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University of New Mexico

Albuquerque, NM

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Program

Concentration

ProgramOfficial Program Page

Program snapshot

Admissions

No PrescreenAudition RequiredNo InterviewUniversity App Required

Audition format

In-Person or Virtual

Program

Concentration

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ProgramOfficial Program Page

Program snapshot

Admissions

No PrescreenAudition RequiredNo InterviewUniversity App Required

Audition format

In-Person or Virtual

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BM Theory & Composition

Theory & Composition

ProgramOfficial Program Page

Program snapshot

Admissions

No PrescreenAudition RequiredNo InterviewUniversity App Required

Audition format

In-Person or Virtual

Program Recognition

Bachelor of Music in Theory and Composition prepares students for graduate work in composition or music theory at the research-university level

Home of the John Donald Robb Composers Symposium; recent guests include Vijay Iyer, Augusta Read Thomas, and the Arditti Quartet, which premiered nine UNM student works

Training

Flexible curriculum spanning theory, composition, and music technology, including Max/MSP and digital production in the M.A.S.T. lab

Composition and theory faculty include Peter Gilbert, José-Luis Hurtado, Richard Hermann, David Bashwiner, and Patricia Repar

Professional Development

Weekly composition colloquium and a student composers organization with funded concerts

Collaborations across Film & Digital Arts, Theatre & Dance, Architecture, and Art

School Info

Snapshot

3.38

Avg GPA (W)

95%

Admit Rate

school-wide

55%

Grad Rate

17.2K

Enrollment

$45K

Earnings

10yr after

Costs & Aid

In-State Tuition

$11,585

Before aid

Out-of-State Tuition

$34,734

Before aid

Cost of Attendance

$31,223

Before aid

Average Net Price

$15,489

After aid

Index · admissions.unm.edu College Scorecard

Program info updated 1d ago

Program Highlights

Program Recognition

Bachelor of Music in Theory and Composition prepares students for graduate work in composition or music theory at the research-university level

Home of the John Donald Robb Composers Symposium; recent guests include Vijay Iyer, Augusta Read Thomas, and the Arditti Quartet, which premiered nine UNM student works

Training

Flexible curriculum spanning theory, composition, and music technology, including Max/MSP and digital production in the M.A.S.T. lab

Composition and theory faculty include Peter Gilbert, José-Luis Hurtado, Richard Hermann, David Bashwiner, and Patricia Repar

Professional Development

Weekly composition colloquium and a student composers organization with funded concerts

Collaborations across Film & Digital Arts, Theatre & Dance, Architecture, and Art

Program Highlights

Program Recognition

Bachelor of Music in Theory and Composition prepares students for graduate work in composition or music theory at the research-university level

Home of the John Donald Robb Composers Symposium; recent guests include Vijay Iyer, Augusta Read Thomas, and the Arditti Quartet, which premiered nine UNM student works

Training

Flexible curriculum spanning theory, composition, and music technology, including Max/MSP and digital production in the M.A.S.T. lab

Composition and theory faculty include Peter Gilbert, José-Luis Hurtado, Richard Hermann, David Bashwiner, and Patricia Repar

Professional Development

Weekly composition colloquium and a student composers organization with funded concerts

Collaborations across Film & Digital Arts, Theatre & Dance, Architecture, and Art

Key Info

Enrollment Term

These Fall 2026 enrollment dates have passed — dates for the next cycle aren't available yet.

University AppApplication

Apply

Common App School Website

Deadline

Priority (Fall)Jun 1, 2026

Regular DecisionRolling

Freshmen · admissions.unm.edu

Program AppApplication

Deadline

Audition Registration DeadlineFeb 13, 2026

Auditions

Music Scholarship Meeting with FacultyFeb 16 & 21, 2026

Undergraduate · music.unm.edu

Audition Requirements

These requirements are from the Fall 2026 entry cycle. Fall 2027 requirements are typically posted between August and October and usually change only slightly — confirm on the official source before submitting.

Repertoire List

Principal applied-instrument or voice repertoire: prepare the appropriate UNM audition requirements for your applied area

Portfolio

Composition portfolio: prospective composers are encouraged to submit original compositions and contact the composition faculty before applying

Portfolio scores and audio: include scores of original works and audio recordings when available

Audition Information · music.unm.edu

Good to Know

Application Logistics

Audition registration deadline: February 13, 2026

Prospective composers should contact composition faculty (Prof. Peter Gilbert) about portfolio review and studio placement

Placement

Admitted students take a music theory and aural-skills placement exam at orientation — for course placement only, not admission

Enrollment

Apply to the University of New Mexico, then schedule a music audition

What's The Process

Audition Process

Admission is by performance audition (by tape or in person) on your principal instrument or voice, following that area's requirements

Virtual auditions available upon request

Contact

Composition questions: Prof. Peter Gilbert, pgilb@unm.edu

Undergraduate recruitment: Ashley Kelly, akelly01@unm.edu

Scholarship Info

Music Scholarships

The Department of Music audition serves as the scholarship audition

Contact musicscholarships@unm.edu for details

School Info

Snapshot

3.38

Avg GPA (W)

95%

Admit Rate

school-wide

55%

Grad Rate

17.2K

Enrollment

$45K

Earnings

10yr after

Costs & Aid

In-State Tuition

$11,585

Before aid

Out-of-State Tuition

$34,734

Before aid

Cost of Attendance

$31,223

Before aid

Average Net Price

$15,489

After aid

Index · admissions.unm.edu College Scorecard

Program Recognition

Bachelor of Music in Theory and Composition prepares students for graduate work in composition or music theory at the research-university level

Home of the John Donald Robb Composers Symposium; recent guests include Vijay Iyer, Augusta Read Thomas, and the Arditti Quartet, which premiered nine UNM student works

Training

Flexible curriculum spanning theory, composition, and music technology, including Max/MSP and digital production in the M.A.S.T. lab

Composition and theory faculty include Peter Gilbert, José-Luis Hurtado, Richard Hermann, David Bashwiner, and Patricia Repar

Professional Development

Weekly composition colloquium and a student composers organization with funded concerts

Collaborations across Film & Digital Arts, Theatre & Dance, Architecture, and Art

Updated 1d ago