Fine Arts Division
Department of Music
Applying
Thank you for your interest in applying to the Pepperdine University Department of Music. As a prospective music major or minor, you need to follow the four steps below to be considered for admittance into the department.
Please read all information regarding the application and audition process prior to submitting materials.
Steps to Apply
- Apply to Pepperdine University
- Apply to the Department of Music
- Audition
- Financial Assistance & Scholarships
Step 1: Apply to Pepperdine University
You must apply to BOTH Pepperdine University and the Department of Music.
The first step in the application process is to apply to Pepperdine University. Please visit the Seaver College Office of Admissions webpage for information on applying to the University. You are urged to complete this process as soon as possible the year before your proposed entrance. Early application is strongly advised because of enrollment limitations and financial aid deadlines.
NOTE: Although you may receive an acceptance letter from Pepperdine upon submitting your Pepperdine application, this does NOT mean that you have been accepted into the Music Department.
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Step 2: Apply to the Department of Music
You must apply to BOTH Pepperdine University and the Department of Music.
The second step in the application process is to apply to the Department of Music. Department of Music application materials must be submitted directly to the Fine Arts Office. Please review ALL information carefully. Errors in submission of your materials may delay the review of your application for admission and scholarship.
Department of Music Application Deadlines
| Application Deadline | Audition Date (See Step 3) |
Friday, December 18, 2009
|
Saturday, January 16, 2010 (Instrumental, Guitar and Vocal auditions) |
| Wednesday, December 30, 2009 |
Saturday, January 30, 2010 (Instrumental and Vocal auditions only, no guitar) |
| Friday, January 8, 2010 |
Saturday, February 6, 2010 (Instrumental and Guitar) |
All completed Department of Music application materials must be received no less than four weeks prior to the requested audition date. Applications received after that time may be accommodated within the times remaining. Because of faculty availability and the number of applicants, it may not be possible to honor special requests of any kind for particular times on an audition day. No scheduling changes will be honored within three weeks of an audition date.
Department of Music Application Requirements
All application materials must be received 4 weeks prior to the requested audition date and in completion before an audition will be scheduled. You will receive a mailed reminder card with the exact audition time/location about three weeks prior to your audition date.
Be prepared to provide the following in your Department of Music application:
- Repertoire list: You must submit a list of music you have studied and consider a part of your solo repertoire. Voice applicants: you may include any roles you have performed, but do not need to include choral repertoire unless you were a featured soloist.
- References: You must include the contact information on the application form where noted for the two (2) references writing your recommendation letters.
- Letters of recommendation: Two (2) confidential letters of recommendation must either be submitted with the application or sent directly by the recommender. Recommendation letter forms are included in the application.
Information for Transfer Students
The Department of Music welcomes transfer students who have been accepted to Pepperdine University and the music program at Seaver College. Content and units vary among music programs, and courses completed at another college or university must be evaluated and approved before any transferred units can be credited to the music major or minor program.
After being accepted to Pepperdine University and into the Seaver College music program, each transfer student declaring a music major or minor must provide the following materials for potential transfer of units:
- an official transcript from each college where music course work was completed,
- a photocopy or printout of the catalog description of each music course,
- a copy of the syllabus for each music course.
Additionally, all transfer students are required to take the Music Theory Placement Exam during their audition or during New Student Orientation. This exam does not weigh into the application process for the program. Click here for more information about this assessment.
All transfer materials must be received no later than August 1 of the academic year of entrance into the Seaver College music program. Send materials to:
Gary Cobb, Coordinator of Music
Seaver College Fine Arts Division
Pepperdine University
24255 Pacific Coast Highway
Malibu, CA 90263-4462
Additional materials are required for the music theory and composition program:
Music Composition
Additional Requirements and Materials
All prospective composition students must submit a portfolio containing two or three scores of their original compositions. Scores should be properly bound with a front and back cover, and the front should clearly indicate the title of the work and applicant’s full name. A CD recording of the submitted works is appreciated but not required. Do not send originals, as the submitted materials will not be returned. When you come to the Department of Music for your performance audition, you will also be scheduled for an interview with a member of the composition faculty. Admission into the Music Composition program is subject to a successful audition in your major performing medium, interview and the approval of the portfolio by the composition faculty. In the Application to the Department of Music, be sure to include a reference list and letters of recommendation from professional music teachers familiar with your composed works and overall musicianship.
Please send all composition materials to:
N. Lincoln Hanks, D.M.
Seaver College Fine Arts Division
Pepperdine University
24255 Pacific Coast Highway
Malibu, CA 90263-4462
*Deadline: Monday, February 15, 2010.
Additional materials are required for the music education program:
Music Education
When you come to the Department of Music for your audition, you will also be scheduled for an interview with a music education faculty member. The purpose of the interview is to provide our admissions committee with additional information about your potential as a music education major. The Music Education rating will be used in combination with the audition results when making admission decisions.
Download the Department of Music Application
You must have Adobe Acrobat to view PDF files. Applications must be received four weeks prior to requested audition date.
Download Music Department Application (PDF)
Mail application and supplemental materials (where applicable) to the Department of Music:
Pepperdine University ATTN: Music Admissions
Fine Arts Division
24255 Pacific coast Highway
Malibu, CA 90263-4462
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Step 3: Audition
Auditions are required for all prospective music majors. The audition is performed for members of the music faculty. Evaluations are based on technical and musical proficiency. You should expect to be scheduled for your audition, and interview if applicable, between 9:30 a.m. and 4 p.m. on the date confirmed. Please make your travel arrangements with this in mind and allow the entire day for the audition process if possible. A lunch with the music faculty is provided at Rockwell Dining Center.
Please download, complete, and bring the Department of Music Audition Form to your audition.
Download the Department of Music Audition Form (PDF)
Department of Music Audition Dates
| Audition Date |
Saturday, January 16, 2010 (Instrumental, Guitar and Vocal auditions)
|
Saturday, January 30, 2010 (Instrumental and Vocal auditions only, no guitar)
|
| Saturday, February 6, 2010 (Instrumental and Guitar auditions) |
Audition Procedures and Repertoire
Multiple Instrument Auditions
- You must perform a live audition on the primary instrument of your choice.
- For additional instruments, you must submit a recorded audition for faculty consideration.
- Each audition requires a separate application to the Department of Music. You must indicate on each application that you are auditioning on more than one instrument.
If you are accepted on more than one instrument, you must choose one instrument and inform the Fine Arts Office of your choice.
Recorded Auditions
Those who are unable to visit the campus may submit a recorded audition; however, if you wish to be considered for available scholarships a live audition is preferred. The deadline for recorded auditions for Fall 2010 acceptance is Monday, February 15, 2010. No tape will be reviewed without completed Department of Music application materials. Audition recordings become the property of Pepperdine University and are not returned. Your audition recording must conform to the same audition requirements as an on-campus audition. Please see the audition requirements by instrument and degree.
Recorded auditions should be of high quality and U.S. compatible in either video or audio format. All tapes or compact discs should be clearly labeled with your name, phone number, repertoire, instrument and degree emphasis sought. Please download, complete, and include the Department of Music Audition Form with your recorded audition.
Download the Department of Music Audition Form (PDF)
Your audition recording and audition form must be sent to the Fine Arts Office. We are not responsible for recordings that are not accompanied by the application to the Music Department, those sent to the Office of Admission or International Admission or those sent directly to faculty. The deadline for recorded auditions for Fall 2010 acceptance is Monday, February 15, 2010.
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Step 4: Financial Assistance and Scholarships
Please contact the Financial Assistance Office for information regarding academic scholarships and needs-based financial aid. For general questions, call 310.506.4301.
You are encouraged to apply for federal financial aid. To do so, you must complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). We recommend that you submit the FAFSA by February 15, 2010. The FAFSA form is available from most high school guidance offices or online at www.fafsa.ed.gov. Please note that international students are not eligible to submit the FAFSA.
The Department of Music awards merit-based scholarships. Decisions concerning scholarships are generally made by mid-March. Students whose files are complete following an audition and who have been admitted to the Department of Music and to the university are given priority consideration for scholarship. As with admission decisions, scholarship award letters will be sent in April.
