Undergraduate Admission & Audition Information

Music is a screened major and requires a performance audition. The steps to apply and audition are listed below.

Step 1: Apply to Towson University

To apply for the undergraduate music major, you must complete Towson University's application for admission.

Step 2: Apply to the Department of Music

You must also complete the Department of Music Undergraduate Application. Admission to the major is granted by the Department of Music, contingent upon a performance audition. All composition majors must also submit a portfolio for screening.  Admission to the university does not guarantee admission to the music major or music minor.

If you prefer, you can complete the print version of the Music Undergraduate Application (PDF) and mail it to Mary Ann Criss, Assistant to the Chairperson and Academic Program Coordinator, Department of Music, Towson University, 8000 York Road, Towson, MD  21252-0001.

After we receive your application, we will send you a confirmation letter via U.S. mail regarding your audition.

You are asked to indicate your preferred audition date on the Undergraduate Music Application.  In order to audition on your preferred date, the Department of Music MUST receive your completed music application by the deadlines listed below:

  • For Saturday, January 6, 2024 (Department of Music application deadline Friday, December 8, 2023)
  • For Saturday, February 3, 2024 (Department of Music application deadline Friday, January 5, 2024)
  • For Saturday, February 10, 2024 (Department of Music application deadline Friday, January 12, 2024)
  • For Saturday, April 6, 2024 (Department of Music application deadline Friday, March 8, 2024)

Additional Deadlines for Composition Students

Composition applicants must submit a composition portfolio by the following dates:

  • November 14, 2023 for those seeking Spring 2024 admission
  • December 21, 2023 for those seeking Fall 2024 admission

Application Instructions for Specific Majors

Prospective Music Education Majors

Prospective music education majors in guitar and piano are automatically enrolled in the MUED Vocal/General concentration.  If you desire to be enrolled in the MUED Instrumental concentration, you must also demonstrate proficiency on a secondary instrument other than guitar or piano. Students should indicate that they will be auditioning on both the primary and secondary instruments on the Music Undergraduate Application.

Prospective Composition, Jazz/Commercial Composition and Music Technology Candidates

Prospective Composition, Jazz/Commercial Composition and Music Technology candidates must submit a portfolio in addition to their audition in their primary instrument.  Note the early deadlines for portfolios for the Composition degree: November 14, 2023 for Spring 2024 admission and December 21, 2023 for Fall 2024.

Step 3: Request Two Recommendations

We ask you to identify two people who can assess your musical abilities.  Send the Recommendation Form (PDF) to your recommenders.  They can return the form via email to  or mail to Mary Ann Criss, Assistant of the Chairperson and Academic Program Coordinator, Department of Music, Towson University, 8000 York Road, Towson, MD 21252-0001.  Your recommenders can submit either letters or the Recommendation Form (PDF) referred to above.  It is your responsibility to see that your recommendations are received prior to your audition.

Preparing for Your Audition

After you have applied to both Towson University and the Department of Music, these additional steps will occur:

Step 4: Audition Requirements

Each instrument or voice has specific audition requirements.

Step 5: Attend Your Audition

We will send you a letter confirming the audition date you requested on your application.

Transfer students desiring to enter applied lessons at the MUSA 300 level must present an audition to demonstrate those standards expected of a 2nd semester sophomore jury at Towson University. Click here for proficiency levels.

On your audition date, arrive at the Center for the Arts lobby no later than 8:45 a.m. and check in at the registration desk.

Orientation begins at 9 a.m. Practice Rooms are available to all applicants for warm-up.  Audition times are assigned while applicants attend orientation.

Auditions begin at 10:30 a.m.  All auditions are conducted privately before a panel of music faculty.  The length of each audition ranges from 10 to 30 minutes based on the applicant's principal performance area.

Step 6: Accompanists for Auditions

The Department of Music provides an accompanist for voice applicants only.  Voice applicants must bring music for the accompanist.  Instrumentalists are not required to perform with accompaniment, but may arrange for their own accompanist.  

Step 7: Receive Your Audition Results

We will notify you of your audition results by letter approximately two to four weeks after the audition.  If you are recommended to receive a Department of Music scholarship, a separate form will be included with that letter.

Audition Postponements Due to Inclement Weather

If we decide to postpone an audition day, we will post an announcement on the Department of Music site. We will also leave a recorded voice message on 410-704-2839.  University closing announcements are posted on the TU homepage, and recorded messages can be heard on 410-704-NEWS.

Rescheduled Audition Dates

  • If the January 6, 2024 audition is postponed, students will automatically be scheduled for January 13, 2024.
  • If the February 3, 2024 audition is postponed, students will automatically be scheduled for February 17, 2024.
  • If the February 10, 2024 audition is postponed, students will automatically be scheduled for February 17, 2024.

Arrival time and general procedures outlined in the original audition confirmation letter remain the same for any weather-related make-up days.  Students will not receive another confirmation - they should arrive as originally scheduled.

If is your responsibility to notify the Department of Music at 410-704-2839 if you cannot make the rescheduled date.

Scholarships

The Department of Music offers scholarships to prospective music majors who qualify based upon the talent demonstrated during their audition and an assessment of their academic profile (GPA). (Note: ACT/SAT standardized testing is optional.  However if students do submit test scores, they must be sent from the testing agency to be considered official. University Admissions will not accept test scores reported on high school transcripts.)

Scholarships are available only to students who major in music and enter in the fall term.

If you wish to be considered for departmental scholarships, you must audition by February 10, 2024.  Applicants who are recommended for Department of Music scholarships will be considered only if they have been admitted to the university and after their academic profiles have been reviewed by the Department of Music.  We encourage you to submit your Towson University application for admission six to eight weeks prior to your audition date. 

Students who are recommended for a Department of Music scholarship will receive a Scholarship Award Form approximately two to four weeks after the audition. Students who would like the scholarship reserved for them once they matriculate to Towson must complete and return the form by the designated deadline.

Parents and Guardians

Each audition day will include opportunities for parents/guardians to learn more about the Department of Music, Towson University, and to ask questions about our programs.

More Information

If you have questions about the admission or application process, please contact Mary Ann Criss, Assistant to the Chairperson/Academic Program Coordinator, at  or 410-704-2836.