1. What does the Music Department at Emory offer?

Emory's Department of Music offers a wide range of courses encompassing areas of performance, Western and Non-western music history and literature, music theory, and composition at both the undergraduate and graduate levels. Emory students benefit from the advantages of a liberal arts institution that offers a comprehensive curriculum in an environment of diverse music experiences and academic opportunities.

2. How is Emory’s music program different from a conservatory or school of music?

At Emory, all students are expected to graduate with a well-rounded liberal arts education so that they are well-educated persons of quality character and substantive knowledge and skills. Because of the rigorous curriculum in arts and humanities, all major degrees can be completed in a two-year sequence. This allows for the double major in music and an outside field. Thus, at Emory, students divide their academic time in about 50% liberal arts courses and 50% specialized majors. At a conservatory, for example, a student may spend between 80-100% of their time in music coursework.

Students who seek a competitive, music-only environment are typically advised to investigate these specialized music training schools. At Emory, students view music as an integral part of their academic career as well as their personal lives, not necessarily anticipating a vocational track in music performance or teaching. While students can and do enter masters programs at major schools of music (Eastman, Indiana, NEC, et al), many continue in medical schools, law schools, MBA programs, arts and sciences degrees, and others, as well as pursue professional careers in the working world.

The double major is designed for students who wish to pursue a serious music education while also delving deeply into another area of interest at Emory. The Department of Music makes provisions for students to participate at the level and time commitment appropriate for them.

3. Can I get a degree in music at Emory?

Undergraduate students at Emory who major in music work toward a Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) degree. The B.A. degree program provides a solid grounding in theory and musicianship, continued development as a performer through individual instruction and group performance, and a comprehensive background in the history and literature of music. The applicability of a B.M. in music to further graduate studies in music is obvious, but demographics and statistics also support the theory that students holding a B.A. in music have a remarkable success rate in matriculation to other professional schools.

4. Does Emory College allow double majors?

Emory College allows a double major. To declare a major in music, a student must complete a performance audition in their applied instrument. The majority of students who declare music as one major elect a double major with music and another discipline.

5. How do I declare a music major?

A student may declare a major in music following an audition with a member of the Music Department faculty. The department recommends as early a declaration as possible since significant portions of the music curriculum are based on the mastery of sequential study, such as applied music and theory. Early declaration also allows students maximum benefit from private lesson study, since the department provides a half-subsidy for private lessons for declared music majors. Students may audition for a music major before their arrival on campus or at any time during their freshman or sophomore years.

6. When do I audition?

Auditions are by appointment and should take place any time in the summer through February 1 of the senior year of high school. Students may also audition for the music major upon arrival on campus or any time through the sophomore year. Please see our Auditions page for information concerning setting up an audition.

7. Should I audition live or send a tape or cd?

The vocal area requires a live audition. A live audition or taped audition is acceptable for other applied areas. Live auditions are held on the Emory campus in the fall and spring. Tapes and CDs should be submitted directly to the Music Department prior to February 1 of the senior year of high school. If you wish to be considered for a music scholarship, you must audition in person or send a recording prior to February 1 of your senior year. See Prospective Student Auditions link.

8. Do I need an accompanist?

Accompanists are not necessary for live instrumental auditions and will not be provided, although students may elect to use accompanists for the recorded auditions. An accompanist will be provided for vocal auditions.

9. Do I have to be a music major to play or sing in an ensemble or take private lessons?

All students are eligible to enroll in a music department ensemble following a successful performance audition. The department sponsors a wide variety of ensembles for university students, faculty, and staff, including the Emory Symphony Orchestra, University Chorus, Concert Choir, Jazz Ensemble, Wind Ensemble, Javanese Gamelan Ensemble, and Chamber Ensembles. Students may take private lessons for college credit following a successful performance audition. Private lessons for no credit are also available through the Music Department. Non-music majors do not need to audition before arriving to Emory campus. Auditions for ensembles will be held during the week of Orientation.

10. Does Emory offer a music minor?

Yes. Please see our Minor in Music web page for detailed information.

11. What if I am interested in jazz at Emory?

All Bachelor of Arts degrees require a classical audition, including jazz students.

12. When will I be notified about the results of my audition?

In general, decision letters are sent within 2-3 weeks following the audition. In order to study as a music major at Emory, students must be admitted to both the university and the music program.

Remember, the music audition result has no bearing on admission to Emory University. Since auditions are held prior to February 1 and most students do not hear from the Office of Admission at Emory until early April (regular decision), all students know the result of their music audition before they know their admission status to the university.

13. Are there any music scholarships at Emory?  How do I apply?

There are a limited number of four-year renewable half-tuition scholarships available to incoming freshmen who intend to major in music (or double major). Scholarships are typically given to string and wind students who play in the instrumental ensembles. All students who audition live or via tape will be considered, as long as the audition (live or recorded) is received by the department by February 1 of the senior year. Offers are typically made in early April of the senior year via personal phone call. Students who accept must major in music and participate in a primary ensemble (Orchestra, Wind Ensemble) each semester of enrollment.

14. How am I assigned a private teacher?

Based on teacher availability, student preference, scheduling and faculty loads, the faculty will make assignments during the first week of classes. Students take one lesson per week each semester.

15. What are some possible audition materials?

Please see our Auditions page for more information.

16. Do you have non-western music courses or ensembles?

Students wishing to pursue studies in non-western musical performance, such as sitar, gamelan, or others should contact the Department of Music for more information.

17. What courses does the Music Department offer?

Please see our Course Offerings page for a complete list of courses.

18. Does Emory have a Music Library?

The University's collection of music scores and books, as well as the university's audio, video, compact disc, laser disc, and periodical collections, can be found in the Marian K. Heilbrun Music and Media Library on the fourth floor of the Center for Library and Information Resources (CLAIR), located in the Woodruff Library. This space has fully equipped listening and viewing stations for students use.

19. Where are the practice rooms and when are they available?

Individual practice rooms on the second and third floors of the Burlington Road Building (1804 North Decatur Road) and the third floor of the Schwartz Center for Performing Arts are available to all students. All practice rooms are available during building hours (7am-10 pm M-F; 10 am-6 pm SaSu).

20. Do you accept AP credit?

Yes. Please see our Major page for information.

AP Music Theory will not be accepted toward the music minor.