Composition Portfolio Deadline: December 1

Applicants to the following degrees must adhere to the composition requirements below:

Decision Timeline & Interview Invitations

  • Composition portfolios, audition videos and application materials will be reviewed after December 21.
  • All applicants will receive their prescreen results by email in January.
  • Those with positive results will be invited to interview with the faculty.
  • The interview will be scheduled on the date pre-selected in the application.
  • Email uga@mail.music.utexas.edu if you would like to request to reschedule your interview to another official date.

Introductory Video

  • In addition to the required materials below, submit a one to three minute video recording on which you verbally introduce yourself and discuss your musical and non-musical interests, goals, creative or volunteer work and reasons for applying to UT Austin.

Submission Instructions

  • Upload and attach your video(s) to the Butler School of Music application prior to submission.

Bachelor of Arts in Music - Emphasis in Composition & Bachelor of Music in Composition

2021 Interview Dates: January 23, 30

Portfolio, Recordings and Audition Video:

  • Composition Portfolio with Recorded Performances
    • Submit a portfolio of three to five original compositions, preferably for different combinations of instruments, voices or electronic media.
    • The scores should be accompanied by recorded performances. If live performances are unavailable, synthesized performances are acceptable.
    • Scores may be handwritten or prepared with music notation software.
  • Audition Video:
    • One piece or a movement of your choice, performed from memory by you on the instrument/voice selected for the application.
    • Repertoire does not need to be selected from the instrumental requirements.

Upload and attach your compositions, recordings and audition video to the Butler School of Music application and submit by December 21.

Interview with the composition faculty,  if invited:

  • Discuss your composition portfolio and creative plans with the faculty.
  • Answer questions designed to test your aural ability and knowledge of music theory, such as terminology and identification of basic chords and intervals.

Bachelor of Music in Jazz Composition

2021 Interview Dates: January 23, 30

Composition Portfolio with Recorded Performances:

  • Submit a portfolio of three to five original compositions, preferably for different combinations of instruments and/or voices.
  • Scores may be handwritten or prepared with music notation software.
  • The scores should be accompanied by recorded performances. If live performances are unavailable, synthesized performances are acceptable.

Audition Videos:

  • In addition to submitting a composition portfolio, all Bachelor of Music in Jazz Composition applicants are required to submit audition videos. Only a jazz audition is acceptable for the Bachelor of Music in Jazz Composition degree.

Upload and attach your compositions, recordings and audition videos to the Butler School of Music application and submit by December 21.

Interview with the jazz faculty, if invited:

  • Length: 15 minutes
  • Interview only (no performance)