Undergraduate Application Instructions

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Application Instructions
Undergraduate Instructions

Bachelor of Music, Bachelor of Fine Arts, and Performer’s Certificate

Requirements and Deadlines

  Spring Admission* Early Decision Regular Decision Late Admission
Application and Fees Nov. 1 Nov. 1 Dec. 1 May 1
Pre-Screen Requirements Nov. 1 Nov. 1 Dec. 1 May 1
Undergrad Essay Nov. 1 Nov. 1 Dec. 1 May 1
English Language Scores Nov. 1 Nov. 1 Feb. 1 May 1
FAFSA Nov. 15 Nov. 15 Feb. 15 Apr. 1
CSS Profile Nov. 15 Nov. 15 Jan. 15 Apr. 1
Transcripts Dec. 3 Dec. 3 Feb. 1 May 1
Recommendation Letters Dec. 3 Dec. 3 Feb. 1 May 1
Recorded Auditions Dec. 3 Dec. 3 Feb. 1 May 10
Live Auditions Ad-hoc Dec. 3 Feb. 10-11, 18-23 mid-May
Decision Release Rolling mid-Dec. Apr. 1 Jun. 1
Enrollment Deadline Rolling Jan. 15 May 1 Jun. 5
*Spring admission is available for Dance students only.

Additional Required Application Materials

  • Teacher Preference (BM & PC)
    • Composition, Computer Music, and Music for New Media do not offer teacher preferences at this time.
  • Test scores (SAT, ACT, TOEFL, IELTS)
    • Peabody Conservatory is test-optional for the SAT/ACT
  • Documents (in PDF format)
  • Required Exam: Foundations Benchmark – Computer Music and Music for New Media only
  • Directed Studies Minor
    • Make sure to answer “Yes” if you are interested in the Directed Studies Minor in order to be considered.
  • Double Degree Applicants only
    • Make sure to answer “Yes” for the application to Double Degree question in order to be considered.
    • Make sure you ALSO apply to JHU through the Common or Coalition apps. You are only required to pay one application fee. Click through the link above for details.
    • Those who have applied but are not admitted to the Double Degree program will automatically be considered for the Directed Studies Minor.

Once you have started your application, you can save your progress and return to your application at any time.

When you have completed your application, you will be able to review and submit it before paying the application fee of $120. Your application will be considered incomplete and will not be reviewed or scheduled for an audition/interview unless we have receive the application fee. If you feel that you qualify for an application fee waiver, please email [email protected] with your request.

After submission you will not be able to make changes to the application itself, but you will be able to edit your portfolio through your application status portal.

Recommendation Letters

You will be asked to submit email addresses for three people who can speak to your performance ability. These people will automatically be emailed with instructions on how to electronically submit their recommendation. While you must submit these email addresses by the application submission deadline, your recommenders will have until the following deadlines to submit their recommendations:

If you want to change your recommender or their email address after submitting your application, please contact the admissions office at [email protected].

Teacher Preference – BM or PC

You are strongly encouraged to list studio teacher preferences on your application if applicable. These preferences have no bearing on the consideration for your admission to Peabody and are not shared with the faculty prior to your audition. Composition, Computer Music, and Music for New Media do not offer teacher preferences at this time. Composition studio assignments are made during the decision process, and Computer Music studio assignments are made post-enrollment.

Studios can fill up quickly, especially in the larger departments, so we recommend listing 2 to 3 different faculty choices for areas of study that have multiple studio faculty. If you have any questions about teacher assignments, please contact the admissions office at [email protected].

Biographies are listed alphabetically here, or you can find their information on the department’s specific page under Area of Study. More information can be found on our FAQ page.

Test scores (SAT, ACT, TOEFL, IELTS)

Domestic Applicants (SAT/ACT)

  • Peabody is test-optional for all undergraduate applicants, however:
    • Recording Arts, Music for New Media, and Computer Music applicants: although SAT and ACT scores are not a requirement, scores of ≥700 on the math portion of the SAT and ≥32 on the ACT are typical of students who are successful in these programs.
    • We may request test scores if you are homeschooled or enrolled in a non-traditional or online secondary school program.
    • Double Degree applicants should review the JHU Admissions page for answers to questions about their testing requirements.
    • If you decide to self-report SAT/ACT scores, you will be asked to submit official scores upon making an enrollment decision. If you do not wish to submit official scores, we recommend that you not self-report any scores either.
  • If you would like to submit test scores:
    • SAT code is 5532
    • ACT code is 1730

If test scores are required for your program, your application will be considered incomplete after the posted deadline and we will be unable to make an admission decision.

International Applicants (TOEFL, IELTS)

  • International applicants for all programs must submit a verified TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) or IELTS (International English Language Testing System) score by the deadlines below.
    • We do not accept the Duolingo English Test. We are now accepting the TOEFL iBT Home Edition if Covid-19 policies in your home country have prevented you from taking the TOEFL at a test center.
  • International students currently studying at an institution where English is the primary language, or in the US, should submit a TOEFL/IELTS score if their period of enrollment in that school is less than two years.
    • Students enrolled for two years or longer at a school in which English is the primary language should submit a transcript from this school and do not need to submit an English proficiency test score.
  • Test scores maybe self-reported on the application but verified test scores must be submitted to Peabody through their respective testing agencies by the deadlines below. Peabody’s TOEFL School Code is 5532.
  • Minimum score requirements: TOEFL – 79, IELTS – 6.5 overall band score.
    • We do not accept the TOEFL “My Best Scores”.

If we do not have an official score by the posted deadlines, your application will be considered incomplete and we will be unable to make an admission decision.

High School Transcripts

Please scan and upload your high school (and college, if you are transferring credits) transcripts to your application.

  • These transcripts may be an official or unofficial copy. 
  • Please include classes that are in progress for which you have not yet received grades.
  • We will not accept hard copy transcripts during the application process. Transcripts must be uploaded to your application.
  • If you are accepted and choose to enroll at Peabody, you must request that your school send a hard copy of your official final transcript before orientation. Without an official final transcript, you will be unable to enroll in classes at Peabody.
  • Double Degree applicants only need to submit transcripts to JHU.
  • International applicants are required to upload an official English translation of all transcripts.

Repertoire List (BM, PC)

Upload a representative list of the repertoire you have studied in your major instrument or area. If your major is Composition, Music for New Media, or Computer Music, list your own works with instrumentation. Please indicate any repertoire performed in public with an asterisk (*). Piano or Voice applicants must upload a complete repertoire list.

Portfolio

Composition

  • Auditioning prospective BM students should be fully conversant in the reading and writing of music.
  • BM candidates are expected to demonstrate some knowledge of 20th century music, including post-war music (music written since 1945).
  • Three scores – but no more than three – should be uploaded to the application in the “Upload Scores” section of the application. Recordings should be uploaded to the “Video/Portfolio Upload” section.
    • Scores consisting of a variety of instrumentations are strongly encouraged. For BM candidates an orchestral score is not required.
    • Please be sure to clearly indicate the names of the compositions.
  • Acoustic performances are strongly encouraged but not required. MIDI performances are acceptable.
  • Instrumental proficiency is not required but strongly encouraged.

Computer Music

Each applicant to the Computer Music program will submit a Portfolio along with other Application materials by the submission deadline. This portfolio should include 3-4 musical items that best represent the applicant. These items could be any of the following:

  • Compositions made by the applicant
  • Demonstrations of electronic instruments the applicant has created or used in their compositions
  • Arrangements of other work made by the applicant
  • Collaborations made with other artists
  • Video documentation of the applicant performing on their instrument

Music for New Media

Please submit a portfolio demonstrating creativity and an understanding of the fundamentals of composing music with software instruments. Must include detailed documentation about the compositional process and creative goals.

Foundations Benchmark Exam

Applicants who pass the pre-screening round for Computer Music, Music for New Media, and Recordings Arts & Sciences will be required to complete the Foundations Benchmark Exam.

The Foundations Benchmark Exam is a timed 30 minute examination that assesses your knowledge and speed in music fundamentals. Satisfactory performance on this assessment is one factor considered in the admissions process that will help contribute to admission to a student body poised for success at Peabody Conservatory.

Essay

Upload a short essay (one to two pages in length) in response to one of the following prompts:

  1. Describe your most memorable musical experience (or dance, for dance applicants).
  2. Choose a time that you encountered an obstacle, and describe what you did to overcome it.
  3. Please explain your academic accomplishments in light of your life experiences and/or special/challenging circumstances, including but not limited to disabilities, low family income, first generation college student, need to work, disadvantaged social or educational environment, difficult personal or family situations or circumstances, refugee status or veteran status.

Optionally (and in a separate document) we would like to hear about any personal or academic issues which might come into play as we process your application. Additional essay requirements for specific departments are below.

Music for New Media Applicants

Please upload an additional essay describing your background and how it led to your interest in music for new media. Include a description of current goals upon graduating with the degree.

Directed Studies Minor

The Directed Studies Minor allows Peabody students to earn the Bachelor of Music degree with a minor comprised of courses taken at other divisions of Johns Hopkins University. Students develop a Directed Study Plan that emphasizes a specific field beyond music. Basic requirements include:

  • Students may be admitted into the minor through the Admissions process
    • A minimum GPA of 3.5 (on a 4.0 scale) is required for admission to the Directed Studies Minor
    • You must have selected “Yes” on your application where asked if you are interested in the Directed Studies Minor
  • Students may also apply or re-apply for the Directed Studies Minor at the end of their fourth semester of study, with the same admission requirements
  • The initial plan must be submitted before the start of the fifth semester of study and be approved by the Chair of Liberal Arts
  • Students may begin taking coursework toward a minor at any time
  • Once admitted to the minor, students must maintain good standing in their major area and a 3.5 cumulative GPA

More information can be found here. You may wish to contact Peabody’s Office of Academic Affairs with any further questions.

Transfer Release Form

This is required for current undergraduate students applying to Peabody. If you wish to transfer to Peabody from another college where you are receiving financial assistance, and you wish to be considered for financial assistance at Peabody, you must complete a transfer release form and have it signed by the music executive at your current school. You can download this form here. Please upload this form to your application.

Financial Aid

All applicants who complete an audition/interview are automatically considered for Peabody’s merit-based scholarships.

The FAFSA and CSS Profile submission is required for admission. Please note that you must submit the FAFSA if you wish to be considered for need-based aid such as work-study and grant aid. Please visit our Financial Aid page for more information.

Auditions/Interviews

Asia Regional auditions are available to applicants in certain majors only.

What to expect at your audition/interview:

  • The audition/interview typically lasts about 7-15 minutes, depending on your area.
  • Accompanists are provided for voice auditions held at Peabody ONLY. Accompanists are not required for other majors, but you may bring one if you wish