Print Page

Prospective Students


Dear Prospective Student:

Read carefully all information on the Prospective’s page. Regardless of whether you intend to participate in the Music Department as a major, minor, or non-major, you need to use our online system to have your talents considered. Please fill out the Prospective Students’ Music Form (see Step One, below).

Then set up a live audition (strongly encouraged for potential majors) or send materials (CDs, DVDs, sample papers or compositions) to the Admissions Office (attn. Music Department). If there are any issues please contact the Music Department Academic Department Coordinator.


Admission to Dickinson College is based on academic excellence. The varied experiences and talents which students bring to Dickinson are considered in the College’s application process, which values excellence in all intellectual and artistic pursuits. Please read about the experiences of our current music majors and our alumni.

The Music Department welcomes contact from prospective students, including on-campus visits from talented and accomplished instrumentalists, singers, and composers with a strong commitment to continuing their musical development in performance and scholarship throughout their years at Dickinson College.

In order for students’ musical interests and experiences to be considered in their application process, students must complete the following steps in addition to filing their Dickinson College Admissions Applications:

STEP ONE

Complete and submit the online Prospective Students’ Music Form. The Music Department will not consider materials until a student has completed this online form. (Note: the Common Application Supplement does not satisfy this requirement.)

STEP TWO

If you intend to declare music as a major, proceed as follows:

  • If you are a performer, schedule an audition with the appropriate Performance Studies faculty member.
  • If you are a composer, theorist, or historian, schedule an interview with an academic faculty member, and bring samples of your recent academic accomplishments (e.g., compositions, writing samples).
  • If you are unable to come to campus for an audition, please see these guidelines  for submitting additional materials.

If you do not intend to major in music, but wish to continue (or begin) your musical studies and activities while at Dickinson, you may schedule an interview while you visit the College, or audition at our annual fall Music Audition Night. Please note that our faculty are not available for unscheduled visits. Contact the Department Coordinator or the appropriate faculty member to schedule an appointment.

STEP THREE

At the beginning of each academic year, new Dickinsonians should plan to attend Music Audition Night, held at 5:30 PM on the first Tuesday evening of each academic year.