The DePaul University School of Music prepares students to excel in a variety of professional careers. Located in one of the most vibrant musical cities in the world, the School of Music provides opportunities for students to study with working professionals who are committed to teaching excellence. In a supportive and collaborative atmosphere, students learn from distinguished faculty who are prominent conductors, composers, performers, recording engineers, teachers, and arts managers.
Through a highly selective admissions process, the School of Music selects undergraduate and graduate students for its eight undergraduate, four graduate programs, and two certificate programs. At DePaul, the faculty priority is on teaching, with a strong commitment to providing quality education. The School of Music embraces the diversity of Chicago’s urban society, and draws upon the resources of the city in all its programs. In keeping with DePaul’s Vincentian heritage, the School of Music is committed to service of others. We seek to enrich the lives of the members of the DePaul community and Chicago area through musical performances and outreach activities.
The DePaul School of Music is an inclusive and compassionate community of musicians dedicated to artistry, excellence, diversity, and leadership in music. Guided by the university values of social justice, we prepare students for dynamic 21st century careers.
Administration & Faculty
Administration
John Milbauer, DMA
Dean
Jacqueline Kelly-McHale, PhD
Associate Dean, Academic Affairs
Dana Hall
Associate Dean, Faculty Affairs
Michael Lewanski
Chair, Department of Music Performance
Christopher Wendell Jones, DMA
Chair, Department of Musical Studies
Committee on Graduate Studies
Jacqueline Kelly-McHale, PhD
Associate Dean, Academic Affairs
Michael Lewanski
Chair, Department of Music Performance
Christopher Wendell Jones, DMA
Chair, Department of Musical Studies
Faculty
https://www.depaul.edu/faculty?%3Fpersonnel=Faculty&college=School+of+Music
Undergraduate Academics
The School of Music is home to Undergraduate, Graduate and Certificate programs.
Academic Policies
School of Music Awards
All students who receive School of Music awards must participate in ensembles or practicum coursework as needed. Failure to do so may result in the forfeiture of performance award dollars. Undergraduate performance awards are offered for a maximum of 12 quarters, except for music education majors (13 quarters) or double majors (15 quarters). Graduate awards are provided for a maximum of 6 quarters. Questions about the School of Music awards may be directed to the School of Music Admissions Office at musicadmissions@depaul.edu or 773.325.7444.
Curricular ensemble requirements may differ from award requirements. A student with a music award may be required to participate in ensembles different from or beyond their major’s curricular requirements.
Supplemental Transfer Credits
Incoming Undergraduate Students: Transfer Credits
At the point of admission, non-music courses are reviewed and posted by the Transfer Credit Center. All music courses will be reviewed by the Associate Dean of Academic Affairs, and acceptable courses will be applied towards the degree program. The transfer of musicianship studies courses, i.e., theory, aural training and group piano are contingent upon proficiency examination results.
Current Undergraduate Students: Supplemental Transfer Credits
Once a student has enrolled at DePaul University School of Music, only liberal studies or elective courses are transferable; courses in the specialization are not. Students should consult the transfer website in order to determine the transferability and applicability of courses. If a current student wishes to transfer supplemental credits to DePaul from an institution not listed on the website, approval should be obtained from the Associate Dean of Academic Affairs prior to enrolling. After successfully completing the course(s) students must submit an official transcript to the Office of the University Registrar and notify the College Office. It is important to note that supplemental transfer credits cannot be taken during the last 60 quarter hours of a degree, in accordance with the DePaul University residency requirement.
Academic Probation
Students who fail to make meaningful progress towards their degree may be placed on academic probation. Furthermore, students who do not maintain a 2.0 grade point average may be placed on academic probation. Any student who is placed on probation will be notified in writing and should meet with the Associate Dean of Academic Affairs.
Academic Dismissal
Students who fail to meet the academic standards of the University or School of Music may be dismissed. Any student who is dismissed will be notified in writing and should meet with the Associate Dean of Academic Affairs. Conditions for dismissal and procedures for re-application are detailed in the University Student Handbook.
Withdrawal
Any student who wishes to permanently withdraw from the School of Music should first meet with their advisor and then the Associate Dean of Academic Affairs. If the student is receiving a performance award, they should also meet with the Director of Admissions. A student must submit a request for permanent withdrawal through Campus Connect. If a student withdraws in good standing, they may reapply within three quarters without re-auditioning or re-applying; if a student is away longer than three quarters, they must reapply and re-audition to the School of Music, and is subject to the requirements current at the time of their application.
Please refer to the School of Music Student Handbook for further information on policies and procedures.
Honors Program
Most students follow the Liberal Studies Program to meet their general education requirements. However, students accepted into the Honors Program fulfill general education requirements through an alternative set of courses. A student in the Honors Program pursuing a primary major in the School of Music follows the requirements below:
Honors Core
| Course | Title | Quarter Hours |
|---|---|---|
| LSP 110 | DISCOVER CHICAGO (in Honors section) | 4 |
| HON 100 | RHETORIC AND CRITICAL INQUIRY | 4 |
| HON 101 | WORLD LITERATURE * | 4 |
| HON 102 | HISTORY IN GLOBAL CONTEXTS * | 4 |
| HON 104 | RELIGIOUS WORLDVIEWS AND ETHICAL PERSPECTIVES | 4 |
| HON 105 | PHILOSOPHICAL INQUIRY | 4 |
| Select one of the following: | 4 | |
| DATA ANALYSIS AND STATISTICS (if indicated) | ||
| QUANTITATIVE REASONING (per placement test) | ||
| HON 201 | STATES, MARKETS, AND SOCIETIES | 4 |
| HON 203 | CULTURE AND COMMUNITY | 4 |
| HON 302 | SEMINAR IN SOCIAL JUSTICE | 4 |
*Advanced placement credit will fulfill Honors Core requirements as listed:
- AP Literature credit for ENG 101 (previously ENG 120) will fulfill HON 101
- AP credit for HST 111 or HST 171 fulfills HON 102
- IB credit for PHL 100 fulfills HON 105
Science Requirement
- One course chosen from the university's Scientific Inquiry list.
Honors students in Music who do not have a calculus or statistics requirement for their major must complete HON 180, or MAT 120.
Junior Seminar
The Honors Program is committed to developing students’ knowledge and cultural awareness so they may respect and learn from difference. Honors students meet the multicultural requirement by completing HON 302.
Senior Capstone
| Course | Title | Quarter Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Select one of the following: | 4 | |
| HONORS SENIOR SEMINAR | ||
| HONORS SENIOR SEMINAR IN SERVICE LEARNING | ||
| HONORS SENIOR THESIS | ||
Students who choose to complete an Honors Senior Thesis must have their project approved at least one term prior to executing the project. To gain approval for a senior thesis, students must first complete an application, including a project proposal signed by a faculty advisor. In keeping with the interdisciplinary nature of the program, the thesis should attempt to move outside the boundaries normally associated with one particular discipline and should be supervised by two readers from different academic fields. While the final product must be a substantial piece of work building on the student’s accumulated knowledge and new research, specific requirements for each thesis will depend on the nature of the project. See the Director or Associate Director for an application. Students may opt to also enroll in HON 300 (a two-credit elective) to receive dedicated guidance as they prepare the thesis project.
Major Field Adjustments
In addition, participation in the University Honors Program may affect the requirements for a student's major field. The following adjustments will occur:
BA in Music majors:
Honors students in the BA in Music program will have the following additions or changes to their Honors requirements:
- HON 180 (Honors BA Music students cannot replace this requirement with MAT 120, although they may be required to take the course as a prerequisite to HON 180.)
- Language Requirement: Honors BA in Music students complete three courses of intermediate or advanced language study. Students who meet the proficiency requirement by placing at the 200-level of a language may consult with an Honors advisor for an alternative 3-course option for fulfilling the language requirement.
- Science Requirement: In addition to the Scientific Inquiry course, Honors students pursuing a BA in Music will also complete HON 225 to fulfill the science requirement for the Honors Program.
- Fine Arts Elective: BA in Music students choose one applied, performance, or studio arts course outside of Music from the approved list.
- Honors Approved Electives: BA in Music students are allotted two 200-300 level electives outside of Music. These courses will be selected in consultation with an Honors advisor to fulfill academic or professional goals.
- BA in Music majors are required to fulfill the university's Experiential Learning requirement.
- BA in Music majors are required to complete HON 205.
Sound Recording Technology majors:
Honors students in SRT have the following courses waived from the Honors curriculum because the requirements are fulfilled within the major:
- HON 180
- Scientific Inquiry
Performing Arts Management majors:
PAM majors in Honors will have the following course substitutions:
Music Education majors:
Music Education majors in Honors will have the following course substitutions:
- HON 105 will be replaced by LSE 380
- HON 207 will be replaced by SCU 207
- HON 201 will be replaced by PSC 120
Grade Requirements
A grade of C- or higher in HON 100 and HON 110 or HON 111 is required to remain in the Honors Program.
A grade of C- or higher is required to pass the following courses: HON 100, HON 350, HON 351 and HON 395.
Graduate Academics
The School of Music is home to Undergraduate, Graduate and Certificate programs.
School of Music Graduate Student Handbook
In addition to the DePaul University Graduate Student Handbook, the School of Music Student Handbook includes rules and regulations for its graduate programs. Additional academic information and regulations applicable to our graduate programs appear in the School of Music Student Handbook.
Upon admission to a graduate program, a student is to follow the catalog requirements in effect at the time of entrance. A student who is readmitted or who changes their program or enrollment status is subject to the terms of the catalog in effect at the time of readmission or status change.
It is the responsibility of graduate students to know and meet both the general and particular regulations, procedures, policies, and deadlines set forth in this catalog and handbook.
Overview of Graduate Program
Master of Music
DePaul University School of Music offers a Master of Music degree in performance, composition, jazz studies, or music education. A minimum of 48 quarter hours are required for the degree, including courses in music history and theory, research, and the area of specialization. Graduate students are also required to pass a comprehensive examination and complete a final project, recital, or paper. Most students complete the program in two years or six quarters; however, music education students who enroll part-time while teaching may take classes throughout three summers and two intervening academic years.
Certificate in Performance
The Certificate in Performance is a highly selective, intensive course of study for students who have already earned a master’s degree in performance. A minimum of 36 quarter hours must be completed over two years. Certificate students enroll in applied lessons, ensembles, and other supporting music courses.
Performance Awards
All students who receive performance awards must participate in ensembles as needed. Failure to do so may result in the forfeiture of performance award dollars. Graduate performance awards are provided for a maximum of 6 quarters. Only full-time students (minimum of 6 credits in a quarter) are eligible for performance awards. Questions about the performance awards may be directed to Mr. Ross Beacraft, Director of Admission.
Curricular ensemble requirements may differ from performance award requirements. A student on a performance awards may be required to participate in ensembles different than or beyond their major’s curricular requirements.
Academic Probation
Students who fail to make meaningful progress towards their degree may be placed on academic probation. Furthermore, students who do not maintain a 2.5 grade point average may be placed on academic probation. Any student who is placed on probation will be notified in writing and should meet with the Associate Dean of Academic Affairs. Generally, students are not allowed to remain on probation for more than 2 quarters without additional academic sanctions being applied.
Academic Dismissal
Students who fail to make meaningful progress towards their degree may be placed on academic probation. Furthermore, students who do not maintain a 2.5 grade point average may be placed on academic probation. Any student who is placed on probation will be notified in writing and should meet with the Associate Dean of Academic Affairs. Generally, students are not allowed to remain on probation for more than 2 quarters without additional academic sanctions being applied.
Withdrawal and Re-Application
Any student who wishes to permanently withdraw from the School of Music should first meet with their advisor and then the Associate Dean of Academic Affairs. If the student is receiving a performance award, they should also meet with the Director of Admissions. A student must submit a request for permanent withdrawal through Campus Connect. If a student permanently withdraws in good standing, then they may reapply within three quarters without re-auditioning or re-applying; if a student is away longer than three quarters, then they must reapply and re-audition to the School of Music, and is subject to the requirements current at the time of their application.
Enrollment and Credits
No one is permitted to attend a class for which they have not been properly registered. Credit is accumulated on the basis of quarter hours. The unit of credit is one quarter hour granted for 45 minutes of classroom work a week. The normal class extends over a ten-week period (or an accelerated five-week period in the summer). All courses carry four quarter hours of credit (2 2/3 semester hours), unless otherwise noted.
Graduate music students enrolled for six or more quarter hours of credit are considered full-time. Those registered for less than 6 quarter hours of credit are considered less than full-time.
Graduate courses are numbered as 400 level courses. Graduate students must enroll for 400 level courses.
Transfer Credits
No transfer credits are accepted toward the Masters of Music or Certificate of Performance programs. All course work must be completed at DePaul University School of Music.
Graduation
Requirements
Students must have successfully completed all of the general and specific degree requirements as listed in departmental or program sections of the catalog under which they were admitted. Completed degree requirements include passing the comprehensive examination and the submission of a final project, such as research paper, composition, or recital. Students need to achieve a minimum grade point average of 2.5 to graduate.
The University confers degrees at the end of the quarters, in November, March, June, or August; commencement ceremonies occur only in June. A student may participate in the June commencement ceremony if the student completes the requirements in the fall, winter or spring quarters preceding the ceremony. An application for degree completion must be filed online by the appropriate deadline.
In addition to submitting a graduation application, all graduating students must meet with the Assistant Director of Advising for a pre-graduation check. Failure to do so may jeopardize the granting of a student's degree. Students will be listed in the commencement book based upon their applications—degrees will not be conferred until all requirements are complete.
At the conclusion of their last quarter, a review of the students' transcripts takes place; upon successful completion of the degree requirements, students' names are released to the Office of the University Registrar with the appropriate honors designations. An additional review takes place to ensure that all financial obligations have been met. Once complete, transcripts with the degree posted are available through the Office of the University Registrar, and diplomas are mailed to students. To receive a diploma, it is essential that students update their addresses in Campus Connection. The distribution of diplomas or release of final transcripts will be withheld if money is owed to the University.
Graduation with Distinction
Graduation with distinction is awarded for students who earn 3.75 GPA or above.
Career Services
Career Services at DePaul School of Music provides information and resources for School of Music students and alumni on various music and arts related job opportunities. Students are encouraged to visit the Career Services website.
Admission & Aid
Undergraduate Admission
Admission as a degree-seeking student in the School of Music is contingent upon a superior high school record, successful completion of a performance audition and submission of degree specific required materials for all majors except the non-performance track of Sound Recording Technology and the Bachelor of Science in Performing Arts Management. Admission to these two majors is contingent upon a superior high school record, successful completing of a theory exam and submission of degree specific required materials. Entering freshman and transfer applicants are required to audition or submit their materials before December 1 for admission the following September and may be required to submit a pre-audition screening recording. Transfer students are required to validate credits earned in musicianship studies (theory, music history and literature, aural skills, and keyboard) through placement examinations prior to initial registration.
All BM applicants and BS applicants pursuing the performance track are required to audition and are encouraged to schedule their dates and times after October 15 for auditions to be held in February. For audition requirements and a list of scheduled audition dates, please visit our website or contact the:
Office of Music Admissions
musicadmissions@depaul.edu
DePaul University School of Music
804 West Belden Avenue
Chicago, IL 60614,
or call (773) 325-7444.
Scholarship Opportunities
Undergraduate
Incoming freshmen majoring in music are automatically considered for The School of Music Award at the time of their entrance audition or material review. The number and amount of these music awards vary each year. Please contact the School of Music for further information.
Graduate
Incoming graduate performance and jazz studies majors are automatically considered for graduate music performance awards based on the results of their auditions. Graduate composition major awards will be based on the results of their interviews and the quality of their portfolios. Music education majors' awards will be based on their applications and interviews.
Financial Aid
Students may apply for financial assistance based on family need through the Office of Financial Aid, DePaul University.
Graduate Admission
Procedures for Admission
Applicants for graduate admission should submit an application online at http://www.depaul.edu/. The application deadline is December 1. Applicants should submit official college transcripts and three letters of recommendation to support their application. Applicants to the master's degree program for performance and jazz studies must take an entrance audition, usually held in February of each year. Some applicants may be required to submit a pre-audition screening recording. Audition requirements are specified on the School of Music website. Applicants to the master's degree program for music education must interview with the Music Education Department. Applicants to the master's degree program for composition must submit a composition portfolio of three pieces and must complete an interview with the composition faculty. When admission has been approved, the applicant will be notified of the diagnostic examination schedule and new student orientation, which usually take place before the start of the academic year.
Certificate in Performance
The School of Music also offers a program leading to the Certificate in Performance. The Certificate in Performance is a post-master's program for classical or jazz musicians who intend to pursue careers as professional performers. Applicants should submit an application online at http://www.depaul.edu/. The application deadline is December 1. Applicants should submit official college transcripts and three letters of recommendation to support their application. Applicants must take an entrance audition, usually held in February of each year. Some applicants may be required to submit a pre-audition screening recording. Audition requirements are specified on the School of Music website.
Non-Degree Seeking Students
DePaul School of Music does not normally admit applicants as non-degree seeking students. A student who has earned a bachelor's degree or its equivalent from an accredited institution and does not intend to work for a master’s degree may, on the written recommendation of the Associate Dean of Academic Affairs, be admitted as a non-degree seeking student. Only the first 12 quarter hours earned as a non-degree-seeking student at DePaul may subsequently be applied toward a degree when the student is accepted as a degree-seeking student.
Student-At-Large
A student completing a graduate program at another accredited institution may, on the written recommendation of the Associate Dean of Academic Affairs, be admitted as a student-at-large.
International Students
All international students and any student who has been educated outside of the United States should complete the application requirements for their desired program (see above), submit their educational credentials to a third-party organization for evaluation, and demonstrate a proficiency in English. The application deadline is December 1. Please visit the School of Music website for further information on applying to DePaul School of Music as an international graduate student.
To demonstrate English proficiency, international graduate music students must pass a TOEFL examination with a written score of 550 or an internet-based score of 80, with no section lower than 17. If a student has met all other music admissions criteria and taken a TOEFL examination, but not yet achieved a passing score, they may be considered for admission to the joint English Language Academy-School of Music program. (For further information on this program, students should contact the School of Music Admissions Office.) Those who request student visas also must show evidence of adequate financial support. A formal letter of admission and/or form I-20 will be issued only after all admission requirements have been fulfilled.
Diagnostic Examinations
Students who have been admitted to the master’s degree program for composition, performance, and music education must take a diagnostic examination in musicianship studies. These examinations, taken during new student orientation, will be used to guide course placement and identify areas for additional studies.