Applying to conservatories, university music schools, and music departments is a completely different process from standard college apps. Pre-screens, auditions, artist résumés, repertoire lists: here's everything you need to know.
There are three distinct types of music programs at the college level, and they differ significantly in focus, training intensity, academic flexibility, and the degree you earn. Understanding the difference is the first step to building a smart school list.
The key question is how central music performance will be to your college life. If you're aiming for a professional performing career, lean toward a conservatory or university music school, both require auditions and provide intensive training. If you love music but want the option to explore other fields (or study music academically), a music department at a liberal arts school offers more room. Some students apply to all three types and keep their options open until they hear back.
A curated list of programs organized by type. Audition requirements, degree offerings, and culture vary widely, use this as a starting point and dig into each school's specific requirements.
SUNY Purchase Conservatory, SUNY Potsdam Crane School, and the Aaron Copland School of Music at Queens College (CUNY) are all strong, affordable options with strong programs. See the NY-Specific page →
Bard is unique: it operates as a conservatory in intensity and audition requirements, but all undergraduate students are required to complete a full academic major alongside their music degree. This is called the Double Degree program, you graduate with two degrees (a BM and a BA). If you want conservatory-level training but also want a strong academic major, Bard is worth a serious look.
A pre-screen is a video recording of specified repertoire submitted as part of your application to a conservatory or music program. Faculty review it before deciding whether to invite you to an in-person or virtual audition. Think of it as your audition to get an audition.
Each program has its own pre-screening requirements, different repertoire, different formatting, different file types. Read the instructions for every single program carefully before recording season starts (typically September through December). Do not assume the requirements are the same across schools.
Most pre-screen deadlines fall around December 1st, with no late submissions accepted. There are no exceptions. Plan your recording schedule well ahead of this date.
Professional recording studios provide the cleanest sound and video quality. Many students also record in school facilities if available. Below are studios frequently used by students at Special Music School, most are in the NYC metro area.
Brooklyn, NY
On-campus option available. Contact Dean Copper for rates and availability.
For one-on-one help preparing repertoire, polishing takes, and getting pre-screen and audition recordings audition-ready, Phil Rashkin offers personalized coaching for music students.
Recording a strong pre-screen takes months of preparation. Use this timeline as your guide from end of junior year through submission.
Your pre-screen video is often the very first impression the admissions committee has of you. Sound quality matters, but so does everything else they can see and hear.
Your appearance should support your performance, not distract from it. Even though it's a video, dress as if you're walking into the room.
College Prep for Musicians: A Comprehensive Guide for Students, Parents, Teachers, & Counselors, a thorough resource worth having on hand throughout this process.
An artist's résumé gives schools a clear, concise overview of your musical background, training, and accomplishments. It should be 1-2 pages and focused on your growth as an artist, not a general academic résumé.
Academic background, especially formal artistic training and schools attended
Primary instructors and mentors you've studied with
Notable masterclasses and the artists or teachers you've worked with
Orchestra, chamber music, and other group performance experience
Recognitions, competition placements, scholarships, or awards in your field
Music festivals, summer camps, internships, or other relevant activities
Keep it focused on accomplishments and experiences, not personal narrative.
Faculty may not know every program you've attended. Add a brief note explaining the prestige or selectivity of significant programs (e.g., "Juilliard Pre-College, highly selective preparatory program").
Include the full program name, competition level, and year for every item. Vague entries get overlooked.
A pianist, singer, and composer will highlight different things. Think about what's most relevant to your instrument and degree type.
Every student's résumé looks different depending on their instrument, background, and target programs. Below are real examples from SMS students (personal information redacted).
Viola performance. Includes music training, ensembles, and festivals alongside leadership, journalism, and community activities, a strong model for students applying to university music schools or departments where well-roundedness matters.
Download Example (PDF) ↗Coming soon, a focused music résumé for students applying to conservatories where performance experience and musical training are the primary focus.
Some programs require a repertoire list detailing the musical works you have studied and performed over the past four years. It shows the admissions committee the depth and breadth of your experience.
A well-organized repertoire list signals to the committee that you've had a broad, serious musical education, not just one or two pieces prepared for the audition. Include works across periods and styles where possible.
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