Undergraduate Admissions
In order to be considered for admission to the Department of Music undergraduate program, all applicants must
(1) apply to the University; and
(2) audition and interview with the Department of Music.
These requirements are explained in detail below. Please read and comply with all provisions of the admissions process.
Applicants to the Department of Music must satisfy all Howard University academic requirements. Prospective students are encouraged to read and comply with all admission policies, procedures and deadlines as set forth by the University:
• University Office of Admission
• Howard University Undergraduate Admission
Complete The Common Application
First-year and transfer students should apply to the University using the Common Application. Please note the applicable deadlines, below.
For a complete list of undergraduate application types and policies, see the following page:
First Time in College
A student who has never been admitted to a degree program at Howard University or any other post-secondary institution of higher education is considered a First Time in College (FTIC) student. See https://admission.howard.edu/undergraduate/first-year
Admission Plans
As of August 2018, Howard University no longer offers Spring entry for FTIC applicants. First Time in College applicants have the opportunity to submit an application for Early Decision, Early Action or Regular Decision.
Early Decision (ED) is a binding admission plan that is designed for students whose first choice is Howard University. ED applicants may apply to other colleges/universities while we review their applications, but may only apply to one college/university early decision. In general, if an ED applicant is offered admission to Howard, he/she must withdraw all other college applications. However, ED applicants seeking financial aid need not withdraw other applications until they have received notification about financial aid.
Early Action (EA) is a nonbinding admission plan. EA allows high achieving students the opportunity to receive their admission decision early in the admissions process. EA acceptance decisions are provided to students in December. Scholarships are also awarded at this time for all accepted Early Action & Early Decision applicants that meet the specific requirements. EA and ED applicants with incomplete applications after November 15th will be moved to the regular decision applicant pool.
Regular Decision (RD) is a nonbinding admission plan. Under our RD admission plan, students are provided with an admission decision by early April. RD applicants with incomplete applications after March 1 will not be able to receive an admission decision. Thus, we do encourage all RD applicants to submit their admission items by our posted document deadline.
Application & Document Submission Deadlines and Decision Dates for University Admission
| Application Type | Application Deadline (for receipt of submitted Common Application) | Document Deadline (for receipt of optional test scores, letters of recommendation, academic records, etc.) | Notification Date (notices will be sent via email) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Early Action | November 1, 2021 | November 15, 2021 | Late January 2022 |
| Early Decision | November 1, 2021 | November 15, 2021 | Late January 2022 |
| Regular Decision | February 1, 2022 | February 15, 2022 | Early April 2022 |
Continue to "Step 2. Audition and Interview with the Department of Music," below. Do not wait until you complete your written application to the University or to receive notice of acceptance before beginning to prepare for your audition.
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2. Audition & Interview with the Department of Music
In addition to being accepted to the University, all new applicants to the Department of Music must (a) present a successful audition; and (b) interview in order to be admitted to the Department.
Former students who have not been enrolled in the Department for two or more consecutive semesters must re-audition.
If you have any questions about the audition process, please contact the appropriate Performance Area Coordinator in a timely manner prior to published submission deadlines. Do not wait until you complete your written application to the University or to receive notice of acceptance before beginning to prepare for your audition.
a. Changes to Audition Procedure for Spring and Fall 2022 Admission
Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Department of Music is requiring applicants to submit pre-recorded video admission auditions and conducting Zoom or telephone interviews for Spring 2022 admission. No in-person auditions will be held during the fall semester, 2021.
Please note that on-campus auditions may be conducted in March 2022 for Fall 2022 admission. Applicants should contact the appropriate performance area coordinator for up-to-date information.
b. Deadlines for Receipt of Recorded Audition Materials
The deadlines for receipt of all recorded audition materials are:
November 15, 2021 – for admission in Spring 2022
November 15, 2021 – for Early Decision/Early Action for admission in Fall 2022
March 2, 2022 – for Regular Decision for admission in Fall 2022
c. Review Audition Requirements and Consult Your Performance Area Coordinator
Carefully review the specific audition requirements for your performance area and instrument or voice:
• Undergraduate Audition Requirements
After reviewing the applicable audition requirements, you MUST contact your Performance Area Coordinator prior to recording and submitting your audition video.
| Classical Instrument Fred Irby, III firby@howard.edu |
Classical Organ Mickey Thomas Terry mickey.terry@howard.edu |
| Classical Piano Karen Walwyn kwalwyn@howard.edu |
Classical Voice Liana Valente Liana.Valente@howard.edu |
| Jazz Instrument Charlie Young, III cyoung@howard.edu |
Jazz Voice Connaitre Miller conmiller@howard.edu |
d. How to Record and Submit Your Audition
All applicants must submit a recorded audio and video audition via a private YouTube channel. Please
• mark your video as UNLISTED; and
• include the YouTube link on both the second page of your audition form and in the body of your email when you submit your audition form.
No tapes, DVDs or audio-only recordings will be accepted.
There are several devices that may be used to produce a digital recording, including smartphones, iPads, tablets and computers. Please strive to make your recording of the highest possible quality, paying attention to camera and microphone placement, room acoustics and volume settings if applicable.
Many forms of instruction are available to guide you in creating your own private YouTube channel and uploading your recording.
Once cleared by your performance area coordinator, record your audition. Then,
(1) upload your audition video to a private YouTube channel; and
(2) by the applicable deadline, email the link(s) to your recorded audition and a completed audition form to your performance area coordinator.
e. Interview
Following receipt of your video audition, your performance area coordinator will contact you to set up a Zoom or telephone interview.
If you have any questions about the audition process, please contact the appropriate Performance Area Coordinator in a timely manner prior to published submission deadlines. Do not wait until you complete your written application to the University or you receive notice of acceptance before beginning to prepare for your audition.
Page Last Updated: 2021-12-12 5:21 PM EST