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Idaho State University

Pocatello, ID

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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 Performance

Commercial Option

ProgramOfficial Program Page

Program snapshot

Admissions

No PrescreenAudition RequiredNo InterviewUniversity App Required

Audition format

In-Person or Virtual

Program Recognition

New Commercial Music performance option focused on contemporary styles, techniques, and practices

Capstone includes producing and recording a full-length commercial album in the senior year

Training

Coursework in Music Technology, Recording Technology, Improvisation, Studio Arranging and Composition, and Audio Mixing and Production

Commercial Music Studio/Ensemble and Commercial Music/Jazz large ensembles

Business and media electives (marketing/management and graphic/video editing)

Applied lessons begin on the primary instrument of entry, then shift to specialized upper-division Applied Commercial Music study (MUSA 3300/4300) for the junior and senior years

Facilities

NASM-accredited Department of Music within the ISU School of Performing Arts (SOPA)

Performances in the L. E. and Thelma E. Stephens Performing Arts Center

School info

Snapshot

Avg GPA (W)

3.38

Grad rate

39%

Enrollment

7.6K

Earnings

$46K

10yr after

Costs & aid

In-state tuition

$9,340

Before aid

Out-of-state tuition

$28,776

Before aid

Cost of attendance

$31,444

Before aid

Average net price

$12,193

After aid

Cost Of Attendance Coa · isu.edu College Scorecard

Program info updated Sep 4, 1:59 PM

Program Highlights

Program Recognition

New Commercial Music performance option focused on contemporary styles, techniques, and practices

Capstone includes producing and recording a full-length commercial album in the senior year

Training

Coursework in Music Technology, Recording Technology, Improvisation, Studio Arranging and Composition, and Audio Mixing and Production

Commercial Music Studio/Ensemble and Commercial Music/Jazz large ensembles

Business and media electives (marketing/management and graphic/video editing)

Applied lessons begin on the primary instrument of entry, then shift to specialized upper-division Applied Commercial Music study (MUSA 3300/4300) for the junior and senior years

Facilities

NASM-accredited Department of Music within the ISU School of Performing Arts (SOPA)

Performances in the L. E. and Thelma E. Stephens Performing Arts Center

Program Highlights

Program Recognition

New Commercial Music performance option focused on contemporary styles, techniques, and practices

Capstone includes producing and recording a full-length commercial album in the senior year

Training

Coursework in Music Technology, Recording Technology, Improvisation, Studio Arranging and Composition, and Audio Mixing and Production

Commercial Music Studio/Ensemble and Commercial Music/Jazz large ensembles

Business and media electives (marketing/management and graphic/video editing)

Applied lessons begin on the primary instrument of entry, then shift to specialized upper-division Applied Commercial Music study (MUSA 3300/4300) for the junior and senior years

Facilities

NASM-accredited Department of Music within the ISU School of Performing Arts (SOPA)

Performances in the L. E. and Thelma E. Stephens Performing Arts Center

Key Info

Enrollment Term

University AppApplication

Apply

School Website

Fee

$50

Deadline

Spring Admission (International)Nov 1, 2026

Spring AdmissionDec 1, 2026

Summer Admission

Undergraduate · isu.edu

Program AppApplication

Apply

School Website

Apply And Audition · isu.edu

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

Prepare a technique demonstration and repertoire performance on your primary instrument or voice in a contemporary style

Audition is on your primary instrument of entry; commercial-music applied study focuses on contemporary styles, recording, and production

Contact the Department of Music for the prepared repertoire expectations for the Commercial Option: music@isu.edu

Letter of Recommendation

Required; from your applied teacher or large ensemble director

Submitted after you list the recommender on the application form

Apply And Audition · isu.edu

Good to Know

Application Logistics

Apply to ISU first, then apply to the Music Department via the department application form

All applicants will be contacted to schedule an audition time

A letter of recommendation is requested from the applied instrument teacher or large ensemble director you list on the form

Placement Exams

Admitted music majors take a music theory placement exam and a piano placement exam for course placement only, not admission

A free online Music Theory Preparatory Course is available to review before the theory placement exam

Important Notes

Scholarship money is limited; priority auditions are encouraged

Offer letter sent after audition review (must be accepted to ISU first)

What's The Process

Audition Process

Three-part entrance process: performance audition, theory placement exam, and piano placement exam

Performance audition includes a technique demonstration and repertoire performance on the applicant's primary instrument or voice

Must be accepted to ISU before the Music Department can offer placement or scholarship

One audition serves for both program admission and scholarship consideration

Auditions are scheduled individually after the department application is submitted

Current Schedule

The department page still lists the completed December 6, 2025 and March 14, 2026 audition days

Fall 2027 audition dates have not yet been published

Video auditions may be used by applicants outside Idaho or unable to attend an audition day

Contact the Department of Music at (208) 282-3636 or music@isu.edu

Scholarship Info

Music Scholarships

One audition serves for both program admission and scholarship consideration

Scholarships available for anyone in Music Department ensembles, regardless of major

Only program in Idaho offering music scholarships to non-majors

Scholarship funds are limited; early/priority auditions encouraged

School info

Snapshot

Avg GPA (W)

3.38

Grad rate

39%

Enrollment

7.6K

Earnings

$46K

10yr after

Costs & aid

In-state tuition

$9,340

Before aid

Out-of-state tuition

$28,776

Before aid

Cost of attendance

$31,444

Before aid

Average net price

$12,193

After aid

Cost Of Attendance Coa · isu.edu College Scorecard

Program Recognition

New Commercial Music performance option focused on contemporary styles, techniques, and practices

Capstone includes producing and recording a full-length commercial album in the senior year

Training

Coursework in Music Technology, Recording Technology, Improvisation, Studio Arranging and Composition, and Audio Mixing and Production

Commercial Music Studio/Ensemble and Commercial Music/Jazz large ensembles

Business and media electives (marketing/management and graphic/video editing)

Applied lessons begin on the primary instrument of entry, then shift to specialized upper-division Applied Commercial Music study (MUSA 3300/4300) for the junior and senior years

Facilities

NASM-accredited Department of Music within the ISU School of Performing Arts (SOPA)

Performances in the L. E. and Thelma E. Stephens Performing Arts Center

Updated Sep 4, 1:59 PM