Public school7.6K

Idaho State University

Pocatello, ID

Test-OptionalGreek LifeLGBTQ+

Start free

Program

Concentration

ProgramOfficial Program Page

Program snapshot

Admissions

No PrescreenAudition RequiredNo InterviewUniversity App Required

Audition format

In-Person or Virtual

Program

Concentration

Quick links

ProgramOfficial Program Page

Program snapshot

Admissions

No PrescreenAudition RequiredNo InterviewUniversity App Required

Audition format

In-Person or Virtual

Browse programs

Quick Links

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)

•Prepares students for careers as modern musicians in recording, production, and contemporary performance

Facilities & Recognition

•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

3.38

Avg GPA (W)

39%

Grad Rate

7.6K

Enrollment

$46K

Earnings

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

Official source College Scorecard

Program info updated Jul 23, 7:46 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)

•Prepares students for careers as modern musicians in recording, production, and contemporary performance

Facilities & Recognition

•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)

•Prepares students for careers as modern musicians in recording, production, and contemporary performance

Facilities & Recognition

•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

Official Source

Program AppApplication

Apply

School Website

Official Source

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

Official Source

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

3.38

Avg GPA (W)

39%

Grad Rate

7.6K

Enrollment

$46K

Earnings

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

Official source 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)

•Prepares students for careers as modern musicians in recording, production, and contemporary performance

Facilities & Recognition

•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 Jul 23, 7:46 PM