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University of Illinois Chicago

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ProgramOfficial Program Page

Program snapshot

Admissions

No PrescreenAudition RequiredNo InterviewUniversity App Required

Audition format

In-Person or Virtual

Program

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ProgramOfficial Program Page

Program snapshot

Admissions

No PrescreenAudition RequiredNo InterviewUniversity App Required

Audition format

In-Person or Virtual

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BA Music

General

ProgramOfficial Program Page

Program snapshot

Admissions

No PrescreenAudition RequiredNo InterviewUniversity App Required

Audition format

In-Person or Virtual

Training

Liberal-arts music degree: core music courses plus four terms of private instruction on your principal instrument

Two years of music theory and aural skills, plus piano, music history and literature, analysis, digital music, and ethnomusicology

Perform in ensembles each term while drawing on 200+ disciplines across UIC

Location

Study in Chicago with access to one of the world's leading classical and jazz music scenes

Some BA Music students pursue a second degree

School info

Snapshot

Avg GPA (W)

3.55

Admit rate

77%

school-wide

Grad rate

62%

Enrollment

22.2K

Earnings

$69K

10yr after

Costs & aid

In-state tuition

$16,720

Before aid

Out-of-state tuition

$29,884

Before aid

Average net price

$10,974

After aid

Cost Attendance Coa · financialaid.uic.edu College Scorecard

Program info updated 1d ago

Program Highlights

Training

Liberal-arts music degree: core music courses plus four terms of private instruction on your principal instrument

Two years of music theory and aural skills, plus piano, music history and literature, analysis, digital music, and ethnomusicology

Perform in ensembles each term while drawing on 200+ disciplines across UIC

Location

Study in Chicago with access to one of the world's leading classical and jazz music scenes

Some BA Music students pursue a second degree

Program Highlights

Training

Liberal-arts music degree: core music courses plus four terms of private instruction on your principal instrument

Two years of music theory and aural skills, plus piano, music history and literature, analysis, digital music, and ethnomusicology

Perform in ensembles each term while drawing on 200+ disciplines across UIC

Location

Study in Chicago with access to one of the world's leading classical and jazz music scenes

Some BA Music students pursue a second degree

Key Info

Enrollment Term

University AppApplication

Apply

Common App

Fees

Domestic Fee

$70

International Fee

$70

Opens

Spring 2027 Transfer and Fall/Spring 2027 First-Year Applications OpenAug 1, 2026

Fall Transfer Applications OpenDec 15, 2026

Deadline

First-year applicants

Fall First-Year Early ActionNov 2, 2026

Fall First-Year Regular DecisionFeb 1, 2027

Transfer applicants

Fall Transfer Deadline (On-Campus Programs)Apr 1, 2027

Deadlines · admissions.uic.edu

Program AppApplication

Dates

Opens later

Degree Auditions · theatreandmusic.uic.edu

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

Classical applicants: a prepared piece of your choice (a solo work is preferred) plus two major scales of your choice

Strings/piano applicants: prepare at least six minutes of solo work or two contrasting-style selections

Sheet Music

Bring two additional sheet music copies for the committee where applicable

Portfolio

Digital music background applicants only: two creative samples, about five minutes total, in varying styles produced with software such as Pro Tools, Cubase, Logic, Ableton Live, or SuperCollider

Provide a score or screenshot of each sample in its native program

Off-campus applicants may upload portfolio materials via the application status page by March 9

Degree Auditions · theatreandmusic.uic.edu

Good to Know

Application Portal

Apply via Common App; there is no separate audition portal

Audition scheduling is arranged by email after you submit your application

Curriculum Note

BA Music students audition for ensemble placement each semester and complete a jury at the end of each term of private lessons — these are ongoing course requirements, not part of admission

What's The Process

Audition Format

Live or recorded audition on your principal instrument with the music faculty

Classical background: prepared solo repertoire plus scales and a brief sight-reading or sight-singing check

Jazz background: prepared blues, standard, and ballad with improvisation

Digital music background: review two original creative samples with the faculty

Recorded Audition

On-campus audition is recommended; a recorded audition is accepted if you cannot attend in person

Sight-reading is not required for recorded auditions, though faculty may request a brief Zoom session

Contact

Ben Kenis: bkenis2@uic.edu

School info

Snapshot

Avg GPA (W)

3.55

Admit rate

77%

school-wide

Grad rate

62%

Enrollment

22.2K

Earnings

$69K

10yr after

Costs & aid

In-state tuition

$16,720

Before aid

Out-of-state tuition

$29,884

Before aid

Average net price

$10,974

After aid

Cost Attendance Coa · financialaid.uic.edu College Scorecard

Training

Liberal-arts music degree: core music courses plus four terms of private instruction on your principal instrument

Two years of music theory and aural skills, plus piano, music history and literature, analysis, digital music, and ethnomusicology

Perform in ensembles each term while drawing on 200+ disciplines across UIC

Location

Study in Chicago with access to one of the world's leading classical and jazz music scenes

Some BA Music students pursue a second degree

Updated 1d ago