FLORIDA STATE UNIVERSITY
COLLEGE OF MUSIC
BY THE NUMBERS
OUR STUDENT BODY
OUR HISTORY
As one of Florida State’s four original academic programs, the College of Music has a rich, distinguished, and storied history that spans 125 years
STUDENT BREAKDOWN
CONCERTS PER YEAR
OUR LEGACY
Our college has housed resident faculty of leading performers, researchers and educators, including the first woman to earn the Pulitzer Prize in Music, multiple Grammy Award winners, Fulbright recipients, and Guggenheim Memorial Fellowship recipients
PERFORMANCE SPACES
100% Job
Placement in Music
Education and Music Therapy PLACEMENT
MARCHING CHIEFS
Our world-renowned Marching Chiefs comprises 425 students from programs all over campus who serve as student ambassadors for the University
A HOME AWAY FROM HOME
Located in the beautiful capital city of Tallahassee, Florida State University is consistently ranked among the top 25 public universities in the nation according to US News & World Report. We have a 96% freshman retention rate and the best graduation rate among Florida’s public colleges and universities.
Tallahassee is known for its natural beauty and our campus is no exception – it is the perfect place to live, study, and make music.
Tallahassee has a vibrant arts community and abundant musical offerings, with something new to discover around every corner.
The College of Music is home to more than 1,000 students from around the world, spanning dozens of different degree programs. Our students enjoy the best of both worlds: small class sizes and individualized instruction within the College of Music, as well as all the resources and interdisciplinary collaboration of a top-ranked research university.
DISCOVER YOUR PATH
As one of the nation’s most comprehensive collegiate music programs, we offer a variety of degree options to fit your personal interests and career goals. One of our greatest strengths is helping students find a successful bridge to their career in music.
UNDERGRADUATE PROGRAMS
Bachelor of Arts
• Commercial Music
• Community Music (NEW)
• Jazz
• Music
• Music Business (Anticipated 2026)
• Sacred Music
Bachelor of Music Education
• Choral
• General Music
• Instrumental
Bachelor of Music
• Composition
• Music Theory
• Music Therapy
• Performance (Classical, Jazz, or Music Theatre)
Double major/dual degree
Music minor
WHY NOT DO BOTH ?
Students may pair their studies in music with another field to earn a double major or dual degree. In fact, nearly 25% of our students pursue this option, allowing them to customize their experience and develop expertise in multiple fields. Students may also double-major within music or add a specialized studies program. Specializations include Jazz, Music Entrepreneurship, Performance, Piano Pedagogy, and Sacred Music.
BEYOND THE CLASSROOM
College of Music faculty and students engage in outreach throughout the area, enriching the lives of our community members and giving our students valuable professional and performance opportunities.
MONDAY NIGHT MUSIC at Westminster Oaks
Over 200 students performed in 15 concerts in the last year alone, reaching 2,700 residents of the Westminster Oaks Retirement Community.
OPERA OUTREACH
at Leon County Schools
MEDICAL MUSIC THERAPY
at Tallahassee Memorial HealthCare
For decades, the Opera Outreach program has partnered with the Leon County School District to bring opera to our public school classrooms, reaching an average of 5,000 students per year.
This relationship provides TMH patients with cutting-edge medical music therapy while providing our students with significant research and training opportunities.
INTERNATIONAL PROGRAMS AND GLOBAL EXCHANGE
Beginning in Spring 2026, College of Music students will have the opportunity to study for a semester at the renowned Conservatorio di Musica G. Puccini della Spezia.
Located in the beautiful Italian Riviera, the Conservatorio offers programs in performance, pedagogy, musicology, composition, and music theory.
Additional study abroad opportunities are offered through FSU International Programs. These include spring break and summer programs at our four international study centers (London, England; Florence, Italy; Valencia, Spain; Panama City, Panama) and dozens of other locations around the world.
TAKE THE NEXT STEP
Whether you are looking to advance in your current career path or make a career change, our graduate programs provide the opportunity to advance your musical studies. Take your education to the next level in one of dozens of programs available.
GRADUATE PROGRAMS
Master of Music
• Accompanying
• Composition
• Conducting
• Musicology
• Music Theory
• Music Therapy
• Opera Production (Coaching or Directing)
• Performance (Classical or Jazz)
• Piano Pedagogy
Master of Arts
• Arts Administration
• Commercial Music
• Music
• Piano Technology
Master of Music Education
• Full-time
• Summers Only
Doctor of Music
• Collaborative Piano
• Composition
• Performance (Classical)
Doctor of Philosophy
• Conducting
• Musicology
• Music Teacher Education
• Music Theory
• Music Therapy
• Piano Pedagogy
Master of Music Education Summer Program
Designed especially for certified K-12 music teachers, this unique, in-person program is completed over three summers (late June to early August). Students earn their Master of Music Education without leaving the classroom or sacrificing their income. The program culminates in a study-abroad experience at the FSU Study Center in London, England in the third year.
MUSIC THERAPY EQUIVALENCY PROGRAM
The Music Therapy Equivalency program provides an opportunity for students with a prior music degree to enter the dynamic field of music therapy. Students complete the undergraduate courses required for professional practice in the field, followed by a six-month clinical internship. At completion of the internship, students sit for the National Certification test to become Board Certified Music Therapists. After returning from internship, they return to complete the graduate coursework for the Master’s Degree in Music Therapy. In total, this program takes approximately three years to complete.
ONE -ON- ONE
MENTORSHIP
Our 95+ full-time faculty are leaders in the field and include Grammy Award winners, Fulbright and Guggenheim Scholars, major grant recipients, and even a Pulitzer Prize winner. More importantly, however, our faculty are invested in our students and in preparing them for their future beyond the classroom.
We invite you to contact the faculty in your area of study and get to know them. You may request a trial lesson or observe a class on your next visit to campus (pending availability). Virtual meetings may also be available if you are unable to travel to campus.
EXCELLENCE IN MUSICIANSHIP
The College of Music presents more than 500 concerts and recitals annually in our six performance venues. Students frequently have the opportunity to perform offcampus as well — locally, nationally, and internationally.
Ensembles and Productions
• Bands (5)
• Orchestras (3)
• Choirs (8)
• Jazz Big Bands (3)
• Jazz Combos
• Marching Chiefs / Seminole Sound
• New Music
• Early Music
• World Music
• Opera Productions (3)
• Music Theatre Productions (3)
• Chamber Music
Additional Performance Opportunities
• Domestic and international concert tours
• Chamber music competition
• Two concerto competitions
• Music Theatre New York Senior Showcase
• Biennial Festival of New Music
• Frequent guest artist masterclasses
WORLD - CLASS FACILITIES
A STUDENTCENTERED EXPERIENCE
The Office of Student Success provides support to all College of Music students, using a holistic approach to meet students where they are, and helping them achieve success during their time at FSU. Our success team consistently provides workshops and events to support students in the following areas:
Student Support
• Individual coaching
• Success strategies workshops
• Enrollment assistance
Connecting Students to Campus Resources
• University Health Services
• Counseling Services
• College Life Coaching
Musician’s Health and Wellness
• Body mapping/Alexander Technique
• Performance anxiety
• Wellness events
MUSIC LIVING-LEARNING COMMUNITY AT CAWTHON HALL
The Music LLC is a unique residential option for music majors and minors where students live and study together in Cawthon Hall. Housed just steps away from the College of Music, the 200+ residents enjoy exclusive access to in-house classes, practice facilities, and a computer/keyboard lab. Students meet renowned musicians and guest artists to learn more about the field of music through the Colloquium Series and have the chance to study abroad in London over spring break.
PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT
The College of Music supports each individual student as they navigate their own career path. From the time they enter the College, students have the opportunity to work with our dedicated Career Advisor to identify long-term goals, explore career development opportunities, and prepare to bridge the gap from student to professional.
INDIVIDUAL ADVISING OPPORTUNITIES
• One-on-one advising sessions tailored to your academic and career goals
• Guidance for navigating creative, professional, and personal development
• In-house advisor who is committed to your individual success
WORKSHOPS
• Interview and Audition Strategies
• Networking and Branding
• Designing Your Career and Exploring Opportunities
SPECIAL EVENTS
• Headshot Day
• “Managing a Private Studio” Panel Disucssion
• Blackout at the Clothing Closet
FINANCIAL MATTERS
UNDERGRADUATE FUNDING AND COSTS
• Admission Scholarships: All first-year students are considered for merit scholarships based on their academic profile.
• Music Talent Scholarships: All music majors (first-year and transfers) are considered for scholarships based on their audition.
• Out-of-State Tuition Awards: All non-Florida resident music majors receive a minimum award equal to 50% of the out-of-state fees. Out-of-state students with exceptional academic profiles may qualify for 100% out-ofstate coverage.
• Need-based Funding: Support is based on FAFSA submission and may come in the form of grants, loans, or work-study assistance.
# 1
BEST VALUE IN FLORIDA
FSU was recently recognized as the top-ranked Best Value public college in Florida and #8 Best Value public college in the nation (2024) by the Princeton Review.
GRADUATE FUNDING AND COSTS
• Graduate Assistantships: Awards include full tuition coverage and generous annual stipends.
• Talent Scholarships: Competitive, non-duty awards starting at $1,000 per year.
• Graduate School Fellowships: Students from any program across campus may apply for these awards through a separate application, due December 1. (See gradschool.fsu.edu/funding-awards)
• Academic Common Market: Residents of southern states may qualify for in-state tuition based on program and state of residence. (See sreb.org/academic-common-market)
Based upon enrollment of 9 credit hours per semester at the 2025-26 tuition rate
APPLYING FOR ADMISSION
UNDERGRADUATE
An audition and/or interview is required for all music majors and minors. Some programs (Commercial Music, Community Music, Music Therapy, Composition) require additional portfolio materials.
1
2
3 APPLY TO FSU (Common App or FSU Application) COMPLETE THE
• Self-report transcript
• Self-report SAT/ACT/CLT scores (FSU is not test-optional)
• Upload essay and resume
• Select your audition/interview date
• Request your letter of recommendation
• Upload program-specific requirements
• Community Music requires interview only
• Commercial Music and Composition require an audition and an interview
• All other majors and music minor require an audition only
GRADUATE
Most programs require an audition or interview. Additional requirements such as writing samples, prescreening videos, and other materials vary by program. GRE not required.
• Upload CV and personal statement
• Upload transcripts (official or unofficial)
• International students submit TOEFL/IELTS scores and transcript evaluation
• Upload prescreening and select your audition date (performance only)
• Request 3 letters of recommendation
• Upload program-specific requirements
• Prescreening results released December 15
• Auditions for performance degrees only
• Interviews by invitation only
for Flute, Clarinet, Saxophone, Brass, Piano, Violin, Voice
SEE FOR YOURSELF
The best way to get to know us is to make a visit to campus. We host visitors almost every weekday of the year, and we can help you connect with faculty, observe classes, and request a trial lesson.
Can’t make it to campus? We offer weekly information sessions over Zoom to answer all of your questions about our programs and the admission process.
See past performances from College of Music ensembles at WFSU.org
Stay in touch! Scan to join our mailing list.
Schedule your visit today!
NOVEMBER 9 (EARLY ACTION) | JANUARY 24 | FEBRUARY 7 | FEBRUARY 21
Accompanying and Opera Coaching Auditions: January 16 and February 13 Music Theatre Final Callbacks: February 22 and March 1
