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University of North Carolina Asheville

Asheville, NC

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ProgramOfficial Program Page

Program snapshot

Admissions

No PrescreenAudition RequiredNo InterviewUniversity App Required

Audition format

In-Person or Virtual

Program profile

Transfer In Friendly

Program

Quick links

ProgramOfficial Program Page

Program snapshot

Admissions

No PrescreenAudition RequiredNo InterviewUniversity App Required

Audition format

In-Person or Virtual

Program profile

Transfer In Friendly

Browse programs

Composition & music studies

Theatre

Music performance

Music technology

Quick links

BFA Jazz and Contemporary Music

ProgramOfficial Program Page

Program snapshot

Admissions

No PrescreenAudition RequiredNo InterviewUniversity App Required

Audition format

In-Person or Virtual

Program profile

Transfer In Friendly

Program Recognition

BFA established in 2013, designed for students pursuing professional music careers

Curriculum covers theory, improvisation, composition, and ensemble performance

Ensembles include Latin and Brazilian jazz, Standards and Herbie Hancock ensembles, Studio 018 Vocal Jazz, and Afro Percussion

Notable Alumni

Grace Christian (BFA '21) — , recording and touring artist based in Nashville

Frank Meadows (BFA '14) — , co-head of Dear Life Records, member of Fust (Time named Big Ugly #9 Best Album of 2025)

Isaac Hadden (BFA '24) — , jazz/jam guitarist touring nationally and internationally

Frances Eliza (BFA '22) — , active performer and recording artist

Facilities

Bob Moog Electronic Music Studio with rare analog and digital synthesizers

Music Technology Studio with professional recording control room

Dolby Atmos 7.1.4 mixing and mastering space

Asheville Music Scene

Students perform regularly at major regional venues including Diana Wortham Theatre, The Orange Peel, and The Grey Eagle

Embedded in Asheville's vibrant professional music ecosystem

Opportunities for gigs, recording sessions, and community partnerships

School info

Snapshot

Avg GPA (W)

3.35

Admit rate

92%

school-wide

Grad rate

54%

Enrollment

2.9K

Earnings

$44K

10yr after

Costs & aid

In-state tuition

$7,628

Before aid

Out-of-state tuition

$24,914

Before aid

Cost of attendance

$26,182

Before aid

Average net price

$12,250

After aid

Tuition · go.unca.edu College Scorecard

Program info updated Sep 27, 3:30 PM

Program Highlights

Program Recognition

BFA established in 2013, designed for students pursuing professional music careers

Curriculum covers theory, improvisation, composition, and ensemble performance

Ensembles include Latin and Brazilian jazz, Standards and Herbie Hancock ensembles, Studio 018 Vocal Jazz, and Afro Percussion

Notable Alumni

Grace Christian (BFA '21) — , recording and touring artist based in Nashville

Frank Meadows (BFA '14) — , co-head of Dear Life Records, member of Fust (Time named Big Ugly #9 Best Album of 2025)

Isaac Hadden (BFA '24) — , jazz/jam guitarist touring nationally and internationally

Frances Eliza (BFA '22) — , active performer and recording artist

Facilities

Bob Moog Electronic Music Studio with rare analog and digital synthesizers

Music Technology Studio with professional recording control room

Dolby Atmos 7.1.4 mixing and mastering space

Asheville Music Scene

Students perform regularly at major regional venues including Diana Wortham Theatre, The Orange Peel, and The Grey Eagle

Embedded in Asheville's vibrant professional music ecosystem

Opportunities for gigs, recording sessions, and community partnerships

Program Highlights

Program Recognition

BFA established in 2013, designed for students pursuing professional music careers

Curriculum covers theory, improvisation, composition, and ensemble performance

Ensembles include Latin and Brazilian jazz, Standards and Herbie Hancock ensembles, Studio 018 Vocal Jazz, and Afro Percussion

Notable Alumni

Grace Christian (BFA '21) — , recording and touring artist based in Nashville

Frank Meadows (BFA '14) — , co-head of Dear Life Records, member of Fust (Time named Big Ugly #9 Best Album of 2025)

Isaac Hadden (BFA '24) — , jazz/jam guitarist touring nationally and internationally

Frances Eliza (BFA '22) — , active performer and recording artist

Facilities

Bob Moog Electronic Music Studio with rare analog and digital synthesizers

Music Technology Studio with professional recording control room

Dolby Atmos 7.1.4 mixing and mastering space

Asheville Music Scene

Students perform regularly at major regional venues including Diana Wortham Theatre, The Orange Peel, and The Grey Eagle

Embedded in Asheville's vibrant professional music ecosystem

Opportunities for gigs, recording sessions, and community partnerships

Key Info

Enrollment Term

Fall 2027

University AppApplication

Apply

Common App School Website

Fee

$75

Deadline

Early ActionNov 1, 2026

Regular DecisionMar 1, 2027

First Year Students · unca.edu

Program AppApplication

Apply

Google Forms

Auditions

Fall AuditionNov 7, 2026

Spring AuditionFeb 20, 2027

Audition Requirements · go.unca.edu

Program Submission

Letters of Recommendation (Optional)

Music recommendation letter(s) specific to the audition

Resume (Optional)

Resume or CV detailing musical industry experience

Portfolio / Creative Sample (Optional)

Portfolio examples may include musical projects, compositions, mixing projects, electronic media, or multimedia with descriptions and details; share electronic supplements through a Google Drive folder titled [year][semester]-[lastname]-[firstname] and give access to cperez4@unca.edu

Audition Requirements · go.unca.edu

Verified for Fall 2027 entry

Audition Requirements

Additional Materials

Repertoire List

Repertoire list: jazz/contemporary applicants prepare three standards total - one ballad, one swing tune, and one Latin or jazz-rock tune; play the melody and improvise on each tune

Repertoire list: classical instrumental applicants prepare traditional classical or standard repertoire appropriate to the instrument; see the linked Classical Audition Requirements document for instrument-specific lists

Repertoire list: classical vocal applicants choose one Italian anthology, classical/romantic, or vocalization selection, plus one or both modern/Broadway/jazz options

Scales and technique: jazz/contemporary applicants prepare major, minor, natural minor, harmonic minor, melodic minor, chromatic, major pentatonic, and minor pentatonic scales/modes

Scales and technique: chordal instruments prepare basic seventh chords - major, minor, dominant, diminished seventh, and half-diminished

Percussion repertoire: demonstrate snare drum rudiments and a short prepared piece, plus at least one other instrument such as drum set, vibraphone, marimba, congas/hand percussion, or timpani; sight-reading may be required

Audition Requirements · go.unca.edu

Good to Know

Application Logistics

University application via Common App or CFNC

Separate music audition application via Google Forms

Eligibility

BFA Jazz and Contemporary Music applicants must pass an instrumental or vocal audition

The audition places students into Applied Music; UNC Asheville highly recommends passing the audition before enrolling

Transfer Pathway

UNC Asheville publishes a North Carolina community-college transfer guide for Jazz and Contemporary Music, providing a structured course-planning pathway into the BFA.

Nc Community Colleges Transfer Guides · go.unca.edu

What's The Process

Audition Process

Submit the music audition application via Google Forms

Application deadline is one week before the audition date; late applications shift to the next available audition date

Auditions are held in person on the UNC Asheville campus, with live video conference options available by arrangement

Audition time slot and location are confirmed by email about one week before the audition date

Contact Carolina Perez (cperez4@unca.edu) for specific needs or timing constraints

Audition Expectations

Prepare approximately 10 minutes of material

Applicants may follow classical or jazz/contemporary audition guidelines, or a blend of both

Music theory and piano placement exams happen during orientation after acceptance for course placement, not as an additional admission gate

Scholarship Info

Music Scholarships

Annual scholarships valued between $350 and $1,000

Awarded based on audition

Available scholarships include David Wells Music Scholarship, Helen Edelstein Memorial Piano Scholarship, Paddison Family Music Scholarships, North Carolina Special Talent Scholarship, Collins Stringed Instrument Scholarships, Music Departmental Scholarships, and Friends of Music Scholarships

School info

Snapshot

Avg GPA (W)

3.35

Admit rate

92%

school-wide

Grad rate

54%

Enrollment

2.9K

Earnings

$44K

10yr after

Costs & aid

In-state tuition

$7,628

Before aid

Out-of-state tuition

$24,914

Before aid

Cost of attendance

$26,182

Before aid

Average net price

$12,250

After aid

Tuition · go.unca.edu College Scorecard

Program Recognition

BFA established in 2013, designed for students pursuing professional music careers

Curriculum covers theory, improvisation, composition, and ensemble performance

Ensembles include Latin and Brazilian jazz, Standards and Herbie Hancock ensembles, Studio 018 Vocal Jazz, and Afro Percussion

Notable Alumni

Grace Christian (BFA '21) — , recording and touring artist based in Nashville

Frank Meadows (BFA '14) — , co-head of Dear Life Records, member of Fust (Time named Big Ugly #9 Best Album of 2025)

Isaac Hadden (BFA '24) — , jazz/jam guitarist touring nationally and internationally

Frances Eliza (BFA '22) — , active performer and recording artist

Facilities

Bob Moog Electronic Music Studio with rare analog and digital synthesizers

Music Technology Studio with professional recording control room

Dolby Atmos 7.1.4 mixing and mastering space

Asheville Music Scene

Students perform regularly at major regional venues including Diana Wortham Theatre, The Orange Peel, and The Grey Eagle

Embedded in Asheville's vibrant professional music ecosystem

Opportunities for gigs, recording sessions, and community partnerships

Updated Sep 27, 3:30 PM