Admission Requirements
In addition to the School of Music application process: Consideration for admission will be based on (1) a portfolio of compositions and (2) a recorded performance audition on an orchestral or band instrument, piano, voice or guitar. Current UW-Madison students who have taken, or are currently taking Musica Practica 1, can apply for spring admission to the composition major; all other prospective composition majors are considered for fall admission only. All materials must be submitted by January 31, with the exception of spring applicants who must submit their portfolios by November 30. Admission decisions will be communicated in early March for fall applicants, and late December for spring applicants.
The portfolio of compositions should consist of:
- Three scores of original compositions, for a variety of performance media, if possible: For example, music for solo instruments, for chamber ensembles, for orchestra, band, chorus, and/or electronic media. At least one handwritten score is suggested, but is not a requirement.
- Please note, scores do not need to be computer generated. Submitting entirely handwritten scores is acceptable, as are graphic/chart scores.
- Please note, the submission of three complete scores is a strict requirement. The submission of three scores of original compositions is the most important part of the composition portfolio. Any composition portfolio that does not contain three complete scores cannot be considered for acceptance to the music major.
- Audio Recordings of the applicant’s three scores. It is required that at least one of the recordings be of a performance by traditional acoustic instruments — that is, not a MIDI realization.
- Note: at least one recording must be a live performance. This recording does not have to be from a recital but can be a home recording, if preferred. Video recordings are acceptable. At least one live instrumental rendition is strictly required.
- A complete list of your compositions, including dates of composition, performance media, and durations, along with a list of any awards or honors in composition that you may have received.
- The recorded performance audition should be submitted via audio or video recordings (applicant’s choice) of 10-15 minutes of music composed by someone other than the applicant. (Preferably more than one composition, although excerpts are acceptable.) It should reflect and demonstrate, to the extent possible, the breadth and depth of the general musical performance ability of the applicant; the repertoire should be chosen by the applicant with that consideration in mind. This part of the application materials is especially helpful in the case of applicants who have little previous instruction of experience in composition.
- An essay approximately 1-2 pages in length (double spaced, standard font) explaining your desire to study composition at UW-Madison. The essay should demonstrate the ability to think logically and communicate clearly and creatively.
Please note: Materials are to be submitted online via Google Drive. Composition files should be shared with the main music admissions email address (admissions@music.wisc.edu), as well as Prof. Laura Schwendinger (lschwendinge@wisc.edu) on Google Drive.
When uploading your composition portfolio to Google Drive, please label it as “Composition Portfolio – [applicant’s full name].” Please organize your composition portfolio documents as five separate folders, one for the applicant’s three scores, one for the applicant’s corresponding audio composition recordings, one for the applicant’s composition list, one for the applicant’s recorded performance audition, and one for the applicant’s essay. Whenever possible, please make sure that the five folders display in the order of Scores, Sound Files, Composition List, Recorded Audition, and Essay.
Please note: if you wish to submit any additional composition files for consideration (such as additional scores or additional composition sound files), you may do so via an optional sixth folder titled “Additional Materials.” The Composition Area will mainly base their music admission decisions based off the materials in an applicant’s five main subfolders, so please be sure to include your strongest work in those folders.
Admission decisions will be communicated in early March for fall applicants; please note, the Composition Area cannot provide feedback on composition portfolios.
If you have any questions about submitting your composition materials, please contact the Undergraduate Admissions Coordinator at admissions@music.wisc.edu.
