Carnegie Mellon University
School of Music

Where artistry and innovation share center stage

The School of Music at Carnegie Mellon University highly values each and every individual who wants to Be a part of an INNOVATIVE FINE ARTS COMMUNITY immersed in a top research university.

School of Music Admission

Click here to schedule a visit to the CMU School of Music!

UPCOMING EVENTS

Peabody College Fair
Sunday, September 21 at 2:00 PM
Baltimore, MD

Houston-Area Performing and Visual Arts College Fair
Sunday, September 28 at 1:00 PM
Houston, TX

SMU Meadows Performing & Visual Arts College Fair
Monday, September 29 at 6:30 PM
Dallas, TX

NYC Music College Fair @ Manhattan School of Music
Sunday, October 5 at 11:00 AM
New York, NY

Upstate New York Music College Fair @ Eastman School of Music
Monday, October 6 at 5:00 PM
Rochester, NY

North Broward Prep Fine Arts College Fair
Wednesday, October 8 at 9:15 AM
Coconut Creek, FL

Florida Music College Fair
Thursday, October 9 at 7:00 PM
Orlando, FL

Dreyfoos College Fair
Friday, October 10 at 3:40 PM
West Palm Beach, FL

Chicago Northshore College Fair
Wednesday, October 15 at 6:30 PM
Evanston, IL

California School of the Arts Visit
Thursday, October 16 at 9:30 AM
Duarte, CA

OCSA Arts College Fair
Friday, October 17 at 1:30 PM
Santa Ana, CA

Office of undergraduate admission

GENERAL APPLICATION INFORMATION

  • Undergraduates (including BXA) – Apply to Carnegie Mellon University via the Common Application and to the School of Music via the Acceptd application.

  • Graduates and Certificates – Apply to CMU School of Music via the Acceptd application.

  • All applications are due DECEMBER 1.

    • Pre-screening recordings and portfolios must be submitted by this date along with application.

    • Letter(s) of recommendation are due by JANUARY 5. A link will be sent directly to your recommender(s) upon submission of your Acceptd application. Please follow-up with your recommenders directly to ensure they submit their references by the noted deadline.

  • ALL applicants to programs that require an audition must perform live and in-person. Pittsburgh on-campus and NYC options are available for live auditions.

ADMISSION TIMELINES

  • August 1: CMU Common Application opens.
  • September 1: CMU School of Music application opens via Acceptd.
  • December 1: CMU Common App and Acceptd applications close for School of Music applicants. All music materials due, except letters of recommendation.
  • January 5: Letters of recommendation due. Pre-screening decisions and interview invitations released.
  • Late January - February: Live Auditions. 
  • Early April: Undergraduate decision letters released from the CMU Office of Undergraduate Admissions.
  • May 1: Undergraduate student decision deadline.

Undergraduate Admission Requirements

Pre-screen, Audition & Portfolio Information

  • September 1: CMU School of Music Acceptd application opens.
  • December 1: Acceptd applications close for School of Music applicants. All music materials due, except letters of recommendation. Priority deadline #1 for Advanced Music Studies Certificates (AMSC) that require pre-screens, and to be considered for financial aid.
  • January 5: Letters of recommendation due. Pre-screening decisions and interview invitations released.
  • Late January - February: Live Auditions.
  • March 1: Priority deadline #2 for Advanced Music Studies Certificates (AMSC) to be considered for financial aid.
  • March 15: Graduate and priority AMSC decision letters released.
  • April 15: Graduate and AMSC student decision deadline.
  • May 1: Final AMSC application deadline, financial aid not guaranteed.

Graduate & Certificate Admission Requirements

Pre-screen, Audition & Portfolio Information

CONTACT US

For more information about the application process, please visit our FAQ

Should you have additional questions, please contact the School of Music Office of Recruitment & Enrollment at music-admissions@andrew.cmu.edu.

Connect with Carnegie Mellon School of Music Office of Recruitment & Enrollment on X (formerly Twitter) or Instagram.