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Kean University

Union, NJ

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ProgramOfficial Program Page

Program snapshot

Admissions

No PrescreenAudition RequiredInterview RequiredUniversity App Required

Audition format

In-Person or Virtual

Program

Quick links

ProgramOfficial Program Page

Program snapshot

Admissions

No PrescreenAudition RequiredInterview RequiredUniversity App Required

Audition format

In-Person or Virtual

Browse programs

Theatre

Music education

Composition & music studies

Quick links

BM Music Performance: Emphasis in Pedagogy

Instrumental Performance

ProgramOfficial Program Page

Program snapshot

Admissions

No PrescreenAudition RequiredInterview RequiredUniversity App Required

Audition format

In-Person or Virtual

Program Recognition

Department of Music is an accredited institutional member of the National Association of Schools of Music (NASM)

Training

Intensive instrumental performance degree with an emphasis in pedagogy — prepares students for performance and private studio teaching

Open to strings, woodwinds, brass, percussion, guitar, and organ principals

Two private studio lessons per semester plus instrumental repertory, orchestration, instrumental conducting, and instrument-specific pedagogy practicum

Primary ensemble by area (Orchestra for strings; Wind Ensemble for brass, woodwind, and percussion)

Perform in the state-of-the-art Enlow Recital Hall

Location

30 minutes from NYC by train — access to world-class musical culture

School info

Snapshot

Avg GPA (W)

3.20

Admit rate

76%

school-wide

Grad rate

47%

Enrollment

11.4K

Earnings

$57K

10yr after

Costs & aid

In-state tuition

$15,300

Before aid

Out-of-state tuition

$24,018

Before aid

Cost of attendance

$39,592

Before aid

Average net price

$12,447

After aid

Cost Attendance · kean.edu College Scorecard

Program info updated Aug 22, 6:01 PM

Program Highlights

Program Recognition

Department of Music is an accredited institutional member of the National Association of Schools of Music (NASM)

Training

Intensive instrumental performance degree with an emphasis in pedagogy — prepares students for performance and private studio teaching

Open to strings, woodwinds, brass, percussion, guitar, and organ principals

Two private studio lessons per semester plus instrumental repertory, orchestration, instrumental conducting, and instrument-specific pedagogy practicum

Primary ensemble by area (Orchestra for strings; Wind Ensemble for brass, woodwind, and percussion)

Perform in the state-of-the-art Enlow Recital Hall

Location

30 minutes from NYC by train — access to world-class musical culture

Program Highlights

Program Recognition

Department of Music is an accredited institutional member of the National Association of Schools of Music (NASM)

Training

Intensive instrumental performance degree with an emphasis in pedagogy — prepares students for performance and private studio teaching

Open to strings, woodwinds, brass, percussion, guitar, and organ principals

Two private studio lessons per semester plus instrumental repertory, orchestration, instrumental conducting, and instrument-specific pedagogy practicum

Primary ensemble by area (Orchestra for strings; Wind Ensemble for brass, woodwind, and percussion)

Perform in the state-of-the-art Enlow Recital Hall

Location

30 minutes from NYC by train — access to world-class musical culture

Key Info

Enrollment Term

Fall 2026

University AppApplication

Apply

Common App School Website

Fee

$75

Deadline

Regular DecisionRolling

Application · Common App

Program AppApplication

Audition

OR — Recorded Video Audition

Recorded video audition / online portfolioRolling

Becoming Music Major Kean University · kean.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

Strings — two contrasting movements or pieces from the standard repertoire

Woodwinds — two contrasting movements of a sonata or concerto, or a moderate-difficulty concert piece with contrasting sections; saxophonists may offer a second piece in the jazz idiom

Brass — two contrasting pieces from the standard concert repertoire showing contrast in style and technique

Percussion — prepared selections demonstrating proficiency on mallets, snare drum, and timpani, plus rudiments and sight-reading of percussion music

Guitar — two contrasting compositions from the standard literature (e.g., Bach, Sor, Villa-Lobos)

Organ — one work by J.S. Bach and a second work from the standard literature

Prepared and performed at the live or recorded audition

Becoming Music Major Kean University · kean.edu

Good to Know

Application Logistics

Complete the Kean University application via Common App or kean.edu

After academic materials are reviewed, eligible applicants receive an invitation to schedule a music audition before a final decision

Video portfolio/audition content is submitted through the Kean University Application Portal/CougarApp; Common App students receive account setup instructions

In-person auditions are scheduled through the Department of Music

Admitted students take placement tests in music theory, sight singing/ear training, and class piano at entry - for course placement only, not admission

An optional music history placement test is available to test out of the music history survey

Enrollment

Rolling admissions with April 30 priority deadline

Program Requirements

Full-time music majors participate in two ensembles each semester (one primary by performance area, one secondary by advisement)

Perform in at least one student recital per semester and take a jury (performance exam) at the end of each semester

What's The Process

Audition Process

Contact the Department of Music at 908-737-4330 or music@kean.edu to schedule

In-person auditions run 3:30 - 5:30 p.m.; additional dates available by appointment

Bring an extra copy of your music for the adjudicator

Audition Expectations

Live audition or video portfolio review on your principal instrument

Interview included as part of the admission review

Audition must be completed before first-semester registration

Music department accompanist available for accompanied instrumentalists, or bring your own - notify the department when scheduling

Scholarship Info

Music Scholarship

Complete the Kean application and music audition before March 1 for scholarship and financial-aid consideration

The Department of Music also directs candidates seeking financial assistance to audition before April 1 and submit the University Foundation Scholarship Application by March 15

Contact music@kean.edu or 908-737-4330 for current scheduling guidance

School info

Snapshot

Avg GPA (W)

3.20

Admit rate

76%

school-wide

Grad rate

47%

Enrollment

11.4K

Earnings

$57K

10yr after

Costs & aid

In-state tuition

$15,300

Before aid

Out-of-state tuition

$24,018

Before aid

Cost of attendance

$39,592

Before aid

Average net price

$12,447

After aid

Cost Attendance · kean.edu College Scorecard

Program Recognition

Department of Music is an accredited institutional member of the National Association of Schools of Music (NASM)

Training

Intensive instrumental performance degree with an emphasis in pedagogy — prepares students for performance and private studio teaching

Open to strings, woodwinds, brass, percussion, guitar, and organ principals

Two private studio lessons per semester plus instrumental repertory, orchestration, instrumental conducting, and instrument-specific pedagogy practicum

Primary ensemble by area (Orchestra for strings; Wind Ensemble for brass, woodwind, and percussion)

Perform in the state-of-the-art Enlow Recital Hall

Location

30 minutes from NYC by train — access to world-class musical culture

Updated Aug 22, 6:01 PM