School of Music Transfer Admissions

We’re thrilled you are considering continuing your studies at BU! Transferring from one school to another is more common than we think (over 700 transfer students join BU each year), and with that, our School of Music Admissions office can help you navigate the transfer process and ensure a smooth transition whether you wish to apply for a fall or spring semester.

Why do students transfer to BU School of Music?

Real-world experience. You’re right in Boston, a rich city filled with art, music, culture. Pursuing a performance degree? We guarantee you’ll perform at prestigious venues like Symphony Hall, Boston during your time as a BU student. You’ll work alongside faculty members who perform or conduct research regionally, even internationally.

Conservatory-style school in a large research institution. Your music community will be strong, and you’ll also get to meet students from other majors. There’s so much to do and see at BU, with a variety of student groups, sports, performances, leadership and entrepreneurial opportunities.

UNDERGRADUATE TRANSFER ADMISSION

BU School of Music welcomes prospective transfer students to apply for fall or spring semester transfer admission. A transfer student is defined as a student who has completed the equivalent of a US secondary school education and will have at least one full-time semester (12 or more college credits) as a degree candidate from another college or university.

Visit the School of Music Undergraduate Admissions webpage to follow the application requirements for the major you’d like to declare.

All external transfer applicants to the School of Music need to also submit the NASM Transfer Release Form in order to be considered for financial aid from Boston University. The form should be completed and emailed to cfamusic@bu.edu no later than March 1.

Applicants will also need to complete an audition or submit a portfolio (unless you’re applying for the Bachelor of Arts program that does not require an audition.) Visit the Prescreening Information webpage and Audition Repertoire and Portfolio Requirements webpage for step-by-step instructions.

For spring transfer applicants, auditions will take place in November
For fall transfer applicants, auditions can be scheduled on our regular audition days in January and February
Transfer applicants may also opt to submit a video-recorded audition instead of coming to a live audition
- For more info about auditions, visit the Audition and Repertoire Portfolio Requirements webpage

GRADUATE TRANSFER ADMISSION

Prospective graduate transfer students are welcome to apply for Fall transfer admission! The maximum graduate transfer credits allowed to transfer are 8 credits for Master of Music students and 16 credits for Doctor of Musical Arts students.

All transfer applicants to the School of Music must submit the NASM Transfer Release Form in order to be considered for a merit-based scholarship from Boston University. The form should be completed and emailed to cfamusic@bu.edu no later than January 15.

Visit the School of Music Graduate Admissions webpage for step-by-step instructions on how to apply and what’s needed in your application. Then head to our Prescreening Information webpage and Audition and Repertoire Portfolio Requirements webpage to learn more about the audition process and requirements.

Transfer Credit Distribution Limitations

INTRA UNIVERSITY TRANSFER (IUT) ADMISSION

Current Boston University students majoring in a program outside of CFA that have at least a 2.0 GPA are welcome to apply for intra-university transfer (IUT) or Dual Degree admission to the School of Music. Open the collapsibles below for more information:

Starting the Process - Interest Form

To start the process, please complete the online Intra University Transfer Interest Form found below. Once you complete this form, a member of the School of Music Admissions team will contact you regarding the next step in the process.

Intra University Transfer and Dual Degree Program Interest Form

Form for students interested in transferring to CFA or starting a dual degree with CFA.

Name
First Last
BU ID#*
Date of Birth
MM slash DD slash YYYY
Email*
Enter Email Confirm Email
Current year*
Current BU College or School Enrollment*
Which CFA School are you intersested in?
- School of Music
- School of Theatre (Performance)
- School of Theatre (Design & Production)
- School of Visual Arts
Please select your program of interest.*
Please select your program of interest.*
Please note, as part of the School of Theatre curriculum, you will take a first-year core before officially declaring your discipline. This is just an indication of your interests at the present time.
Please select your program of interest.*
Please note, as part of the School of Theatre curriculum, you will take a first-year core before officially declaring your discipline. This is just an indication of your interests at the present time.
Please select your program of interest.*
Statement of Intent*
Max. file size: 100 MB.
Please provide a 1-2 page statement of intent that describes your interest in CFA.
Are you interested in an Intra University Transfer (IUT) or Dual Degree Program?*
- Intra University Transfer (IUT)
- Dual Degree (CFA and another BU College/School)

Application Requirements

BM Performance Auditions

A Complete Guide for Transfer Applicants

Visit the BU Admissions website for more information about the transfer application process.

Learn More