•Final approval for the music degree takes place during the sophomore year

Scholarship Info

Furman Music Scholarship

•$1,000 to $15,000 per year, renewable for up to four years

•Open to any admitted student regardless of major

Herring Music Fellowship

•$5,000 to $25,000 per year, renewable for up to four years

•Funded by the Herring Music Fellowship Fund

Presidential Music Scholarship

•$25,000 per year (10 awarded annually), renewable for up to four years

•Furman's most prestigious talent-based award

Eligibility

•All awards determined by audition quality and core program needs

•Awarded in addition to Bell Tower Scholarships (merit) and Financial Aid (need-based)

•Recipients may major in any discipline but must register for appropriate ensemble and private lessons

Academic info

Snapshot

3.67

Avg GPA (W)

43%

Admit Rate

school-wide

79%

Grad Rate

2.4K

Enrollment

$69K

Earnings

10yr after

Costs & Aid

Scorecard Average Net Price

$30,308

Scorecard data, after aid

Official Cost of Attendance

$84,926

2026-2027, Undergraduate tuition, student fees, and total estimated annual cost, before aid

Official Tuition & Fees

$63,288

2026-2027, Undergraduate tuition, student fees, and total estimated annual cost, before aid

Average net price reflects the grants and scholarships most students receive.

$0-30k$16,401

$30-48k$17,290

$48-75k$21,041

$75-110k$27,736

$110k+$39,310

View official cost source

Program Recognition

•Music program recognized as one of the best and most comprehensive among liberal arts colleges

Program Focus

•Bachelor of Music in Composition: create, analyze, and teach music

•Composition seminar from the first year alongside upperclassmen — study contemporary works, write exercises, and produce concerts

•Guest composers visit each year to share skills and experience

Scholarships

•Dedicated composition scholarship awarded each year to an intended composition major (four-year potential)

•Music scholarship tiers from $1,000 up to $25,000 per year, renewable for up to four years

Updated 1h ago

Furman University

Browse programs

Program Highlights

Key Info

Audition Requirements

Good to Know

What's The Process

Scholarship Info

Academic info

Program Highlights

Program Highlights

Key Info

Audition Requirements

Good to Know

What's The Process

Scholarship Info

School Info

Furman University

Browse programs

Program Highlights

Key Info

Audition Requirements

Good to Know

What's The Process

Scholarship Info

Academic info

Program Highlights

Program Highlights

Key Info

Audition Requirements

Good to Know

What's The Process

Scholarship Info

School Info