Rhode Island College
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Program Characteristics
No Prescreen
Audition Required
No Interview
In-Person Only
University App Required
Program Highlights
TRAINING
•Highly respected, hands-on practical approach to the art of making music
•Private applied lessons taught by some of the finest performer/teachers in New England
•Low student-to-teacher ratio in all music classes allows for one-on-one learning
PERFORMANCE OPPORTUNITIES
•Multiple nationally recognized ensembles including RIC Chamber Singers, RIC Chorus, and RIC Symphony Orchestra
•Ensembles have toured nationally and performed at Carnegie Hall and conventions of MENC and ACDA
•Collaborative performances with the Rhode Island Philharmonic
ALUMNI SUCCESS
•Graduates have sung in major opera houses and served as conductors with leading musical organizations
•Many have gained admission to top graduate schools
LOCATION
•40 minutes from the beach, 1 hour from Boston, and 3 hours from NYC
Key Info
University AppApplication
Apply atCommon App
Deadlines
Early ActionDec 15, 2025
Regular DecisionMar 15, 2026
Fee
$50Waiver
Waived for veterans and dependents of veterans
Program AppApplication
Auditions
Music Audition Day I (RIC Campus)Jan 17, 2026
Music Audition Day II (RIC Campus)Jan 24, 2026
Music Audition Day III (RIC Campus)Feb 21, 2026
Music Audition Day IV (RIC Campus)May 9, 2026
Audition Requirements
Songs
TWO PREPARED PIECES
•ONE SONG IN ITALIAN from the Schirmer Twenty-Four Italian Songs and Arias or a similar source
•ONE BRITISH OR AMERICAN ART SONG or folk song
-Such as those arranged by Britten, Copland, or Quilter
-Broadway songs are NOT acceptable
SIGHT READING
•Short sight reading exercise included in the audition
ACCOMPANIMENT
•Piano accompaniment required for all vocalists
•Accompanist will be provided if requested
Wildcard / Special Skill
N/A
Good to Know
APPLICATION PROCESS
•Apply to RIC via Common App
•Register for a music audition separately via the department registration form
PROGRAM PATHWAY
•Upon admission to the college and passing the music audition, designated as a "Music Performance Intended Major"
•Must complete retention requirements to continue in the program
ENROLLMENT
•Fall enrollment only
What's The Process
AUDITION FORMAT
•In-person audition on RIC campus at Nazarian Center for the Performing Arts
•Audition heard by a committee of the music faculty
•Includes prepared pieces and sight reading
ADMISSION PATHWAY
•BM Performance has the highest audition expectations of the three music degrees
•Students who show potential but are not yet ready may be accepted into the BA Music program
•Opportunity to re-audition for BM Performance after one or two semesters
TIMING
•You do not need to be admitted to RIC before auditioning
•Recommended to complete your admissions application by your audition date
CONTACT
•Department of Music | 401-456-9883
•Nazarian Center for the Performing Arts
Scholarship Info
SCHOLARSHIPS
•Full range of music scholarships available
•Talent-based awards determined through audition
Program info updated Today
Academic School Information
3.14
Avg GPA (W)
81%
Admit Rate
45%
Grad Rate
4,630
Enrollment
$56,318
Earnings
10yr after
In-State Tuition
$10,986
before aid
Out-of-State Tuition
$26,519
before aid
Average Annual Cost
$10,988
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$7,674
Family Income $30k - $48k$8,507
Family Income $48k - $75k$11,290
Family Income $75k - $110k$15,107
Family Income $110k+$16,800
