Private school1.2K

Simpson College

Indianola, IA

Faith-BasedTest-OptionalGreek LifeLGBTQ+

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Program

Concentration

ProgramOfficial Program Page

Program snapshot

Admissions

No PrescreenAudition RequiredNo InterviewUniversity App Required

Audition format

In-Person or Virtual

Program

Concentration

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ProgramOfficial Program Page

Program snapshot

Admissions

No PrescreenAudition RequiredNo InterviewUniversity App Required

Audition format

In-Person or Virtual

Browse programs

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BM Music Performance

Instrumental Performance

ProgramOfficial Program Page

Program snapshot

Admissions

No PrescreenAudition RequiredNo InterviewUniversity App Required

Audition format

In-Person or Virtual

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BA Theatre Arts

ProgramOfficial Program Page

Program snapshot

Admissions

No PrescreenNo AuditionScholarship InterviewUniversity App Required

Audition format

In-Person or Virtual

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BM Music Education

Instrumental

ProgramOfficial Program Page

Program snapshot

Admissions

No PrescreenAudition RequiredNo InterviewUniversity App Required

Audition format

In-Person or Virtual

Program profile

K-12Teacher Licensure

Quick Links

BM Music Education

Vocal

ProgramOfficial Program Page

Program snapshot

Admissions

No PrescreenAudition RequiredNo InterviewUniversity App Required

Audition format

In-Person or Virtual

Program profile

K-12Teacher Licensure

Quick Links

BM Music Performance

Instrumental Performance

ProgramOfficial Program Page

Program snapshot

Admissions

No PrescreenAudition RequiredNo InterviewUniversity App Required

Audition format

In-Person or Virtual

Quick Links

BM Music Performance

Vocal Performance

ProgramOfficial Program Page

Program snapshot

Admissions

No PrescreenAudition RequiredNo InterviewUniversity App Required

Audition format

In-Person or Virtual

Quick Links

BA Music

General Music Studies

ProgramOfficial Program Page

Program snapshot

Admissions

No PrescreenScholarship AuditionNo InterviewUniversity App Required

Audition format

In-Person or Virtual

Program Recognition

•NASM-accredited (National Association of Schools of Music)

•Nearly 100% of BM Music Performance graduates admitted to Master's programs

Training & Performance

•Applied lessons on brass, woodwinds, strings, percussion, piano, and guitar

•Seven vocal and instrumental ensemble opportunities, including Symphonic Band, Orchestra, and chamber ensembles

•Performance venues include Lekberg Hall, Pote Theatre, Barnum Theatre, and Duncan Hall

•Two-thirds of Music Performance alumni are professional musicians

Unique Opportunities

•Simpson is the host venue of the Des Moines Metro Opera, providing internship, apprenticeship, and employment opportunities

•Director of Jazz Studies and classical/jazz piano faculty

•Mu Sigma Kappa music fraternity

School Info

Snapshot

3.57

Avg GPA (W)

86%

Admit Rate

school-wide

63%

Grad Rate

1.2K

Enrollment

$59K

Earnings

10yr after

Costs & Aid

Tuition & Fees

$50,450

Before aid

Average Net Price

$21,936

After aid

Official source College Scorecard

Program info updated 6d ago

Program Highlights

Program Recognition

•NASM-accredited (National Association of Schools of Music)

•Nearly 100% of BM Music Performance graduates admitted to Master's programs

Training & Performance

•Applied lessons on brass, woodwinds, strings, percussion, piano, and guitar

•Seven vocal and instrumental ensemble opportunities, including Symphonic Band, Orchestra, and chamber ensembles

•Performance venues include Lekberg Hall, Pote Theatre, Barnum Theatre, and Duncan Hall

•Two-thirds of Music Performance alumni are professional musicians

Unique Opportunities

•Simpson is the host venue of the Des Moines Metro Opera, providing internship, apprenticeship, and employment opportunities

•Director of Jazz Studies and classical/jazz piano faculty

•Mu Sigma Kappa music fraternity

Program Highlights

Program Recognition

•NASM-accredited (National Association of Schools of Music)

•Nearly 100% of BM Music Performance graduates admitted to Master's programs

Training & Performance

•Applied lessons on brass, woodwinds, strings, percussion, piano, and guitar

•Seven vocal and instrumental ensemble opportunities, including Symphonic Band, Orchestra, and chamber ensembles

•Performance venues include Lekberg Hall, Pote Theatre, Barnum Theatre, and Duncan Hall

•Two-thirds of Music Performance alumni are professional musicians

Unique Opportunities

•Simpson is the host venue of the Des Moines Metro Opera, providing internship, apprenticeship, and employment opportunities

•Director of Jazz Studies and classical/jazz piano faculty

•Mu Sigma Kappa music fraternity

Key Info

Enrollment Term

Fall 2026

University AppApplication

Apply

Common App School Website

Deadline

Regular DecisionRolling

Audition Requirements

These requirements are from the Fall 2026 entry cycle. Fall 2027 requirements are typically posted between August and October and usually change only slightly — confirm on the official source before submitting.

Repertoire List

•Two selections in contrasting styles

•Standalone solos, a movement or movements from a larger work, symphonic excerpts, or etudes are all acceptable

•Excerpts used for All-State auditions are appropriate and encouraged

•Use of music is permitted — playing from memory is not required

Official Source

Good to Know

Audition Registration

•Register via the Simpson College music audition registration form

•Students more than 300 miles away may be eligible for the Fly-In Program to reimburse airfare

Accompaniment

•A collaborative pianist is provided free of charge for in-person auditions — bring copies of your music in a binder for the pianist

•Pre-recorded accompaniment tracks are discouraged

What's The Process

Audition Format

•In-person auditions held in the Amy Robertson Music Center

•Auditions take approximately 10-12 minutes

•Arrive warmed up at least 15 minutes before your scheduled time

•Practice rooms available for warm-up

•Dress as you would for an interview: polished and comfortable

Video Alternative

•Video auditions accepted for students unable to attend in person

•Upload to YouTube (Unlisted or Public) and submit the link via the audition registration form

•Live pianist or backing track acceptable for video submissions

•In-person auditions preferred for maximum scholarship consideration

Scheduling

•Primary audition dates are held in December and February

•Audition by March 1 for maximum scholarship priority consideration

•Ad hoc auditions available by request for those who cannot attend scheduled dates

Scholarship Info

Music Scholarships

•Available to music majors, minors, and non-majors

•Awarded based on musical ability and academic promise

•Music awards can be added to financial aid packages (except full-tuition awards like Simpson Promise or tuition exchange)

•Scholarship recipients must enroll in the major ensemble for their primary performance area each semester (exceptions during student teaching or study abroad)

•Audition by March 1 for maximum scholarship priority consideration

School Info

Snapshot

3.57

Avg GPA (W)

86%

Admit Rate

school-wide

63%

Grad Rate

1.2K

Enrollment

$59K

Earnings

10yr after

Costs & Aid

Tuition & Fees

$50,450

Before aid

Average Net Price

$21,936

After aid

Official source College Scorecard

Program Recognition

•NASM-accredited (National Association of Schools of Music)

•Nearly 100% of BM Music Performance graduates admitted to Master's programs

Training & Performance

•Applied lessons on brass, woodwinds, strings, percussion, piano, and guitar

•Seven vocal and instrumental ensemble opportunities, including Symphonic Band, Orchestra, and chamber ensembles

•Performance venues include Lekberg Hall, Pote Theatre, Barnum Theatre, and Duncan Hall

•Two-thirds of Music Performance alumni are professional musicians

Unique Opportunities

•Simpson is the host venue of the Des Moines Metro Opera, providing internship, apprenticeship, and employment opportunities

•Director of Jazz Studies and classical/jazz piano faculty

•Mu Sigma Kappa music fraternity

Updated 6d ago