Find your voice at St. Thomas
Music Auditions and Scholarships
About Music Major Auditions and Scholarships at the University of St. Thomas
Undergraduate students planning a major in music, music education, music performance and music business are welcome to apply to the Department of Music any time before or during their studies at the university. By completing the application before the February 2, 2024 deadline, new students can also be considered for a music major scholarship. An audition is required for acceptance into the music major.
Students selected to advance in the scholarship process will be invited to on-campus auditions. Scholarships range from $1,500-$10,000 annually and are renewable for four years of study.
Information for Incoming Students
Application Process
Prior to February 2
Within the admission portal you will see a list of scholarships available. We encourage you to apply for a music scholarship. Doing so also acts as your application to the music major and requires the same steps. You will be asked to discuss your experiences and goals, submit contact information for two letters of recommendation, and provide a link to your online audition. To be considered for a music scholarship, complete this process by Feb. 2.
If you have applied using the Common Application, create your St. Thomas login using the same email address as in the Common Application. If you have not yet applied, creating a login through the St. Thomas admission portal will begin the process.
After February 2
Students planning to major in music should email music@stthomas.edu to receive the music major application, complete the application, and submit their YouTube audition video link.
Timeline for New St. Thomas Applicants
ALL APPLICANTS should review the suggested audition repertoire in preparation for their music major audition.
- Nov. 1 - Deadline to apply using the Early Action (EA) admission timeline.
- Jan. 15 - Deadline to apply using the Regular Decision (RD) admission timeline.
- Feb. 2 - Final day to submit music major application materials for music scholarship consideration.
- Mar. 2 - On-campus Scholarship Invitational.
- Labor Day weekend - On-campus ensemble auditions.
Eligibility Requirements
Eligibility for music scholarships requires that the student is an active music major. Awards are designated for each of the following areas:
- Composition
- Digital Music
- Keyboard
- Strings - fretted and bowed
- Voice
- Woodwind, brass, percussion
To be eligible and retain a scholarship a student is required to maintain a minimum overall GPA of 3.0 (B average). If at any time a student decides to withdraw from the music program that student’s scholarship package will only cover those semesters in which the student participated as a music major.
About the Audition
The audition should include up to 10 minutes of music showcasing at least two compositions or movements of contrasting style in one continuous video. See Audition Guidelines and Suggested Repertoire. Pieces should be performed with an accompanist if written for piano accompaniment. Your performance should not be edited. You may submit a separate video for each instrument, if auditioning on a secondary instrument. Auditions for all instruments, including digital music and composition, are welcome and encouraged.
Music Ensemble Placement
If you are interested in joining one of our award-winning ensembles, visit the Ensembles section of our website to learn more about what ensembles are available and which ensembles require a placement hearing.
Application Process
Prior to February 2
Within the admission portal you will see a list of scholarships available. We encourage you to apply for a music scholarship. Doing so also acts as your application to the music major and requires the same steps. You will be asked to discuss your experiences and goals, submit contact information for two letters of recommendation, and provide a link to your online audition. To be considered for a music scholarship, complete this process by Feb. 2.
If you have applied using the Common Application, create your St. Thomas login using the same email address as in the Common Application. If you have not yet applied, creating a login through the St. Thomas admission portal will begin the process.
After February 2
Students planning to major in music should email music@stthomas.edu to receive the music major application, complete the application, and submit their YouTube audition video link.
Timeline for New St. Thomas Applicants
ALL APPLICANTS should review the suggested audition repertoire in preparation for their music major audition.
- Nov. 1 - Deadline to apply using the Early Action (EA) admission timeline.
- Jan. 15 - Deadline to apply using the Regular Decision (RD) admission timeline.
- Feb. 2 - Final day to submit music major application materials for music scholarship consideration.
- Mar. 2 - On-campus Scholarship Invitational.
- Labor Day weekend - On-campus ensemble auditions.
Eligibility Requirements
Eligibility for music scholarships requires that the student is an active music major. Awards are designated for each of the following areas:
- Composition
- Digital Music
- Keyboard
- Strings - fretted and bowed
- Voice
- Woodwind, brass, percussion
To be eligible and retain a scholarship a student is required to maintain a minimum overall GPA of 3.0 (B average). If at any time a student decides to withdraw from the music program that student’s scholarship package will only cover those semesters in which the student participated as a music major.
About the Audition
The audition should include up to 10 minutes of music showcasing at least two compositions or movements of contrasting style in one continuous video. See Audition Guidelines and Suggested Repertoire. Pieces should be performed with an accompanist if written for piano accompaniment. Your performance should not be edited. You may submit a separate video for each instrument, if auditioning on a secondary instrument. Auditions for all instruments, including digital music and composition, are welcome and encouraged.
Music Ensemble Placement
If you are interested in joining one of our award-winning ensembles, visit the Ensembles section of our website to learn more about what ensembles are available and which ensembles require a placement hearing.
Current Undergraduate Students
Current students should visit our OneStThomas site to learn more about the Loftus Family Alternative Music Creativity Award, Mary O. Petra Memorial Endowed Scholarship in Music and the Carrie E. Larson Memorial Endowed Scholarship. These scholarships are available to non-music majors.
Graduate Students
Incoming graduate music students should visit the Graduate Admissions and Financial Aid page to learn about admissions requirements and scholarship opportunities. Current graduate students should visit our OneStThomas site to learn about their audition and scholarship opportunities.
Connect with us!
Contact Information
Department of Music: Call 651-962-5850 (Fax 651-962-5876) or Email music@stthomas.edu
Graduate Programs in Music Education: Call 651-962-5870(Fax 651-962-5886) or Email gradmusic@stthomas.edu
Mailing Address
2115 Summit Ave., BEC LL05
St. Paul, MN 55105
Graduate Programs in Music Education
2115 Summit Ave., LOR 103
St. Paul, MN 55105
Campus Location
The undergraduate music office is located on the lower level of Brady Educational Center, and the graduate music office is located on the first floor of Loras Hall.