Music Admissions

Hey! I know I had a similar thread on this a while back, but this is a bit different, so please don’t just cut me off before you read ahead.

I am interested in pursuing music and a science and have compiled my list of universities where I will be applying. I will be applying as a music major first (due to the audition) and then adding on a science major if/once I matriculate. However, I just had a quick question. On the application to colleges, is there a possibility to put more than one major (first choice/second choice)? I’m just scared that if I don’t get into the university because of my music audition, I wouldn’t be considered to the general university as an academic student.

Is this true? Thanks!

It depends where you apply. Some schools have the music major as part of their arts and sciences college which also has science majors. Other universities have separate schools- College of Arts and Science, College of Fine Arts (media, music etc.), College of Medicine (just an example). In this case you may not be able to apply to both schools so you’d have to pick one. Some schools don’t even require you to audition. It depends what you want your focus to be.

In many non-Conservatory Universities, you need to be accepted academically in order to be accepted by the music school. Being accepted by the music school is not a sufficient condition, and does not guarantee admission to the university. The music school can only recommend admission to the university.

Are you applying for a BM? How do you plan to “add on” a science major? Double major? Double degree? Are you applying to schools that will enable you to do this?

Combining music in a BM and science in a BS, or within one degree, is extremely difficult since scheduling with lessons/practice/rehearsals/performance and science labs can be very tough. There have been people on here who have done it.

Other options like Oberlin or Bard might offer high level music in a BA, as would many LAC’s and universities, that might more easily combine with science.

It seems you have already decided on schools so in some ways I am curious so that we can inform other people. Have you talked with the schools about combining these two fields and can you share the info here?

In many situations you would be admitted to both the school of music/conservatory and the college or university itself.