Music (BA)
Our bachelor of arts degree with a minor in another area may lead you to various career options or graduate study.
Unlock Your Potential at the School of Music!
Audition
Whether you're aiming to major in music or simply want to immerse yourself in a vibrant community through a minor or ensemble participation, auditioning is the first step! This is your opportunity to showcase your talent and unlock eligibility for valuable graduate assistantships and scholarships.
Is this Program a Good Fit for You?
Music (BA) students are typically interested in:
- Musical performance
- Music non-profit organizations
- Other Humanities disciplines
- Arts administration
- Music production
- Artist management
See Yourself Succeed with a Degree In Music
See Yourself Succeed with a Degree In Music
Join Our Community
You’ll discover a vibrant community of talented musicians who are dedicated to fostering world-class ensembles, bands and chorales. Our programs are recognized internationally with students competing and performing overseas.
Learn from the Best
You’ll have opportunities to participate in studio recitals and master classes taught by renowned professors and nationally recognized guest musicians. Our faculty are dedicated to improving your music appreciation, comprehension and performance.
NASM Accredited
Texas A&M University-Commerce is accredited by the National Association of Schools of Music.
Find Your Program
With over 300 majors, the School of Music offers top-notch performing experiences while still providing one-on-one mentorship. You’ll have many opportunities to participate in recitals and performances.
What You Will Learn
A bachelor’s degree in music will offer you the opportunity to:
- Become a part of a community of world-class musicians and scholars
- Receive private lessons from seasoned musicians
- Increase your knowledge in music history and theory
- Participate in conferences, master classes and workshops
Careers
Let your passion for music shape the lives of those around you. A Bachelor of Arts degree prepares you for a wide variety of careers.
Career Possibilities
- Entrepreneur
- Composer
- Arranger
- Music business manager
- Instrument Repair
- And so much more!
Featured Courses
Admission
Your Path to Becoming a Lion
If you are applying to be a music major or minor or applying for scholarships and admission to the ensembles as a non-music major, you must complete an audition. School of Music scholarships are available and awarded based on your audition.
Deadlines
2025 Audition Dates for all Music Majors and Non-Majors:
- February 22
- March 1
- March 8
Other dates available upon request.
Your Path to Becoming a Lion
Applying to the music program is a two step process. First apply to East Texas A&M University (formerly Texas A&M University-Commerce) with ApplyTexas and then apply to the School of Music in order to sign-up for an audition.
Submit your application through ApplyTexas.
- Select “Create a new undergraduate admissions application”
- Select East Texas A&M University (formerly Texas A&M University-Commerce) as your “target university.”
- Select “Music” as your “Major.”
Submit School of Music Application UNDERGRADUATE
Contact your previous/current academic institution(s) and request that they mail the transcript to:
Office of Undergraduate Admissions
PO Box 3011
Commerce, Texas 75429-3011
For faster delivery, you may check to see if your previous/current academic institution(s) can submit an electronic version of your transcript to the Undergraduate Admissions Office. East Texas A&M accepts SPEEDE, National Clearinghouse and Escript-Safe electronic transcripts.
You do not need to complete the state-legislated Texas Success Initiative (TSI) assessment if you meet one of the following exemption criteria.
- Met minimum college readiness standard on the SAT or ACT
- Obtained the minimum required score(s) on the statewide high school STAAR EOCs Algebra II and English III exams (these are optional for high schools)
- Met a veteran or active military waiver (must meet specific requirements for each category)
- Received exemption based on earning a prior degree
- Received a transfer exemption (declaration by another institution)
- Completed prior college-level coursework
Students are responsible for providing proof of exemption and will be considered assessment required until documentation is provided of state exemption. For more information, please contact the Testing Center at [email protected].
Submit your scores using the East Texas A&M (formerly Texas A&M-Commerce) codes 4088 (ACT) and 6188 (SAT) on act.org or collegeboard.org.
East Texas A&M accepts scores on certain College Board Advanced Placement (AP) tests for credit in selected courses.
Examinations offered by the AP program are administered during late spring by high schools. Interested high school students should contact their high school counselors for information on AP courses their school offers.
AP scores should be forwarded to East Texas A&M Student Assessment Office. The College Board code for East Texas A&M (formerly Texas A&M-Commerce) is 6188. Scores reported from the spring AP test administration will not be received until late July.
For more information or questions, please contact the Office of Undergraduate Admissions at 903.886.5000 or [email protected].
The International Baccalaureate (IB) program is a rigorous, 2-year, pre-university program. In compliance with SB111, ETAMU offers at least 24 hours of credit to all IB diploma candidates with subject exam scores of 4 or higher.
More than 70% of our undergraduate students receive FINANCIAL AID. Find out how you may be eligible for grants, loans and/or the Work Study Program.
To help you pay for your degree, a variety of SCHOLARSHIPS opportunities are available at East Texas A&M including institutional scholarships, outside scholarships and state-funded scholarships. All scholarships are awarded on a first-come, first-served basis as funds are available, so apply as early as you can!
Music :: Scholarship Accordions Undergraduate
Music students at East Texas A&M are afforded a wide range of scholarship options.
- Performance-based scholarships are available based on the results of the auditions.
- The amount varies depending on the student’s audition and the potential contribution to the department.
- Housing scholarships are available and are awarded as a $500 a semester credit toward the on-campus housing bill.
- Students must meet the eligibility requirement of the University.
- Students must maintain a GPA of at least 2.75 for a music scholarship and a 3.00 for a housing scholarship to be renewed each semester.
- Scholarship recipients are required to meet the ensemble and studio requirements as stated in their scholarship contract each semester.
- Keyboard scholarship is available as an accompanist for a reasonable amount of rehearsals and performances as needed.
- Performance-based scholarships are available based on the results of the auditions.
- The amount varies depending on the student’s audition and the potential contribution to the department.
- Housing scholarships are available and are awarded as a $500 a semester credit toward the on-campus housing bill.
- Students must meet the eligibility requirement of the University.
- Students must maintain a GPA of at least 2.75 for a music scholarship and a 3.00 for a housing scholarship to be renewed each semester.
- Scholarship recipients are required to meet the ensemble and studio requirements as stated in their scholarship contract each semester.
- Keyboard scholarship is available as an accompanist for a reasonable amount of rehearsals and performances as needed.
Basketball Band Scholarships are available through an audition held during the fall semester each year.
Check your myLeo account for admission status, financial aid and scholarship info, registration, updates, and deadlines.
If you are applying as a Performance or Music Education major, you will complete an audition. School of Music scholarships are available and awarded based on your audition. Please contact the School of Music for further information and scheduling.
Deadlines
2024 Audition Dates for all Music Majors and Non-Majors:
- February 17
- February 24
- March 9
- April 6 (Instrumental Non-music Majors Only)
November and January early audition dates are available by request.
Other dates available upon request.
Your Path to Becoming a Lion
College is the next big step in your academic journey!
Residents of foreign countries who wish to enter the university should apply to the Office of Undergraduate Admissions well in advance of the semester they plan to attend. Please note that an international student is any degree-seeking student holding a non-immigrant student visa.
All admission requirements are to be completed a minimum of three months prior to the beginning of the semester. In the case of extenuating circumstances, exceptions to this timeline may be considered on an individual basis.
Keep in mind that your transcripts must be evaluated by an independent credential evaluation agency before being considered for admission.
Applying to the music program is a two step process. First apply to East Texas A&M University (formerly Texas A&M University-Commerce)with ApplyTexas and then apply to the School of Music in order to sign-up for an audition.
Submit your application through ApplyTexas.
- Select “Create a new undergraduate admissions application”
- Select East Texas A&M University (formerly Texas A&M University-Commerce) as your “target university.”
- Select “Music” as your “Major.”
Submit School of Music Application UNDERGRADUATE
Complete your high school transcript through your junior year.
As an international student, you must show proof of successful completion of a course of study equivalent to that required of a U.S. citizen. Your international transcript must be evaluated by an independent credential evaluation agency before we consider you for admission to East Texas A&M. For freshman admission, high school transcripts need only be evaluated to determine U.S. high school equivalency.
FOREIGN ACADEMIC CREDENTIAL EVALUATOR RESOURCES
Dual-credit freshmen must also submit an official transcript from the institution that offered the dual-credit classes.
Transcripts must be evaluated by an independent credential evaluation agency before a student is considered for admission.
Upon completion of the evaluation, please request the agency provide a copy to:
East Texas A&M University
Office of Undergraduate Admissions
P.O. Box 3011
Commerce, TX 75429-3011
You do not need to complete the state-legislated Texas Success Initiative (TSI) assessment if one of the following exemptions applies.
- Met minimum college readiness standard on the SAT or ACT
- Obtained the minimum required score(s) on the statewide high school STAAR EOCs Algebra II and English III exams (these are optional for high schools)
- Met a veteran or active military waiver (must meet specific requirements for each category)
- Received exemption based on earning a prior degree
- Received a transfer exemption (declaration by another institution)
- Completed prior college-level coursework
Students are responsible for providing proof of exemption and will be considered assessment required until documentation is provided of state exemption. For more information, please contact the Testing Center at [email protected].
Submit your scores using the East Texas A&M (formerly Texas A&M-Commerce) codes 4088 (ACT) and 6188 (SAT) on act.org or collegeboard.org.
The International Baccalaureate (IB) program is a rigorous, 2-year, pre-university program. In compliance with SB111, ETAMU offers at least 24 hours of credit to all IB diploma candidates with subject exam scores of 4 or higher.
As an applicant, you must be adequately proficient in English to pursue a course of study at the university. A score of at least 550 paper-based, 213 computer-based or 79 internet-based on the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) and an official report of these scores must be submitted to the Office Undergraduate Admissions prior to admission. Please keep in mind that Education Testing Service (ETS) will not release scores that are older than two (2) years.
Undergraduate Exemptions:
- Students who have completed Eng 1301 and Eng 1302, at a U.S. institution, with a grade of “C” or better. Students may provide a certified older score if they have been continuously studying at a U.S. college or university.
- Students who have successfully completed the Texas International Education Consortium (TIEP’s) advanced-level program as defined in the information provided by TIEP and who are seeking admissions to our campus.
- Students who have completed a minimum of one year of study in a Texas public high school with the completion of English III or English IV (including Advance Placement/AP) with a grade of “B” or better.
- Students who are citizens of Australia, New Zealand, the British Virgin Island, Jamaica, United Kingdom, Ireland, Antigua, Northern Ireland, Scotland, South Africa, St. Lucia, Wales, Bahamas, Barbados, Switzerland and Canada (excluding French-speaking Quebec). Proof of citizenship must be provided such as birth certificate or passport.
- Students who have one of the following tests and scores:
CAE: B or Higher
CPE: C or Higher
AT II E: 968 or Higher
IELTS: Overall band 6.0 or Higher
SAT Verbal: 500 or Higher
ACT Verbal: 19 or Higher - Students who have obtained one of the following foreign high school diplomas/tests/scores:
GCE, GCSE, IGCSE: C or higher in English Language
WASC, KCSE, SSCE or equivalent national exams: C or higher in English Language IB (International Baccalaureate): Grade 4 or higher in English subject
A Sponsor’s Statement of Support for International Student (signed by the sponsor) with a current bank statement showing a balance of at least $28,109.00 USD must be submitted to the Office of Undergraduate Admissions. Sponsor’s statements and bank statements must be less than one year old at the time of application.
All educational and living expenses (including medical/repatriation insurance) are the responsibility of the student.
Texas state law requires all new students 21 years of age or younger to either receive a bacterial meningitis vaccination or meet the exemption requirements prior to the first day of their first semester. Students who fail to submit their proof of vaccination and have their vaccination approved at least 10 days prior to the first day of their first semester may not be allowed to attend classes at East Texas A&M. Please note that failure to meet this requirement (only students 21 years of age or younger) may result in serious visa status issues.
BACTERIAL MENINGITIS VACCINATION HANDOUT
Music (BA/BM) Audition Accordion
Audition and interview to gain acceptance to the program and be eligible for graduate assistantships and scholarships.
A
*Applicants for the Graduate Summer Music Education Cohort will submit a link to video footage of their teaching in lieu of an audition. Send a link for the video footage to the Music Education Coordinator at [email protected].
Audition Requirements
- Sing 2 pieces: One in English and one in a Foreign Language. If you are interested in a concentration in Musical Theatre, you may perform a third piece from a Musical.
- Sight-reading
- Vocalization
- Theory Diagnostic Test (For incoming Freshmen only)
- All Major Scales and a Full-Range Chromatic Scale
- Two contrasting etudes (slow and fast) or portions of solo repertoire (lyrical and technical)
- Sight-read a short musical example
- Students interested in auditioning as a performance major should also be prepared to perform a movement or movements from a standard concerto, sonata or significant solo repertoire. Please contact the applied faculty member for your instrument with any questions.
- Timpani:
- One solo or etude
- Keyboard:
- One four-mallet solo OR One two-mallet solo or etude
- Sight-reading a two-mallet etude
- Drum-Set (Optional):
- Demonstrate two-four styles
- Snare Drum:
- One concert style solo or etude OR One rudimental style solo or etude
- Three memorized pieces in contrasting styles (Baroque, Classical, romantic, Impressionism, 20th or 21st Century)
- Major and minor scales (Selection)
- Arpeggios (Selection)
- Sight-reading
After admission, the Office of International Programs (OIP) will review your documents for eligibility to receive an I-20 (F-1 visa) or DS-2019 (J-1 student). As soon as the OIP receives your admission file we will send you an email requesting some additional information and also explaining the process for issuing the I-20. We understand that you need the I-20 as quickly as possible so you can apply for the student visa, and we appreciate your patience while we review your admission and issue the I-20.
J-1 international students are required to provide proof of financial support that equals the estimated cost for one year of study at East Texas A&M. This requirement is based on the financial support requirements for all F-1 students. These documents are bank and sponsor statements.
How to Receive an I-20 or DS-2019
Funding Requirement for Undergraduate Student
Check your account for admission status, financial aid and scholarship info, registration, updates and deadlines through myLeo.
Undergraduate School of Music Scholarships
School of Music scholarships are available and awarded based on your audition. Please contact the School of Music for further information.
- Performance-based scholarships are available to music majors and non-music majors based on the results of the School of Music audition. The amount of the award varies according to the student's audition and potential contribution to the department.
- Housing scholarships are available in addition to performance-based scholarships. Housing scholarships are awarded as a $500.00 a semester credit toward the students on-campus housing bill.
- Students must meet the eligibility requirement of the University to be eligibility for a music scholarship.
- Scholarship recipients are required to meet the ensemble and studio requirements as stated in their scholarship contract each semester.
- Students must maintain a cumulative GPA of 2.75 or higher for a music scholarship to be renewed each semester. Students must maintain a cumulative GPA of 3.00 or higher for a housing scholarship to be renewed each semester.
Undergraduate Program Costs
Program Costs
Tuition and fees for undergraduate students taking 12 credit hours are $4,212 for Texas residents and $9,108 for non-residents.
We are here to help!
School of Music Contact Us
Contact the Department
- School of Music
- 903.886.5303
- [email protected]
- P.O. Box 3011
