Frequently Asked Questions
Junior and senior years are a great time to start preparing for college auditions. We understand that this can be an overwhelming process, so we’ve outlined some answers to frequently asked questions below to make things as smooth and worry-free as possible.
What does Portland State’s School of Music & Theater offer?
Located in the heart of Portland, the PSU School of Music & Theater is an extraordinary place for students to realize their potential as performing artists. With degrees in Voice and Instrumental Performance, Music Education, Composition, Jazz Studies, Music Theory, Musicology and Ethnomusicology, Sonic Arts & Music Production, and Theater Arts, we are large enough to offer world-class musical opportunities, yet small enough to ensure one-on-one mentoring from our distinguished faculty of performers, composers and scholars.
We also offer a wide variety of ensembles for our students. Our world-renowned Portland State Chamber Choir tours internationally and has won more than 30 medals at choir competitions on four different continents. The PSU Opera mounts two shows yearly, including a fully staged production with the PSU Orchestra. Our Jazz program regularly hosts internationally known performers for concerts and master classes. And our Javanese Gamelan, Taiko ensemble, Mariachi ensemble, and laptop ensemble SAMPLE provide performance opportunities beyond the traditional Western approach.
Guided by Portland State University’s motto, “Let Knowledge Serve the City,” we challenge our students to grow and excel personally, academically, and musically as we prepare them to become the next generation of world-changing teachers, performers, scholars, composers, and arts advocates in Portland and beyond!
How can I get to know PSU's School of Music & Theater?
Attend Audition Week, our annual, week-long open house at the end of January.
Can I meet with PSU Music & Theater faculty before applying?
Our faculty are available to meet with prospective students and answer questions, and they will often make time to give a complimentary lesson. Please contact the area coordinator for your instrument/major to learn more about our programs.
How should I prepare for the School of Music & Theater auditions?
Each area of study has specific audition requirements. Students can audition in person, or upload a video or audio audition to their School of Music & Theater application. Want some tips for recording an audition? Check out PSU Violin professor Tomás Cotik’s detailed strategy guide, published by NAfME, the National Association for Music Education.
What about scholarships?
The PSU School of Music and Theater also offers more than 150 music scholarships, with awards ranging from $1,500 to full tuition. These awards are available for both in-state and out-of-state music majors, and we have more funds available this year than ever before!
Students accepted to the School of Music & Theater are automatically considered for school-based scholarships. However, students must submit all application materials, including auditioning in person or uploading a video or audio file, before our scholarship application deadline.
Scholarships from the School of Music & Theater are separate from PSU's scholarship application process, which is based on merit, financial need, etc. More information about university scholarships is available here.
What about SAT/ACT scores?
Portland State University is test-optional, and SAT/ACT scores are not required to receive an admission decision.
What if I want to enroll in the Sonic Arts & Music Production or Theater programs?
The SAMP and Theater Arts programs do not require a separate application or audition. Instead, students admitted to PSU simply declare themselves a SAMP or Theater Arts major and begin taking classes. As with the rest of our majors, we encourage students to contact the area coordinators for either program to ask specific questions and get to know our faculty.
What about application deadlines?
While we strongly advise new students to start their PSU coursework in the Fall term so they can begin taking their required year-long classes, the School of Music & Theater admits applicants on a rolling basis.
If a student misses the application deadline for their start term of choice, they can still apply and audition for the next admission window. Please contact the area coordinator for your instrument/major if you need to apply and audition after the deadlines below.
Scholarship Application Deadline: February 11, 2024
Additional Questions?
Our faculty and staff are happy to answer any other questions that you have about our application or audition processes. We can be reached via email at music@pdx.edu or by phone at 503.725.3011. Or visit our website: www.pdx.edu/music-theater/.