Music Admissions

Apply to be a music major

1. Submit a Virginia Tech Application via the Common App.
2. Within 48 hours of submitting your application, you will receive a link to set up your applicant portal.
3. Sign in to your portal to get your Music Application. This is where you indicate the music degree program you are interested in, pick an audition or interview date, and tell us about yourself.
4. If you choose a major that:
   a. Requires an audition: We will contact you with details pertaining to your audition day as we get closer to the audition date. If you choose to submit a pre-recorded audition, you will receive a separate link in your portal to submit the video.
   b. Requires a portfolio and interview (Music Engineering Technology, Music Composition, Music Production - Composition Track or Music Production - Recording Track): This degree program requires a portfolio and an interview. Interviews can be scheduled in person (preferred) or virtually on a Virginia Tech Audition and Interview Day. Portfolios can be submitted via a form that appears in the application portal within 48 hours of turning in the Virginia Tech Common App. Please reach out to a faculty member if you have any questions.

Apply to be a music minor

Virginia Tech offers four music minors:

• Music (general study)
• Music Production, Technology, and Composition
• Jazz Studies (requires participation in a jazz ensemble; no private lesson/studio study required)
• Applied Music

For the Music (general study), Music Production/Technology/Composition, and Jazz Studies minors:

1. Review the check sheet for your minor (click the appropriate minor above) to see required courses.
2. Fill out the minor declaration form.
3. Sign up for the classes required for your minor.

For the Applied Music Minor:

Contact the studio faculty member for your instrument. Each studio handles acceptance into the minor a little differently, so your instrument's faculty member is the best point of contact for next steps. Generally, an audition is required to join a studio.

If you have any questions about a minor, please contact our music advisor, Dee Hopkins.

For questions please contact Music Auditions.

These degree programs requires a portfolio and an interview. Interviews can be scheduled in person (preferred) or virtually on a Virginia Tech Audition Day. Portfolios are due seven days before your interview. Portfolios can be submitted via a form that appears in the application portal within 48 hours of submitting the Virginia Tech Common App. Please reach out to a faculty member if you have any questions.

The music program at Virginia Tech provides a "best of both worlds" experience, blending the personal attention of a conservatory with the extensive resources and connections of a leading public research institution.

The program delivers exceptional return on investment through several distinct advantages:

• Accelerated Degree Pathways: VT offers dual-degree options the Accelerated Music + M.S.B.A. program, which pairs a B.A. in Music with an M.S.B.A. in as little as four years. Future music educators benefit from the Music Teacher Preparation accelerated program that offers an expedited path to an undergraduate degree, a master's degree, and K-12 teaching licensure. 

• Built-in Financial Perks: Virginia Tech offers free private applied music instruction to music majors, unlike many universities that charge premium fees. Dedicated departmental scholarships are also available to help offset transfer costs.

• Cutting-Edge Facilities and Interdisciplinary Value: Gain access to elite creative spaces, including the 4,500-square-foot School of Performing Arts Recording Studio (with SSL Origin analog console and Dolby Atmos). The program's interface with Virginia Tech's technology, engineering, and business sectors allows students to easily pivot into high-value fields like creative technologies, acoustic engineering, or arts management.

Admissions:

Transferring into the Virginia Tech music program requires navigating both general university admission and the specific requirements of the School of Performing Arts. Applicants must first submit a standard transfer application through the Virginia Tech Undergraduate Admissions office. Because music is a restricted major, admission to the university is contingent upon fulfilling the program's departmental criteria, which focus on evaluating an applicant's artistic and academic preparation.

The evaluation process is tailored to the student's intended concentration. Prospective students in performance or music education tracks are required to complete an audition, either live or via video submission, demonstrating technical proficiency and artistic maturity. Similarly, applicants targeting composition, music technology, or music production concentrations must submit a comprehensive portfolio of their original work. To ensure a seamless transition, prospective transfers are strongly encouraged to contact faculty members within their specific area of study early in the application cycle to align their materials with departmental expectations.

To determine how your previous coursework aligns with Virginia Tech's curriculum, you can utilize the university's Transfer Equivalency Database or the Virginia Community College System (VCCS) equivalency guides. These tools allow you to cross-reference your completed music history, theory, or performance credits to see exactly which Virginia Tech requirements they will satisfy. It is important to note that only courses completed with a grade of "C" or higher are eligible for transfer, and your official credit evaluation will be finalized by the University Registrar once an offer of admission is accepted. 

For more information, see the Virginia Tech transfer guide. 

Why study music at Virginia Tech?

We combine the personal mentorship model of an elite conservatory with the powerhouse resources, global "Hokie Nation" network, and exceptional career ROI of a top-tier research university.

Does Virginia Tech offer pathways for future music educators? 

Yes! Our accelerated degree pathways let you complete a Bachelor's in Music Teacher Preparation and a Master's degree in curriculum and instruction as little as 4 years, backed by high job placement rates and entry into a higher salary tier.

Do all music majors at Virginia Tech require an audition?

No, an audition is not required for all tracks. While traditional performance and music education paths require a performance audition, our Music Production, Music Engineering Technology, and Composition degree options do not require an instrumental or vocal audition. Instead, applicants to the Music Production program submit a creative portfolio showcasing their work in recording, mixing, or composition.

Who is required to audition, and how are auditions scheduled?

All music education, music performance, and music composition major applicants must pass an audition to be considered for admission into the music major degree programs. Please see the audition requirements for each degree option above. Students interested in the music performance minor must pass an audition.

What are the guidelines for recorded auditions?

Students are encouraged to audition on campus, however, all studios will accept a recorded video audition in lieu of an in-person audition. Students who wish to audition on campus but have scheduling conflicts may request an alternate on-campus audition date. Contact music admissions to request an alternate date.

Please note the following recorded audition guidelines:

• Recordings should be uploaded to YouTube or Vimeo as either Public or Unlisted, not Private. Recordings must include video (no audio-only recordings, please) and should be unedited. 
• Students may record individual recordings of each selection. See repertoire requirements for your instrument.
• Begin each recording facing the camera and introduce yourself and the piece(s) you are about to present.
• Please ensure that recordings are of the highest quality possible and that all audition requirements are uploaded. We do understand that most applicants will not have access to professional recording equipment – faculty will take this into account in their evaluation. 
• Watch/listen to your recordings before you submit them!

Is an accompanist provided?

Only voice majors may request an accompanist. Requests must be made ten business days before the audition.

Is applied study (private lessons) required for every music student?

Applied study (weekly, one-on-one private instrument or voice lessons with faculty) is only required for degree tracks that mandate an audition, such as Performance and Music Education. For programs like Music Production or Music Engineering Technology, applied study is not required.

Can I still take lessons if they aren’t required for my degree option?

Yes! Students interested in elective applied study should contact the relevant studio faculty for additional information. We strongly encourage these students to consider a Minor in Applied Music (performance) to complement their primary degree track.

May I schedule a a lesson with a faculty member prior to my audition? 

Yes! Please email a music faculty member regarding specific audition related questions on your instrument. Our faculty are often able to accommodate a lesson prior to the audition date, either over Zoom or in-person.

What instruments and vocal types are accepted for auditions?

Virginia Tech offers studio placement and formal auditions for a comprehensive range of classical and contemporary instruments, including:

• Strings: Violin, Viola, Cello, Double Bass, Harp, Guitar, Electric Bass
• Woodwinds: Flute, Oboe, Clarinet, Bassoon, Saxophone
• Brass: Trumpet, Horn, Trombone, Euphonium, Tuba
• Percussion (including drumset)
• Keyboard: Piano
• Voice: Soprano, Alto, Tenor, Bass/Baritone (Classical and Contemporary Commercial Music styles)

Can I audition on multiple instruments or change my track later?

Yes. Students may audition on more than one instrument if they wish to be considered for multiple studios. Because our Bachelor of Arts framework is highly flexible, students who enter under a portfolio-based track (like Music Production) can later request an audition to add applied study or switch to a performance track, provided studio space is available.

When will I receive my audition or portfolio decision?

Audition and portfolio evaluations are processed holistically alongside your academic application to Virginia Tech. Generally, official decisions regarding music program acceptance and music scholarship eligibility are released within three to four weeks following your scheduled audition date or final portfolio submission deadline.

How do I apply for a scholarship?

Everyone who auditions as a music major is automatically considered for scholarships, and no additional application is necessary.

I am already enrolled at Virginia Tech but would like to change my major or add a music minor. How do I apply?

Current students who wish to apply for a music major or minor should contact music advisor, Dee Hopkins.

Auditioning for the music performance minor also requires a successful audition. All other music minor options can be easily added to your schedule.

How do I apply for the applied music minor?

Auditioning for the music minor requires a successful audition. Repertoire requirements are generally identical to the requirements for music majors. Students who wish to apply for other music minors should contact music admissions at musicadmissions@vt.edu.