Private school1.4K

University of Northwestern - St Paul

Saint Paul, MN

Faith-BasedTest-Optional

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ProgramOfficial Program Page

Program snapshot

Admissions

Prescreen RequiredAudition RequiredNo InterviewUniversity App Required

Audition format

In-Person Only

Program

Concentration

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ProgramOfficial Program Page

Program snapshot

Admissions

Prescreen RequiredAudition RequiredNo InterviewUniversity App Required

Audition format

In-Person Only

Browse programs

Quick links

BA Music

General Music

ProgramOfficial Program Page

Program snapshot

Admissions

Prescreen RequiredAudition RequiredNo InterviewUniversity App Required

Audition format

In-Person Only

Program Recognition

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 church worship leadership, arts administration, and audio production

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 & Productions

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

Avg GPA (W)

3.56

Admit rate

93%

school-wide

Grad rate

68%

Enrollment

1.4K

Earnings

$51K

10yr after

Costs & aid

Tuition & fees

$39,700

Before aid

Cost of attendance

$55,728

Before aid

Average net price

$27,705

After aid

2627 Tuition And Fees.Pdf · unwsp.edu College Scorecard

Program info updated Sep 8, 12:59 AM

Program Highlights

Program Recognition

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

Training

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 & Productions

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

Program Recognition

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

Training

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 & Productions

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

Enrollment Term

University AppApplication

Apply

School Website Common App

Opens

Jul 13, 2026

Deadline

Fall Application DeadlineAug 1, 2027

Portal · apply.unwsp.edu Undergraduate Application · unwsp.edu

Program AppApplication

Apply

School Website

Deadline

Music Audition Application Deadline

Nov 9, 2026Feb 1, 2027

Auditions

Music Audition DayNov 21, 2026

Music Audition Day (President's Day)Feb 15, 2027

Audition Day (Music & Theatre)Feb 27, 2027

Music Scholarships · unwsp.edu

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

Music Scholarships · unwsp.edu

Verified for Fall 2027 entry

Audition 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

Music Scholarships · unwsp.edu

Good to Know

Application Logistics

University application via Common App or school website

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

Application deadlines: November 9, 2026 (November 21 audition); February 1, 2027 (February 15 and February 27 auditions)

After February 27, 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

Admission Pathway

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

The BA option requires foreign-language competency; the BS option supports tracks such as music ministry

Does not lead to public-school teaching licensure

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 27, applications accepted on a rolling basis as funds allow

School info

Snapshot

Avg GPA (W)

3.56

Admit rate

93%

school-wide

Grad rate

68%

Enrollment

1.4K

Earnings

$51K

10yr after

Costs & aid

Tuition & fees

$39,700

Before aid

Cost of attendance

$55,728

Before aid

Average net price

$27,705

After aid

2627 Tuition And Fees.Pdf · unwsp.edu College Scorecard

Program Recognition

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

Training

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 & Productions

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 Sep 8, 12:59 AM