Applying to Music

The following steps must be completed in order to successfully apply to the School of Music at Butler University. Students are encouraged to submit applications and accompanying materials by the November 1 Early Action Deadline for prime scholarship consideration.

Step 1: Complete the Common Application indicating a Music major. NOTE: Students considering a Music Major or a Double Major with Music and another area should choose “Music” as their first major on the Common Application in order to receive the proper supplemental application materials and to be considered for music scholarship. The application will also require the submission of:

• High School Transcripts
• Transfer students only: College Transcripts
• Writing Sample
• Optional: ACT/SAT Scores

Step 2: Complete the Checklist items as required by the School of Music which also includes:

• JCA Music Supplement
• Music Letter of Recommendation from private instructor and/or ensemble director
• Piano students: a letter of recommendation from your private piano instructor is required
• Voice students: you must pass a pre-screening before being invited for a live audition, see pre-screening requirements in the “Audition Requirements” tab. Note a pre-screening is not required for vocal Jazz applicants.

Step 3: Select an Audition Date. Voice applicants: you will not be able to select an audition date until you submit and pass the pre-screening (see “Audition Requirements”). Please note the pre-screening is due at the time of your application submission.

Important Application Deadlines

• November 1: Early Action (students are encouraged to apply by the Early Action deadline for full academic scholarship consideration and honors program eligibility)
• February 1: Regular Decision

Get Started

Begin your application by visiting the Office of Admission website.

Audition Dates for Fall 2024 Entry

All auditions completed by February 20, 2024 are considered for a Jordan College of the Arts Award.  For best scholarship consideration, performing an on-campus audition is recommended. Although we prefer to conduct auditions in person, we recognize that this may not be feasible for everyone. To request a virtual audition option, please contact music@butler.edu.  

Audition Dates for Fall 2024 Entry:

• Friday, January 19, 2024
• Friday, February 2, 2024
• Friday, February 9, 2024
• Friday, February 16, 2024
• Monday, February 19, 2024 (President’s Day)
• In-person auditions are preferred when possible, but virtual auditions can be requested at music@butler.edu.

FAQs

• How do I schedule an audition? To schedule an audition, you must first complete your academic application and JCA Music Checklist items. See the School of Music Application Process above.
• When will I get my audition time? You will receive an audition day itinerary, including your audition time, a few days before your scheduled audition date. In the meantime, you should plan to arrive on campus around 8:30 AM on your scheduled audition date.
• What if I have another audition scheduled for the same day? We discourage students from double-booking auditions for the same date. If you have extenuating travel circumstances, please contact the School of Music office at music@butler.edu or 317-940-9065.
• What should I prepare for my audition? Please see Audition Requirements by degree tab.
• Do I have to take a Music Theory Exam? A music theory placement exam is required; however, you will not complete this during your audition day. Instead, you will receive a link to our online music theory placement exam after you receive your audition results (~3 weeks after you audition).
• Can I audition virtually? Virtual auditions are available for students who are unable to attend an in-person audition due to adverse weather, travel expenses, etc. Virtual auditions can be requested at music@butler.edu and will take place via Zoom in most cases.

BM in Performance, including BM in Performance plus Music Education

Applicants to the BM in Performance plus Music Education degree program should adhere to the audition requirements below as well as complete the required Music Education interview.

Brass and Woodwinds

• One movement or etude at a faster tempo, displaying rhythmic and technical skills
• One movement or etude at a slower tempo, displaying lyrical playing (may be movements or large sections from the same work)
• All major scales and a full-range chromatic scale from memory, tongued and slurred (prepare all; committee will ask for specific scales)
• Sight-reading will be required.

Percussion

• Snare Drum solo or etude of student’s choice (example: Cirone, Delecluse, Peters, Pratt, Wilcoxon or equivalent). Performing both concert and rudimental snare solo is encouraged but not required.
• Marimba (and/or Vibraphone or Xylophone) solo of student’s choice (example: Abe, Bach, Green, Musser, Rosauro, Sammut, Stout or equivalent) . Performing both 2-mallet and 4-mallet solo is encouraged but not required.
• Timpani solo or etude of student’s choice for 3-4 timpani preferred (example: Delecluse, Goodman, Peters, Vic Firth or equivalent)
• Optional: Drum Set solo or demonstration of various styles including Rock/Funk, Jazz, Jazz Waltz, Latin (Afro-Cuban, Bossa Nova, Mambo, Samba, Songo)

Piano

Students will be asked to perform three solos from three different historical style periods (Baroque, Classical, Romantic, Impressionist, or 20th/21st Century”. At least one piece must be memorized. Auditions will also include sight-reading.

Strings

Violin, Viola, Cello, Bass, Guitar, and Harp

• Two contrasting pieces or movements of your choosing. Email music@butler.edu with questions.

 Bass

• A movement of a concerto
• A movement from either a Baroque sonata or a Bach solo suite
• An etude

Guitar

• 2-3 selections of contrasting styles

Harp

• A solo piece of your choosing
• Cadenza from Tchaikovsky’s “Waltz of the Flowers” (Nutcracker)
• One movement from either Mozart’s Concerto for Flute and Harp, or Debussy’s Danse Sacree et Danse Profane, or Handel’s Concerto in B-flat

Voice

A pre-screening is required before being invited to audition. For the pre-screening, please record yourself in front view performing one solo piece of repertoire, preferably an art song or aria, with accompaniment (live or pre-recorded track). Please state your name and the title of the piece at the start of the video. Submit your video as a link on the JCA Music Supplement. The pre-screening video is due when you submit your application. If invited to audition, you will be expected to perform:

• Two classical art songs and/or arias. Selections should be of contrasting style and most representative of your ability and training. Memorization is required. NOTE: You may bring one musical theatre piece in addition to the two classical art songs/arias. Questions about repertoire? Email music@butler.edu.
• A brief basic musicianship assessment which will cover exercises such as matching pitches (vocally), comparing high and low pitches, performing brief rhythmic patterns and melodies at sight, echoing back brief rhythms or melodies, and singing a familiar tune from memory.

BM in Music Education

All Music Ed applicants must complete a Music Education Interview and an audition on their primary instrument/voice according to the requirements below. BM in Performance plus Music Education degree applicants should adhere to the BM in Performance audition requirements and complete the Music Ed interview.

Brass and Woodwinds

• One movement or etude at a faster tempo, displaying rhythmic and technical skills
• One movement or etude at a slower tempo, displaying lyrical playing (may be movements or large sections from the same work)
• All major scales and a full-range chromatic scale from memory, tongued and slurred (prepare all; committee will ask for specific scales)
• Sight-reading will be required.

Percussion

• Snare Drum solo or etude of student’s choice (example: Cirone, Delecluse, Peters, Pratt, Wilcoxon or equivalent). Performing both concert and rudimental snare solo is encouraged but not required.
• Marimba (and/or Vibraphone or Xylophone) solo of student’s choice (example: Abe, Bach, Green, Musser, Rosauro, Sammut, Stout or equivalent) . Performing both 2-mallet and 4-mallet solo is encouraged but not required.
• Timpani solo or etude of student’s choice for 3-4 timpani preferred (example: Delecluse, Goodman, Peters, Vic Firth or equivalent)
• Optional: Drum Set solo or demonstration of various styles including Rock/Funk, Jazz, Jazz Waltz, Latin (Afro-Cuban, Bossa Nova, Mambo, Samba, Songo)

Piano

• Students will be asked to perform three solos from three different historical style periods (Baroque, Classical, Romantic, Impressionist, or 20th/21st Century”. At least one piece must be memorized. Auditions will also include sight-reading.

Strings

• Two contrasting pieces or movements of your choosing. Email music@butler.edu with questions.

Voice

A pre-screening is required before being invited to audition. For the pre-screening, please record yourself in front view performing one solo piece of repertoire, preferably an art song or aria, with accompaniment (live or pre-recorded track). Please state your name and the title of the piece at the start of the video. Submit your video as a link on the JCA Music Supplement. The pre-screening video is due when you submit your application. If invited to audition, you will be expected to perform:

• Two classical art songs and/or arias. Selections should be of contrasting style and most representative of your ability and training. Memorization is required. NOTE: You may bring one musical theatre piece in addition to the two classical art songs/arias. Questions about repertoire? Email music@butler.edu.
• A brief basic musicianship assessment which will cover exercises such as matching pitches (vocally), comparing high and low pitches, performing brief rhythmic patterns and melodies at sight, echoing back brief rhythms or melodies, and singing a familiar tune from memory.

BA in Music and BMA

Brass and Woodwinds

• One movement or etude at a faster tempo, displaying rhythmic and technical skills
• One movement or etude at a slower tempo, displaying lyrical playing (may be movements or large sections from the same work)
• All major scales and a full-range chromatic scale from memory, tongued and slurred (prepare all; committee will ask for specific scales)
• Sight-reading will be required.

Percussion

• Snare Drum solo or etude of student’s choice (example: Cirone, Delecluse, Peters, Pratt, Wilcoxon or equivalent). Performing both concert and rudimental snare solo is encouraged but not required.
• Marimba (and/or Vibraphone or Xylophone) solo of student’s choice (example: Abe, Bach, Green, Musser, Rosauro, Sammut, Stout or equivalent) . Performing both 2-mallet and 4-mallet solo is encouraged but not required.
• Timpani solo or etude of student’s choice for 3-4 timpani preferred (example: Delecluse, Goodman, Peters, Vic Firth or equivalent)
• Optional: Drum Set solo or demonstration of various styles including Rock/Funk, Jazz, Jazz Waltz, Latin (Afro-Cuban, Bossa Nova, Mambo, Samba, Songo)

Piano

• Students will perform two solos from two different historical style periods (Baroque, Classical, Romantic, Impressionist, or 20th/21st Century). Memorization is encouraged. Auditions will also include sight-reading.

Strings

• Two contrasting pieces or movements of your choosing. Email music@butler.edu with questions.

Voice

A pre-screening is required before being invited to audition. For the pre-screening, please record yourself in front view performing one solo piece of repertoire, preferably an art song or aria, with accompaniment (live or pre-recorded track). Please state your name and the title of the piece at the start of the video. Submit your video as a link on the JCA Music Supplement. The pre-screening video is due when you submit your application. If invited to audition, you will be expected to perform:

• Two classical art songs and/or arias. Selections should be of contrasting style and most representative of your ability and training. Memorization is required. NOTE: You may bring one musical theatre piece in addition to the two classical art songs/arias. Questions about repertoire? Email music@butler.edu.
• A brief basic musicianship assessment which will cover exercises such as matching pitches (vocally), comparing high and low pitches, performing brief rhythmic patterns and melodies at sight, echoing back brief rhythms or melodies, and singing a familiar tune from memory.

BS in Arts Administration-Music

All BS in Arts Administration-Music applicants must complete an Arts Administration Interview and an audition on their primary instrument or voice according to the requirements below.

Brass and Woodwinds

• One movement or etude at a faster tempo, displaying rhythmic and technical skills
• One movement or etude at a slower tempo, displaying lyrical playing (may be movements or large sections from the same work)
• All major scales and a full-range chromatic scale from memory, tongued and slurred (prepare all; committee will ask for specific scales)
• Sight-reading will be required.

Percussion

• Snare Drum solo or etude of student’s choice (example: Cirone, Delecluse, Peters, Pratt, Wilcoxon or equivalent). Performing both concert and rudimental snare solo is encouraged but not required.
• Marimba (and/or Vibraphone or Xylophone) solo of student’s choice (example: Abe, Bach, Green, Musser, Rosauro, Sammut, Stout or equivalent) . Performing both 2-mallet and 4-mallet solo is encouraged but not required.
• Timpani solo or etude of student’s choice for 3-4 timpani preferred (example: Delecluse, Goodman, Peters, Vic Firth or equivalent)
• Optional: Drum Set solo or demonstration of various styles including Rock/Funk, Jazz, Jazz Waltz, Latin (Afro-Cuban, Bossa Nova, Mambo, Samba, Songo)

Piano

• Students will perform two solos from two different historical style periods (Baroque, Classical, Romantic, Impressionist, or 20th/21st Century). Memorization is encouraged. Auditions will also include sight-reading.

Strings

• Two contrasting pieces or movements of your choosing. Email music@butler.edu with questions.

Voice

A pre-screening is required before being invited to audition. For the pre-screening, please record yourself in front view performing one solo piece of repertoire, preferably an art song or aria, with accompaniment (live or pre-recorded track). Please state your name and the title of the piece at the start of the video. Submit your video as a link on the JCA Music Supplement. The pre-screening video is due when you submit your application. If invited to audition, you will be expected to perform:

• Two classical art songs and/or arias. Selections should be of contrasting style and most representative of your ability and training. Memorization is required. NOTE: You may bring one musical theatre piece in addition to the two classical art songs/arias. Questions about repertoire? Email music@butler.edu.
• A brief basic musicianship assessment which will cover exercises such as matching pitches (vocally), comparing high and low pitches, performing brief rhythmic patterns and melodies at sight, echoing back brief rhythms or melodies, and singing a familiar tune from memory.

BM in Composition

All BM in Composition applicants must complete a Composition Interview and an audition on their primary instrument or voice according to the requirements below. Applicants should bring three original scores and any recordings to the Composition Interview.

Brass and Woodwinds

• One movement or etude at a faster tempo, displaying rhythmic and technical skills
• One movement or etude at a slower tempo, displaying lyrical playing (may be movements or large sections from the same work)
• All major scales and a full-range chromatic scale from memory, tongued and slurred (prepare all; committee will ask for specific scales)
• Sight-reading will be required.

Percussion

• Snare Drum solo or etude of student’s choice (example: Cirone, Delecluse, Peters, Pratt, Wilcoxon or equivalent). Performing both concert and rudimental snare solo is encouraged but not required.
• Marimba (and/or Vibraphone or Xylophone) solo of student’s choice (example: Abe, Bach, Green, Musser, Rosauro, Sammut, Stout or equivalent) . Performing both 2-mallet and 4-mallet solo is encouraged but not required.
• Timpani solo or etude of student’s choice for 3-4 timpani preferred (example: Delecluse, Goodman, Peters, Vic Firth or equivalent)
• Optional: Drum Set solo or demonstration of various styles including Rock/Funk, Jazz, Jazz Waltz, Latin (Afro-Cuban, Bossa Nova, Mambo, Samba, Songo)

Piano

• Students will perform two solos from two different historical style periods (Baroque, Classical, Romantic, Impressionist, or 20th/21st Century). Memorization is encouraged. Auditions will also include sight-reading.

Strings

• Two contrasting pieces or movements of your choosing. Email music@butler.edu with questions.

Voice

A pre-screening is required before being invited to audition. For the pre-screening, please record yourself in front view performing one solo piece of repertoire, preferably an art song or aria, with accompaniment (live or pre-recorded track). Please state your name and the title of the piece at the start of the video. Submit your video as a link on the JCA Music Supplement. The pre-screening video is due when you submit your application. If invited to audition, you will be expected to perform:

• Two classical art songs and/or arias. Selections should be of contrasting style and most representative of your ability and training. Memorization is required. NOTE: You may bring one musical theatre piece in addition to the two classical art songs/arias. Questions about repertoire? Email music@butler.edu.
• A brief basic musicianship assessment which will cover exercises such as matching pitches (vocally), comparing high and low pitches, performing brief rhythmic patterns and melodies at sight, echoing back brief rhythms or melodies, and singing a familiar tune from memory.

BM in Jazz Studies

Jazz auditions will be accompanied by one of the Jamey Aebersold play-a-long tracks or a live rhythm section when available. For virtual auditions, students will be asked to provide their own backing track using Ireal Pro, Band in a Box, or Jamey Aebersold.

Instrumentalists (excluding Percussion)

• Memorization of melodies and chord changes is required.
• Medium tempo blues selected from the following list: Sandu, Billie’s Bounce, Now’s the Time, Tenor Madness, Blue Monk
• Jazz standard selected from the following list: Oleo, Moose the Mooche, Donna Lee, There Will Never Be Another You, Recorda-me,  Afternoon in Paris, Take the A Train, Ladybird
• Ballad selected from the following list: Body and Soul, Misty, What’s New?, In A Sentimental Mood
• Sight Reading (in person) or prepared written piece of your choice (virtual)
• Major, Mixolydian and Dorian Scales in all 12 keys (two octaves or full range preferred)

Percussion only

• Snare Drum
  • One solo or etude from Delecluse, Albright, Cirone, Peters, Goldenberg, or equivalent
• Drum Set
  • Memorization of melodies and chord changes is encouraged.
  • One prepared piece: big band chart, transcription, or published solo
  • Demonstration of time and soloing in the following styles: medium swing, up-tempo swing, rock, bossa nova, and samba
  • Play-along tracks are preferred
• Optional: Vibraphone
  • One jazz standard, transcription, or solo work (2 or 4 mallets)

Vocalists

• No pre-screening required; if prompted to submit a pre-screening video link, please input “Vocal Jazz”.
• Memorization of melodies and chord changes is required.
• One Bossa Nova from the following list: Speak Low, Corcovado, Triste, If You Never Come to Me, Nature Boy
• One Swing  from the following list: Autumn Leaves, How High the Moon, In A Mellow Tone, A Train, Taking A Chance on Love
• One Ballad: Tenderly, Misty, But Beautiful, In A Sentimental Mood, Skylark, Here’s That Rainy Day

Music Therapy Dual Degree

• Important Program UpdateAs the Indiana University and Purdue University partnership in IUPUI approaches its end on June 30, 2024, it is necessary to redefine Butler’s partnership with the Music Therapy program. Butler is working with IU Indianapolis to create exciting new opportunities that will benefit both students and the central Indiana economy.

  All students currently enrolled in the Music Therapy Dual Degree Program, including those starting the program in fall 2023, will be able to complete their degrees on schedule and without interruption.

Keyboard Skills Assessment (completed during audition)

Overview

• Assessment purpose/details: To determine if students need remedial keyboard skills work or are ready to begin Keyboard Skills 1 or higher in the fall. Covers basic keyboard skills such as finding and naming keys, identifying and playing notes on treble and bass clef, identifying basics of meter, recognizing and naming key signatures, etc. NOTE: Piano majors are exempt from this exam.
• How to schedule assessment: You will be assigned a keyboard skills assessment time on your audition day. Students who complete a virtual audition will complete a virtual assessment when possible.
• What should I prepare for the assessment? There is nothing for you to specifically prepare for the assessment. However, we encourage students who have little to no keyboard/piano experience to take private lessons focused on the skills listed below, utilize online or software-based training focused on keyboard/theory/musicianship skills, and/or individual practice. While the keyboard skills assessment is simply for placement, and has no bearing on your admission into the School of Music, being eligible for Keyboard Skills 1 or above during your first semester is important in order to stay on track with the proper course sequence for music majors.
• What happens during the assessment? You will meet with a music faculty member who will assess your abilities in the following areas:
  • Name of the keys on the keyboard.
  • Identify, read, and play notes on the score in treble and bass clefs.
  • Identify and play intervals on the keyboard and the score.  Includes perfect, major, minor, diminished, augmented.
  • Recognize and name key signatures.
  • Identify the basics of meter, including simple and compound meter and all possible time signatures.
  • Identify and play the basics of rhythm, including note values, rests, and ties.
  • Identify and play diads and root position triads.  The latter includes major, minor, diminished, and augmented.
  • Sight singing: solfege

Basic Musicianship Assessment (vocalists only, completed during)

Overview

• Assessment purpose/details: To allow music faculty to assess each vocalist beyond their prepared solos.
• How to schedule assessment: You will be assigned a basic musicianship assessment time on your audition day. Students who complete a virtual audition will complete a virtual assessment when possible.
• What should I prepare for the assessment? There is nothing for you to prepare for the assessment, this is a brief and informal assessment of your current skill level.
• What happens during the assessment? You will meet with a music faculty member who will guide you through a series of exercises to determine your ability to match pitch, compare high and low pitches, perform brief rhythmic patterns and melodies at sight, echo back brief rhythms or melodies, and sing a familiar tune from memory.

Music Theory Placement Exam (online, after passing an audition)

Overview

• Exam purpose/details: To determine if students need remedial theory or are ready for Theory 1 or higher. Covers basic “music fundamentals,” including notation of pitch, basics of rhythm and meter, major and minor scales and key signatures, notation of intervals, and triads.
• How to access: The Music Theory Placement Exam will be located in the Butler Placement Exams portal in Canvas, which you will receive access to with your Virtual Registration details via email. You must complete the placement exam before scheduling an advising appointment.
• Deadline for submission: Prior to scheduling your Virtual Registration advising appointment.
• What if I have AP Music Theory credit/received 4 or 5 on the AP exam? If you have your AP Music Theory scores prior to taking the Theory Placement exam, please email your scores to music@butler.edu for review. Scores of 4 or 5 will automatically exempt you from Music Theory 1. If you do not have your AP scores, you will be required to take the placement exam.
• When will results be posted? You will be notified of whether you need to take a remedial theory course or can join Music Theory 1 or higher at your Virtual Registration advising appointment.
• What if I don’t pass the exam? You will receive notification from our theory department regarding next steps for remedial theory work, this will be communicated to you at your Virtual Registration advising appointment.
• What about International Baccalaureate Credit? Students who score a 5-7 on the Music HL International Baccalaureate Exam receive the following six credits: two Music Theory (MT) 200-level elective credits, two Music History (MH) 200-level elective credits, and two Applied Music (AM) 200-level elective credits. Students who score a 5-7 on the Music SL International Baccalaureate Exam receive the following four credits: one Music Theory (MT) 200-level elective credit, two Music History (MH) 200-level elective credits, and one Applied Music (AM) 200-level elective credit.

Financial assistance may come from several different sources. Merit scholarships and Jordan College of the Arts Awards are offered to students who demonstrate a strong record of academic excellence in high school or display promise in the performing arts. Please visit the Office of Financial Aid website to learn more about financial aid options.

For Music majors:

• Jordan College of the Arts (JCA) Awards in music are merit-based awards available for music majors only. Students will be considered for a JCA Award in music during their audition for admission into the School of Music. Auditions must be completed by February 20 for JCA Award consideration. Notification of any award available to the student will be communicated in mid-March.

For questions or additional information, contact Amy Barnes, Associate Director of Recruitment, Jordan College of the Arts at 317-940-9656 or atbarnes@butler.edu.