School of the Arts > Admission

Admission to School of the Arts

Admission FAQs

General FAQs for all students
Arts and Design FAQs | Music FAQs | Theatre/Dance FAQs
Who should attend the School of the Arts audition/interview weekends or Art and Design Day?
High school seniors and transfer students planning to major in music or theatre should plan to attend an audition/interview weekend to be considered for admission to those majors and for scholarship awards.
High school juniors, seniors, and transfer students planning to major in fine art, graphic design, or interior design are encouraged to attend Art and Design Day to learn more about opportunities available in art and design at Samford, but these students are not required to attend or to submit a portfolio for admission to the program.  The portfolio review process is for scholarship consideration only, not admission.
Is there an advantage to attending the November audition/interview weekend instead of the other audition/interview weekends?
Students who attend the November audition/interview weekend will be notified regarding their admission status within the School of the Arts earlier than students attending the February audition/interview weekends, provided their application with the Office of Admission has also been completed.  The faculty members wait to make recommendations regarding School of the Arts scholarship awards until after the final audition/interview weekend in February has been completed.  While auditioning/interviewing early may help put you on the radar earlier, you should audition/interview when you feel most prepared.
What are the beginning and ending times for events during the audition/interview weekends?
Check-in for each audition/interview weekend begins at 2:00 in the lobby of Brock Recital Hall on Friday.  Events typically conclude by 5:00 on Saturday; this is subject to change based upon the number of students attending each weekend.
How do I request an audition/interview for acceptance in the School of the Arts?
1.  Submit an application for admission to Samford through the Office of Admission: http://admission.samford.edu. 
2.  Submit an application for admission to the School of the Arts:http://www.samford.edu/arts/admission.html. 
3.  Receive a confirmation e-mail from arts@samford.edu for your attendance at one of the School of the Arts audition/interview weekends.
Is my audition/interview for acceptance in the School of the Arts the same as an audition/interview for scholarship consideration?
Yes.
Is a letter of recommendation required for the School of the Arts application?
No.  Recommendation letters are part of the Office of Admission application process only.
Do I need to wait to be admitted by the Office of Admission before scheduling an audition/interview with the School of the Arts?
No.  As long as you have submitted the Office of Admission application and declared that your primary major is in the School of the Arts, you may submit the School of the Arts application and proceed with the audition/interview process.
When will I be notified regarding my admission status within the School of the Arts?
Prospective music and theatre majors who have already received acceptance letters from the Office of Admission will be notified regarding their admission status within the School of the Arts approximately three weeks after completing an audition/interview.
Prospective art and design majors apply for scholarship consideration only, not admission to the School of the Arts.
When will I be notified regarding School of the Arts scholarship awards?
Students who have been accepted by the Office of Admission and recommended by the faculty for School of the Arts scholarships will be notified of their awards as part of the financial aid packages mailed by the Office of Admission and Financial Aid on April 1.  School of the Arts scholarships can be combined with many other forms of scholarship and financial aid at Samford.
When should I notify the School of the Arts regarding my decision to enroll at Samford?
Students should notify Samford and any other institutions to which they have applied as soon as final decisions have been made regarding accepting or declining scholarships, enrolling, attending orientation, and so on.  According to guidelines for the National Association of College Admission Counseling (NACAC) and the National Association of Schools of Music (NASM), students may take until May 1 to make a final college decision.  Students may request an extension to any deadline prior to May 1.
Should I audition/interview in more than one area?
Students should audition/interview in the area in which they plan to focus during their studies at Samford.  Multiple auditions/interviews should be scheduled for students who plan to major in one area but are also interested in membership in the A Cappella Choir or band scholarships.  Please contact Arts Recruiter Rachel Lim (arts@samford.edu or 205-726-4524) to arrangements for band scholarship or A Cappella Choir auditions as soon as possible.  Guidelines for band scholarship auditions can be found at http://band.samford.edu.  Guidelines for A Cappella Choir auditions can be found at http://www.samfordacappella.org.
Can I pursue a double major/dual degree with the arts and another discipline?
Most majors offered by the School of the Arts are very time-intensive and require well beyond the minimum 128 credit hours for graduation at Samford.  Additional coursework that would be required to complete a double major or dual degree typically requires additional semesters of study.
In order to be considered for scholarships as a School of the Arts major, students should declare a major in fine art, graphic design, interior design, music, or theatre as their primary major by contacting Arts Recruiter Rachel Lim (arts@samford.edu or 205-726-4524).
How is the application process different if I only want to pursue a minor in the School of the Arts?

Since scholarship awards are competitive at Samford, they are reserved for students pursuing majors within the School of the Arts only.

Music minors are required for audition for acceptance into the Division of Music and for placement within a studio for lessons; this audition can take place during the audition/interview weekends for incoming students or once the student has already enrolled in studies at Samford.  Students interested in the music minor should contact Arts Recruiter Rachel Lim (arts@samford.edu or 205-726-4524).

Students pursuing the interdisciplinary minor in the arts are required to audition if they plan to take music lessons as part of their curriculum; this audition can take place during the audition/interview weekends for incoming students or once the student has already enrolled in studies at Samford.  Students interested in the minor in the arts should contact Arts Recruiter Rachel Lim (arts@samford.edu or 205-726-4524).

Dance minors are required to audition for acceptance into the Department of Theatre and Dance.  Students interested in the dance minor at Samford should contact Coordinator of Dance Lisa Gibbs (legibbs@samford.edu or 205-726-2951) and should join us on campus for a dance minor master class on Saturday, April 6, 2013, if possible.  Students attending the dance minor master class will work with Lisa Gibbs and receive two complimentary tickets to the annual dance concert.  Registration forms and additional details will be available in late February online.

Theatre minors are not required to audition/interview for acceptance into the Department of Theatre and Dance.

Film production minors are not required to audition/interview for acceptance into the Department of Theatre and Dance.

Worship leadership minors are not required to audition/interview for acceptance into the Division of Music.

Can my family take a campus tour during the audition/interview weekend?
Families are encouraged to schedule a campus tour through the Office of Admission on Friday by calling 1-800-888-7218 or visiting http://admission.samford.edu/.
Can I observe classes and rehearsals during the audition/interview weekend?
If your schedule permits you to arrive in Birmingham prior to check-in for the audition/interview weekend, you are welcome to visit classes and rehearsals in the School of the Arts.  Please contact Arts Recruiter Rachel Lim (arts@samford.edu or 205-726-4524) at least one week in advance in order to make those arrangements.
When will I receive more information regarding the schedule of events for the audition/interview weekend?
A general schedule of events can be downloaded at http://www.samford.edu/arts/admission.html at least two weeks prior to the audition/interview weekend, a more detailed schedule will be mailed to each of the confirmed students attending.
A final schedule including each student's audition/interview time and location will be given to both the students and their parents at check-in for the audition/interview weekend.
Updates will also appear on the School of the Arts website.
Is the Friday night dinner during the audition/interview weekend for students only?
Only the high school seniors or transfer students who plan to major in art, music or theatre should attend the Friday night dinner.  Parents will receive a list of area restaurants near the campus at check-in.
Is the Friday night Samford Arts performance during the audition/interview for students only?
All family members traveling with the student are encouraged to attend the Samford Arts performance on Friday evening.  There is a blank on the School of the Arts application where students can list the total number of family members attending the weekend, including themselves.
Can I stay overnight in the residence halls as a guest of a current student on Friday of the audition/interview weekend?
Students can request to stay overnight in the residence halls as a guest of a current student on Friday by selecting that blank on the School of the Arts application. These students should bring a towel and washcloth, toiletries, pillow, alarm clock and shower shoes or flip-flops since some of the residence halls have community bathrooms.
What should I bring to my audition/interview weekend?
Clothing for the audition/interview (it may be videotaped), copies of music for an accompanist, copies of music for the faculty (instrumental students only), umbrella.
Dress for activities on Friday evening typically is more casual than for auditions/interviews on Friday.
All applicants traveling by plane are strongly encouraged to pack audition/interview attire, copies of music, instruments, portfolios or any other materials essential to the audition/interview process in their carry-on luggage.
How do I change my major?
Contact Arts Recruiter Rachel Lim (arts@samford.edu or 205-726-4524).
FAQs for prospective arts students
Is a portfolio review required for all prospective art and design majors?
No.  The portfolio review is for scholarship consideration only.
Is an interview required for art and design scholarship consideration?
No.  Students should use the one-page statement of purpose and portfolio as an opportunity for the faculty to become better acquainted with their work and goals.
Is attendance at Art and Design Day required for art and design scholarship consideration?
No.  Art and Design Day events provide students with an opportunity to meet with faculty and further explore opportunities available in fine art, graphic design, and interior design at Samford, but attendance is not required for scholarship consideration.
How do I select which Art and Design Day sessions to attend?
Both high school juniors and seniors can register for Art and Design Day sessions beginning October 1 at the Samford Art Day page.
What should I wear for Art and Design Day?
Students should wear clothes/aprons suitable for working with paint, clay, charcoal, etc.  Art and Design Day sessions may include anything from working with design software to oil painting to ceramics.
FAQs for prospective music students
Is an on-campus audition/interview required for acceptance and scholarship consideration?
An on-campus audition/interview is strongly encouraged.  In some cases, individual auditions/interviews can be arranged by contacting Arts Recruiter Rachel Lim (arts@samford.edu or 205-726-4524).  Students who live a great distance from Birmingham or who have exceptional circumstances may contact Rachel to request to submit a video audition/interview; these students will perform their audition selections again for the faculty in person at a later date, typically in the final days before the fall semester begins.
Can I work with a School of the Arts accompanist for my audition/interview? Is it required to audition/interview with live piano accompaniment?
Students may bring their own accompanists or request to work with a School of the Arts accompanist by selecting that blank on the School of the Arts application and submitting the scores for their accompanist at least three weeks prior to the audition/interview weekend.  This service is provided free of charge.  Please mail or e-mail scores, since scores sent via fax can be very difficult to read.
Vocalists are required to perform with live piano accompaniment; recorded accompaniment tracks are unacceptable.  Music provided for accompanists should be in the correct range and key with any cuts clearly marked.  Accompanists should not be asked to transpose or improvise.  Students will have at least ten minutes to rehearse with their accompanists prior to their auditions.
Instrumentalists are not required to audition with accompaniment, though these arrangements can be made at the student's request.  Music provided for accompanists should be in the correct range and key with any cuts clearly marked.  Accompanists should not be asked to transpose or improvise.  Students will have at least ten minutes to rehearse with their accompanists prior to their auditions.
Will I have time to practice/warm-up during my audition/interview weekend?
Students will have at least twenty minutes for warming up prior to the audition/interview; at least ten of these minutes will be spent with an accompanist if the student has requested to work with a School of the Arts accompanist by selecting that blank on the School of the Arts application and submitting scores at least three weeks prior to the audition/interview weekend.
Should I bring copies of the music for my audition/interview with me?
Brass, wind, and percussion students should bring three copies of their audition music for the faculty.  Students auditioning/interviewing in other areas are not required to bring copies for the faculty.
Will my audition/interview be closed? Will it be videotaped?
All music auditions/interviews are closed to the public.  They will be videotaped.
Where can I store my instrument during the audition/interview weekend?
Instruments can be stored in the coat room outside Brock Recital Hall throughout the audition/interview weekend.
Are the music theory placement and piano placement factors in my admission to the School of the Arts? How can I prepare for these placements?
Placements in music theory and piano identify the course levels in which prospective music and musical theatre majors will begin their studies at Samford.  The placements are for academic advising purposes only and are not factors in faculty recommendations for acceptance or scholarships in the School of the Arts.  More information on these placements and study guides can be found at http://www.samford.edu/arts/admission.html.
Can I request to study with a specific music professor for applied lessons?
Students may complete the Teacher Preference Form available at http://www.samford.edu/arts/music/forms.html and mail it to
Dr. Kathryn Fouse, Associate Dean for the Division of Music
School of the Arts
Samford University
800 Lakeshore Drive
Birmingham, AL 35229
The faculty will take student preferences into account when assigning students to studios, but completing the Teacher Preference Form does not automatically guarantee the student a place in that professor's studio.
What should I wear for my audition/interview?
Sunday dress is a good rule of thumb for music auditions/interviews.
FAQs for prospective theatre students
Is an on-campus audition/interview required for acceptance and scholarship consideration?
An on-campus audition/interview is strongly encouraged.  In some cases, individual auditions/interviews can be arranged by contacting Arts Recruiter Rachel Lim (arts@samford.edu  or 205-726-4524).  Students who live a great distance from Birmingham or who have exceptional circumstances may contact Rachel to request to submit a video audition/interview; these students will perform their audition selections again for the faculty in person at a later date, typically in the final days before the fall semester begins.
Can I work with a School of the Arts accompanist for my musical theatre audition/interview? Is it required to audition/interview with live piano accompaniment?
Students may bring their own accompanists or request to work with a School of the Arts accompanist by selecting that blank on the School of the Arts application and submitting the scores for their accompanist at least three weeks prior to the audition/interview weekend.  This service is provided free of charge.  Please mail or e-mail scores, since scores sent via fax can be very difficult to read.
Musical theatre students are required to perform with live piano accompaniment; recorded accompaniment tracks are unacceptable.  Music provided for accompanists should be in the correct range and key with any cuts clearly marked.  Accompanists should not be asked to transpose or improvise.  Students will have at least ten minutes to rehearse with their accompanists prior to their auditions.
Songs for musical theatre auditions should be full-length, not just sixteen-bar excerpts.
Will I have time to practice/warm-up during my audition/interview weekend?
Students will have at least twenty minutes for warming up prior to the audition/interview; at least ten of these minutes will be spent with an accompanist if the student has requested to work with a School of the Arts accompanist by selecting that blank on the School of the Arts application and submitting scores at least three weeks prior to the audition/interview weekend.
Should I bring copies of the music for my audition/interview with me?
Musical theatre students do not need to bring copies of their voice sheet music for the faculty.
Should I bring copies of my monologues for my audition/interview?
No.
Will my audition/interview be closed? Will it be videotaped?
All auditions/interviews are closed to the general public; monologues will be presented in the company of two or three other prospective students, and the dance auditions for musical theatre students will take place in a class/group rehearsal setting.
Auditions/interviews may be videotaped.
What should I wear for my audition/interview?
Sunday dress is a good rule of thumb for music auditions/interviews, monologues, and technical theatre portfolio reviews.  Musical theatre students should bring a change of clothes that allow for ease of movement and either jazz shoes/jazz sneakers or character shoes.
Are placements in music theory and piano required for musical theatre majors? How can I prepare for these placements?
Placements in music theory and piano identify the course levels in which prospective music and musical theatre majors will begin their studies at Samford.  The placements are for academic advising purposes only and are not factors in faculty recommendations for acceptance or scholarships in the School of the Arts.  More information on these placements and study guides can be found at http://www.samford.edu/arts/admission.html.