Incoming First-Year Students
All first-year admissions are initially handled by the University of Florida Office of Admissions.
A student’s full academic and musical profile is considered during the admissions process for the School of Music. This includes GPA, standardized test scores (SAT, ACT, or CLT), an interview with a music faculty member, a letter of recommendation from a former music teacher, repertoire performed and audition results.
All materials are reviewed by the Music Admissions, Scholarship, and Retention Committee. Admission decisions and scholarship eligibility will be communicated via the email address provided on the School of Music application.
Questions?
STEP 1: Apply to the University of Florida
UF APPLICATION DEADLINES:
Early Action: November 1, 2025
Regular Decision: January 15, 2026
First-time college students apply to the University of Florida through the UF Office of Admissions.
Be sure to apply before the published deadlines, and ensure that UF Admissions has received all required application materials (application, fee, transcripts, test scores, residency documents, etc.) prior to your audition.
First-Year Admission Information
First-Year Application
STEP 2: Music Application and Schedule Your Audition
SCHOOL OF MUSIC DEADLINES:
Early Action Materials Deadline: November 08, 2025
Regular Decision Materials Deadline: January 22, 2026
ON-CAMPUS SCHOLARSHIP AUDITION DATES:
Early Action: December 07, 2025
Regular Decision: January 31, 2026
Regular Decision: February 01, 2026
Regular Decision: February 22, 2026
Complete the School of Music Audition Application.
Do I need to audition?
An audition is required for all students applying for any of the Bachelor of Music, Bachelor of Arts, Music Education, and Bachelor of Science degrees or a performance minor. Students interested in applying for the Bachelor of Science in Music Business and Entrepreneurship must also submit a portfolio.
It is not possible to become a music major if the student does not exhibit sufficient performing competence.
Music Business & Entrepreneurship Requirements
Audition & Portfolio Requirements
Applicants to the Bachelor of Science in Music Business & Entrepreneurship must complete both a performance audition and a portfolio submission.
Your application must include:
- A portfolio demonstrating a range of musical experiences and skill sets through audio, video or print materials. These may include examples of recording, producing, management, promotion or leadership relevant to an intensive music business/entrepreneurship curriculum.
- An instrumental or vocal audition in at least two contrasting musical styles. Auditions should demonstrate a level of musicianship appropriate for collaboration in commercial, world and traditional music ensembles. Improvisational skills are welcome but not required.
- Sight reading on your primary instrument or voice to demonstrate music literacy required for success in core courses (theory, aural skills and keyboard skills).
- A music theory placement test, consistent with all music major auditions.
- At least one letter of recommendation from someone familiar with your musical work.
- An interview with School of Music faculty as part of the admissions assessment.
Equipment Provided
The audition and interview room includes:
- A 12-channel mixing board
- Microphones
- A piano
- Several quarter-inch jack cables for amplified instruments
- A high-quality audio system for playback of tracks or backing tracks
Backing Tracks
Many students prefer to audition using play-along or YouTube backing tracks. If your track is not available online, please bring it on a flash drive. We’ll play your track directly from the drive.
Auditioning on Drum Set
A basic drum set is provided for all drum set auditions.
FAQs
Q: Do I need to bring my own amplifier for guitar or bass?
A: No. You can plug directly into our sound system. If you prefer to use your own amp, you’re welcome to bring it.
Q: Do I need to bring quarter-inch jack cables?
A: No. Cables will be set up and ready in the audition room.
Q: Can I play my backing track from my phone?
A: We recommend bringing your track on a flash drive, as Bluetooth compatibility can vary. YouTube tracks are also fine if they are easily accessible online.
Note: Students must demonstrate sufficient performance ability to be admitted as a music major.
Pre-Screening Requirement (Piano Only)
Piano applicants must submit a pre-screening video before scheduling an audition.
(See Step 3 for details.)
Scholarship Eligibility
Undergraduate music major scholarships and partial out-of-state tuition waivers are awarded based on audition performance and overall talent.
- No supplemental scholarship application is required.
- Eligibility is determined at the time of the audition.
STEP 3: Submitting Materials
All materials should be submitted to music@arts.ufl.edu.
Pre-Screening Requirement (Piano Only)
Submission Deadlines:
- Early Action: November 15, 2025
- Regular Decision: January 15, 2026
Piano applicants must submit a video recording of at least 10 minutes of recent performance (recorded within the past six months). The video should include at least one complete piece or movement, though you may include multiple works if desired.
Requirements:
- Memorization is mandatory.
- You may perform the same pieces in your live or recorded audition (if invited), but this is not required.
- If submitting a recorded audition, you may reuse any or all of your pre-screening recording as part of your final submission.
- Videos must be submitted via a video sharing platform such as YouTube or Vimeo. Please ensure that your link settings are marked “unlisted” or “public.”
- Send video links to music@arts.ufl.edu.
BS Music Business & Entrepreneurship Portfolio
Submission Deadlines:
- Regular Decision: January 22, 2026
- Early Action: November 8, 2025
Students applying to the Bachelor of Science in Music Business & Entrepreneurship must submit a portfolio before attending an audition.
Please review the required portfolio materials in Step 2.
All materials—including audio/video recordings submitted via cloud service or YouTube/Vimeo—must be emailed to music@arts.ufl.edu.
Be sure your video and document settings are marked “unlisted” or “public.”
Alternate or Recorded Audition
Submission Deadlines:
- Regular Decision: January 22, 2026
- Early Action: November 8, 2025
Participation in one of the scheduled audition days is strongly encouraged. However, in exceptional cases, individual auditions may be arranged in advance through the Office of Music Admissions.
Students unable to travel to campus must submit high-quality video recordings via a cloud service or YouTube/Vimeo link to music@arts.ufl.edu.
Please ensure that all videos are set to “unlisted” or “public” for access.
STEP 4: Complete the Recommendation for Prospective Student Form
DEADLINE TO SUBMIT RECOMMENDATION:
Recommender must submit prior to student’s audition.
Ask a prior music instructor or someone who knows you in a musical capacity to complete the Recommendation for Prospective Student form.
The completed form must be emailed to music@arts.ufl.edu.
Submission details are provided on the form itself.
STEP 5: Prepare for Your Audition
The audition consists of a live performance where students demonstrate proficiency on their principal instrument or voice.
Students should be prepared to showcase their sight-reading abilities and should carefully review the specific audition requirements for their instrument or voice in advance.
Note for voice students: A pianist will be provided for your audition.
STEP 6: Audition
Before your scheduled audition, the School of Music Admissions Office will email you additional details and a full audition day schedule.
Unless you’re notified otherwise, your audition will take place on the date you selected in your School of Music Audition Application.