FAQHow big is the School of Music?
We are a program of 125 majors and 45 minors. Over 400 university students, majors and non-majors, participate in our program, either in courses, studio instruction, or our performing groups. Our faculty numbers 12 full-time and 26 part-time instructors. There are 7 professional staff. ^ top How big are the classes?
Our largest classes are capped at 35 students. Enrollment in ear training and sight singing sections is limited to 15. Freshman and sophomore music theory and music history classes range from 15 to 30 students, and upper-level classes vary between 8 and 20. All lessons are taught one-on-one with faculty. ^ top What majors are offered in music?
There are four: performance, music education, music business, and the Bachelor of Arts. About 25% of our students are in performance, 25% in music education, 10% in music business, and 40% in the Bachelor of Arts. ^ top Can I double major in music and another field?
Yes. Through the Bachelor of Arts in Music degree, students can study music and still have enough flexibility in their program of study to double major. One-quarter of our music majors have double majors. ^ top Can I participate in private lessons or performing groups even if I don't major in music?
Yes. Our performing ensembles are open to all University students. While some require an audition for entrance, there are also performing ensembles and classes open to all interested students. Nearly half of the membership of our ensembles do not major in music. Private lessons are available in all instruments either for academic credit (audition required) or independently through our Community Music Department. If one is not a music major or scholarship recipient, lessons for credit are subject to schedule availability each semester. ^ top What is a music minor?
If you do not want to major in music, the minor offers you a course of study that will add structure to your music studies while you major in a different subject. You complete one year of music theory, one year of music history, a minimum of 4 semesters of an ensemble, a minimum of 4 semesters of studio lessons, and one music elective. ^ top Am I eligible for a music scholarship if I don't major or minor in music?
Yes, you are. Music scholarships are based solely on audition, regardless of major. Nearly fifty percent of our music scholarships are awarded to students who major in a subject other than music. ^ top What do graduates of the School of Music do after Puget Sound?
Puget Sound graduates pursue performing careers, college, elementary and secondary teaching, profit and nonprofit areas of the music industry, church music, and other music-related fields. Graduates are regularly accepted into the major graduate schools of the nation. Recent graduates have attended Northwestern University, Eastman School of Music, USC, UCLA, Yale University, the New England Conservatory, Columbia University, Manhattan School of Music, San Francisco Conservatory and Indiana University. They have won Fulbrights to study in Argentina and Norway. Music Education graduates are regularly placed in teaching positions; our placement rate is nearly 100%. Others have taken leadership positions in arts administration at such places as Carnegie Hall and the Ravinia Festival, the summer home of the Chicago Symphony. They have been soloists with the Seattle Opera, the Metropolitan Opera, the New York City Opera, the Stuttgart Opera, and as members of major symphony orchestras in Pittsburgh, Detroit, New York, Seattle, and Portland. They have been successful in artist management, the recording industry, music retail, radio broadcasting, and organ building. ^ top How do I audition for the School of Music?
An audition is required for entrance to the music major, and/or for music scholarship consideration. Contact the Music Admission Office at 253.879.3719 to arrange an audition, or request a music application. ^ top How do I audition for an ensemble?
An audition is required for ensembles. Details can be found on the Ensemble Auditions page. What kind of repertoire do School of Music ensembles perform?
Visit the Ensemble Repertoire List on the web. ^ top How do I become a member of a performing ensemble?
Ensembles auditions are held during Student Orientation Week in August. Sign up in the School of Music Building for an audition time. For ensembles which don't require auditions, register for the class and come to the first rehearsal. ^ top What is the role of the School of Music?
The music program is an integral part of this university community. We are a School of Music, which means we are devoted to both professional and liberal studies. We have both auditioned and non-auditioned ensembles, and music scholarships are offered on the basis of achievement, regardless of major. On average, 11% of each entering freshman class at the university auditions for us. Over 400 university students are involved in our courses, lessons, and ensembles. Students also pursue non-credit study through our community music program, which alone has 500 students from the university and surrounding communities. ^ top | 
