FAQ

Yes. Every music major must have a primary instrument.

Note: the human voice is an instrument. However, the voice department relies on a relatively rigorous curriculum that often requires an applicant to have a strong foundation in vocal studies prior to admission. Contact the vocal department for more specific information at 512.245.2651.

Note: Composition itself is not an instrument. Composers must also be musicians.

Note: Some instruments may have limited availability for study, such as electric guitar or electric bass. Contact the School of Music for more specific information at 512.245.2651.

Yes.

We aren't requiring virtuosic musical abilities, but we are requiring an adequate level of musicianship that suggests a readiness to study music at the university level. Generally, this means that you read music, can write music, can sight read music on your instrument, and can be an asset to an ensemble.

Note: Standards and requirements vary. Some areas are more competitive than others. Some years are more competitive than others.

 

Yes.

Generally, the School of Music schedules auditions through mid to late April. However, fewer spots remain as time passes as we accept students into the program after each scheduled audition.

Note: Often, too many students wait until the last audition date. This results in long lines, lots of waiting, and some confusion making it difficult to stand out among the crowd.

If you reside in Texas - normally yes. Otherwise - possibly no.

It may be possible to submit a videotaped audition. Contact the School of Music for more specific information at 512.245.2651.

Note: Considerable information can be gathered at an in-person audition that can not be easily obtained from a video. Taped applicants may not be given the benefit of a doubt. The only way for us to be certain about your reading and aural abilities is to interact with you.

A minimum of four semesters. See upper-level review (below).

Yes, but this is very rare.

You must first fulfill your ULCE requirements. See upper-level review (below).

Yes, in a sense.

Two semesters of class piano fulfill this requirement for most students. There are no prerequisites for this class.

Sometimes.

Note: Students fulfilling current degree requirements are given priority. Thereafter, enrollment in elective lessons is at the discretion of the instructor.

Prior to enrolling in junior (3000) level courses, all music majors must pass this barrier examination. Evaluations are based on academic progress, academic achievement, a portfolio review, and analysis of a students strengths and weaknesses by the faculty.

Students who fail this review will be counseled as to their options and will be required to change their major.

No.

No.

No.

For each fall semester we start from scratch in our selection process and select the 15 most qualified applicants (actually, fall students are selected during the previous spring semester). The length of time an applicant has been waiting will typically have no effect on the selection process.
 

Yes.

There is no limit to the number of times a person may apply for admission into the SRT program. However, this alone will not improve your chances of being selected. Typically, students who have reapplied and been admitted to the program used the time in between to strengthen their musical abilities or make up for a deficiency in math or improve their GPA. Often, this is difficult to accomplish and, unfortunately, we turn a majority of these people away a second time.
 

Maybe.

The School of Music's other majors have entrance requirements, deadlines, and admission policies as well. It may not be possible to study music without actually declaring a major, such as Music Education, Music Performance, etc. Contact the School of Music for more specific information at 512.245.2651.

As with any degree in music, the amount of time required outside of class is substantial. In some semesters you may be enrolled in eight or more classes. Improving musical ability will generally require a minimum of an hour per day for the first two years. Requirements for ensembles can be demanding as well. Lab work will require 10 hours a week or more in some semesters. Physics and pre-calculus could require an hour per day. An internship generally requires about the same commitment as a full-time job.

The program is designed for 60 active majors, 15 each of freshmen, sophomores, juniors, and seniors.

There is currently one full-time faculty member, one full-time staff engineer, and three part-time instructors dedicated solely to this program.

This would require expanding the lab facilities and hiring more faculty. This is cost prohibitive. Even if money were available for this, more students would saturate an already competitive job market.

Lab space limits the number of students who can enroll in any SRT course and receive quality instruction. Scheduling, faculty assignments and staffing are factors that limit the number of courses that can be offered at any given time. Currently, there are only enough resources to offer each SRT course once a year. Therefore, freshmen tend to start in the fall continue through the spring and then become sophomores. They are followed by a new batch of freshmen in the fall, and so on. Typically, very few students drop out of the program in the spring. However, if that happens, applications are reviewed and the best candidate is selected to replace the student who dropped out. That student would typically have some transfer credit so as not to be behind. It is fairly typical as well, that students already at Texas State University have an advantage in the selection process because of the short notice typical in these situations.

SAT math scores above 570, ACT math scores above 26, or a grade of A in a college-level pre-cal or trig course are all good indicators that a student has the ability to do well in the physics, calculus, and the electronics courses in our curriculum. Generally, a minimum SAT math score of 540 is required for acceptance into the SRT program although few students have ever been selected with scores below 560.

Probably in early May.

This is after the last audition date. This is also after grades are posted for the spring semester. In some cases, due to deficiencies or exceptional qualifications, notification may occur earlier.

Yes ! Thanks to generous alumni, we now have targeted scholarships for SRT majors (for more info, click here).

Scholarships are also available through the School of Music (based on performance ability) and the University (based on need or academic merit).
 

No.

https://www.admissions.txstate.edu/future-students/international.html

https://www.admissions.txstate.edu/future-students/transfer.html

Probably.

However, courses in our catalog that begin with the numbers 3 (3xxx) or 4 (4xxx) must be taken at the university level and be designated as upper level courses at the transferring institution. In order for a course from another school to substitute for an SRT course here, the existing credits must be very similar in content and curriculum to a current SRT course. Grades of D and F will not transfer. Official advising sheets sent out by Texas State University may not accurately reflect such substitutions, which must be made after one's acceptance into the SRT program. This is done on a case-by-case basis. See the Texas State University catalog for more information.

Probably.

Often, credit is awarded only after a placement exam is administered. Contact the School of Music for more specific information at 512.245.2651.