Jacobs School of Music

Composition Portfolio Information

Master of Music (MM)

Applicants should upload: (1) four to six scores representing a variety of forms and media, in PDF format (not Finale or Sibelius); (2) a chronological list of completed compositions (PDF), including date of composition, instrumentation, duration, and any performances; and if possible, (3) recordings of performances. Preferred filename format for scores and recordings: <title>_<genre>_<year>.

Application materials must be received by December 1 for all graduate students who would like priority consideration for financial assistance and who are planning to enter the Jacobs School of Music in the following September. After a review of submitted scores and recordings by the composition faculty, a limited number of applicants will be invited to interview on the Bloomington campus during audition weekends. Those invited to interview should be prepared for a brief ear-training examination (identification of intervals, triads, etc.) and should bring hard copies of their scores for use at the interview.

Applicants with strong music theory skills are encouraged to schedule an interview for a music theory assistantship with the Office of Music Admissions.  Please read the important qualifying information regarding music theory AI auditions for more details.

Doctor of Music (DM)

Applicants should upload (1) four to six scores representing a variety of forms and media, including one work for large instrumental ensemble (orchestra, wind ensemble, chamber orchestra or sinfonietta), in PDF format (not Finale or Sibelius); (2) a chronological list of completed compositions (PDF), including date, instrumentation, duration, and any performances; and (3) recordings of performances demonstrating the range of their abilities. Preferred filename format for scores and recordings: <title>_<genre>_<year>.

Application materials must be received by December 1 for all graduate students who would like priority consideration for financial assistance and who are planning to enter the Jacobs School of Music in the following September. After a review of submitted scores and recordings by the composition faculty, a limited number of applicants will be invited to interview on the Bloomington campus during audition weekends. Those invited to interview should be prepared for a brief ear-training examination (identification of intervals, triads, etc.) and should bring hard copies of their scores for use at the interview.

Applicants with strong music theory skills are encouraged to schedule an interview for a music theory assistantship with the Office of Music Admissions. Please read the important qualifying information regarding music theory AI auditions for more details.

Internal Applicants

There is no pre-screening for current IU composition majors. Interviews will be scheduled in late February.  Be sure to check the box requesting an interview for a Theory A.I. listed on the Jacobs School of Music application. Submit the following items to the composition department chair (by sharing an IUBox folder) before February 15 for priority consideration for financial aid: a) A chronological list of compositions, including instrument, duration, date; b) Curriculum Vitae; c) 3-4 scores, including one work for large instrumental ensemble (orchestra, wind ensemble, chamber orchestra or sinfonietta; d) At least two recordings. Please see the composition department page for more information about the requirements for the internal application process.

International Applicants

Applicants from Asia, Europe, South America, etc. who are invited to interview are welcome to travel to Bloomington, but we can also offer the possibility of conducting the interview over Skype.

Updated on 09/12/2018