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Illinois State University

Normal, IL

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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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BA/BS Music

ProgramOfficial Program Page

Program snapshot

Admissions

No PrescreenAudition RequiredNo InterviewUniversity App Required

Audition format

In-Person or Virtual

Program Recognition

Illinois State’s Bachelor of Arts or Bachelor of Science in Music offers an alternative to the professional Bachelor of Music, with a General Education requirement similar to the university’s other liberal arts programs

The program’s own description names Music Education, Music Therapy, and Performance as its three main areas of focus for students combining musicianship with a broader academic degree

Training

All School of Music faculty teach courses for the Liberal Arts sequence, giving students access to the same applied-music studios used by Illinois State’s professional degree programs

Like Illinois State’s other music majors, admission requires extensive background in music and a completed audition, with a middle-50% freshman GPA of 2.56–3.39

School info

Snapshot

Avg GPA (W)

3.62

Admit rate

88%

school-wide

Grad rate

65%

Enrollment

19.1K

Earnings

$62K

10yr after

Costs & aid

In-state tuition

$16,816

Before aid

Out-of-state tuition

$29,484

Before aid

Cost of attendance

$36,422

Before aid

Average net price

$19,398

After aid

Index · financialaid.illinoisstate.edu College Scorecard

Program info updated 8h ago

Program Highlights

Program Recognition

The program’s own description names Music Education, Music Therapy, and Performance as its three main areas of focus for students combining musicianship with a broader academic degree

Training

All School of Music faculty teach courses for the Liberal Arts sequence, giving students access to the same applied-music studios used by Illinois State’s professional degree programs

Like Illinois State’s other music majors, admission requires extensive background in music and a completed audition, with a middle-50% freshman GPA of 2.56–3.39

Program Highlights

Program Recognition

The program’s own description names Music Education, Music Therapy, and Performance as its three main areas of focus for students combining musicianship with a broader academic degree

Training

All School of Music faculty teach courses for the Liberal Arts sequence, giving students access to the same applied-music studios used by Illinois State’s professional degree programs

Like Illinois State’s other music majors, admission requires extensive background in music and a completed audition, with a middle-50% freshman GPA of 2.56–3.39

Key Info

Enrollment Term

University AppApplication

Apply

Common App School Website

Deadline

PriorityNov 1, 2026

Regular DecisionRolling

Deadlines · illinoisstate.edu

Program AppApplication

Auditions

On Campus

Dec 5, 2026Jan 22–23, 2027Feb 5–6 & 13, 2027

On Campus (not for scholarship consideration)Mar 20, 2027

Auditions · finearts.illinoisstate.edu

Audition Requirements

Repertoire

Liberal Arts applicants complete a classical performance entrance audition on their primary instrument or voice, following the suggested repertoire for that studio on the School of Music auditions page

Letters of Recommendation (Required)

One letter of recommendation from a music professional, uploaded to the application portal

Resume (Required)

A music resume detailing performance and training experience

Auditions · finearts.illinoisstate.edu

Verified for Fall 2027 entry

Good to Know

Application Logistics

Apply to Illinois State University first, then select an audition date within the University application

No separate application portal is required for music auditions

Recorded audition option available for applicants residing outside Illinois

Important Notes

The Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Science both offer this Liberal Arts sequence; students choose their degree track when applying

Admitted students take a music theory and aural-skills placement exam at orientation for course placement only, not admission

What's The Process

Audition Process

A classical performance audition is required for admission to the Music - Liberal Arts sequence

Perform on your primary instrument or voice per the suggested repertoire for that studio

Contact the applied faculty member for your area for guidance on audition repertoire

Decisions

Audition results determine acceptance to the School of Music

Previous music experience expected for all music majors

Contact

School of Music: (309) 438-8959

Scholarship Info

Scholarship Consideration

Audition on earlier dates for best scholarship opportunity

March audition dates are not eligible for scholarship consideration

School info

Snapshot

Avg GPA (W)

3.62

Admit rate

88%

school-wide

Grad rate

65%

Enrollment

19.1K

Earnings

$62K

10yr after

Costs & aid

In-state tuition

$16,816

Before aid

Out-of-state tuition

$29,484

Before aid

Cost of attendance

$36,422

Before aid

Average net price

$19,398

After aid

Index · financialaid.illinoisstate.edu College Scorecard

Program Recognition

The program’s own description names Music Education, Music Therapy, and Performance as its three main areas of focus for students combining musicianship with a broader academic degree

Training

All School of Music faculty teach courses for the Liberal Arts sequence, giving students access to the same applied-music studios used by Illinois State’s professional degree programs

Like Illinois State’s other music majors, admission requires extensive background in music and a completed audition, with a middle-50% freshman GPA of 2.56–3.39

Updated 8h ago