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Morehead State University

Morehead, KY

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ProgramOfficial Program Page

Program snapshot

Admissions

No PrescreenAudition RequiredInterview RequiredUniversity App Required

Audition format

In-Person or Virtual

Program profile

Transfer In Friendly

Program

Concentration

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ProgramOfficial Program Page

Program snapshot

Admissions

No PrescreenAudition RequiredInterview RequiredUniversity App Required

Audition format

In-Person or Virtual

Program profile

Transfer In Friendly

Browse programs

Quick links

BA Music

Commercial Music

ProgramOfficial Program Page

Program snapshot

Admissions

No PrescreenAudition RequiredInterview RequiredUniversity App Required

Audition format

In-Person or Virtual

Program profile

Transfer In Friendly

Program Recognition

Accredited by the National Association of Schools of Music (NASM)

Training

Liberal-arts BA in Music, Commercial Music track for students aiming at the music industry, songwriting and contemporary/commercial styles

Capstone senior project that combines performance with the student's academic interests

Performance & Productions

Commercial students play in the MSU Commercial Music Rock Ensemble alongside MSU Jazz Ensemble I and the wind/choral ensembles

Faculty include Glenn Ginn and Ben Cantrell teaching jazz and commercial music

Notable Alumni

Steve Kazee — 2012 Tony Award winner for Once

Professional Development

Graduates have built careers spanning film composition, drum corps and public radio

Degree Flexibility

A required minor or second major lets students combine commercial music with another field

School info

Snapshot

Avg GPA (W)

3.46

Admit rate

77%

school-wide

Grad rate

52%

Enrollment

4.6K

Earnings

$43K

10yr after

Costs & aid

In-state tuition

$10,444

Before aid

Out-of-state tuition

$15,614

Before aid

Cost of attendance

$23,662

Before aid

Average net price

$9,793

After aid

Cost Of Attendance · moreheadstate.edu College Scorecard

Program info updated Aug 10, 1:16 AM

Program Highlights

Program Recognition

Accredited by the National Association of Schools of Music (NASM)

Training

Liberal-arts BA in Music, Commercial Music track for students aiming at the music industry, songwriting and contemporary/commercial styles

Capstone senior project that combines performance with the student's academic interests

Performance & Productions

Commercial students play in the MSU Commercial Music Rock Ensemble alongside MSU Jazz Ensemble I and the wind/choral ensembles

Faculty include Glenn Ginn and Ben Cantrell teaching jazz and commercial music

Notable Alumni

Steve Kazee — 2012 Tony Award winner for Once

Professional Development

Graduates have built careers spanning film composition, drum corps and public radio

Degree Flexibility

A required minor or second major lets students combine commercial music with another field

Program Highlights

Program Recognition

Accredited by the National Association of Schools of Music (NASM)

Training

Liberal-arts BA in Music, Commercial Music track for students aiming at the music industry, songwriting and contemporary/commercial styles

Capstone senior project that combines performance with the student's academic interests

Performance & Productions

Commercial students play in the MSU Commercial Music Rock Ensemble alongside MSU Jazz Ensemble I and the wind/choral ensembles

Faculty include Glenn Ginn and Ben Cantrell teaching jazz and commercial music

Notable Alumni

Steve Kazee — 2012 Tony Award winner for Once

Professional Development

Graduates have built careers spanning film composition, drum corps and public radio

Degree Flexibility

A required minor or second major lets students combine commercial music with another field

Key Info

Enrollment Term

Fall 2027

University AppApplication

Apply

Common App School Website

Deadline

Regular DecisionRolling

Application · Common App

Program AppApplication

Auditions

On-Campus Audition (Instrumental Only — MSU Band Clinic)Feb 13, 2027

On-Campus Audition DayFeb 19 & 26, 2027

Music Apply · moreheadstate.edu

Audition Requirements

Repertoire List

Principal-instrument or voice repertoire follows the appropriate area-specific audition requirements

Repertoire source: see the voice, keyboard, percussion, and woodwind/brass guidelines on the Applying to Music Programs page

Scales & Technique

Scales and technical material should match your principal instrument or voice

Sight-read material appropriate to your principal area

Music Apply · moreheadstate.edu

Verified for Fall 2027 entry

Good to Know

Application Process

Apply to Morehead State University via Common App or MSU website

Complete the Music Admission and Scholarship Application (Microsoft Forms)

Must be accepted to MSU before scholarship consideration

Theory Placement

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

Contact

Mtd@moreheadstate.edu

606-783-2473

Transfer Pathway

Transfer applicants to the BA Music program submit prior college transcripts and validate prior achievement in applied music, music theory, ear training and sight singing, keyboard proficiency, and music history. Any deficiencies must begin being resolved during the first registration period.

Transfer Student Admission · moreheadstate.smartcatalogiq.com

What's The Process

Audition Format

Live audition before the MSU music faculty committee on your principal instrument or voice

Brief interview and question-and-answer session follows the performance

Audition doubles as both admission and scholarship audition for incoming freshmen

Track Focus

Commercial Music coursework emphasizes jazz keyboard, studio improvisation, jazz theory, arranging, and music recording and sound reinforcement

Scheduling

Complete the Music Admission and Scholarship Application to schedule your audition

On-campus audition days plus auditions by appointment

Contact mtd@moreheadstate.edu or 606-783-2473

Scholarship Info

Music Scholarships

Awards determined through scholarship audition (same as admission audition)

Available only to students who major in music

W. Paul and Lucille Caudill Little Scholarship for Study of the Arts (up to full tuition)

Departmental Music Scholarships and multiple named awards via MSU Scholarship Search

Renewal

Renewable for up to four years with satisfactory scholarship agreement compliance

Must be unconditionally accepted to MSU before scholarship consideration

School info

Snapshot

Avg GPA (W)

3.46

Admit rate

77%

school-wide

Grad rate

52%

Enrollment

4.6K

Earnings

$43K

10yr after

Costs & aid

In-state tuition

$10,444

Before aid

Out-of-state tuition

$15,614

Before aid

Cost of attendance

$23,662

Before aid

Average net price

$9,793

After aid

Cost Of Attendance · moreheadstate.edu College Scorecard

Program Recognition

Accredited by the National Association of Schools of Music (NASM)

Training

Liberal-arts BA in Music, Commercial Music track for students aiming at the music industry, songwriting and contemporary/commercial styles

Capstone senior project that combines performance with the student's academic interests

Performance & Productions

Commercial students play in the MSU Commercial Music Rock Ensemble alongside MSU Jazz Ensemble I and the wind/choral ensembles

Faculty include Glenn Ginn and Ben Cantrell teaching jazz and commercial music

Notable Alumni

Steve Kazee — 2012 Tony Award winner for Once

Professional Development

Graduates have built careers spanning film composition, drum corps and public radio

Degree Flexibility

A required minor or second major lets students combine commercial music with another field

Updated Aug 10, 1:16 AM