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University of Northwestern - St Paul

Saint Paul, MN

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Program

Concentration

ProgramOfficial Program Page

Program snapshot

Admissions

Prescreen RequiredAudition RequiredNo InterviewUniversity App Required

Audition format

In-Person or Virtual

Program

Concentration

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ProgramOfficial Program Page

Program snapshot

Admissions

Prescreen RequiredAudition RequiredNo InterviewUniversity App Required

Audition format

In-Person or Virtual

Browse programs

Concentrations

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BA Music

General Music Studies

ProgramOfficial Program Page

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Admissions

Prescreen RequiredAudition RequiredNo InterviewUniversity App Required

Audition format

In-Person or Virtual

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BA Theatre

Theatre Selectives

ProgramOfficial Program Page

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Admissions

No PrescreenScholarship AuditionScholarship InterviewUniversity App Required

Audition format

In-Person Only

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BA Theatre

Musical Theatre

ProgramOfficial Program Page

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Admissions

No PrescreenScholarship AuditionNo InterviewUniversity App Required

Audition format

In-Person Only

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BA Theatre

Dance

ProgramOfficial Program Page

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Admissions

No PrescreenScholarship AuditionNo InterviewUniversity App Required

Audition format

In-Person Only

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BM Music Composition

Composition

ProgramOfficial Program Page

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Admissions

Prescreen RequiredScholarship AuditionInterview RequiredUniversity App Required

Audition format

In-Person or Virtual

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BM Music Education

Instrumental and Classroom Music Specialization

ProgramOfficial Program Page

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Admissions

Prescreen RequiredAudition RequiredNo InterviewUniversity App Required

Audition format

In-Person or Virtual

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BM Music Education

Vocal and Classroom Music Specialization

ProgramOfficial Program Page

Program snapshot

Admissions

Prescreen RequiredAudition RequiredNo InterviewUniversity App Required

Audition format

In-Person or Virtual

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BM Music Performance

Guitar

ProgramOfficial Program Page

Program snapshot

Admissions

Prescreen RequiredAudition RequiredNo InterviewUniversity App Required

Audition format

In-Person or Virtual

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BM Music Performance

Piano

ProgramOfficial Program Page

Program snapshot

Admissions

Prescreen RequiredAudition RequiredNo InterviewUniversity App Required

Audition format

In-Person or Virtual

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BM Music Performance

Strings

ProgramOfficial Program Page

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Admissions

Prescreen RequiredAudition RequiredNo InterviewUniversity App Required

Audition format

In-Person or Virtual

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BM Music Performance

Voice Performance

ProgramOfficial Program Page

Program snapshot

Admissions

Prescreen RequiredAudition RequiredNo InterviewUniversity App Required

Audition format

In-Person or Virtual

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BM Music Performance

Woodwinds, Brass, or Percussion

ProgramOfficial Program Page

Program snapshot

Admissions

Prescreen RequiredAudition RequiredNo InterviewUniversity App Required

Audition format

In-Person or Virtual

Quick Links

BA Music

General Music Studies

ProgramOfficial Program Page

Program snapshot

Admissions

Prescreen RequiredAudition RequiredNo InterviewUniversity App Required

Audition format

In-Person or Virtual

Accreditation

•NASM accredited since 1986 (National Association of Schools of Music)

Training

•Flexible liberal-arts music degree (Bachelor of Arts or Bachelor of Science) for private teaching, music business, music ministry, graduate training, and a wide range of music careers

•Personal attention from faculty who are skilled teachers, seasoned performers, and acclaimed composers

•Study music within the context of Scripture and the liberal arts

•Senior Project milestone

Performance Opportunities

•Large and small ensembles including Northwestern Choir, Symphonic Band, UNW Orchestra, Jazz Ensemble, and chamber ensembles

•Solo performance opportunities on campus and on local and international tours

•Annual Concerto-Aria Competition

•Proximity to world-class ensembles in Minneapolis and St. Paul

School Info

Snapshot

3.56

Avg GPA (W)

93%

Admit Rate

school-wide

68%

Grad Rate

1.4K

Enrollment

$51K

Earnings

10yr after

Costs & Aid

Tuition & Fees

$39,700

Before aid

Cost of Attendance

$55,728

Before aid

Average Net Price

$27,705

After aid

Official source College Scorecard

Program info updated 6m ago

Program Highlights

Accreditation

•NASM accredited since 1986 (National Association of Schools of Music)

Training

•Flexible liberal-arts music degree (Bachelor of Arts or Bachelor of Science) for private teaching, music business, music ministry, graduate training, and a wide range of music careers

•Personal attention from faculty who are skilled teachers, seasoned performers, and acclaimed composers

•Study music within the context of Scripture and the liberal arts

•Senior Project milestone

Performance Opportunities

•Large and small ensembles including Northwestern Choir, Symphonic Band, UNW Orchestra, Jazz Ensemble, and chamber ensembles

•Solo performance opportunities on campus and on local and international tours

•Annual Concerto-Aria Competition

•Proximity to world-class ensembles in Minneapolis and St. Paul

Program Highlights

Accreditation

•NASM accredited since 1986 (National Association of Schools of Music)

Training

•Flexible liberal-arts music degree (Bachelor of Arts or Bachelor of Science) for private teaching, music business, music ministry, graduate training, and a wide range of music careers

•Personal attention from faculty who are skilled teachers, seasoned performers, and acclaimed composers

•Study music within the context of Scripture and the liberal arts

•Senior Project milestone

Performance Opportunities

•Large and small ensembles including Northwestern Choir, Symphonic Band, UNW Orchestra, Jazz Ensemble, and chamber ensembles

•Solo performance opportunities on campus and on local and international tours

•Annual Concerto-Aria Competition

•Proximity to world-class ensembles in Minneapolis and St. Paul

Key Info

University AppApplication

Apply

Common App School Website

Deadline

Regular DecisionAug 1, 2026

Program AppApplication

Apply

School Website

Deadline

Music Audition Application DeadlineFeb 9, 2026

Auditions

On-Campus Audition Day (Presidents' Day)Feb 16, 2026

On-Campus Audition DayFeb 21, 2026

Prescreen Requirements

Repertoire (by primary instrument or voice)

•Prepare two contrasting selections on your primary instrument or voice following that area’s repertoire guidelines

•Voice: two contrasting solo songs with piano accompaniment (one selected from the classical literature list recommended) plus two contrasting vocal exercises

•Piano: two contrasting pieces; you may opt to perform one contemporary Christian piece in addition to a classical piece

•Guitar: use the classical guidelines or perform two contrasting solos (classical, pop, or Christian contemporary); may be asked to play from a lead sheet or chord chart

•Instrumentalists: two contrasting selections (one technical, one lyrical) with the scales and technical requirements for your area

Sight-Reading

•Sight reading and ear testing at the live audition

Official Source

Callback Requirements

Additional Materials

Repertoire

•Perform your two prepared selections on your primary instrument or voice

Sight-Reading

•Sight reading and ear testing led by faculty

Official Source

Good to Know

Application Process

•University application via Common App or school website

•Music Audition Application via department portal (also serves as the scholarship application)

•Application deadline: February 9, 2026

•After February 21, applications may be accepted on a rolling basis as funds allow

•Admitted music majors take a music theory and aural-skills placement assessment for course placement only, not admission

Degree Options

•Offered as a Bachelor of Arts or a Bachelor of Science in Music

•The B.A. option requires foreign-language competency; the B.S. option supports tracks such as music ministry

•Does not lead to public-school teaching licensure

Dual Admission

•Must be admitted to both Northwestern and the Department of Music & Theatre

Contact

•Carla Meineke, Office Manager, Department of Music & Theatre

•Email: music@unwsp.edu

•Phone: 651-631-5158

What's The Process

Prescreen

•Submit a video recording on your primary instrument or voice via the department portal

•Recordings serve as the preliminary audition and determine invitation to a live on-campus audition

•Applicants 200+ miles from campus may have a recording used in lieu of a live audition

•You may audition in more than one area (e.g., piano and voice) — submit a separate recording for each

Live Audition

•Perform your prepared selections

•Sight reading and ear testing

•Brief discussion about your musical experience and goals

Dual Admission

•Must be admitted to both Northwestern and the Department of Music & Theatre

Scholarship Info

Music Scholarships

•Audition also serves as the music scholarship application

•Available to all students regardless of major

•After February 21, applications accepted on a rolling basis as funds allow

School Info

Snapshot

3.56

Avg GPA (W)

93%

Admit Rate

school-wide

68%

Grad Rate

1.4K

Enrollment

$51K

Earnings

10yr after

Costs & Aid

Tuition & Fees

$39,700

Before aid

Cost of Attendance

$55,728

Before aid

Average Net Price

$27,705

After aid

Official source College Scorecard

Accreditation

•NASM accredited since 1986 (National Association of Schools of Music)

Training

•Flexible liberal-arts music degree (Bachelor of Arts or Bachelor of Science) for private teaching, music business, music ministry, graduate training, and a wide range of music careers

•Personal attention from faculty who are skilled teachers, seasoned performers, and acclaimed composers

•Study music within the context of Scripture and the liberal arts

•Senior Project milestone

Performance Opportunities

•Large and small ensembles including Northwestern Choir, Symphonic Band, UNW Orchestra, Jazz Ensemble, and chamber ensembles

•Solo performance opportunities on campus and on local and international tours

•Annual Concerto-Aria Competition

•Proximity to world-class ensembles in Minneapolis and St. Paul

Updated 6m ago