How to Apply
At Acadia University School of Music (AUSOM), we want your application process to be positive and empowering. This page lists the steps you need to do to apply and explains the different options available to share your music with us in a process we call Perform-Connect. We are here to help you navigate the process. To apply:
- Apply! Create an account and complete a general university application.
- Review the university's application checklist and general information from Admissions.
- Applications for the 2025-2026 academic year are available now.
- Once your application is completed, watch for an offer of admission email to Acadia.
- Complete your Perform-Connect form! Once you receive an offer of admission, we'll send you a separate email with information about how to Perform-Connect. This process allows us to get to know each other before you make a decision on your offer. We will learn about the musical interests that you want to explore during your time at Acadia and you will learn about the department, our courses, performance opportunities, and extra-curricular activities available to you!
Perform-Connect
At Acadia School of Music we value the opportunity to get to know you, not just your instrument. Students do not have to audition as part of their application process. Instead, after you've been offered acceptance to Acadia, we'll invite you to Perform-Connect. This isn't a formal audition, and it includes much more than just listening to you perform. Our approach strives to be inclusive, accessible, and holistic.
- Perform:
- Perform examples of how you currently participate in music in ways that are meaningful to you.
- Present 2-3 pieces in any style(s) of music.
- They can be contrasting in styles, genre, moods. Or not.
- Choose pieces that showcase who you are.
- Three ways to share performances: in-person, live online, or pre-recorded:
- Perform in-person on our Perform-Connect Day with other incoming students on March 1, 2025. The setting can be flexible. Perform on stage or in a smaller room, with or without an accompanist or collaborators, jam with faculty—whatever works for you!
- Perform live online (via Zoom or Teams) on a date/time that works for you.
- Pre-record your performance when ready and submit to AUSOM online.
- Perform examples of how you currently participate in music in ways that are meaningful to you.
- Connect:
- Join us in conversation with faculty to explore questions including: What are your interests in music? What are your goals and passions? What sparks your creativity? What can we offer towards your musical future?
- Include family members or support people in the conversation, if helpful.
- Consider exploring and experiencing our Acadia campus and music department by sitting in on an ensemble, meeting current Acadia students, taking a campus tour, and dining in the meal hall. If interested, please let us know and we will coordinate a visit.
- Attend an in-person Open House on Friday, February 7, 2025!
- Join us in conversation with faculty to explore questions including: What are your interests in music? What are your goals and passions? What sparks your creativity? What can we offer towards your musical future?
IMPORTANT SCHOLARSHIP INFO:
- To be eligible for general scholarship consideration, you must complete your online application by March 1, 2025.
- To be eligible for music scholarship consideration, you must complete the Perform-Connect process (whether in-person or online) by March 1, 2025.
HAVE ANY QUESTIONS? Email us at: music@acadiau.ca! We want this to be a positive and supportive process for you, so do not hesitate to reach out to our office and ask for any clarification or assistance we might be able to offer. Let us know how we can help you to present the best possible version of your musical self!