School of Music Application 2026

Thank you for your interest in our School of Music at Northern Illinois University.

Please note, an asterisk (*) denotes a required question.

Basic Information

First Name *

Preferred First Name

Last Name *

Email Address *

Mobile Phone *

Birthdate *

School of Music Information

What is your intended music program of study? *

What type of student will you be? *

When do you plan to begin at the NIU School of Music? *

Undergraduate students pursuing our Music Minor are required to complete a program audition.

Undergraduate students pursuing our Bachelor of Music degrees will be required to complete a program audition. Registration for your audition is required. Review our website for important information regarding auditions, including dates, materials, and additional requirements.

Bachelor of Music in Composition students are also required to register for a program interview with our Composition Area Coordinator.

Undergraduate students pursuing our Bachelor of Arts in Music degree have a variety of coursework opportunities while pursuing their degree.

Depending on your musical background, you will either:

1) complete a traditional audition and enroll in 4 semesters of lessons and ensembles in a primary instrumental or vocal studio.
2) begin your degree as a Pre-Music major during your first year of school. After one year, you will undergo a review to be formally admitted as a music major.

For a primary instrument, applicants may select "Recording Arts" if interested in Recording Arts electives.

Graduate students pursuing our Master of Music degrees in Performance and Jazz Studies or our Performer's Certificate are required to complete a program audition.

Master of Music in Conducting applicants are required to complete an audition, but these auditions are scheduled individually. Contact our Music Admissions Coordinator to book your conducting audition.

Graduate students pursuing our Master of Music in World Music, Recording, or Composition are required to complete a program interview. A portfolio submission may also be required. Please review our website for specific requirements.

Please select whether you will complete an audition or enter as Pre-Music: *

What is your primary instrument? *
CTRL + click to select multiple

Have you taken private lessons on your instrument? *

Yes

No

Names of current or past private lesson teachers *

How long have you studied with a private teacher? *

Portfolio Information

Your selected program requires a portfolio submission. Please upload your portfolio to a file-sharing platform such as Google Drive, OneDrive, etc. and submit a URL to your portfolio below. Ensure that permissions are set properly ("Anyone with the link can view" or similar). Review portfolio requirements for your area on its dedicated audition materials page.

Bachelor of Music in Composition applicants may choose to submit a portfolio during the application process or anytime before their fifth semester of study at NIU. Do you wish to submit a link to your composition portfolio at this time? *

Yes

No

Link to Portfolio *

Graduate Student Information

Would you like to be considered for a tuition waiver? *

Yes

No

Would you like to apply for a Graduate Assistantship? *

Yes

No

Graduate Assistantship Application

Home Address *

Country

Street

City

Region

Postal Code

Do you have a mailing address local to DeKalb, IL yet? *

Yes

No

School Address *

Country

Street

City

Region

Postal Code

DeleteSchool _ID_
Please list all prior collegiate institutions attended or attending beginning with your most recent (including NIU).
Institution * Degree Earned * Starting Month * i.e. August 2023 Graduation Month * i.e. May 2025

Add another school

DeleteEmployer _ID_
Please list each of your former employers beginning with your most recent.
Employer * Employer Phone Number * Employer Location * Position * Starting Month * Ending Month *

Add employment

Please provide a summary of your skills and experience that are relevant to a Graduate Assistantship in your area of expertise. *

Transfer Student Information

DeleteSchool _ID_
Please list all previous collegiate institutions you've attended.
School Name

Add another school

Please indicate the number of semesters you've taken music theory courses: *

Are you receiving a music scholarship at your current institution? *

Yes

No / I am not currently enrolled at another institution

What institution did you receive this music scholarship from? *

Have you studied any foreign languages? *

Yes

No

What languages have you studied and for how many years? *

Essay Questions

We are looking forward to learning more about your past musical experiences and leadership skills. If you have created a music resume that contains this information, you are welcome to upload your music resume in lieu of answering essay questions regarding ensemble experiences, leadership, and career goals.

Would you like to submit a music resume? *

Yes, I would like to upload a music resume

No, I would prefer to answer questions on the application

Music Resume *

If you would like to share your website, please enter the URL below.

Please list music experiences you have had both in and outside of school. *
Experiences may include bands, orchestras, choirs, musical theatre productions, music competitions, etc.

In what ways have you demonstrated leadership in your community or school activities? *

How do your career goals and aspirations align with pursuing a degree in music? *
Your essay may include information about your experiences, musical role models, and what led you to music.

Statement of Intent

Why have you decided to apply to Northern Illinois University and to our School of Music? *

Reference Information

Please include the contact information of two references. Familial references are not accepted. References will be emailed a separate form directly upon the completion of this application. Please confirm with your reference their willingness to complete this form prior to listing them. At least one recommender should be able to speak to your musical capabilities, i.e. high school ensemble director, private lesson instructor, etc. Recommendation forms are due prior to your audition.

Reference #1

Full Name *

Position / Title *

Email Address *

Reference #2

Full Name *

Position / Title *

Email Address *

Acknowledgement

I understand that withholding information required on this application or giving false information may make me ineligible for an assistantship. I certify that the statements made on this application are, to the best of my knowledge, complete and correct, and that I will comply with the regulations pertaining to employment eligibility of disclosure of educational loan payout.

Signature *

Click to Sign...

How did you hear about us?

How did you hear about our School of Music? *