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 2024-2025 academic year are available now.
- Once your application is completed, watch for an email from us letting you know if you've been accepted to Acadia.
- Accept your offer! We'll send you information about how to Perform-Connect so that we can get to know you and the musical interests that you want to explore during your time at Acadia.
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 accepted your offer 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 at a date/time that works for you or join us on Perform-Connect Day with other incoming students (2024 details to come). 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:
- Connect 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.
- Two ways to connect with faculty: in-person or live online:
- Connect in-person at a date/time that works for you (or book a time on Perform-Connect Day, date TBD).
- Connect live online (via Zoom or Teams) at a date/time that works for you.
- Connect 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, 2024.
- To be eligible for music scholarship consideration, you must complete the Perform-Connect process (whether in-person or online) by our spring deadline (TBD).
HAVE ANY QUESTIONS? 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!