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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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BM New Media Composition

ProgramOfficial Program Page

Program snapshot

Admissions

No PrescreenAudition RequiredNo InterviewUniversity App Required

Audition format

In-Person or Virtual

Program Recognition

The New Media Composition sequence “prepares students to create original music for film, games, interactive media, and emerging technologies,” with coursework integrating composition, sound design, and music technology through collaboration across creative disciplines

Students take classes from faculty of both the School of Music and the School of Creative Technologies

Training

Original compositions for acoustic instruments can be read by large ensembles including the Illinois State University Symphony Orchestra, Wind Symphony, and choral ensembles

Faculty include Martha Horst, Carl Schimmel, Alex Stephenson, and Roy Magnuson, who also teach coursework in sound design, virtual reality environment design, and multi-media composition

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

Students take classes from faculty of both the School of Music and the School of Creative Technologies

Training

Original compositions for acoustic instruments can be read by large ensembles including the Illinois State University Symphony Orchestra, Wind Symphony, and choral ensembles

Faculty include Martha Horst, Carl Schimmel, Alex Stephenson, and Roy Magnuson, who also teach coursework in sound design, virtual reality environment design, and multi-media composition

Program Highlights

Program Recognition

Students take classes from faculty of both the School of Music and the School of Creative Technologies

Training

Original compositions for acoustic instruments can be read by large ensembles including the Illinois State University Symphony Orchestra, Wind Symphony, and choral ensembles

Faculty include Martha Horst, Carl Schimmel, Alex Stephenson, and Roy Magnuson, who also teach coursework in sound design, virtual reality environment design, and multi-media composition

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

New Media 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

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 New Media 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

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

Students take classes from faculty of both the School of Music and the School of Creative Technologies

Training

Original compositions for acoustic instruments can be read by large ensembles including the Illinois State University Symphony Orchestra, Wind Symphony, and choral ensembles

Faculty include Martha Horst, Carl Schimmel, Alex Stephenson, and Roy Magnuson, who also teach coursework in sound design, virtual reality environment design, and multi-media composition

Updated 8h ago