Southwestern University
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Program Characteristics
No Prescreen
Audition Required
No Interview
University App Required
Program Highlights
VOCAL PERFORMANCE CURRICULUM
•80 credits in the major area including 24 credits of principal applied study
•Six semesters of recital attendance required
•Two semesters each of French and German
•Applied piano lessons every semester until Keyboard Proficiency Exam is passed
MILESTONES & CAPSTONE
•Sophomore Barrier Examination
•Jury at the end of each semester
•Junior recital and senior recital (capstone experience)
ENSEMBLES
•Southwestern University Chorale — pre-professional ensemble for vocal majors
•Opera Theatre — open by audition, staging and performance from memory
Key Info
University AppApplication
Apply atCommon App
Apply atSchool Website
Deadlines
Early DecisionNov 4, 2025
Early ActionDec 2, 2025
Regular DecisionFeb 3, 2026
Program AppApplication
Apply atSchool Website
Audition Requirements
Songs
TWO SELECTIONS representing different stylistic periods
•Choose from Baroque, Classical, Romantic, or Twentieth-century repertoire
•Only one selection may be an etude
•Memorization of at least one selection is encouraged but not required
•Solos with piano accompaniment must be performed with live accompaniment
-If using an SU accompanist, music must be received at least two weeks before audition date
Wildcard / Special Skill
N/A
Good to Know
HOW TO APPLY
•Apply to Southwestern University via Common App or ApplyTexas — no application fee
•Submit music audition materials online via Admissions Slate portal by March 1
•Audition serves as both formal admission to the major AND Sarofim Scholarship audition
•Contact: FineArtsAdmissions@southwestern.edu or 512-863-1504
What's The Process
VIDEO AUDITION SUBMISSION
•Submit audition materials online via the Admissions Slate portal
•Deadline: March 1 (earlier submission highly encouraged, especially for prospective majors)
•Late submissions considered on case-by-case basis
ACCOMPANIMENT
•Solos with piano accompaniment must be performed with live accompaniment
•If using an SU accompanist, sheet music must be received at least two weeks before audition date
Scholarship Info
SAROFIM SCHOLARSHIP IN MUSIC
•Competitive scholarship awarded by audition — serves as both admission audition and scholarship audition
•Available for vocal, instrumental, and general music
•Performance Awards also available for non-majors participating in departmental ensembles
RENEWAL & ADDITIONAL AID
•Awards are renewable annually for up to eight semesters
•Recipients may also be eligible for academic scholarships and need-based aid
Program info updated Today
Academic School Information
3.53
Avg GPA (W)
39%
Admit Rate
70%
Grad Rate
1,454
Enrollment
$56,878
Earnings
10yr after
Tuition & Fees
$51,058
before aid
Average Annual Cost
$27,468
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$18,791
Family Income $30k - $48k$21,567
Family Income $48k - $75k$24,800
Family Income $75k - $110k$27,434
Family Income $110k+$33,832
