USC Thornton School of Music

Composition Audition/Interview Information

BM, MM, DMA

In addition to the required application materials, applicants to programs in Composition must submit scores and recordings of three contrasting pieces of varying instrumentation; electro-acoustic works may be included. Students should submit works that best represent their creative abilities. Pieces in a popular music or jazz idiom may be submitted as an extra element of the application, but the primary focus of the USC Thornton Composition Program is concert music (contemporary classical music) in the broadest sense.

DMA applicants are also required to submit 3 letters of recommendation via the SlideRoom portal, one of which must be from a professor who has assessed a substantial research or analysis paper that the applicant has written.

Note: Compositions and recordings will not be accepted via mail or email for this program. All 3 Compositions with their Recordings must be submitted online through the “Fall SlideRoom portal” by the December 1st deadline. Any application not complete by December 1 may be removed from consideration

Additional information

• Graduate applicants are encouraged, but not required, to submit a piece for large ensemble such as orchestra or wind ensemble. Students should submit works that best represent their creative abilities.
• In most cases, as determined by the composition faculty, graduate applicant finalists under consideration for a scholarship or teaching assistantship will be called for an interview on the USC campus in Los Angeles in February or early March. You will be notified by the Composition Program in late January or early February regarding any interview invitation. DMA applicant finalists are required to take a written examination to determine readiness to undertake doctoral level academic coursework. The composition faculty will reserve the right to make a final decision whether or not they have interviewed a particular candidate.
• Please note, there is no audition or pre-screen recording required to apply for this program.

Important notes

• DMA applicants are required to submit a “Personal Introductory Video” as part of their SlideRoom Portfolio. For detailed instructions click here.

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Applications for spring admission are not accepted for this program.

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Updated on 08/15/2018