Undergraduate FAQs
What should I prepare for my audition?
The music you prepare depends on your instrument. Consult our Audition information page for further information.
Do you have scholarships in the School of Music? How do I apply for them?
Yes. The School of Music offers a large number of scholarships, some specific to an instrument or area, while others are general School of Music scholarships. The band, choral, and orchestral areas also offer performance stipends. Scholarships range from a few hundred to a few thousand dollars per year. Although all students who audition are considered for scholarships, preference is given to those students who are music majors or minors. You must reapply each year to renew a scholarship.
I don’t want to be a music major, but I do want to continue to perform. What can I do?
We offer various possibilities for non-music majors. You can:
Minor in music: We currently offer a minor in applied music and a minor in musicology. If your minor includes Music Performance classes, you must audition to be accepted as a minor.
Participate in an ensemble: All of our ensembles are open to any UT student by audition. Check the Ensemble web pages for more information on their auditions.
Take classes in music: Many of our classes are open to all UT students. Many courses meet general education requirements. Check the general education lists for these courses.
Can I double major in the School of Music?
Yes. It is possible to major in two areas of music at the same time. Many students, for example, major in both music education and music performance.
Can I major in music and a subject outside of music?
Yes. We have had some students that have majored in both business and music, psychology and music, or a language and music. The easiest way to do this is to pursue a BA degree in music and a BA in the other area of interest.
I am a transfer student. How do I find out what will transfer to UT?
When you send your transcript to the admissions office, one of the transcript evaluators will look at the classes you took elsewhere and equate them to UT’s courses. Some courses are automatically accepted (see Transfer Students website) and others must be evaluated by the department.
I took some AP/CLEP/dual enrollment courses. How will these count at UT?
UT accepts the results of AP, IB, CLEP exams for many areas, including music theory. See admissions for more information.
If I am a music major, what ensembles do I need to be in?
As a music major, you are required to be in an ensemble each semester. Which ensemble you enroll in is prescribed by and indicated in your degree program.
Do you teach classical guitar?
No, but we do have a wonderful program in jazz guitar.
Do you have a music business degree?
No, however many of our students will combine music and business. Some major in both areas, while others major in one and minor in the other. Some have created their own degree program in arts administration through the individualized curriculum program in the College of Arts and Sciences.
How long does it take to get a music degree?
Music degrees are very full degree programs. Music majors must take 15-18 credit hours for four years to get your degree. If you fall behind in a sequence of courses or take less than 15 credit hours per semester, it may take you longer than four years to get your degree.
What do I do with a music degree? What kind of job can I get?
The job you get depends on your degree program. Music Education majors will either teach K-12 music or will continue their studies in graduate school. Performance majors will pursue jobs with professional orchestra or opera companies. Musicology and Theory/Composition students continue their studies in graduate school and finally teach at the college level. Studio Music & Jazz majors work as studio musicians or form their own ensemble and tour. Sacred music majors will work in church music settings.
