Plan a Visit
Welcome to Austin
We invite you to explore opportunities to learn more about The University of Texas at Austin, the College of Fine Arts, and the Butler School of Music.
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Visiting our Undergraduate Programs
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INFORMATION SESSIONS AND CAMPUS TOURS
Campus Walking Tours
Walking tours are currently only offered to high school juniors, seniors and admitted freshmen. The campus tour is an extensive walking tour that will highlight student life, research, and the educational experience of The University of Texas at Austin. Guests will get an inside look at what makes The University of Texas at Austin one of the top universities in the country!
In-Person Interest Sessions
Learn about UT Austin's colleges, schools, academic programs and more. These sessions are hosted across campus and provide guests the chance to learn more about a particular resources or academic opportunity on campus. In-person Fine Arts sessions are available most Fridays.
Virtual Information Sessions
Admissions Information Sessions are held once or twice a month. Many academic programs, including Fine Arts, also offer virtual sessions.
Fine Arts Information Sessions
The in-person and virtual sessions for prospective students include a presentation overview of the College of Fine Arts followed by department-specific breakout sessions during which you can view our facilities (in-person only) and ask questions about the many creative opportunities available to our students! Advance registration is required.
SHADOW DAYS FOR PROSPECTIVE MUSIC MAJORS
Experience a day in the life of a Butler School student with a music major host! We invite you to spend a day attending music classes and rehearsals. Plan to reserve 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. for your Shadow Day. Your final schedule may differ based on your host student's class and rehearsal schedule.
Shadow Day requests for the spring 2024 semester are closed.
High school seniors will be invited to schedule a Shadow Day in the fall 2024 semester. Shadow Days will be available Monday to Friday between Sept. 18 and Nov. 22. The request form will be available beginning Sept. 4. Requests submitted prior to that date will be reviewed after Sept. 4. We require at least two weeks-notice (ten business days) to make arrangements.
The University of Texas at Austin will not take custodial responsibility of minors while participating in a Shadow Day. Custodial responsibility will remain with teachers, parents, legal guardians and chaperones.
BUTLER SCHOOL OF MUSIC TOURS
Guided Tours
Guided tours are available as a part of the Fine Arts Information Session and Tour, which is offered most Fridays.
Self-Guided Tours
We invite you to participate in a self-guided tour of the Butler School of Music facilities for an inside look at some of the classrooms and rehearsal spaces.
APPOINTMENTS FOR PROSPECTIVE UNDERGRADUATE MUSIC MAJORS
Sarah Goerg, Assistant Director for Admissions, is happy to arrange meetings with prospective freshmen and transfer applicants who are interested in majoring in music. Sarah is not available to meet with prospective non-music majors or evaluate transcripts.
At least one week advance notice is required to schedule an individual appointment. Please understand that appointments are for informational purposes and do not influence admissions decisions.
Appointment Availability
- On campus appointments are available between 9 a.m. - 12 p.m. and 1 - 4 p.m. on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Fridays only.
- Virtual and phone appointments are available between 9 a.m. - 12 p.m. and 1 - 4 p.m. Monday to Friday.
- Appointments are not available when the university is closed: Labor Day; Thanksgiving Day; the day after Thanksgiving; Dec. 23, 2024-Jan. 1, 2025; Martin Luther King, Jr. Day; Memorial Day; Emancipation Day (Juneteenth); Independence Day.
- Spring 2024 Exceptions: Appointments are not available April 5, April 8, April 9, and April 19.
- Summer 2024 Exceptions: Appointments are not available May 20 to June 21.
Request an Undergraduate Admissions Appointment
If you would like to visit with a member of the Butler School of Music faculty, please email them directly to request an appointment.
Visiting our Graduate Programs
APPOINTMENTS FOR PROSPECTIVE GRADUATE STUDENTS
Dan Seriff, Graduate Admissions Coordinator, is happy to arrange meetings with prospective graduate applicants.
At least one week advance notice is required to schedule an individual appointment. Please understand that appointments are for informational purposes and do not influence admissions decisions.
Appointment Availability
- On campus appointments are available between 9 a.m. - 12 p.m. and 1 - 4 p.m. on Mondays, Wednesdays and Thursdays only.
- Virtual and phone appointments are available between 9 a.m. - 12 p.m. and 1 - 4 p.m. Monday to Friday.
- Appointments are not available when the university is closed: Labor Day; Thanksgiving Day; the day after Thanksgiving; Dec. 23, 2024-Jan. 1, 2025; Martin Luther King, Jr. Day; Memorial Day; Emancipation Day (Juneteenth); Independence Day.
- Exceptions: Appointments are not available May 21 to 29.
Request a Graduate Admissions Appointment
If you would like to visit with a member of the Butler School of Music faculty, please email them directly to request an appointment.
SELF-GUIDED BUTLER SCHOOL OF MUSIC TOUR
We invite you to participate in a self-guided tour of the Butler School of Music facilities for an inside look at some of the classrooms and rehearsal spaces. Guided facility tours are not available at this time.
College Fairs
We invite you to visit with Butler School representatives at the following college fairs!
Music Admissions Roundtable Virtual College Fairs
TBA
SMU Meadows Performing and Visual Arts College Fair
Tuesday, September 19, 2023 at 7 p.m. until 9 p.m.
Location: Southern Methodist University, Owen Fine Arts Center, 6101 Bishop Blvd, Dallas, TX 75205
Houston-Area Performing and Visual Arts College Fair
Wednesday, September 20, 2023 at 7 p.m. until 9 p.m.
Location: Shepherd School of Music, Alice Pratt Brown Hall, 6100 Main St, Houston, TX 77005
Texas Music Educators Association Convention
Thursday, February 8, 2024 from 9 a.m. until 5 p.m.
Friday, February 9, 2024 from 10 a.m. until 8 p.m. (College Night 5 p.m. until 8 p.m.)
Saturday, February 10, 2024 from 9 a.m. until 1 p.m.
Henry B González Convention Center - 900 E. Market St, San Antonio, TX 78205
Information for Non-Music Majors
Are you planning to attend UT Austin in a major outside of music? Do you still want to play your instrument, sing or study music?
You can!
The Butler School welcomes non-music majors to take coursework, register for lessons and audition for ensembles.
Ensembles
Butler School of Music ensembles are open to any currently enrolled university student who can pass the ensemble audition. Visit the ensembles webpage for information.
Private Lessons & Group Instruction
Private lesson and group instruction courses for non-music majors are available in certain areas.
Academic Music Coursework
Visit the course schedule for a list of music coursework. Most classes will appear under the MUS field of study. Many academic music courses (theory, history, etc.) are restricted to allow only music majors to register, however, all MUS courses fulfilling the Visual and Performing Arts (VAPA) core curriculum requirement are open and unrestricted. Non-music majors are required to obtain instructor approval to register for restricted courses. The process for receiving instructor approval for a restricted course is described on the non-music major webpage. The Butler School of Music does not advise non-music majors, so music courses taken for degree purposes must be approved by your advisor for your major.
Undergraduate Certificates & Minors
Although the Butler School of Music does not offer a transcriptable certificate, students with an interest in fine arts might consider the certificates in Digital Arts & Media, Innovation, Creativity & Entrepreneurship, Museum Studies and Textile Conservation and Museum Studies.
Transcript-recognized minors are available to students following the 2016-2018 catalog or later. The Butler School does not offer a minor in music. Students with an interest in fine arts might consider the Minor in Arts Management and Administration, the Art History Minor and the Studio Art Minor.
Group Visits and Tours
We are able to accommodate groups of up to 50 people total, including chaperones. We suggest visits coincide with the rehearsal schedules of our flagship large ensembles on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays. The Concert Chorale, Symphony Orchestra and Wind Ensemble rehearse from 12-2 p.m., while the Jazz Orchestra meets from 3-5 p.m.
Maps, Directions and Parking Information
For information on navigating to and parking at the Butler School, visit our Directions & Parking page.
The University of Texas at Austin is located in the heart of the city of Austin, just north of the downtown area. Campus is just two miles from the State Capitol. Main thoroughfares around campus include Guadalupe to the west, MLK to the south, Red River to the east and 26th (Dean Keeton) to the north.
HOTELS
The AT&T Executive Education and Conference Center is the university's premiere hotel and meeting site, and the only hotel located on the campus itself. Other hotels close to the Butler School of Music are Days Inn - University and Rodeway Inn - University.
The Butler School of Music cannot arrange or provide accommodations for any applicant or visitor.