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Simpson College

Indianola, IA

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ProgramOfficial Program Page

Program snapshot

Admissions

No PrescreenScholarship AuditionNo InterviewUniversity App Required

Audition format

In-Person or Virtual

Program

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ProgramOfficial Program Page

Program snapshot

Admissions

No PrescreenScholarship AuditionNo 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 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

Avg GPA (W)

3.57

Admit rate

86%

school-wide

Grad rate

63%

Enrollment

1.2K

Earnings

$59K

10yr after

Costs & aid

Tuition & fees

$50,450

Before aid

Average net price

$21,936

After aid

Undergraduate Tuition · simpson.edu College Scorecard

Program info updated Oct 6, 1:59 AM

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

University AppApplication

Apply

Common App School Website

Deadline

Regular DecisionRolling

Application · Common App

Program AppApplication

Apply

School Website

Auditions

Music Scholarship Audition

Nov 8, 2026Jan 24, 2027Feb 28, 2027

Music Scholarship Priority DeadlineFeb 15, 2027

Music Scholarships · simpson.edu First Year Scholarships · simpson.edu

Scholarship Audition Requirements

Optional audition for scholarship consideration only; it is not required for program admission.

Repertoire List

Music Majors: Prepare two selections in contrasting styles

For instrumentalists, your selections may include standalone solos, a movement or movements from a larger work, excerpts from symphonic works, or etudes

Excerpts used for All-State auditions are appropriate and encouraged

Music Scholarships · simpson.edu

University Essays

Your perspective in the Simpson communityOptional

250–800 words

If you would like to tell us more about yourself, consider answering one of the Common App essay prompts or provide a response to the following: How will your unique experiences and perspectives add to the Simpson Experience/Simpson Community?

Common App applicants.

Application · Common App

Verified for Fall 2027 entry

Good to Know

Audition Registration

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 Expectations

These requirements are for the optional Music Scholarship audition; the audition is separate from the university application

Perform on your principal instrument for the relevant area faculty

For instrumentalists, including pianists, you are encouraged to use music

In-person auditions held in the Amy Robertson Music Center and take approximately 10-12 minutes

Arrive warmed up at least 15 minutes before your scheduled time; practice rooms are available

Dress as you would for an interview: polished and comfortable

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

Primary in-person auditions are held on Sunday, November 8, 2026; Sunday, January 24, 2027; and Sunday, February 28, 2027

Students who audition before or by March 1, 2027 are eligible for maximum scholarship priority consideration

Students who cannot attend those dates may schedule an ad hoc audition as availability allows

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)

Priority deadline for the Music Scholarship is February 15, 2027

School info

Snapshot

Avg GPA (W)

3.57

Admit rate

86%

school-wide

Grad rate

63%

Enrollment

1.2K

Earnings

$59K

10yr after

Costs & aid

Tuition & fees

$50,450

Before aid

Average net price

$21,936

After aid

Undergraduate Tuition · simpson.edu 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 Oct 6, 1:59 AM