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Samford University

Birmingham, AL

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ProgramOfficial Program Page

Program snapshot

Admissions

No PrescreenAudition RequiredInterview RequiredUniversity App Required

Audition format

In-Person Only

Program profile

Study Abroad

Program

Quick links

ProgramOfficial Program Page

Program snapshot

Admissions

No PrescreenAudition RequiredInterview RequiredUniversity App Required

Audition format

In-Person Only

Program profile

Study Abroad

Browse programs

Quick links

BA Commercial Music

Performance

ProgramOfficial Program Page

Program snapshot

Admissions

No PrescreenAudition RequiredInterview RequiredUniversity App Required

Audition format

In-Person Only

Program profile

Study Abroad

Program Recognition

Accredited institutional member of the National Association of Schools of Music (NASM)

Training

Performance concentration (13 credits): Live Performance and Touring (COMU 3865), a required Degree Recital (MUSC 4698), and 8 credits of Applied Studies on the student's primary instrument — the largest applied-lesson load of the program's four concentrations

Shares the 30-credit Commercial Music Core with every concentration: Introduction to Music Industry (COMU 1810), Recording Techniques I (COMU 2830), Songwriting (COMU 2850), Music Production (COMU 3860), and the Commercial Music Capstone (COMU 3470)

128 total credit hours for the BA in Commercial Music, NASM-approved by the Division of Music faculty and the University Curriculum Committee

Study Abroad

Music majors can study abroad through May term, summer, and semester-long options

School info

Snapshot

Avg GPA (W)

3.88

Admit rate

82%

school-wide

Grad rate

77%

Enrollment

4.2K

Earnings

$58K

10yr after

Costs & aid

Tuition & fees

$43,790

Before aid

Average net price

$32,622

After aid

Tuition And Fees · samford.edu College Scorecard

Program info updated 1d ago

Program Highlights

Program Recognition

Accredited institutional member of the National Association of Schools of Music (NASM)

Training

128 total credit hours for the BA in Commercial Music, NASM-approved by the Division of Music faculty and the University Curriculum Committee

Study Abroad

Music majors can study abroad through May term, summer, and semester-long options

Program Highlights

Program Recognition

Accredited institutional member of the National Association of Schools of Music (NASM)

Training

128 total credit hours for the BA in Commercial Music, NASM-approved by the Division of Music faculty and the University Curriculum Committee

Study Abroad

Music majors can study abroad through May term, summer, and semester-long options

Key Info

Enrollment Term

Fall 2027

University AppApplication

Apply

Common App School Website

Fee

$50

Opens

Aug 1, 2026

Deadline

Early ActionNov 1, 2026

1st Scholarship DeadlineDec 1, 2026

FAFSA Priority / 2nd Scholarship DeadlineFeb 15, 2027

Official page · samford.edu

Program AppApplication

Auditions

Audition Weekend INov 20, 2026

Audition Weekend IIFeb 5, 2027

Audition Weekend IIIFeb 19, 2027

Music · samford.edu

Audition Requirements

Headshot (Required)

Upload through the Samford-specific Application Status Page

Resume (Required)

Submit an artistic resume

Video

Required; upload two contrasting performance videos from commercial music genres such as pop, country/folk, funk/jazz, or R&B

Voice applicants may self-accompany, perform with other musicians, or use a recording; no a cappella singing

Instrumentalists who plan to audition live with a track must upload the MP3 or WAV file at least 10 days before the audition

Music · samford.edu

Verified for Fall 2027 entry

Good to Know

Application Logistics

Apply to Samford University through Common App or the Samford application

Complete the School of the Arts music application through the Samford-specific Application Status Page

Submit headshot, resume, videos, portfolio, or sheet music as applicable at least 10 days before the audition/interview date

Freshman applications for Fall 2026 are closed; Fall 2027 freshman applications open August 1, 2026

Transfer applications for fall enrollment are closed; next-year transfer applications open September 1, 2026

What's The Process

Audition Process

Required audition and interview for the Commercial Music Performance concentration

Submit two contrasting performance videos before the audition

In-person auditions are strongly preferred; limited virtual auditions and alternate dates may be available

Live Audition

Perform the same two pieces submitted by video

Voice applicants may self-accompany or use provided live accompaniment; tracks are not accepted live

Instrumentalists using backing tracks must upload an MP3 or WAV file at least 10 days before the audition

Applied music faculty interview may include scales, tonal memory, and sight-reading for placement

Commercial music faculty interview covers experience, goals, and artistry

Decisions

Music admission decisions are sent in early December, early March, and on a rolling basis after that

Division of Music admission and scholarship require successful academic admission to Samford

Scholarship Info

Arts Scholarships

Music applicants who complete an audition and/or interview are evaluated for admission and School of the Arts scholarship at the same time

Arts scholarships appear in addition to university merit scholarships and other campus scholarship programs

School of the Arts scholarship recipients must maintain a 3.00 cumulative GPA

School info

Snapshot

Avg GPA (W)

3.88

Admit rate

82%

school-wide

Grad rate

77%

Enrollment

4.2K

Earnings

$58K

10yr after

Costs & aid

Tuition & fees

$43,790

Before aid

Average net price

$32,622

After aid

Tuition And Fees · samford.edu College Scorecard

Program Recognition

Accredited institutional member of the National Association of Schools of Music (NASM)

Training

128 total credit hours for the BA in Commercial Music, NASM-approved by the Division of Music faculty and the University Curriculum Committee

Study Abroad

Music majors can study abroad through May term, summer, and semester-long options

Updated 1d ago