How to Apply to University of South Carolina School of Music
All applicants who wish to major in music or be considered for private lessons for credit or music scholarship consideration must complete the following steps.
1. Apply for admission to the university through the University of South Carolina Office of Admissions.
Applicants should apply online for admission to USC. Prospective students are automatically reviewed for USC’s academic scholarships when they submit an application in accordance with USC’s application deadlines.
2. Complete the School of Music Application.
Beginning September 2024, applicants will gain access to the Music Application through the USC Admissions portal 24 hours after submitting their USC Application. Applicants who select music as their primary or secondary choice major will receive an email from the School of Music, inviting them to complete the Music Application.
*Non-music majors and current USC students who wish to audition for the School of Music must contact the Assistant Director of Music Admissions, Jennifer Mitchell at jmitchell@mozart.sc.edu to gain access to the Music Application.
3. Select your in-person audition and/or interview date.
After completing the School of Music Application, all applicants must register for an in-person audition and/or interview date. We recommend registering for your audition as soon as possible; you do not need to wait for acceptance to USC before registering for your audition.
You can register for your audition and/or interview date directly in your USC Admissions portal under the Academics tab.
*Applicants who live more than 500 miles from Columbia, SC with extenuating cirumstnces may request to submit a video recorded audition in lieu of a live audition. All requests should be submitted to Jennifer Mitchell at jmitchell@mozart.sc.edu.
4. Complete a music audition and/or interview for the USC School of Music.
The USC School of Music Audition experience is more than an assessment of your skills; it is also an opportunity for you to get to know us. You will have the opportunity to hear from the Dean, meet the faculty, chat with current students, and tour the School of Music. We provide a light breakfast and encourage you to interact with our team of Audition Day Music Messengers, current music students who can tell you all about life in the USC School of Music.
Please visit our requirements by instrument page to learn more on required audition and application materials for each instrument/major.
Remember that you will need to be accepted by both the university and the School of Music in order to enroll as a music major at USC.
A note for transfer students:
Prospective transfer students must apply for admission to USC and complete the School of Music application and in-person audition/interview process by the below deadlines for music scholarship and School of Music admission consideration.
Spring 2025 transfer applicant deadline: December 7
Fall 2025 transfer applicant deadline: February 15
Students will not be permitted to enroll in the School of Music without a qualifying audition/interview on record. Applicants who apply after the deadline will be reviewed for admission and scholarship on the basis of space and budget availability.
Questions about music admission at USC?
Contact the School of Music undergraduate admissions office at 803-777-4281 or email Jennifer Mitchell.