Music Production

Bachelor of Science in Music Production

Bachelor of Science in Music Production (B.S.)

Please note: When applying to Indiana University using either the Apply IU application or the Common application, please select BS Audio Engineering and Sound Production for either Music Production track.


The following information is for entry into the 2025-26 school year.

 


 

Prescreening requirements for Audio Engineering Track

All Music Production applicants must submit a prescreening portfolio via the JSOM Supplemental application by December 1.

Portfolio should include:

The following questions are included in your JSOM Supplemental application.

  • Describe your musical education and training.
  • Describe your audio production skills and experience.
  • Describe your experience with technology and computers outside of audio production.
  • What are your musical likes and dislikes?
  • What would you like to learn from the Audio Engineering program?
  • What are your career goals?
  • Why have you chosen Indiana University?

This can include any of your artistic, creative, and technical work. Some examples might be CDs you have recorded, produced, or played on as a musician; musical repertoire; web design; computer programming; visual arts; film or video; electronics projects, etc.

Submissions may be URLs, photographs, and print materials. Please include a complete description of your portfolio materials.

You must include three letters of recommendation from teachers or musical instructors. Make sure to follow up with your recommenders to submit their letters via the emailed links. All three letters must be received via your JSOM Supplemental application to complete your portfolio.

Submit an essay of 3-5 pages on one of the following topics under the Media Upload section of your JSOM Supplemental application:

  • Choose an artist or recording and discuss the significance to you as a musician.
  • Choose a piece of equipment or technological innovation and discuss its impact on audio production and the entertainment industry.
  • Choose a film or video game and discuss its use of sound and how it enhances the storyline.

Please note, this essay requirement is in addition to the 500-700 word essay listed on the JSOM Supplemental application.

You must upload and submit a copy of your transcript to your JSOM Supplemental application to complete your prescreening portfolio. We cannot retrieve your transcript from the Indiana University Office of Admissions.

Prescreening requirements for Creation and Production Track

All Music Production applicants must submit a prescreening portfolio via the JSOM Supplemental application by December 1.

Portfolio should include:

The following questions are included in your JSOM Supplemental application.

  • Describe your musical education and training.
  • Describe your audio production skills and experience.
  • Describe your experience with DAW music creation.
  • Describe your experience working with other musicians.
  • List three songs by other artists that resonate with you.
  • What would you like to learn from this program?
  • What are your career goals?
  • Why have you chosen Indiana University?

You will need to submit three recorded pieces of music that are original works created by you. In addition, you will need to include a written description of the creative process for each submission.
Include in your description:

  • Do the works include audio recordings, virtual instruments, or a combination
  • Were the virtual instruments, if used, performed or off-line edited?
  • Were any pre-made loops utilized?
  • Was everything performed entirely by you or did you collaborate with other
    musicians?

You must include three letters of recommendation from teachers or musical instructors. Make sure to follow up with your recommenders to submit their letters via the emailed links. All three letters must be received via your JSOM Supplemental application to complete your portfolio.

Submit an essay of 3-5 pages on one of the following topics under the Media Upload section of your JSOM Supplemental application:

  • Choose an artist or recording and discuss the significance to you as an artist.
  • Choose a piece of equipment or technological innovation and discuss its impact on you as an artist.
  • Choose a film or video game and discuss its use of sound and how it enhances the storyline.

Please note, this essay requirement is in addition to the 300-500 word essay listed on the JSOM Supplemental application.

You must upload and submit a copy of your transcript to your JSOM Supplemental application to complete your prescreening portfolio. We cannot retrieve your transcript from the Indiana University Office of Admissions.


Interview Requirements

A limited number of students are invited for an on-campus interview based on prescreening reviews.

If you are invited, you will be scheduled for one of the following audition dates and will receive your schedule by email 3-4 weeks prior to your interview:

  •  January 17-18, 2025
  •  February 7-8, 2025
  •  March 7-8, 2025

A musical audition is not required for admission, however, you will be scheduled to take a Music Theory exam in addition to your scheduled interview.

For more information, contact the Music Production Office by email at musprod@iu.edu

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