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Undergraduate Admissions FAQ
Prospective Undergraduate Music Student - Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
The Admissions office for the Department of Music & Dance hears many questions from prospective students and their parents over the course of the admissions cycle. This page spells out answers to many of these questions, organized into 3 different topics: Auditions, Academics, and general Admissions.
Have a question not answered here? Please email your inquiry to the Director of Admissions at musicadmissions@umass.edu.
Auditions
How long do auditions last?
Though each instrumental studio has its own timeframe for auditions, the average length for undergraduate auditions at UMass Amherst is 20 minutes.
When do I get my audition results?
Most undergraduate audition results are sent out via email between mid-February and early March. The Music Admissions office also cannot send out audition results until the UMass Admissions Office has informed applicants of their admissibility to UMass (via the Common App) first. On average, Early Action applicants will get their audition results back sooner than Regular Decision applicants.
Are there Early Action music audition dates at UMass Amherst?
No. Early Action applicants should attend one of the Music Audition Days.
Are audition requirements different for minors compared to majors?
No. Audition requirements cover both major and minor auditions.
Will I be able to warm up before my audition?
Yes. All auditionees are allotted 30 minutes of warm up in one of our practice rooms prior to their scheduled audition time. Be aware that arriving late for warm up forfeits the time, as the audition time takes precedence.
Do auditions for the music major or minor affect ensemble placement?
No. Ensemble auditions are entirely separate from auditions to the program and take place at the start of the academic year, with select ensembles re-auditioning at mid-year.
Can I choose my audition time for the Audition Days?
No. Applicants choose an audition date/type of their choice in the Music Application. Applicants will be sent their audition time via email about 2 weeks before their selected date. Timetables are based around faculty availability and applicant’s travel distance.
Can I audition into the music program as a major or minor after enrolling at UMass?
Yes. The main rule is that the student must audition during the semester prior to when they intend to enroll. Click here for audition deadlines.
Can I audition on more than one instrument?
Yes. Applicants can audition on up to two instruments. If you want to do this, send an email to musicadmissions@umass.edu after submitting their Music Application detailing your request. Applicants admissible to more than one studio must still choose one primary instrument for enrollment.
Does the Music Theory Diagnostic Exam affect my audition result?
No. The exam is strictly for the purposes of ensuring that applicants have the basic knowledge of musical theory needed to perform well in collegiate level music theory courses.
If I don’t pass my audition, can I try again?
Yes, though how soon is based on faculty discretion. A student will generally never audition more than once per semester. Most faculty permit a re-audition after a semester or two have passed. Students who do not pass an audition for the major in music may be invited to be a Minor in Music or to take elective lessons instead, with the understanding that a re-audition takes place at the conclusion of the semester or academic year.
What’s the time frame for a Special Arrangement audition if I can’t make an Audition Day?
Special Arrangement auditions take place at a time that works for both applicant and faculty and are typically on weekdays. Special Arrangement and Remote auditions for undergraduate freshman music majors must be complete by the audition/supporting materials deadline.
If I’m a current UMass student, can I audition for the program at the start of school, before the add/drop period ends?
No. All prospects for the music program at UMass Amherst must apply, audition, and be found admissible during the semester before they intend to enroll.
Academics
Can I double major in Music Education and Performance?
Since both the Music Education and Performance concentrations are part of the same degree program, students can’t major in the same degree twice. Instead, students can “double-concentrate” – the process of fulfilling two concentrations in the same degree program simultaneously. There can be extra expectations for admission purposes and the additional time needed to complete the music degree in this way.
Can I major in Performance and minor in Music Education or Composition?
No. It is not possible to minor in a degree that a student is already majoring in. In addition to that, the Minor in Music, though performance-oriented, cannot accommodate the classes required to specialize it in the same way that the BM or BA can.
Can I take music courses even though I’m not a music major?
Yes – on a limited basis. Most academic music courses are reserved for majors and minors only. Click here to see a list of available courses for non-majors.
I took A.P. Music Theory in high school and did well on the exams – will I be able to test out of music theory classes at UMass?
No. While successful testing with an A.P. Music Theory class might count as a fine arts credit in the General Education curriculum at UMass Amherst, it does not allow students to "skip" a semester in our theory/aural skills sequence.
If I do well on the Music Theory Diagnostic Exam, can I pass out of freshman level theory courses?
No. The exam is strictly for the purposes of ensuring that applicants have the basic knowledge of musical theory needed to perform well in collegiate level music theory courses.
Do I have to be a major or minor in music to take one-on-one music lessons?
No. There is a option called “elective lessons” for students who want to continue lessons while not enrolled as a major or minor. Please address all inquiries about elective lessons to the Music Admissions office at musicadmissions@umass.edu or by phone at 413-545-6048.
How possible is it to double major between music and another subject at UMass?
Very possible! The Bachelor of Arts in Music degree provides copious academic flexibility and is ideal for double majoring. While it is possible to double major another degree with the Bachelor of Music program, it is generally not recommended due to high likelihood of overloaded class schedules and extra semesters required to graduate.
Are there Study Abroad opportunities in the music program?
None specific to the music program. Due to the sequential nature of the music degree programs, study abroad is not recommended for music students during the academic year (fall and spring semesters). Click here for the International Programs website.
Admissions
I applied with the Common App to UMass as a music major but I was admitted to something called “ET-HFA” – what happened?
Don’t panic – this is both normal and good news! This means that you were found admissible to UMass based on the merits of your Common Application. However, admissions did not have a positive result of your music audition when the decision needed to be released. As a result, students in this situation are admitted into the “undeclared” track in Humanities and Fine Arts until a positive audition result is on record, at which point your admitted major will change to music. If you don’t pass your audition, you’d still be admissible to UMass either as an ET-HFA student or your second choice major. This situation will happen universally to students who apply Early Action to UMass Amherst with music as their primary major.
What do I need to do to be considered for music scholarships?
Pass an instrumental audition for one of the music major degrees (BA or BM) as a prospective freshman no later than the audition/supporting materials deadline for freshman music majors. No additional paperwork or forms are required.
When will I learn if I receive a music scholarship?
All applicants selected to receive a music scholarship are informed by April 1 via email.
How does applying Early Action affect my admissions process for music?
You’ll have a sense of your academic admissibility to UMass before you audition for the music program. Regular Decision, on the other hand, means that both the audition result and admissibility to UMass come simultaneously after the audition is complete. This is especially important for students who have a long commute for a live audition as an early acceptance to UMass ensures that an audition is worth the trip (compared to not knowing admissibility before committing to the trip).
Does the music program require letters of recommendation?
No. While applicants will send letters with their Common Application, they are not sought after by the music program for audition purposes.
I can't select my top music concentration (Music Education, JAAMS, etc.) on the Common App - did I miss something?
Nope - it's not on the Common App! The Common App degree selection does not include concentrations. You'll specify your concentration when you fill out the Music Application.
When selecting your major degree on the Common App, the most helpful thing you can do is make sure the major degree you select (BA or BM) matches what you intend to put on your Music Application. For example, if you're looking to do the Music Education concentration, select the Bachelor of Music degree.
Activities
Click here for a summary list of all department-related activities and organizations.
Can I get involved with musical theater?
Yes! The student-run UMass Theater Guild puts on a play and a musical on a semesterly basis. Music students are frequently involved, both on stage, in the pit, and leadership roles (such as music director or vocal coach).
Can I use the practice rooms even if I’m not a music major?
Our departmental practice rooms are reserved for music majors, minors, graduate music students, and departmental ensemble members only. However, non-majors who are part of Minuteman Marching Band and Concert Band must practice in the George N. Parks Building.
Are there opportunities for music production and recording?
Yes! This is a two-part answer:
- The Digital Media Lab in the W.E.B. DuBois Library has a wide variety of equipment, spaces, and services available for student use at no additional cost.
- The Songwriting & Production Club is a registered student organization that regularly meets in the Digital Media Lab and encourages collaboration between songwriters and producers as well as engages UMass students in a variety of media workshops.
Membership is open to anyone who has any level of experience or interest in music production! Find the S&P Club on Instagram @umasssongwriters
Are there any a cappella groups on campus?
Yes! There are a variety of a cappella ensembles active on campus. All are student-run organizations and open to all UMass students to audition or participate.
Click here for the UMass A Cappella website to learn more about each ensemble!
Are there Greek life organizations associated with music?
Yes! There are four in total – two fraternities and two sororities. Click here for a description of each.
What opportunities are there for music off campus – whether as performer or audience?
There are numerous venues around Amherst and Northampton that frequently host live music. Some venues and restaurants are open to student musicians as well. Highlights include:
Auditions
How long do auditions last?
Though each instrumental studio has its own timeframe for auditions, the average length for undergraduate auditions at UMass Amherst is 20 minutes.
When do I get my audition results?
Most undergraduate audition results are sent out via email between mid-February and early March. The Music Admissions office also cannot send out audition results until the UMass Admissions Office has informed applicants of their admissibility to UMass (via the Common App) first. On average, Early Action applicants will get their audition results back sooner than Regular Decision applicants.
Are there Early Action music audition dates at UMass Amherst?
No. Early Action applicants should attend one of the Music Audition Days.
Are audition requirements different for minors compared to majors?
No. Audition requirements cover both major and minor auditions.
Will I be able to warm up before my audition?
Yes. All auditionees are allotted 30 minutes of warm up in one of our practice rooms prior to their scheduled audition time. Be aware that arriving late for warm up forfeits the time, as the audition time takes precedence.
Do auditions for the music major or minor affect ensemble placement?
No. Ensemble auditions are entirely separate from auditions to the program and take place at the start of the academic year, with select ensembles re-auditioning at mid-year.
Can I choose my audition time for the Audition Days?
No. Applicants choose an audition date/type of their choice in the Music Application. Applicants will be sent their audition time via email about 2 weeks before their selected date. Timetables are based around faculty availability and applicant’s travel distance.
Can I audition into the music program as a major or minor after enrolling at UMass?
Yes. The main rule is that the student must audition during the semester prior to when they intend to enroll. Click here for audition deadlines.
Can I audition on more than one instrument?
Yes. Applicants can audition on up to two instruments. If you want to do this, send an email to musicadmissions@umass.edu after submitting their Music Application detailing your request. Applicants admissible to more than one studio must still choose one primary instrument for enrollment.
Does the Music Theory Diagnostic Exam affect my audition result?
No. The exam is strictly for the purposes of ensuring that applicants have the basic knowledge of musical theory needed to perform well in collegiate level music theory courses.
If I don’t pass my audition, can I try again?
Yes, though how soon is based on faculty discretion. A student will generally never audition more than once per semester. Most faculty permit a re-audition after a semester or two have passed. Students who do not pass an audition for the major in music may be invited to be a Minor in Music or to take elective lessons instead, with the understanding that a re-audition takes place at the conclusion of the semester or academic year.
What’s the time frame for a Special Arrangement audition if I can’t make an Audition Day?
Special Arrangement auditions take place at a time that works for both applicant and faculty and are typically on weekdays. Special Arrangement and Remote auditions for undergraduate freshman music majors must be complete by the audition/supporting materials deadline.
If I’m a current UMass student, can I audition for the program at the start of school, before the add/drop period ends?
No. All prospects for the music program at UMass Amherst must apply, audition, and be found admissible during the semester before they intend to enroll.
Academics
Can I double major in Music Education and Performance?
Since both the Music Education and Performance concentrations are part of the same degree program, students can’t major in the same degree twice. Instead, students can “double-concentrate” – the process of fulfilling two concentrations in the same degree program simultaneously. There can be extra expectations for admission purposes and the additional time needed to complete the music degree in this way.
Can I major in Performance and minor in Music Education or Composition?
No. It is not possible to minor in a degree that a student is already majoring in. In addition to that, the Minor in Music, though performance-oriented, cannot accommodate the classes required to specialize it in the same way that the BM or BA can.
Can I take music courses even though I’m not a music major?
Yes – on a limited basis. Most academic music courses are reserved for majors and minors only. Click here to see a list of available courses for non-majors.
I took A.P. Music Theory in high school and did well on the exams – will I be able to test out of music theory classes at UMass?
No. While successful testing with an A.P. Music Theory class might count as a fine arts credit in the General Education curriculum at UMass Amherst, it does not allow students to "skip" a semester in our theory/aural skills sequence.
If I do well on the Music Theory Diagnostic Exam, can I pass out of freshman level theory courses?
No. The exam is strictly for the purposes of ensuring that applicants have the basic knowledge of musical theory needed to perform well in collegiate level music theory courses.
Do I have to be a major or minor in music to take one-on-one music lessons?
No. There is a option called “elective lessons” for students who want to continue lessons while not enrolled as a major or minor. Please address all inquiries about elective lessons to the Music Admissions office at musicadmissions@umass.edu or by phone at 413-545-6048.
How possible is it to double major between music and another subject at UMass?
Very possible! The Bachelor of Arts in Music degree provides copious academic flexibility and is ideal for double majoring. While it is possible to double major another degree with the Bachelor of Music program, it is generally not recommended due to high likelihood of overloaded class schedules and extra semesters required to graduate.
Are there Study Abroad opportunities in the music program?
None specific to the music program. Due to the sequential nature of the music degree programs, study abroad is not recommended for music students during the academic year (fall and spring semesters). Click here for the International Programs website.
Admissions
I applied with the Common App to UMass as a music major but I was admitted to something called “ET-HFA” – what happened?
Don’t panic – this is both normal and good news! This means that you were found admissible to UMass based on the merits of your Common Application. However, admissions did not have a positive result of your music audition when the decision needed to be released. As a result, students in this situation are admitted into the “undeclared” track in Humanities and Fine Arts until a positive audition result is on record, at which point your admitted major will change to music. If you don’t pass your audition, you’d still be admissible to UMass either as an ET-HFA student or your second choice major. This situation will happen universally to students who apply Early Action to UMass Amherst with music as their primary major.
What do I need to do to be considered for music scholarships?
Pass an instrumental audition for one of the music major degrees (BA or BM) as a prospective freshman no later than the audition/supporting materials deadline for freshman music majors. No additional paperwork or forms are required.
When will I learn if I receive a music scholarship?
All applicants selected to receive a music scholarship are informed by April 1 via email.
How does applying Early Action affect my admissions process for music?
You’ll have a sense of your academic admissibility to UMass before you audition for the music program. Regular Decision, on the other hand, means that both the audition result and admissibility to UMass come simultaneously after the audition is complete. This is especially important for students who have a long commute for a live audition as an early acceptance to UMass ensures that an audition is worth the trip (compared to not knowing admissibility before committing to the trip).
Does the music program require letters of recommendation?
No. While applicants will send letters with their Common Application, they are not sought after by the music program for audition purposes.
I can't select my top music concentration (Music Education, JAAMS, etc.) on the Common App - did I miss something?
Nope - it's not on the Common App! The Common App degree selection does not include concentrations. You'll specify your concentration when you fill out the Music Application.
When selecting your major degree on the Common App, the most helpful thing you can do is make sure the major degree you select (BA or BM) matches what you intend to put on your Music Application. For example, if you're looking to do the Music Education concentration, select the Bachelor of Music degree.
Activities
Click here for a summary list of all department-related activities and organizations.
Can I get involved with musical theater?
Yes! The student-run UMass Theater Guild puts on a play and a musical on a semesterly basis. Music students are frequently involved, both on stage, in the pit, and leadership roles (such as music director or vocal coach).
Can I use the practice rooms even if I’m not a music major?
Our departmental practice rooms are reserved for music majors, minors, graduate music students, and departmental ensemble members only. However, non-majors who are part of Minuteman Marching Band and Concert Band must practice in the George N. Parks Building.
Are there opportunities for music production and recording?
Yes! This is a two-part answer:
- The Digital Media Lab in the W.E.B. DuBois Library has a wide variety of equipment, spaces, and services available for student use at no additional cost.
- The Songwriting & Production Club is a registered student organization that regularly meets in the Digital Media Lab and encourages collaboration between songwriters and producers as well as engages UMass students in a variety of media workshops.
Membership is open to anyone who has any level of experience or interest in music production! Find the S&P Club on Instagram @umasssongwriters
Are there any a cappella groups on campus?
Yes! There are a variety of a cappella ensembles active on campus. All are student-run organizations and open to all UMass students to audition or participate.
Click here for the UMass A Cappella website to learn more about each ensemble!
Are there Greek life organizations associated with music?
Yes! There are four in total – two fraternities and two sororities. Click here for a description of each.
What opportunities are there for music off campus – whether as performer or audience?
There are numerous venues around Amherst and Northampton that frequently host live music. Some venues and restaurants are open to student musicians as well. Highlights include:
