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University of North Carolina Asheville

Asheville, NC

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Program

BFA Jazz and Contemporary Music

ProgramOfficial Program Page

Program snapshot

Admissions

No PrescreenAudition RequiredNo InterviewUniversity App Required

Audition format

In-Person or Virtual

Program

BFA Jazz and Contemporary Music

Quick links

ProgramOfficial Program Page

Program snapshot

Admissions

No PrescreenAudition RequiredNo InterviewUniversity App Required

Audition format

In-Person or Virtual

Browse programs

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 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

Academic info

Snapshot

3.35

Avg GPA (W)

92%

Admit Rate

school-wide

54%

Grad Rate

2.9K

Enrollment

$44K

Earnings

10yr after

Costs & Aid

Average Annual Cost

$12,250

after typical aid

In-State Tuition

$7,501

before aid

Out-of-State Tuition

$24,849

before aid

Average annual cost reflects the grants and scholarships most students receive.

$0-30k$8,219

$30-48k$8,735

$48-75k$11,570

$75-110k$15,854

$110k+$18,786

View full data on College Scorecard

Program info updated May 27, 1:16 AM

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

University AppApplication

Apply

Common App School Website

Fee

$75Waiver

Deadline

Early ActionNov 1, 2025

Regular DecisionMar 1, 2026

Program AppApplication

Apply

Google Forms

Auditions

Fall AuditionNov 23, 2024

Spring AuditionJan 25, 2025

Audition Requirements

Letters of recommendation (optional)

•One or more letters specific to music, submitted via Google Drive

Resume (optional)

•Resume or CV detailing musical industry experience

Portfolio (optional)

•Examples of musical projects, compositions, mixing projects, electronic media, or multimedia with descriptions, shared via Google Drive folder titled [year][semester]-[lastname]-[firstname] with cperez4@unca.edu

Official Source

Good to Know

Application Logistics

•Audition application submitted via separate Google Form

•University application via Common App or CFNC

Eligibility

•Highly recommended that students pass audition before enrolling

•Fall and spring enrollment available

What's The Process

Audition Process

•Submit audition application via Google Form (deadline: one week prior to audition date)

•Prepare audition material according to classical or jazz/contemporary guidelines

•Audition time slot and location confirmed via email approximately one week before audition date

•Music theory and piano placement exams given during orientation after acceptance

Audition Expectations

•Approximately 10 minutes of prepared material

•Applicants may follow classical or jazz/contemporary audition guidelines, or a blend of the two

•Detailed requirements available on the audition requirements page

•Auditions held twice yearly in person at the UNCA campus

•Live video conference option available

Contact

•Carolina Perez (cperez4@unca.edu)

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

Academic info

Snapshot

3.35

Avg GPA (W)

92%

Admit Rate

school-wide

54%

Grad Rate

2.9K

Enrollment

$44K

Earnings

10yr after

Costs & Aid

Average Annual Cost

$12,250

after typical aid

In-State Tuition

$7,501

before aid

Out-of-State Tuition

$24,849

before aid

Average annual cost reflects the grants and scholarships most students receive.

$0-30k$8,219

$30-48k$8,735

$48-75k$11,570

$75-110k$15,854

$110k+$18,786

View full data on 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 May 27, 1:16 AM

University of North Carolina Asheville

Browse programs

Program Highlights

Key Info

Audition Requirements

Good to Know

What's The Process

Scholarship Info

Academic info

Program Highlights

Program Highlights

Key Info

Audition Requirements

Good to Know

What's The Process

Scholarship Info

School Info

University of North Carolina Asheville

Browse programs

Program Highlights

Key Info

Audition Requirements

Good to Know

What's The Process

Scholarship Info

Academic info

Program Highlights

Program Highlights

Key Info

Audition Requirements

Good to Know

What's The Process

Scholarship Info

School Info