Undergraduate Admission Requirements
Music applicants must apply and be accepted to both Ithaca College and the School of Music.
Ithaca College Admission Requirements
| Admission Requirements | Instructions | Deadlines |
| Common Application and Supporting Materials | Please visit IC's undergraduate admission site for more information: Apply to Ithaca |
Regular decision: Two weeks prior to the audition date. |
| Register for myIthaca (not required but highly recommended) | Sign up for myIthaca -- registration is free: myIthaca |
At least two weeks prior to the audition date. |
School of Music Admission Requirements
| Admission Requirements | Instructions | Deadlines |
| Audition |
Every School of Music applicant, including minors, must audition on a major performing instrument or voice. Composition applicants must submit scores and may choose to audition if planning on pursuing study on a primary instrument or voice. There are pre-screening audition requirements for percussion and sound recording technology applicants. To schedule an audition, please complete the online Audition Request Form. It is in the applicant's best interest to select an early audition date. For more information, please visit our Auditions page. |
Applicants may schedule an audition after September 1. |
|
School of Music Supplemental Application |
After scheduling an audition, applicants will receive an e-mail with more information about completing the online School of Music Supplemental Application. In addition to academic and musical background information, this application will require:
There is a $10 submission fee for the School of Music Supplemental Application. |
Two weeks prior to audition date. For pre-screening applicants: November 1 for applicants seeking a December audition, and January 1 for applications seeking a January or February audition (extended from December 1). |
| Letter(s) of Recommendation |
Applicants must provide the contact information for their reference(s) at the time of scheduling an audition. A representative from the School of Music will contact the applicant's reference(s) via e-mail and invite them to complete a Teacher Recommendation Form. One reference from a music teacher is required, however, applicants are encouraged to submit more than one reference if possible. Piano applicants must list their private piano teacher. |
Two weeks prior to audition date. For pre-screening applicants: November 1 for applicants seeking a December audition, and January 1 for applications seeking a January or February audition (extended from December 1). |
| Pre-Screening Audition | There are pre-screening audition requirements for percussion and sound recording technology applicants only. After the review of recordings and application materials, successful applicants will receive notice of their on-campus audition date. Pre-Screening Audition Information |
November 1 for applicants seeking a December audition, and January 1 for applications seeking a January or February audition (extended from December 1). |
| Recording Supplement (sound recording applicants only) |
In addition to the aforementioned admission requirements, sound recording technology applicants must submit the Recording Supplement. |
Two weeks prior to audition date |
When to Apply
Students must submit all Ithaca College and School of Music application materials at least two weeks prior to their audition.
Acceptance and Notification
Acceptance to Ithaca College and the School of Music involves three steps:
- Our faculty members assess the audition and provide this information to the dean of the School of Music.
- The dean of the School of Music makes a recommendation to the College's director of admission based on the results of the audition and review of the music application and supporting documents.
- The College's director of admission makes an admission decision based on the admission committee's evaluation of academics and the recommendation of the dean of the School of Music.
In some cases, an applicant may not satisfactorily meet the audition requirements to be a music major, but may still be admitted to Ithaca College for study in another degree. Conversely, an applicant may meet the music requirements, but not be admitted to Ithaca College because of academic deficiencies.
The timeline for admission notification is dependent upon a number of variables. Most applicants will be notified of an admission decision between March 15 and April 15, however, some applicants may be notified sooner, if possible.
Early Decision
The Office of Admission encourages qualified candidates who have selected Ithaca as their first choice to apply under the early decision program. Music applicants who are applying under the early decision program must audition on the earliest on-campus audition date. More information, including deadlines, please visit the Ithaca College admission site:
Undergraduate Admission: Early Decision
Waiting List
Admission to Ithaca College and the School of Music is very competitive by both instrument and degree. The number of applicants far exceeds the number of available spaces in studios and programs. Some applicants will be offered a place on a waiting list. Applicants may choose to accept or deny a waiting-list offer. If the offer is accepted, the student would be considered for admission if a space becomes available. Applicants typically receive a final notification before or during the month of June.
Financial Aid
The Office of Student Financial Services is committed to partnering with families to assist all students in meeting educational costs through scholarships, grants, loans, and work programs whenever possible. There are talent-, merit-, and need-based scholarships available to undergraduate music students. Please visit the financial aid website for more information:
Financial Aid at Ithaca
Still Have Questions?
Please refer to our Frequently Asked Questions page:
Music Admission FAQs
Contact Information
Music Admission
3322 Whalen Center for Music
Ithaca College
Ithaca, NY 14850
(607) 274-3366
music@ithaca.edu