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Illinois State University

Normal, IL

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Program

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 Composition

ProgramOfficial Program Page

Program snapshot

Admissions

No PrescreenAudition RequiredNo InterviewUniversity App Required

Audition format

In-Person or Virtual

Training

Music Composition students develop original work through individual composition study and private lessons with composition faculty

Students receive ensemble reading sessions and performances of their works, including large-ensemble readings with the Illinois State Wind Symphony and Symphony Orchestra

Performance & Productions

The annual RED NOTE New Music Festival brings guest composers and ensembles to campus, including Ensemble Dal Niente, Fulcrum Point, and ensemble mise-en

Student works are heard in chamber concerts, ensemble readings, and performances by School of Music ensembles

Professional Development

Composition faculty maintain national and international commissions and performances, while alumni have pursued advanced degrees in theory and composition

School Info

Snapshot

3.62

Avg GPA (W)

88%

Admit Rate

school-wide

65%

Grad Rate

19.1K

Enrollment

$62K

Earnings

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 Aug 1, 1:05 PM

Program Highlights

Training

Music Composition students develop original work through individual composition study and private lessons with composition faculty

Students receive ensemble reading sessions and performances of their works, including large-ensemble readings with the Illinois State Wind Symphony and Symphony Orchestra

Performance & Productions

The annual RED NOTE New Music Festival brings guest composers and ensembles to campus, including Ensemble Dal Niente, Fulcrum Point, and ensemble mise-en

Student works are heard in chamber concerts, ensemble readings, and performances by School of Music ensembles

Professional Development

Composition faculty maintain national and international commissions and performances, while alumni have pursued advanced degrees in theory and composition

Program Highlights

Training

Music Composition students develop original work through individual composition study and private lessons with composition faculty

Students receive ensemble reading sessions and performances of their works, including large-ensemble readings with the Illinois State Wind Symphony and Symphony Orchestra

Performance & Productions

The annual RED NOTE New Music Festival brings guest composers and ensembles to campus, including Ensemble Dal Niente, Fulcrum Point, and ensemble mise-en

Student works are heard in chamber concerts, ensemble readings, and performances by School of Music ensembles

Professional Development

Composition faculty maintain national and international commissions and performances, while alumni have pursued advanced degrees in theory and composition

Key Info

Enrollment Term

Fall 2027

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

Composition 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

Illinois State publishes a classical performance audition for composition admission; it does not publish a separate composition portfolio review at the undergraduate level

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 Composition 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

3.62

Avg GPA (W)

88%

Admit Rate

school-wide

65%

Grad Rate

19.1K

Enrollment

$62K

Earnings

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

Training

Music Composition students develop original work through individual composition study and private lessons with composition faculty

Students receive ensemble reading sessions and performances of their works, including large-ensemble readings with the Illinois State Wind Symphony and Symphony Orchestra

Performance & Productions

The annual RED NOTE New Music Festival brings guest composers and ensembles to campus, including Ensemble Dal Niente, Fulcrum Point, and ensemble mise-en

Student works are heard in chamber concerts, ensemble readings, and performances by School of Music ensembles

Professional Development

Composition faculty maintain national and international commissions and performances, while alumni have pursued advanced degrees in theory and composition

Updated Aug 1, 1:05 PM