This section addresses many common questions asked by prospective undergraduate students. If you cannot find the information you are looking for, please contact cua-music@cua.eduor call 202-319-5414.
General
What is it like going to school in D.C.?
Going to school in the nation’s capital, you are surrounded by the arts. There is a metro stop right on campus that is just three stops away from Union Station, bringing you right into the action. There are multiple performances to attend, as well as performance opportunities for our students. In addition, D.C. is home to close to 20 Smithsonian museums, the majority of which offer free admission. There is always something to do in D.C. whether you are playing Frisbee on the National Mall, monument hopping at night, or just grabbing a bite to eat with a group of friends at a popular restaurant off the metro.
What is the weather like?
D.C. weather boasts all four seasons. You will experience beautiful leaves changing color in the fall, snow in the winter, cherry blossoms in the spring, and lots of sunshine in the summer.
What are the application deadlines?
Early action:
University application: November 15
Audition: December 7
Regular decision:
University application: February 15
Audition: February 8 (February 22 if transferring)
Is early action binding?
No. If you apply early action you will receive your admissions result by Christmas. However, unlike early decision, it is not a binding contract.
Do I have to submit my application before I schedule or complete my audition?
No. You are not required to submit an application prior to your audition, although it is encouraged.
Am I required to have a music interview?
The only music major that requires an interview is composition. If you would like to meet with our music faculty in any of the other departments please contact cua-music@cua.edu to schedule an appointment. To schedule an interview with the undergraduate admission office please call 202-319-5305 or 800-673-2772.
Is it better to have an in-person audition than submit online?
Obviously we would love to meet you in person, but if you are unable to make it to a live audition this will not hurt your application. For more information on both methods please stop by our audition page.
Is there a pre-screening stage?
No. We do not have any pre-screening auditions. Please register for an audition day through our audition webpage.
Do I need to submit the "Art Supplement" on the Common Application?
No.
Are there any talent-based scholarships?
Everyone who auditions is considered for a music scholarship. All music scholarships are talent-based and will be discussed amongst the faculty after auditions are complete. Should you be awarded a music scholarship you will be notified in March.
Can I apply to more than one program?
You may apply to more than one music program, but you will need to schedule auditions for each separate program. The auditions may take place on the same day, but for different committees. Please note that should you be accepted to both programs you will need to choose one.
Can I have a minor?
Yes you can. With some programs in the Department of Music this is a more difficult task, but minoring is possible. Please note that musical theatre majors are unable to minor in drama. For more detailed and individualized information please contact cua-music@cua.edu.
I don't plan to major in music. Can I still participate in ensembles, plays, and classes?
Absolutely. We encourage non-music majors to participate in our ensembles, as well as productions. You will want to check in with the music office and website for information on upcoming ensemble and production auditions.
Will I be able to visit the facilities if I come to campus?
We would be more than happy to show you around our music facilities when you visit campus. To schedule a tour please contact cua-music@cua.edu.
Can I visit a class when I come to campus?
Depending on our class schedule on the particular day you visit this is a very viable option. For more information on what classes are being offered on your visit day and to schedule a class visit, please contact cua-music@cua.edu.
What are the residence halls like?
On-campus housing offers a variety of residence hall options ranging from the traditional (a shared double or triple room with a shared bathroom down the hall) to suites (multiple rooms sharing a bathroom) and apartments. Undergraduate students at Catholic University live in single-sex residence halls. Coupled with programs directed toward student’s personal, spiritual, and moral development, single-sex housing fosters an environment of virtuous living consistent with the Catholic intellectual tradition. With a variety of residential buildings available, on-campus living can be an enjoyable and rewarding experience during your entire academic career at Catholic University. For more information on housing on campus please visit our housing website.
Will I be in a dorm with other music students?
Prior to arriving at Catholic University for your freshman year, you will take a short questionnaire to determine the best roommate fit for you. You will not necessarily be paired with a music student your first year. In the years following, you may select your roommates.
Can I take classes outside of my major?
Yes. You are required to take three electives throughout your academic career at Catholic University. This is a great chance to take a class outside of the Department of Music. The first-year experience also includes courses outside of your specific music major.
Are there internships?
Musical theatre majors are required to complete two performance internships prior to graduation. In addition to the musical theatre internships, there are many summer opportunities for other music majors. Bel Cantanti Opera uses our facility over the summer, offering voice students a wonderful opportunity to perform with a professional opera company. There are also numerous piano and orchestral competitions throughout the academic year, as well as the summer.
Are practice rooms available?
Yes. We have approximately 30 practice rooms available for student use, first come-first serve.
Do you accept AP theory?
Taking music theory in high school will prepare you for the theory evaluation test that all incoming freshman must take. While we do not accept AP theory scores, the class will prepare you for placement and, in many cases, will help you place out of fundamentals your freshman year.
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Bachelor of Arts
Is an audition required for acceptance?
All prospective Bachelor of Arts in Music students must audition on a principal instrument or voice to determine their placement in one-credit (semester hours) or three-credit applied lessons. Students who wish to be considered for a music scholarship must demonstrate a performing level commensurate with three-credit lessons. Additionally, students who wish to pursue the Performance Certificate must demonstrate eligibility for three-credit lessons at their audition. Students who wish to study composition must also submit original compositions for evaluation by the composition faculty.
What classes will I take?
All first-year students enroll in the First-Year Experience, which consists of required courses in English, philosophy, and theology. In addition, you will take core courses in harmony, ear training, and music history, plus music electives. You will also take electives in philosophy, theology, social/behavioral sciences, math, natural sciences, humanities, foreign language, and literature, plus electives in other subjects of your own choosing.
Is it possible to double major in something?
Yes, it is in most cases very feasible for a B.A. student to add a second major outside of music, provided that the second major also leads to a B.A. It is also possible to pursue a dual degree (e.g., B.A. in Music/B.S. in Chemistry), but please be aware that a dual degree program will likely require more than four years to complete.
Will I take private lessons?
Yes, all B.A. students are required to take private lessons for at least four semesters. You have the option of taking lessons for one credit (one half-hour lesson every week) or for three credits (one hour-long lesson every week). Students pursuing the B.A. in Music with an emphasis in performance are required to take three-credit lessons every semester. All B.A. students are also required to take two semesters of piano lessons, either Class Piano or private instruction.
Am I eligible for a music scholarship?
Yes, all B.A. students are eligible for a music scholarship, provided that they audition. -
Composition
Do I have to audition for this program?
Yes. All undergraduate composition majors are required to both audition and submit a portfolio of past composition work. You will need to schedule an audition and interview through our audition page.
Will I enter as a composition major?
Please be aware that acceptance into the Department of Music does not guarantee acceptance as a composition major. You will begin your course map leading toward your composition degree, but nothing is finalized until the beginning of sophomore year. At this point, the theory and composition division faculty will meet to review your work completed freshman year and determine whether or not they recommend you enter the composition program. For further information or clarity on this please contact cua-music@cua.edu.
Will my work ever be performed at Catholic University?
The great thing about our program is that we have the ensembles, orchestras, and students eager to perform new works. We offer a opportunities each year that allows new works to be submitted to a committee and performed at a festival right here on campus. -
Instrumental Music
Are there many performance opportunities for students?
Students are provided with multiple performance opportunities throughout the D.C. metro area. On campus, students perform in several concerts during the school year using facilities such as Hartke Theatre, Ward Recital Hall, the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception, and the Edward J. Pryzbyla University Center. Additionally, there are ample opportunities for students to perform solo and chamber music both on and off campus. Students are also able to perform with various opera, musical theatre, and new work ensembles. Student musicians may choose to collaborate with composition students to play, perform, premiere, and possibly even record their work. Each fall semester a selected group of students is given the opportunity to perform at Carnegie Hall's Weill Hall during a three day concert series given by University faculty, staff and students.Where do students keep their instruments?
Students can store their instruments in lockers in Ward, where they are safe and accessible. Lockers are available to rent for the entire school year.
How are students matched with private teachers?
During the audition process, members of our instrumental faculty assess each student’s ability and level of development. With this information, students are placed in the studio most suitable for their development. Requests for specific teachers are considered. -
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Organ
Do you have organs available to practice?
Yes. There is an organ housed in St. Vincent’s Chapel. There is a formal schedule for the organ in St. Vincent’s.
What sacred music opportunities are there?
Many of the sacred music opportunities go through campus ministry. A number of our students participate with music ministry and they are always happy to have more.
How am I matched with a private organ instructor?
During the audition process, members of our organ faculty assess each student’s ability and level of development. With this information, students are placed in the studio most suitable for their development. Requests for specific teachers are considered.
Is there opportunity to work off campus?
Throughout the year, multiple church positions present themselves in and around the D.C. area, all of which are open to our organ students. The main office will send out occasional notices. Your private instructor will also be a great resource for job opportunities and mentor programs. -
Piano
How is my private piano teacher chosen?
During the audition process, members of our piano faculty assess each student’s ability and level of development. With this information, students are placed in the studio most suitable for their development. Requests for specific teachers are considered.
Will I be able to find a practice room?
We have approximately 30 practice rooms, 12 of which have baby grand pianos. You should not have a problem finding practice room space.
Will I be able to work with other major teachers in my discipline? If I am a student of one teacher, will I be able to play chamber music for or perform in master classes of other teachers?
Yes. The piano department offers a piano sight reading class, as well as a piano ensemble class, taught by various piano faculty members. You will also take a chamber music class and be offered the opportunity to participate in multiple master classes as the year goes by.
Are there a variety of solo and chamber music performance opportunities?
Yes. Catholic University offers pianists frequent opportunities to perform in solo and chamber recitals. Past performance venues include: the Bulgarian Embassy, The Kennedy Center, Ward Recital Hall’s piano series, and more. All piano majors are required to present two solo recitals, one junior year and one senior year. -
Voice
What are the performance opportunities for students?
The voice program produces two major operas a year as well as numerous workshop performances. Many of our voice students also elect to audition for the musicals and occasionally straight plays produced by the drama department. Every voice major is required to perform two solo recitals: one half-hour junior recital and one hour-long senior recital.
Do musical theatre students take classical voice classes? Do classical students take musical theatre classes?
All students are assigned a private voice teacher upon arrival. While your lessons and instruction will be primarily classically based, you and your teacher may select varying styles to work on. If you wish to take a class, such as dance, you are welcome to do so (provided it fits in your schedule).
How are students matched with their teachers?
During your first week of classes, our voice faculty will hear you sing again. Based on their assessment of your abilities and development, you will be placed with a teacher the faculty feels most appropriate. Requests for specific teachers are considered. -
International Students
What is the minimum TOEFL score?
For specific score requirements, please refer to the International Student website.
If I received another degree in the United States, am I required to take the TOEFL?
Usually in this situation a TOEFL is not required. Please contact cua-music@cua.edu to be sure your situation is reviewed.
May a translator come into the audition with me?
This is not encouraged, but may be considered on a case-by-case basis. Please contact cua-music@cua.edu for further questions.
For more information on international applications, forms and processes, please refer to the International Students website.