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Furman University

Greenville, SC

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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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BM Music Theory

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

Training

Bachelor of Music in Music Theory: engage in the creation, analysis, and formulation of music

Theory sequence begins in the first year and is taken by all intended music majors (basics, written, aural, keyboard)

Theory-major coursework adds Form and Analysis, Orchestration, Basic Conducting, Counterpoint, Contemporary Styles and Techniques, and a capstone Senior Project to the shared music-major core

At least 4 credits of Applied Research in Music Theory and 4 credits of Composition Seminar, plus at least 8 credits of performance studies on an instrument or voice

Taught by Assistant Professor of Music Theory Benjamin Dobbs

Value

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

School info

Snapshot

Avg GPA (W)

3.67

Admit rate

43%

school-wide

Grad rate

79%

Enrollment

2.4K

Earnings

$69K

10yr after

Costs & aid

Tuition & fees

$63,288

Before aid

Cost of attendance

$84,926

Before aid

Average net price

$30,308

After aid

Tuition Fees · furman.edu College Scorecard

Program info updated 1d ago

Program Highlights

Program Recognition

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

Training

Bachelor of Music in Music Theory: engage in the creation, analysis, and formulation of music

Theory sequence begins in the first year and is taken by all intended music majors (basics, written, aural, keyboard)

Theory-major coursework adds Form and Analysis, Orchestration, Basic Conducting, Counterpoint, Contemporary Styles and Techniques, and a capstone Senior Project to the shared music-major core

At least 4 credits of Applied Research in Music Theory and 4 credits of Composition Seminar, plus at least 8 credits of performance studies on an instrument or voice

Taught by Assistant Professor of Music Theory Benjamin Dobbs

Value

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

Training

Bachelor of Music in Music Theory: engage in the creation, analysis, and formulation of music

Theory sequence begins in the first year and is taken by all intended music majors (basics, written, aural, keyboard)

Theory-major coursework adds Form and Analysis, Orchestration, Basic Conducting, Counterpoint, Contemporary Styles and Techniques, and a capstone Senior Project to the shared music-major core

At least 4 credits of Applied Research in Music Theory and 4 credits of Composition Seminar, plus at least 8 credits of performance studies on an instrument or voice

Taught by Assistant Professor of Music Theory Benjamin Dobbs

Value

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

Key Info

Enrollment Term

Fall 2027

University AppApplication

Apply

Common App Coalition App

Deadline

Early application deadlineNov 1, 2026

Early Decision IIRegular DecisionJan 15, 2027

Admissions Aid · furman.edu

Program AppApplication

Order

The university application must be submitted before the audition.

Apply

School Website

Auditions

In-Person Audition Weekend

Dec 4, 2026Jan 15–16 & 29–30, 2027Feb 19–20, 2027

OR — Recorded Video Audition

Recorded audition submission deadlineFeb 1, 2027

Auditions · furman.edu

Audition Requirements

Letters of Recommendation (Optional)

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

Recommendations are due February 1, 2027

Audition Criteria · furman.edu

Verified for Fall 2027 entry

Good to Know

Application Logistics

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

Submit the recorded audition registration form and media files by February 1, 2027

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

Program Requirements

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

What's The Process

Audition Format

Audition on your major instrument using that instrument’s audition criteria

Live audition strongly encouraged; recorded audition reviewed with equal weight

On Audition Day, the performance audition is followed by a private lesson with faculty

In-Person Audition Weekends

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

Audition Outcomes

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

May result in approval for applied study, the music major, or a music scholarship

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

School info

Snapshot

Avg GPA (W)

3.67

Admit rate

43%

school-wide

Grad rate

79%

Enrollment

2.4K

Earnings

$69K

10yr after

Costs & aid

Tuition & fees

$63,288

Before aid

Cost of attendance

$84,926

Before aid

Average net price

$30,308

After aid

Tuition Fees · furman.edu College Scorecard

Program Recognition

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

Training

Bachelor of Music in Music Theory: engage in the creation, analysis, and formulation of music

Theory sequence begins in the first year and is taken by all intended music majors (basics, written, aural, keyboard)

Theory-major coursework adds Form and Analysis, Orchestration, Basic Conducting, Counterpoint, Contemporary Styles and Techniques, and a capstone Senior Project to the shared music-major core

At least 4 credits of Applied Research in Music Theory and 4 credits of Composition Seminar, plus at least 8 credits of performance studies on an instrument or voice

Taught by Assistant Professor of Music Theory Benjamin Dobbs

Value

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

Updated 1d ago