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Keene State College

Keene, NH

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ProgramOfficial Program Page

Program snapshot

Admissions

No PrescreenAudition RequiredNo InterviewUniversity App Required

Audition format

In-Person or Virtual

Program

Quick links

ProgramOfficial Program Page

Program snapshot

Admissions

No PrescreenAudition RequiredNo InterviewUniversity App Required

Audition format

In-Person or Virtual

Browse programs

Composition & music studies

Music education

Music performance

Dance

Music technology

Quick links

BM Music Performance

Bowed Strings

ProgramOfficial Program Page

Program snapshot

Admissions

No PrescreenAudition RequiredNo InterviewUniversity App Required

Audition format

In-Person or Virtual

Program Recognition

Fully accredited by the National Association of Schools of Music (NASM); Keene State is the only liberal arts institution in northern New England to hold NASM accreditation

Training

Strings concentration of the BM Music Performance: 32 credits of applied study on the primary string instrument

Studio work feeds the KSC Orchestra and chamber ensembles

Performance & Productions

30–40 minute junior recital and a 60–70 minute senior recital on the primary instrument

String players perform each semester in the KSC Orchestra and chamber groups, with additional solo repertoire study

Recitals staged in the 360-seat Alumni Recital Hall, the Music Department's primary performance space, noted for its acoustics

School info

Snapshot

Avg GPA (W)

3.17

Admit rate

90%

school-wide

Grad rate

60%

Enrollment

2.7K

Earnings

$54K

10yr after

Costs & aid

In-state tuition

$15,532

Before aid

Out-of-state tuition

$28,200

Before aid

Cost of attendance

$30,918

Before aid

Average net price

$17,887

After aid

Overview · keene.edu College Scorecard

Program info updated Sep 27, 3:30 PM

Program Highlights

Program Recognition

Fully accredited by the National Association of Schools of Music (NASM); Keene State is the only liberal arts institution in northern New England to hold NASM accreditation

Training

Strings concentration of the BM Music Performance: 32 credits of applied study on the primary string instrument

Studio work feeds the KSC Orchestra and chamber ensembles

Performance & Productions

30–40 minute junior recital and a 60–70 minute senior recital on the primary instrument

String players perform each semester in the KSC Orchestra and chamber groups, with additional solo repertoire study

Recitals staged in the 360-seat Alumni Recital Hall, the Music Department's primary performance space, noted for its acoustics

Program Highlights

Program Recognition

Fully accredited by the National Association of Schools of Music (NASM); Keene State is the only liberal arts institution in northern New England to hold NASM accreditation

Training

Strings concentration of the BM Music Performance: 32 credits of applied study on the primary string instrument

Studio work feeds the KSC Orchestra and chamber ensembles

Performance & Productions

30–40 minute junior recital and a 60–70 minute senior recital on the primary instrument

String players perform each semester in the KSC Orchestra and chamber groups, with additional solo repertoire study

Recitals staged in the 360-seat Alumni Recital Hall, the Music Department's primary performance space, noted for its acoustics

Key Info

Enrollment Term

University AppApplication

Apply

Common App School Website

Deadline

Regular DecisionRolling

Application · Common App

Program AppApplication

Apply

School Website

Auditions

Music Audition Day

Jan 29, 2027Feb 12, 2027Mar 5 & 26, 2027

Audition Information · dept.keene.edu

Audition Requirements

Repertoire List

Two contrasting pieces demonstrating lyrical and technical playing, such as slow and fast movements of sonatas or concertos, or etudes

Prepared jazz standard may be added by jazz or electric bass applicants

Scales and technique: major and minor scales and arpeggios, preferably two octaves

Sight-read material during the audition

Audition Information · keene.edu

Verified for Fall 2027 entry

University Essays

The school's own essays for Fall 2027 entry aren't confirmed yet. Check its application before you write.

Common App personal essay

250–650 words · Choose 1 of 7 prompts · Written once for all your Common App schools

Background, identity, interest, or talent: Some students have a background, identity, interest, or talent that is so meaningful they believe their application would be incomplete without it. If this sounds like you, then please share your story.
Facing adversity: The lessons we take from obstacles we encounter can be fundamental to later success. Recount a time when you faced a challenge, setback, or failure. How did it affect you, and what did you learn from the experience?
Challenging an idea: Reflect on a time when you questioned or challenged a belief or idea. What prompted your thinking? What was the outcome?
Gratitude: Reflect on something that someone has done for you that has made you happy or thankful in a surprising way. How has this gratitude affected or motivated you?
Personal growth: Discuss an accomplishment, event, or realization that sparked a period of personal growth and a new understanding of yourself or others.
Intellectual curiosity: Describe a topic, idea, or concept you find so engaging that it makes you lose all track of time. Why does it captivate you? What or who do you turn to when you want to learn more?
Topic of your choice: Share an essay on any topic of your choice. It can be one you've already written, one that responds to a different prompt, or one of your own design.

The Common App enforces the length inside the application.

Application · Common App

Verified for Fall 2027 entry

Good to Know

Application Process

Two-step process: apply via Common App, then schedule a separate audition

No application fee

Admission to the music program does not guarantee admission to the College, and vice versa

Placement

Admitted students take a music theory and aural skills placement test at the audition for course placement only, not admission

Timing

Apply and audition early to ensure eligibility for financial assistance

What's The Process

Audition Format

Prepared repertoire performance on your primary instrument

Online and in-person auditions available

Musicianship Assessment

Music theory and aural skills placement test

Scheduling

Contact: 603-358-2177 or music@keene.edu

Scholarship Info

Talent Scholarships

$1,000 to $4,500 per year

Awarded to first-time incoming students majoring in Music

Renewable for up to three additional years

Must remain in major and meet minimum GPA requirements

School info

Snapshot

Avg GPA (W)

3.17

Admit rate

90%

school-wide

Grad rate

60%

Enrollment

2.7K

Earnings

$54K

10yr after

Costs & aid

In-state tuition

$15,532

Before aid

Out-of-state tuition

$28,200

Before aid

Cost of attendance

$30,918

Before aid

Average net price

$17,887

After aid

Overview · keene.edu College Scorecard

Program Recognition

Fully accredited by the National Association of Schools of Music (NASM); Keene State is the only liberal arts institution in northern New England to hold NASM accreditation

Training

Strings concentration of the BM Music Performance: 32 credits of applied study on the primary string instrument

Studio work feeds the KSC Orchestra and chamber ensembles

Performance & Productions

30–40 minute junior recital and a 60–70 minute senior recital on the primary instrument

String players perform each semester in the KSC Orchestra and chamber groups, with additional solo repertoire study

Recitals staged in the 360-seat Alumni Recital Hall, the Music Department's primary performance space, noted for its acoustics

Updated Sep 27, 3:30 PM