Admission to the University
Admission to UNCW and the Department of Music consists of a dual admission process. While application to the university is through the Office of Admissions, formal admission to the Department of Music and its degree programs must be made through an Audition Admission process.

Admission to the Department of Music
Application to the Department of Music may be made before admission to the university is completed. However, acceptance to the Department of Music does not guarantee admission to UNCW.
Every applicant interested in pursuing a degree in music at UNCW is also required to audition before a faculty committee in the performance area(s) you select for acceptance into the music program. You may, if you wish, audition in more than one area. However, once approved in a principal performance area and/or degree program, another audition will be required to change the principal performance area, pursue multiple performance areas, or change from one degree program to another.
Each applicant desiring a degree in music will be considered by the faculty committee for acceptance on the basis of a successful audition in the applicant’s principal performance medium. A satisfactory audition is required of all entering freshman and transfer students.

To download a Department of Music Audition Admission Application (.pdf), click here
To download a Department of Music Recommendation Form (.pdf), click here

Online applications

Online Department of Music Audition Admission Application
Online Department of Music Scholarship Application

• Purpose of the Audition
The audition serves as an opportunity for you to display your ability, as well as to meet the faculty. Furthermore, the audition day will provide you the opportunity to have questions answered concerning music study, the admissions process, scholarships and financial assistance, housing, campus life, and any other aspects of being a music student at UNCW.

• The Audition
The audition in your major performance area is the most important factor in determining whether or not you will be accepted as a music major or minor. It will normally last about ten minutes. Please read the Audition Repertoire Guidelines to prepare your audition accordingly. Students are encouraged to bring their own accompanists if needed; however, an accompanist may be provided upon request.

In addition to the audition, a Piano Proficiency examination and Theory Placement examination will be administered. While the Theory Placement examination will be used to determine placement within the music theory sequence for your degree program, all students not successfully passing the Piano Proficiency examination will be required to enroll in the appropriate level of Class Piano or piano lesson, as determined by the examination, in order to make regular progress toward completion of this requirement.

• Requesting an Audition
Your audition should be arranged in advance by returning the Music Admissions Audition Application to the Department of Music. High school students are urged to audition early in their senior year. Transfer students should plan to audition during the year preceding enrollment at UNCW, or at the latest, during their first semester of enrollment at UNCW.

• Recorded Auditions
If travelling to UNCW for a live audition would be a hardship, out-of-state applicants may submit recorded auditions on a DVD disc instead of scheduling an on-campus audition. Those applicants submitting a recorded audition should complete the Music Audition Application and mail it with the DVD disc by March 15. Please clearly indicate your name, instrument or voice category, and the selections performed on the DVD recording and disc container. Please note: recorded auditions will not be accepted for those who wish to apply for a music scholarship.