Murray State University
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Program Characteristics
No Prescreen
Audition Required
No Interview
In-Person Only
University App Required
Program Highlights
ACCREDITATION
•Accredited by the National Association of Schools of Music (NASM)
TRAINING & CURRICULUM
•120-hour interdisciplinary degree combining music and theatre coursework
•49 hours of music courses including applied voice, aural skills, theory, and keyboard
•26 hours of theatre courses including acting (I, II, III), stage combat, and entertainment makeup
•Required participation in major vocal ensembles (Concert Choir, Vox Lumina, or Una Voce)
•Half-recital required in the final semester of study
STUDENT LIFE
•Campus Lights — the longest-running student-produced and performed musical in the South
•Home to Sock and Buskin — the oldest student organization on campus
Key Info
University AppApplication
Apply atSchool Website
Deadlines
Priority (Fall)Mar 1, 2026
Priority (Spring)Oct 1, 2026
Fee
$40
Program AppApplication
Auditions
All Instruments and Voice (preferred for BM Musical Theatre)Jan 24, 2026
Live Dance Audition (on campus)Jan 26, 2026
All Instruments and VoiceFeb 28, 2026
Audition Requirements
Songs
TWO CONTRASTING MUSICAL THEATRE SELECTIONS, memorized
•Select from musicals (including film musicals), revues, operettas, music theatre song cycles, or music theatre song literature
•Perform entire songs — no excerpts
•A pianist will be provided unless you choose to bring your own
•No backing tracks or a cappella singing
Monologues
ONE MEMORIZED MONOLOGUE, 60 sec max
•Not to exceed 60 seconds
Dance
JAZZ DANCE AUDITION
•Live dance audition or video submission (video only if unable to attend live)
LIVE DANCE AUDITION
•Group dance class format demonstrating technical skills and comprehension of dance terminology
•Concludes with learned choreography taught by an instructor
VIDEO DANCE AUDITION (if unable to attend live)
•1-minute clip performing jazz dance choreography
•Must include: 1 jazz pirouette or set of traveling turns, 1 leap/jump, 1 upper body isolation, 1 lower body isolation
•Pre-recorded or live music permitted — no inappropriate/offensive language
•If you have ballet or tap experience or are considering a dance minor, include clips of those styles
ATTIRE
•Form-fitting clothing to show dancer's lines — no baggy clothing
•Leotards, leggings, or fitted workout clothing in solid colors
•Hair pulled away from the face
•Character heels or boots preferred for jazz; clean solid-color sneakers or clean black socks acceptable
•Ballet shoes for ballet portion; tap shoes for tap portion (clean black socks or hard-soled shoes if unavailable)
Ballet
BALLET OPTION (if submitting video with ballet)
•1 barre combination: plié, port de bras, and balance variations
•1 barre combination: tendu, rond de jambe (par terre and en l'air), and grand battement en croix
•1 center adagio combination: arabesques and développé (30 sec max)
•1 grand allegro: glissade, assemblé, sissonne, grand jeté or saut de chat, and pirouettes en dehors (1 min max)
•Entire ballet clip not to exceed 3 minutes
Wildcard / Special Skill
N/A
Good to Know
APPLICATION PROCESS
•Apply to Murray State University first
•Request audition separately via Department of Music Google Form
•University application fee: $40
•Apply for scholarships by February 8
ENROLLMENT
•Current Murray State voice majors seeking to change to BM Musical Theatre may submit audition requirements at final jury or participate in the group dance class
What's The Process
AUDITION FORMAT
•Live, in-person audition on campus
•Three components: vocal, monologue, and dance
•Accompanist provided for vocal audition
AUDITION PROCESS
•Apply for admission to Murray State University
•Request an audition via the Department of Music Google Form
•Audition determines both admission to the Music Department and scholarship eligibility
DANCE AUDITION
•Live dance class held separately from vocal/monologue audition
•Video submission available only for those who cannot attend the live dance audition
CONTACT
•Department of Music: 270.809.6450
Scholarship Info
TALENT SCHOLARSHIPS
•Music scholarship eligibility determined through the audition
•Apply for university scholarships by February 8
Program info updated Today
Academic School Information
3.58
Avg GPA (W)
86%
Admit Rate
59%
Grad Rate
6,646
Enrollment
$44,737
Earnings
10yr after
In-State Tuition
$9,708
before aid
Out-of-State Tuition
$19,452
before aid
Average Annual Cost
$9,121
after typical aid
Average annual cost is often lower than tuition because it accounts for grants and scholarships most students receive. It includes tuition, room & board, books, and supplies.
Annual Cost by Family Income
Family Income $0 - $30k$5,594
Family Income $30k - $48k$5,703
Family Income $48k - $75k$9,616
Family Income $75k - $110k$13,423
Family Income $110k+$14,282
