The University of Texas at Austin Application Deadline: March 1

Sarah and Ernest Butler School of Music Application Deadline: Dec. 1

The Butler School does not accept audition requests from prospective students who have not applied to the university, therefore, applicants applying for fall admission must submit the ApplyTexas application and Butler School of Music application prior to the Butler School of Music deadline (Dec. 1) in order to schedule an audition. Supporting materials for the ApplyTexas application, such as essays, transcripts and other supplemental documents may be submitted to the Office of Admissions through March 1.

Transfer Eligibility

If you have already started your post-secondary studies at another college or university after graduating from high school or earning a GED, and have or will have earned 24 semester hours of required transferable coursework (30 hours for fall 2017 applicants) at another college or university, apply for transfer admission.

Transcript Evaluations

Evaluation of individual courses is not available over the phone, in person or by email from the Butler School of Music. Specific course evaluations and decisions about the transferability of individual courses are made only by the university's Office of Admissions after an applicant has been admitted. The Transfer Resources page offers several suggestions for self-evaluation of transcripts for transfer credit.

Upon entering the Butler School of Music, your transcript will be evaluated by a faculty committee to determine which previous music coursework is equivalent to our courses. There are many factors in these decisions, including your grades, how recently the course was taken, the workload of the course, etc. Up to two semesters of ensemble credits may transfer and apply toward your degree. You won't know how much credit you will receive for your performance lessons (if you've had any) until you have studied for one semester and performed a jury.

Application Instructions

Applying to The University of Texas at Austin as a music major is a two-part process that requires separate applications to the university and the Butler School of Music. The Butler School of Music accepts applications for fall semesters only.

The University of Texas at Austin Requirements

Follow the Office of Admissions instructions to submit the ApplyTexas application, essays, application fee, transcripts, test scores, resume, student information form and other required documents.

To be seriously considered for admission to the Butler School of Music, select "College of Fine Arts - Music" as your first-choice major on the ApplyTexas application. You will be able to indicate your preferred music degree (performance, composition, etc.) on the Butler School of Music application.

Butler School of Music Requirements 

All applicants must submit the Butler School of Music application to be considered for a degree in music. The online application will allow you to request an audition/interview date and upload letters of recommendation, prescreening materials, portfolios and résumés, as applicable to your program. Materials must be uploaded to your application before the form can be submitted for review. Do not complete more than one application without prior approval.

Upload the following documents to your Butler School of Music application:

Three Letters of Recommendation

All applicants are required to submit three letters of recommendation. If possible, these letters should come from references who know your work as a musician. Upload your letters to the Butler School of Music application -OR- enter your references' email addresses directly into the application. Once your complete application is submitted, references will receive an email invitation that will allow them to upload recommendations directly. Letters are due by Dec. 1. Letters that are sent by mail, fax or email will not be reviewed.

Prescreening Video

Bassoon, clarinet, classical guitar, flute, jazz guitar, piano, viola, violin, voice (regardless of degree of interest), as well as B.A. in Music: Music Composition and B.M. Music Composition applicants must submit a video prescreening recording to be considered for an audition or interview. Prescreening results are released in mid-December. Prescreening repertoire requirements are available on the audition webpage.

Composition Portfolio

B.A. in Music: Music Composition, B.M. Music Composition and B.M. Jazz Composition applicants must submit a portfolio of three to five original compositions, preferably for different combinations of instruments and/or voices. Scores must be accompanied by recorded performances.

Résumé

Although a résumé is not required to complete your application for admission, we strongly encourage you to submit one. Think of it as your opportunity to provide us with a complete picture of your activities, important performances, honors and awards.

Schedule an Audition

All undergraduate applicants, with the exception of B.A. in Music: Music Composition and B.M. Music Composition applicants only, must perform and pass an audition to pursue a degree in music.

Select your preferred audition date on the Butler School of Music application. Applicants in prescreening areas will receive results in mid-December. Those with positive results will be invited to audition on campus. Clarinet and flute applicants must audition in person. String and voice applicants must audition in person unless currently residing outside of the United States. A list of audition dates and repertoire requirements is available on the audition webpage.

Schedule an Interview

All B.A. in Music: Music Composition and B.M. Music Composition applicants must interview with the composition faculty. Applicants will be invited to interview after a successful review of the composition portfolio and other submitted materials.

Select your preferred interview date on the Butler School of Music application. Prescreening results will be available in mid-December. Those with positive results will be invited to interview on campus. B.A. in Music: Music Composition and B.M. Music Composition applicants must interview in person. A list of interview dates and interview requirements is available on the audition webpage.

Helpful Hints for a Smooth Application Process

  • Include your UT EID and full name on any document you submit to the Office of Admissions or the Butler School of Music.
  • Check your application status regularly. MyStatus is a secure online tool that lets you follow the progress of your admission application and related processes from initial submission to your final admission decision and beyond.
  • Print this webpage for your fridge or bulletin board.
  • Add "uga@mail.music.utexas.edu" to your safe senders list.