Indiana University

What you'll study

The programme combines intensive one-to-one applied lessons with ensemble participation, musicianship training and academic study in music history and theory. Typical elements include:

• Applied lessons: weekly private instruction tailored to your principal instrument or voice, with regular juries and studio classes.
• Ensembles and performance: large and small ensembles, chamber music, orchestra, choir and specialised ensembles; staged opera and music theatre productions are available through collaborative programmes.
• Musicianship and theory: harmony, counterpoint, ear training, analysis and form that build core technical and analytical skills.
• Music history and literature: survey courses and focused seminars covering western art music, non-western traditions, 20th–21st century music and popular-music studies.
• Composition and arranging: courses in composition techniques, orchestration, and notation software; opportunities to have works performed and recorded.
• Conducting and pedagogy: introductory and advanced conducting, rehearsal technique, and methods courses for those preparing for music teaching careers.
• Music technology and production: recording, MIDI, digital audio workstations and score preparation for students interested in contemporary media and production work.
• Interdisciplinary options: cross-registration and elective study with the Department of Theatre and musical theatre tracks, allowing students to combine music performance with acting, stagecraft and production.

The degree normally follows a structured core sequence in the early years (theory, aural skills, large ensemble and applied study) with increasing options for specialised study, recitals or senior projects in later years.

Entry requirements

Applicants should normally hold an upper-secondary school qualification or equivalent. Entry to the music programme is competency-based and typically requires:

• Live or recorded audition: performance of prescribed repertoire demonstrating technical control, musicality and stylistic awareness; repertoire lists are provided by the school.
• Music theory placement: pre-arrival theory assessment or completion of introductory courses if required.
• Supplementary materials: resume/portfolio outlining musical experience, and for composers a portfolio of scores and recordings.
• Recommendations: one or more references from teachers or mentors who can attest to musical preparation and academic readiness.
• English language proficiency: for international applicants, evidence of English competence where applicable.

Specific audition formats, repertoire requirements and any additional department-based assessments are published by the Jacobs School of Music and the university; applicants should consult the school for precise instructions.

Career prospects

Graduates pursue a wide range of careers across performance, education and the arts. Common pathways include:

• Performer: orchestral, chamber, solo, choral, opera and musical theatre careers, as well as work in contemporary and commercial music settings.
• Music educator: classroom and private teaching, often followed by certification or graduate study for K–12 public school positions.
• Composer/arranger and studio professional: composing for ensembles, media and theatre; roles in recording, producing and music technology.
• Conductor and rehearsal director: choral and instrumental conducting in educational, community and professional contexts.
• Arts administration and producing: management, programming and development roles within orchestras, theatres, festivals and cultural organisations.
• Further study: many graduates continue to postgraduate study (master’s, performance diplomas, DMA) to specialise in performance, pedagogy, composition or research.

Why study at Indiana University

Indiana University is home to the Jacobs School of Music, a large, specialist music faculty with a wide roster of full-time teaching staff and visiting artists, offering abundant performance and teaching opportunities. Students benefit from frequent masterclasses, a rich calendar of public concerts, and access to extensive rehearsal and recording facilities.

The close relationship between the music and theatre departments supports collaborative work in opera and musical theatre, stagecraft and production, allowing students to build cross-disciplinary portfolios. Located in Bloomington, the university encourages community engagement, internships with regional arts organisations, and networking with a broad alumni base active in the profession.

Overall, the programme emphasises both high-level artistic development and practical career preparation, with pathways for students aiming for professional performance, education or further academic study.