If you are applying to Swarthmore and you have a serious, on-going commitment to work in music, you should submit an audio recording along with your application. It may enhance your prospects of admission whether or not you intend to major in music.

 Your recording may be in any format and should include two compositions, ideally in contrasting styles. Singers should include at least one Italian art song, German lied, or opera aria. If you wish to be evaluated in more than one area (for example, piano performance and voice), please submit separate recordings for each. Include a brief statement indicating how long you have studied and listing the groups you have performed with, if applicable. Composers: please submit scores of one or two of your compositions, with audio recording if possible.

We do not require an audition in person. Still, we hope you will be able to visit our campus. Please arrange to visit when classes are in session if at all possible. It is often possible for prospective students to arrange to meet with faculty while they are visiting. Please e-mail our Department Coordinator at music@swarthmore.edu to arrange for an appointment. We also suggest that you review the materials on our website, as the answers to many commonly asked questions may be found here.

Updated 31 March 2004