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University of Northern Iowa

Cedar Falls, IA

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ProgramOfficial Program Page

Program snapshot

Admissions

No PrescreenAudition RequiredNo InterviewUniversity App Required

Audition format

In-Person Only

Program profile

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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 Composition/Theory

Composition

ProgramOfficial Program Page

Program snapshot

Admissions

No PrescreenAudition RequiredNo InterviewUniversity App Required

Audition format

In-Person Only

Program profile

Transfer In Friendly

Program Recognition

School of Music accredited by the National Association of Schools of Music (NASM)

One of very few U.S. programs offering separate credit for sight-singing, theory, and aural training

All levels of theory, aural training, and sight-singing are taught by faculty, not graduate assistants

Training

Faculty artists guide students in exploring techniques and styles across composition, helping each develop their own compositional voice

Training in traditional forms and techniques alongside the latest composition technology

Student Composers Concert series — majors present regular performances of their work (minimum of six performances)

Weekly forums where students hear their own work and interact with visiting composers and performers

Senior project: a large work for orchestra or wind symphony, prepared with industry-standard notation software

Professional Development

Graduates pursue careers as composers, arrangers, music theory educators, and film scorers

School info

Snapshot

Avg GPA (W)

3.53

Admit rate

93%

school-wide

Grad rate

68%

Enrollment

7.5K

Earnings

$55K

10yr after

Costs & aid

In-state tuition

$10,505

Before aid

Out-of-state tuition

$23,030

Before aid

Average net price

$15,901

After aid

Cost Aid · admissions.uni.edu College Scorecard

Program info updated 3d ago

Program Highlights

Program Recognition

School of Music accredited by the National Association of Schools of Music (NASM)

One of very few U.S. programs offering separate credit for sight-singing, theory, and aural training

All levels of theory, aural training, and sight-singing are taught by faculty, not graduate assistants

Training

Faculty artists guide students in exploring techniques and styles across composition, helping each develop their own compositional voice

Training in traditional forms and techniques alongside the latest composition technology

Student Composers Concert series — majors present regular performances of their work (minimum of six performances)

Weekly forums where students hear their own work and interact with visiting composers and performers

Senior project: a large work for orchestra or wind symphony, prepared with industry-standard notation software

Professional Development

Graduates pursue careers as composers, arrangers, music theory educators, and film scorers

Program Highlights

Program Recognition

School of Music accredited by the National Association of Schools of Music (NASM)

One of very few U.S. programs offering separate credit for sight-singing, theory, and aural training

All levels of theory, aural training, and sight-singing are taught by faculty, not graduate assistants

Training

Faculty artists guide students in exploring techniques and styles across composition, helping each develop their own compositional voice

Training in traditional forms and techniques alongside the latest composition technology

Student Composers Concert series — majors present regular performances of their work (minimum of six performances)

Weekly forums where students hear their own work and interact with visiting composers and performers

Senior project: a large work for orchestra or wind symphony, prepared with industry-standard notation software

Professional Development

Graduates pursue careers as composers, arrangers, music theory educators, and film scorers

Key Info

Enrollment Term

Fall 2027

University AppApplication

Apply

School Website Common App

Fee

$40

Deadline

Scholarship Application Priority Deadline (Fall 2027)Jan 15, 2027

Regular DecisionRolling

Admissions Timeline · admissions.uni.edu

Program AppApplication

Apply

School Website

Auditions

In-Person Audition (All Instruments)Feb 20 & 26, 2027

In-Person Audition (Voice Only)Mar 6, 2027

Audition · music.uni.edu

Audition Requirements

Audition Application

After applying to UNI, complete the online School of Music audition application to submit your information and schedule your audition

Repertoire List

Prepare contrasting selections on your primary instrument or voice that demonstrate musicianship, tone quality, technique, and range

Refer to the School of Music repertoire lists for your instrument family, or use them as a guideline

Voice applicants prepare two memorized contrasting selections from the classical vocal repertoire

Sheet Music

Sheet music: bring a clean, legible copy for the staff pianist at in-person auditions

Get Started · music.uni.edu

Verified for Fall 2027 entry

Good to Know

Application Logistics

Apply for admission to UNI via the university application

Complete the online School of Music audition application to submit your information and schedule your audition

Scholarship consideration is included in the audition process

Placement

Admitted music majors take a music theory and aural-skills diagnostic at orientation for course placement only — it does not affect admission

Contact

UNI School of Music: 319-273-2024

Email: music@uni.edu

Transfer Pathway

UNI's School of Music application page has a Transfer Student Music Majors path for students who have attended another college or university, with transfer students scheduling a School of Music audition. BM Composition/Theory applicants still complete the music audition path and any composition/theory review required by the program.

Official page · music.uni.edu

What's The Process

Audition Process

Apply to UNI, then complete the online School of Music audition application to schedule your audition

All Bachelor of Music applicants must pass a performance audition on the instrument or voice of their choice for admission to the School of Music

Prepare repertoire on your primary instrument or voice (see the School of Music repertoire lists, or use them as a guideline)

Audition Expectations

Perform your prepared repertoire on your primary instrument or voice

Sight-reading is included for most instruments at the live audition

In-person audition required for full admission and full scholarship consideration

Video Option

In-person auditions are preferred

Students unable to come to campus on designated audition days may complete the online video audition request form

Video auditions receive provisional admission only; re-audition at the end of the first semester for full admission

Scholarship Info

Music Scholarships

$400,000 in scholarships awarded annually across the School of Music

Scholarship consideration included in the audition process

In-person audition required for admission with scholarship

School info

Snapshot

Avg GPA (W)

3.53

Admit rate

93%

school-wide

Grad rate

68%

Enrollment

7.5K

Earnings

$55K

10yr after

Costs & aid

In-state tuition

$10,505

Before aid

Out-of-state tuition

$23,030

Before aid

Average net price

$15,901

After aid

Cost Aid · admissions.uni.edu College Scorecard

Program Recognition

School of Music accredited by the National Association of Schools of Music (NASM)

One of very few U.S. programs offering separate credit for sight-singing, theory, and aural training

All levels of theory, aural training, and sight-singing are taught by faculty, not graduate assistants

Training

Faculty artists guide students in exploring techniques and styles across composition, helping each develop their own compositional voice

Training in traditional forms and techniques alongside the latest composition technology

Student Composers Concert series — majors present regular performances of their work (minimum of six performances)

Weekly forums where students hear their own work and interact with visiting composers and performers

Senior project: a large work for orchestra or wind symphony, prepared with industry-standard notation software

Professional Development

Graduates pursue careers as composers, arrangers, music theory educators, and film scorers

Updated 3d ago