Music Admissions - Undergraduate
Undergraduate: How to apply
WMU Application
Submit a general application to Western Michigan University. Within the general application, select the appropriate music major to which you intend to apply (e.g. Music Performance: Instrumental, Music Therapy, Music: Jazz Studies, etc.). Make certain you also select your specific area of interest within that program (Jazz - Double Bass, Strings - Cello, Woodwind - Flute, etc.). Please note that Multimedia Arts Technology applicants should select "Multimedia Arts" for both options. If you plan to apply to more than one major in Music, you only need to complete one application to Western Michigan University. After you submit your application to WMU, you will receive Western Identification Number (WIN) which is required to complete the music application.
Music Application
Upon completing the Western Michigan University application, you must submit an additional application for the Irving S. Gilmore School of Music. You will be asked to provide detailed information about your preferred major(s) and musical background. You will use the same application to apply for more than one music program should you be interested in pursuing admissions to multiple degrees. For students who are not already enrolled at WMU, you must supply the same email address used in your general WMU application to begin the Music Application. For current WMU students, you must supply your WMU WIN to begin the Music Application, but you do not need to complete the general WMU application. Please begin the Music Application here.
New Student Audition Day
All prospective undergraduate music students must attend a New Student Audition Day. You will register for a specific date when must submit your Music Application. Applicants who live more than 300 miles from Kalamazoo and are unable to attend in person, should select our virtual event (see list of dates below). Be certain to review the NSAD Information page to ensure you are prepared for the day.
Review Audition/Interview Requirements
Each program within the Irving S. Gilmore School of Music has unique requirements for auditions/interviews. For more specific information about the admissions requirements for your major, see Audition and Interview Requirements.
New Student Audition Days
- For Spring 2025 Admission
Friday, Nov. 1, 2024 - For Fall 2025 Admission
Friday, Jan. 31, 2025
Friday, Feb. 14, 2025
Friday, March 14, 2025 To guarantee a place on the schedule, applications must be received at least 2 weeks before your desired NSAD date. Changes may not be possible within 7 days of a given NSAD.
Before you can be admitted to any music program (BA, BMA, BM or BS), you must complete your audition/interview on one of the dates indicated above. This is a full-day event that takes place in person at the School of Music on the WMU campus, except for the online audition option. Auditions in November, January, or February afford the best chances for entrance and scholarship consideration, though late applications will be evaluated in special circumstances. Students may apply a maximum of two times for any program or studio.
Weather information
All admission events will be held in person, except for the online NSAD. In the unlikely event that weather forces WMU to close, the School of Music Auditions for that date will also be canceled. Information on the University's status may be found at www.wmich.edu or by calling (269) 387-1001. Information on the status of School of Music auditions will be available at (269) 387-4672.
Questions
For questions regarding Undergraduate admissions contact Destiny Wallace, Music Undergraduate Advisor, music-ugrd@wmich.edu, (269) 387-4672.