Admissions
Undergraduate Study
Frequently Asked Questions
On this page:
Do I need to apply directly to the Department of Music if I am interested in coming to Chicago as a music major?
Do I need to audition for the Music Department as part of my application to the University?
How big is the Department of Music?
What scholarships are available for music students?
How do I schedule a visit and meet with faculty?
Are there work study opportunities available for undergraduates?
What career opportunities are available for students who major in music?
For more Frequently Asked Questions and answers, see the Prospective Students section.
Do I need to apply directly to the Department of Music if I am interested in coming to Chicago as a music major?
No. All undergraduate admissions are handled by the College Admissions office. There are no separate auditions or applications required. However, students exhibiting a high degree of proficiency in musical performance or composition are encouraged to submit an audio recording (CD or cassette) of their playing/singing or compositions along with their application materials. Musical performances are evaluated and factored into the overall admission decision and financial aid package. Recordings should be submitted with the application directly to the College. For more information, please contact the Admissions Office.
Do I need to audition for the Music Department as part of my application to the University?
No. The Department of Music does not require an entrance audition either to be involved in the extracurricular Performance Program or to major in music. However, undergraduate applicants who have substantial performance skills and experience are strongly encouraged to submit an audio recording along with their College application. All recordings will be reviewed by the Director of Performance Programs, Barbara Schubert, and the evaluation will be considered as part of the comprehensive admission and financial aid profile for each candidate. For specific guidelines about audio recording submissions, please visit the College Admissions and Financial Aid site.
How big is the Department of Music?
There are 17 faculty members and 25 staff members, and approximately 100 graduate students and 25 undergraduate music majors/minors in the Department. In addition, the Performance Program involves over 500 musicians in twelve ensembles and programs. The small size of the Department affords many unique opportunities to undergraduates; for example, many advanced-level courses are cross-listed for both graduate and undergraduate enrollment.
What scholarships are available for music students?
Undergraduate financial aid is determined by College Admissions, not by the Department of Music. For information on scholarships awarded on the basis of merit, click here, and also see the Fellowships and Grants pages. For need-based financial aid, click here.
How do I schedule a visit and meet with faculty?
Working with the College Admissions Office is strongly advised. Once you have determined the dates of your visit, contact the Director of Undergraduate Studies, Prof. Steven Rings, to set up a meeting and ask any preliminary questions you may have about the program. For students interested in the extra-curricular Performance Program, there are Open Houses scheduled in tandem with Admissions programming.
Are there work study opportunities available for undergraduates?
Yes. The Department of Music has a number of part-time jobs available for qualified work-study students, both undergraduate and graduate. Jobs range from office work to set-up for various ensemble rehearsals and concerts. The Department also has work-study jobs for after-hours security monitoring in Goodspeed Hall. Pay rates are competitive with those of other campus jobs. A complete listing of available jobs can be found on the University’s Student Employment site. Please note that all applicants must be Work Study eligible.
What career opportunities are available for students who major in music?
An undergraduate degree from the University of Chicago is excellent preparation for further study. Music majors from Chicago have been accepted to the finest graduate music programs, including Harvard, Berkeley, Princeton, Yale, Columbia, and Indiana. Many have later secured faculty positions at leading colleges and universities. For more information on life after school, please visit Career Advising and Planning Services.
