Admission to the University
- Apply for university admission (prior to audition) and be accepted unconditionally.
- indianastate.edu/admissions
- (800) 742-0891
- In addition, all prospective students should visit https://indianastate.edu/costs-aid/scholarships/freshman-scholarships to see a listing of academic awards available. For priority consideration for all merit (academic) scholarships, students must be admitted by December 1, 2024. However, music scholarships are not contingent on this admission date.
Acceptance to the School of Music
- Read the Audition Information below.
- Submit the School of Music Application.
- Schedule on-campus audition. On-campus auditions are preferable for scholarship consideration. Should circumstances prevent a live audition, students may be granted conditional acceptance based on a recorded performance (CD, DVD, mp3, or other accessible digital media).
- Request at least one Letter of Recommendation from a teacher or other professional familiar with your musical ability.
- If you have already applied to Indiana State University and been accepted, please visit isuportal.indstate.edu to activate your Sycamore Log-in.
- Once your Sycamore Log-In has been activated, visit indstate.academicworks.com to apply for scholarships. All students must fill out the general survey on The Branch in order to be considered for scholarships.
- All music scholarships are performance-based. If you are interested in being considered for a music performance scholarship, you must apply to ISU and audition by March 3, 2024.
Special Information for International Students
Audition Dates
Auditions for music major and minor admissions, transfer student admissions, and scholarships for Fall 2021 will officially take place on the following dates:
Monday, November 4, 2024
Music Career Day
Scholarship consideration and school admission
Saturday, January 11, 2025
Scholarship consideration and school admission
Friday-Saturday, January 24-25, 2025
All-Star Band Weekend
Scholarship consideration and school admission
Monday, February 17, 2025 (President's Day)
Scholarship consideration and school admission
Saturday, March 1, 2025
Scholarship consideration and school admission
Monday, March 3, 2025
Scholarship consideration and school admission
Monday audition times begin at 4pm (tours may be possible upon request) and Saturday audition times take place from mid-morning to mid-afternoon (tours/presentations included). Please fill out the School of Music Application to set up your audition day and time. If you wish to make audition plans outside of these official dates, please contact the School of Music office, ISU-Music@indstate.edu, and let us help you coordinate your visit. Virtual auditions are available if absolutely necessary.
Music Scholarships
Each year the School of Music awards over $275,000 in scholarships to deserving students who have been accepted for admission to Indiana State University.
All music scholarships are performance based. If you are interested in being considered for a music performance scholarship, read the Undergraduate Music Scholarship section below for detailed information.
Audition Process
An entering music major is expected to have developed music reading skills and to have achieved considerable performing skill on an instrument or in voice. These skills are demonstrated to the music faculty through an audition. Those students who wish to pursue a degree in musical performance are expected to display greater proficiency and aptitude than those who are entering other degree programs.
The Audition Determines:
- Admission to a music curriculum
- Level of placement in applied music study
- Eligibility for a music scholarship
Audition Requirements by Instrument/Voice
Woodwind and Brass instruments
- A solo
- Scales - the student will demonstrate range and styles of articulation through the performance of major scales
- Sight reading
Piano
Strings
- Two solos of contrasting styles
- Major scales in three octaves
- Sight reading
Percussion
- Snare Drum
- A solo
- Rudiments (1–13)
- Mallets (Marimba, Xylophone, Vibraphone)
- A solo
- Major scales
- Demonstrate proficiency in one of the following:
- Timpani
- Multiple Percussion
- Drum Set
- Sight reading
- Snare drum
- Mallets
Voice
- A classical solo performed from memory on the level of Group 1 (Indiana State Solo Contest List)
- A brief examination in rhythmic and melodic sight reading as well as music theory (major and minor key signatures)
Music Scholarships
Each year the School of Music awards over $275,000 in scholarships to deserving students who have been accepted for admission to Indiana State University.
To be considered for a scholarship, a student must:
- Apply to Indiana State University and be accepted
- Apply to the School of Music
- Audition for the School of Music at Indiana State University and be accepted by March 3, 2025
- Complete the general Branch application by March 1, 2025
There are several scholarships available to incoming music students. You do not have to be a music major to apply for the scholarship but an audition is necessary.
Creative and Performing Arts Scholarships
- $1,500-$4,500 a semester
- Awarded for 4 years
- Every year, 20-30 incoming students receive a CPA Scholarship
Dr. Ruthann Harrison Vocal & Choral Scholarship
Approximately $1,150.00, awarded yearly
For declared major in music with emphasis in choral/vocal studies
George M. Graesch Wind Performance Scholarship
Between $500 – $1,700.00, awarded yearly
New ISU music major with outstanding performing abilities and wind principal instrument with guarantee to participate in 2 wind ensembles
Joseph A. Gremelspacher Memorial Band Music Education Scholarship
Approx. $850, awarded yearly
Music education major with varied high school band participation in high school; career objective to be a band director
Thelma Biddle Nolte and Elmer J. Biddle Memorial Scholarship in Music
Approx. $750, awarded yearly
Open criteria to any music major