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University of Missouri - St Louis

Saint Louis, MO

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ProgramOfficial Program Page

Program snapshot

Admissions

No PrescreenAudition RequiredNo InterviewUniversity App Required

Audition format

In-Person Only

Program profile

Transfer In Friendly

Program

Concentration

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ProgramOfficial Program Page

Program snapshot

Admissions

No PrescreenAudition RequiredNo InterviewUniversity App Required

Audition format

In-Person Only

Program profile

Transfer In Friendly

Browse programs

Quick links

BM Music Theory

Music Theory

ProgramOfficial Program Page

Program snapshot

Admissions

No PrescreenAudition RequiredNo InterviewUniversity App Required

Audition format

In-Person Only

Program profile

Transfer In Friendly

Program Recognition

NASM-accredited (National Association of Schools of Music)

All-Steinway School

Training

BM with Music Theory emphasis offering advanced analysis and theory coursework atop applied performance study

Strong preparation for graduate study in theory and related academic music fields

Performance & Productions

Continued ensemble and recital participation across the Symphony Orchestra, Wind Ensemble, and chamber groups at the Touhill Performing Arts Center

Facilities

Newly renovated Creative Arts Building (opened October 2025, $10M project) with a music computer lab and Smart classrooms

Location

Based in St. Louis with applied faculty active in the region's professional scene

School info

Snapshot

Avg GPA (W)

3.29

Admit rate

63%

school-wide

Grad rate

57%

Enrollment

Earnings

$53K

10yr after

Costs & aid

In-state tuition

$14,112

Before aid

Out-of-state tuition

$35,112

Before aid

Average net price

$15,071

After aid

College Scorecard

Program info updated Jul 26, 8:30 PM

Program Highlights

Program Recognition

NASM-accredited (National Association of Schools of Music)

All-Steinway School

Training

BM with Music Theory emphasis offering advanced analysis and theory coursework atop applied performance study

Strong preparation for graduate study in theory and related academic music fields

Performance & Productions

Continued ensemble and recital participation across the Symphony Orchestra, Wind Ensemble, and chamber groups at the Touhill Performing Arts Center

Facilities

Newly renovated Creative Arts Building (opened October 2025, $10M project) with a music computer lab and Smart classrooms

Location

Based in St. Louis with applied faculty active in the region's professional scene

Program Highlights

Program Recognition

NASM-accredited (National Association of Schools of Music)

All-Steinway School

Training

BM with Music Theory emphasis offering advanced analysis and theory coursework atop applied performance study

Strong preparation for graduate study in theory and related academic music fields

Performance & Productions

Continued ensemble and recital participation across the Symphony Orchestra, Wind Ensemble, and chamber groups at the Touhill Performing Arts Center

Facilities

Newly renovated Creative Arts Building (opened October 2025, $10M project) with a music computer lab and Smart classrooms

Location

Based in St. Louis with applied faculty active in the region's professional scene

Key Info

Enrollment Term

Fall 2027

University AppApplication

Apply

Common App School Website

Deadline

Music Scholarship Priority: University ApplicationDec 1, 2026

Regular DecisionRolling

Index · umsl.edu

Program AppApplication

Order

The university application must be submitted before the audition.

Apply

School Website

Auditions

Audition Day

Nov 21, 2026Feb 5 & 26, 2027Apr 17, 2027

Index · umsl.edu

Audition Requirements

Writing Sample

Submit a writing sample, ideally an analytical paper on a music topic (such as a paper from a theory class); a strong paper from a non-music class is also acceptable if it best demonstrates your ability to present a well-articulated argument

Transcript or degree audit showing a B average or better in music theory classes

Letter of recommendation from a theory mentor

Personal statement describing your prior music theory study

Theory · umsl.edu

Verified for Fall 2027 entry

Good to Know

Application Logistics

A separate music theory application is required in addition to your performance audition

Submit your writing sample and theory documentation to Dr. Zachary Cairns

Schedule your audition via the UMSL Music audition registration page

Enrollment

Requires a separate, free university application via Common App or the UMSL website

Placement

Admitted students take a music theory and aural-skills placement exam at orientation — for course placement only, not admission

Transfer Pathway

Transfer students pursuing BM Music Theory can use UMSL's published music articulation pathway, which maps community-college music coursework into a selected UMSL music track. UMSL advisors evaluate how prior coursework applies to this specific degree plan.

Transfer Credit Evaluation · umsl.edu

What's The Process

Audition Expectations

A successful audition on your principal instrument or voice is required, the same as all UMSL music degrees

In-person audition on a scheduled audition day; contact Prof. Corinne Stillwell (cstillwell@umsl.edu) for an alternative time if needed

Decisions

Both the theory application and the performance audition are evaluated for admission; the audition is also used for scholarship consideration

Scholarship Info

Music Scholarships

Named scholarships available through the UMSL AcademicWorks portal

St. Louis Symphony "IN UNISON" Scholarships available (paper application, contact department for details)

Scholarship Priority

Submit university application by December 1

Submit a recommendation from a current or recent music instructor before audition date

Complete audition by March 1

School info

Snapshot

Avg GPA (W)

3.29

Admit rate

63%

school-wide

Grad rate

57%

Enrollment

Earnings

$53K

10yr after

Costs & aid

In-state tuition

$14,112

Before aid

Out-of-state tuition

$35,112

Before aid

Average net price

$15,071

After aid

College Scorecard

Program Recognition

NASM-accredited (National Association of Schools of Music)

All-Steinway School

Training

BM with Music Theory emphasis offering advanced analysis and theory coursework atop applied performance study

Strong preparation for graduate study in theory and related academic music fields

Performance & Productions

Continued ensemble and recital participation across the Symphony Orchestra, Wind Ensemble, and chamber groups at the Touhill Performing Arts Center

Facilities

Newly renovated Creative Arts Building (opened October 2025, $10M project) with a music computer lab and Smart classrooms

Location

Based in St. Louis with applied faculty active in the region's professional scene

Updated Jul 26, 8:30 PM

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