How to find a college music program for non-traditional musicians
What if you love music and want to study it in college, but you don’t have the traditional background of private lessons, classical training, or ability to read music? Maybe you’re an incredible singer/songwriter, you’ve mastered an instrument in a non-western music tradition (where I live in Arizona, Mariachi and Banda music traditions are very prevalent), or you’ve been composing or making beats on your own for years.
This can be a tricky situation.
Most colleges that offer a music performance major are looking for specific skills and experience, and many will expect that you have foundational music-reading knowledge in order to succeed.
However, there are music programs out there for you! Here’s how to find the right fit and start your journey.
Look for Programs Without Auditions
Many music programs, especially at smaller liberal arts colleges, welcome students without requiring auditions. These programs often focus on music as a broad field of study and encourage creativity in all its forms. Search for schools where admissions are based on your general application rather than a performance or portfolio.
Tips for Research:
Use terms like “no audition required,” “open music program,” or “non-traditional music students” on college websites.
Check out schools like Hampshire College, The New School’s Eugene Lang College, or Evergreen State College, which often have flexible and inclusive music offerings.
Look for Bachelor of Arts degrees with a music major. These degree programs require less performance credits but still offer a wide array of classes in music history, musicianship, theory, and performance. Sometimes, you do not need to audition for these programs and can often double major with another subject more easily than a Bachelor of Music degree.
Pros: programs like these will attract all kinds of musicians, many of whom will be majoring in a different subject than music. There will be opportunities to perform with ensembles or create your own.
Cons: these kinds of programs may not be high-caliber music programs (please take this with a grain of salt–there are some really great programs out there that don’t require an audition) since there is no audition process to admit only the best musicians.
Explore Music Industry and Non-Performance Tracks
If you’re drawn to the behind-the-scenes aspects of music, consider programs that emphasize music industry, business, recording technology, or production. These tracks can lead to exciting careers in the music world without requiring traditional performance skills.
Examples:
Belmont University: Renowned for its Music Business program, which offers hands-on learning and connections to the industry.
NYU Steinhardt: Offers a Music Technology program that blends creativity with technical expertise.
Drexel University: Features a Music Industry program with concentrations in recording arts or music business.
Full Sail University: Known for its hands-on approach to music production and recording arts.
University of Miami (Frost School of Music): Provides a Music Engineering Technology program that combines engineering and music.
Loyola University New Orleans: has one of the best music production programs in the country, including a new degree program in Hip Hop and R&B.
Consider Liberal Arts Colleges
Many liberal arts colleges welcome students with diverse musical backgrounds. Even if their music programs include some classical elements, they often prioritize creativity and interdisciplinary approaches.
Benefits:
Smaller class sizes mean more individualized attention.
Opportunities to combine music with other interests, like writing, cultural studies, or technology.
Schools like Oberlin College (College of Arts and Sciences, not the Conservatory), Skidmore College, Lawrence University, and Bard College have inclusive music programs for non-traditional musicians.
Highlight Your Strengths
Even if you’re not formally trained, you’ve got something special to offer. Colleges love students who bring passion and unique perspectives to their programs. When applying:
Consider sharing your musical story in your personal statement.
Showcase original work, whether that’s a demo, video performance, or portfolio of compositions. Talk about your process and inspiration for making this music.
Emphasize your commitment to growth and willingness to learn from your future classmates who come from different backgrounds and perspectives.
Reach Out to Faculty
Don’t be afraid to email music department faculty or admissions counselors. Ask about their approach to working with students who don’t have formal training. Many schools value diverse musical voices and will be happy to answer your questions.
Seek Out Inclusive Learning Environments
Look for programs that prioritize:
Music Technology: Schools with strong tech programs may focus on creativity over traditional training.
World Music and Ethnomusicology: Programs that include global music traditions are often more open to non-traditional backgrounds.
Songwriting and Composition: These kinds of programs value original work more than a particular kind of musical training.
More Examples:
California Institute of the Arts (CalArts): Known for its experimental and interdisciplinary approach, CalArts values originality and diversity in musical styles.
University of Colorado Denver: Offers a Music & Entertainment Industry Studies program with tracks in Singer/Songwriter, Music Business, and Recording Arts.
San Francisco State University: Offers programs in Music Recording and Music Business.
University of California - Santa Barbara: Offers a BA in Ethnomusicology, where you’ll study world music traditions within a liberal arts degree, and does not require an entrance audition.
Trust the Process
It can feel intimidating to apply for a music program when you don’t fit the “classical” mold, but there’s space for every kind of musician in the college world. Keep exploring, and don’t let imposter syndrome hold you back. Your passion and creativity are what make you stand out!
Pro Tip: Not sure where to start? Check out colleges with robust music minors or elective courses. This can let you explore music academically without the pressure of a full major.
Remember, the music world thrives on diversity. The unique path you’ve taken so far can be your greatest strength. Good luck, and keep making music!
