University of Southern Maine
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Program Characteristics
No Prescreen
Audition Required
No Interview
In-Person or Virtual
University App Required
Program Highlights
PROGRAM OVERVIEW
•BM Music Performance with Musical Theatre concentration — offered in collaboration with the Theatre Department
•Training in classical voice, MT coaching, acting, and dance (ballet, MT styles)
•120-credit degree with applied music split equally between classical studies and MT coaching
FACILITIES
•Crewe Center for the Arts — state-of-the-art facility opened Fall 2025 on Portland campus
•250th All-Steinway Institution in the world
PERFORMANCE REQUIREMENTS
•Students must perform 6 featured and/or ensemble roles in approved MT productions
•Senior recital required
TUITION
•NEBHE Tuition Break: residents of CT, MA, NH, RI, and VT pay nearly in-state tuition rate
Key Info
University AppApplication
Apply atCommon App
Apply atSchool Website
Deadlines
Early ActionDec 1, 2025
PriorityFeb 1, 2026
RollingAug 15, 2026
International Fee
$50
Waived for Canadian students
Program AppApplication
Apply atAcceptd
Auditions
Audition (Portland Campus) *scholarship eligibleNov 21, 2025
Audition (Portland Campus) *scholarship eligibleJan 30, 2026
Audition (Portland Campus) *scholarship eligibleFeb 13, 2026
Audition (Portland Campus) *scholarship eligibleFeb 27, 2026
Audition Requirements
Songs
TWO CONTRASTING SONGS, 60-90 sec each (includes slate)
•One BALLAD and one UP-TEMPO
•Choose from Option A or Option B:
-Option A: One song written prior to 1970 (can be either ballad or up-tempo), one song written after 1970 contrasting in style
-Option B: Both songs from contemporary musicals (after 1970), contrasting in style
ACCOMPANIMENT
•Must sing to live or recorded accompaniment — no a cappella
•Accompanist provided for in-person auditions
•If using school accompanist, submit audition excerpt to usm.music.auditions@maine.edu at least 2 weeks before audition
•May also bring your own accompanist
VIDEO FORMAT
•Film in 3/4 shot (top of head to knees visible)
Monologues
ONE CONTEMPORARY MONOLOGUE, 60-90 sec (includes slate)
•Must be from a PUBLISHED PLAY (20th century-present)
•Cannot be from musicals, television shows, or movies
VIDEO FORMAT
•Film in close-up shot (top of head to chest visible)
Dance
IN-PERSON AUDITION
•Brief movement and dance sequence taught on audition day
VIDEO SUBMISSION
•30-60 seconds of a solo dance in any discipline (jazz, ballet, modern, tap, African, hip hop, or contemporary)
•Must be performed to music — no a cappella dancing
•Film in full body shot with entire body visible at all times
•Can be self-choreographed but must be a solo video
•May use footage from a show, competition, or performance where you are clearly featured
•No slate required for dance video
Wildcard / Special Skill
N/A
Additional Materials
SLATE (required at beginning of each piece)
•Songs: share your name, song title, and the show
•Monologues: share your name, title of the play, the character, and the playwright
Good to Know
APPLICATION PORTAL
•Register for audition and submit application via Acceptd
•Application fee waivers available through Acceptd
SCHOLARSHIP ELIGIBILITY
•Must audition by February 27, 2026 to be considered for Music Talent Scholarships
•Dates marked with asterisk (*) are scholarship-eligible
VIDEO SUBMISSIONS
•Do not upload media files longer than 90 seconds per piece
•Different framing required per element: 3/4 shot for songs, close-up for monologues, full body for dance
What's The Process
AUDITION FORMAT
•In-person auditions held at the Crewe Center for the Arts, USM Portland Campus
•Video auditions also accepted via Acceptd
•Audition includes performance audition plus a brief movement/dance sequence
APPLICATION STEPS
•Step 1: Apply to the University of Southern Maine
•Step 2: Register for an audition and apply to the Osher School of Music via Acceptd
CONTACT
•Pre-College Coordinator Noah Hall — book an appointment via Google Calendar link on school website
Scholarship Info
MUSIC TALENT SCHOLARSHIPS
•Available to students who audition by February 27, 2026
•Scholarship-eligible audition dates marked with asterisk (*)
Program info updated Today
Academic School Information
3.34
Avg GPA (W)
79%
Admit Rate
44%
Grad Rate
4,245
Enrollment
$49,958
Earnings
10yr after
In-State Tuition
$10,920
before aid
Out-of-State Tuition
$27,104
before aid
Average Annual Cost
$11,729
after typical aid
Average annual cost is often lower than tuition because it accounts for grants and scholarships most students receive. It includes tuition, room & board, books, and supplies.
Annual Cost by Family Income
Family Income $0 - $30k$7,226
Family Income $30k - $48k$8,330
Family Income $48k - $75k$10,828
Family Income $75k - $110k$14,704
Family Income $110k+$17,346
