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Pacific Lutheran University

Tacoma, WA

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ProgramOfficial Program Page

Program snapshot

Admissions

No PrescreenInternal AuditionNo InterviewUniversity App Required

Audition format

In-Person or Virtual

Program profile

Transfer In Friendly

Program

Quick links

ProgramOfficial Program Page

Program snapshot

Admissions

No PrescreenInternal AuditionNo InterviewUniversity App Required

Audition format

In-Person or Virtual

Program profile

Transfer In Friendly

Browse programs

Composition & music studies

Music performance

Theatre

Music education

Quick links

BM Composition

Composition

ProgramOfficial Program Page

Program snapshot

Admissions

No PrescreenInternal AuditionNo InterviewUniversity App Required

Audition format

In-Person or Virtual

Program profile

Transfer In Friendly

Program Recognition

Bachelor of Music in Composition (84 semester hours) for those seeking maximum undergraduate training in compositional technique

Three to four composition professors available, allowing study with teachers from different backgrounds

Solid grounding in composition, theory, arranging, orchestration, counterpoint, historical styles, ethnomusicology, and the electronic studio

Performance & Productions

Annual Composers Forum Concert showcases acoustic student works live on the Lagerquist stage (recorded for student portfolios)

A senior composition major is selected each year to write a piece performed by the University Symphony Orchestra

Student composers can score campus theatre productions, dance concerts, films, and ads through Communication's MediaLab

Outcomes

Students have continued to graduate programs at the University of Michigan, University of Southern California, University of Oregon, University of Arizona, and Florida State University

Facilities

Mary Baker Russell Music Center and Lagerquist Concert Hall

School info

Snapshot

Avg GPA (W)

3.66

Admit rate

78%

school-wide

Grad rate

69%

Enrollment

2.4K

Earnings

$67K

10yr after

Costs & aid

Tuition & fees

$56,150

Before aid

Cost of attendance

$74,566

Before aid

Average net price

$19,589

After aid

2026 27 Cost Information 2 · plu.edu College Scorecard

Program info updated Sep 9, 4:24 PM

Program Highlights

Program Recognition

Bachelor of Music in Composition (84 semester hours) for those seeking maximum undergraduate training in compositional technique

Three to four composition professors available, allowing study with teachers from different backgrounds

Solid grounding in composition, theory, arranging, orchestration, counterpoint, historical styles, ethnomusicology, and the electronic studio

Performance & Productions

Annual Composers Forum Concert showcases acoustic student works live on the Lagerquist stage (recorded for student portfolios)

A senior composition major is selected each year to write a piece performed by the University Symphony Orchestra

Student composers can score campus theatre productions, dance concerts, films, and ads through Communication's MediaLab

Outcomes

Students have continued to graduate programs at the University of Michigan, University of Southern California, University of Oregon, University of Arizona, and Florida State University

Facilities

Mary Baker Russell Music Center and Lagerquist Concert Hall

Program Highlights

Program Recognition

Bachelor of Music in Composition (84 semester hours) for those seeking maximum undergraduate training in compositional technique

Three to four composition professors available, allowing study with teachers from different backgrounds

Solid grounding in composition, theory, arranging, orchestration, counterpoint, historical styles, ethnomusicology, and the electronic studio

Performance & Productions

Annual Composers Forum Concert showcases acoustic student works live on the Lagerquist stage (recorded for student portfolios)

A senior composition major is selected each year to write a piece performed by the University Symphony Orchestra

Student composers can score campus theatre productions, dance concerts, films, and ads through Communication's MediaLab

Outcomes

Students have continued to graduate programs at the University of Michigan, University of Southern California, University of Oregon, University of Arizona, and Florida State University

Facilities

Mary Baker Russell Music Center and Lagerquist Concert Hall

Key Info

Enrollment Term

University AppApplication

Apply

Common App School Website

Opens

Aug 1, 2026

Admission First Year · plu.edu

Program AppApplication

Deadline

Artistic Achievement Award ApplicationFeb 11, 2027

Auditions

On-Campus Scholarship Auditions (Day 1)Feb 19, 2027

On-Campus Scholarship Auditions (Day 2)Feb 20, 2027

On-Campus Scholarship Auditions (Day 3)Feb 21, 2027

OR — Recorded Video Audition

Recorded audition submission deadlineFeb 11, 2027

Scholarships · plu.edu

Audition Requirements

This program has a required admission audition and a separate internal audition gate after enrollment. The gateway source documents the post-enrollment gate; admission requirement details may be separate.Gateway source

Repertoire List

Repertoire: perform in your primary medium using the PLU Suggested Audition Repertoire guidance for that instrument or voice

Portfolio (Optional)

Portfolio: original works may be submitted for review by the composition faculty

Accompaniment

Accompaniment: school-provided pianist available for in-person auditions when applicable

Sheet Music

Sheet music: bring a clean copy for the pianist if accompaniment is needed

Sheet music should be double-sided in a three-ring binder when possible

Scholarships · plu.edu

Verified for Fall 2027 entry

Good to Know

Application Logistics

Apply to PLU via Common App (first-year/Running Start) or PLU transfer application (free to apply)

Submit the PLU application by February 1, 2027 to allow time for the scholarship application

Complete the Artistic Achievement Awards application by February 11, 2027 via the PLU student applicant portal

Composition majors build a portfolio of scores, performance recordings, and software files across the degree, sufficient to audition for graduate programs in composition

No separate composition portfolio is required for first-year admission — the entrance performance audition is the admission requirement

Admission Pathway

Admitted students complete a music theory online placement test and diagnostic testing at the start of the first year — for course placement only, not admission

Contact

School of Music, Theatre & Dance: smtd@plu.edu or 253-535-7602

Transfer Pathway

PLU grants automatic junior standing for completed DTA/AAOT/AA-T/AS-T transfer degrees. BM Composition transfer students still complete the music entrance audition in their primary medium, and original-work portfolios may be reviewed by composition faculty.

Credits · plu.edu

What's The Process

Audition Process

An entrance audition for the music faculty is required to be admitted as a music major, including in composition

The audition is completed during Scholarship Auditions or as a Fall Jury after the first semester of private instruction

Auditions evaluated by PLU Music Faculty

Audition Expectations

In-person auditions on campus February 19-21, 2027

Virtual auditions accepted via video submission through the Artistic Achievement Awards application

Prepare 5 minutes of music on your principal instrument demonstrating musicality and technique

Scholarship Info

Music Artistic Achievement Awards

Renewable awards up to $7,500 per year for incoming students

In addition to academic merit awards

Awarded in a single specific area (for example strings, voice, or brass)

Renewable up to three additional years

Requirements

Must take private lessons in the area of the award each semester

Must participate in an assigned ensemble each semester

Subject to review of enrollment and grades in lessons and ensemble

School info

Snapshot

Avg GPA (W)

3.66

Admit rate

78%

school-wide

Grad rate

69%

Enrollment

2.4K

Earnings

$67K

10yr after

Costs & aid

Tuition & fees

$56,150

Before aid

Cost of attendance

$74,566

Before aid

Average net price

$19,589

After aid

2026 27 Cost Information 2 · plu.edu College Scorecard

Program Recognition

Bachelor of Music in Composition (84 semester hours) for those seeking maximum undergraduate training in compositional technique

Three to four composition professors available, allowing study with teachers from different backgrounds

Solid grounding in composition, theory, arranging, orchestration, counterpoint, historical styles, ethnomusicology, and the electronic studio

Performance & Productions

Annual Composers Forum Concert showcases acoustic student works live on the Lagerquist stage (recorded for student portfolios)

A senior composition major is selected each year to write a piece performed by the University Symphony Orchestra

Student composers can score campus theatre productions, dance concerts, films, and ads through Communication's MediaLab

Outcomes

Students have continued to graduate programs at the University of Michigan, University of Southern California, University of Oregon, University of Arizona, and Florida State University

Facilities

Mary Baker Russell Music Center and Lagerquist Concert Hall

Updated Sep 9, 4:24 PM