Resources

Bridging the gap between middle and high school performers and collegiate opportunities, Accoladi.com’s Resources section provides the guidance you need to navigate the admissions journey. From selecting the right school to preparing for auditions and securing scholarships, our step-by-step tools and expert insights keep you on track. With comprehensive directories and essential tips, students and parents can make informed decisions with confidence. Whether you're exploring options or finalizing decisions, we provide the tools to help you stand out and succeed!

College-bound, but you’re unsure where to start?
This is the starting point!
From choosing the right school to applying, we’ve got you covered. Let us help you navigate the journey with confidence!

STARTING POINT

College Directory for Music Majors

Your all-in-one guide to 1,795 accredited music degree programs across the United States and Puerto Rico. This comprehensive, searchable directory empowers students, parents, and educators to explore music schools by:

Location (state or territory)
Institution type (community colleges, junior colleges, colleges, universities, conservatories, and institutes of music)
Special designation (Historically Black Colleges and Universities – HBCUs, religiously affiliated schools, public or private institutions)

Whether you're seeking a conservatory experience, a faith-based university, or a two-year college with transfer options, this tool helps you find your perfect match for a degree in music.

Repertoire Directory

Over 30,000 entries, each categorized by appropriate music grade level. Includes arranger and publisher information. Selections are primarily drawn from state music associations.

Excerpt Directory

Explore over 2,000 excerpts sourced directly from actual college audition requirements. Many of the nation’s most selective collegiate programs include orchestral and choral masterworks.

Majors Directory

Explore 12 traditional music major degree paths and 32 related fields of study—all in one place. This searchable directory is organized by U.S. state and institution type, including community colleges, colleges, universities, conservatories, and institutes of music. Each listing clearly identifies which degree types are offered per institution, helping students and families find the right academic fit for their musical journey.

Non-Institutional Scholarship Directory

Representing over 16,000 music, academic, and community service scholarships provided by private entities.

Musical Terms Directory

Your personalized roadmap to mastering the vocabulary used across auditions, entrance exams, sightreading excerpts, and performance literature. Categorized into five levels by usage frequency and institutional selectivity, this tool helps you focus your preparation and speak the language of music with confidence.

Summer Camp Directory

Explore over 2,400 summer music enrichment experiences—regional, national, and international. Each listing includes program dates, musical discipline, location, and length of camp. Search by U.S. state, area of focus, and availability to find the perfect fit for your summer schedule.

College Marching Band Directory

Featuring over 500 college and university marching bands—including member counts, auxiliary units, and scholarship/stipend opportunities. Showcasing a wide array of styles such as Midwest Quick-Step, HBCU Show-Stopper, Military Precision, Scramble, and Corps-style traditions.

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AUDITION
REQUIREMENTS

The audition requirements of any collegiate institution reflect its personality, academic standards, and performance expectations. The Accoladi Research Team has analyzed audition criteria from over 400 institutions, categorizing them into three distinct levels.

ENTRANCE EXAM

Most colleges and universities require students to complete an entrance exam as part of the audition process. To help you prepare, Accoladi offers twelve authentic practice entrance exams, featuring real questions pulled from actual collegiate entrance exams. Click each title to see more information.

Music Theory: Basic

Basic: For colleges with 72–96% acceptance rates. Often includes community colleges.

Take Practice Exam

Musical Terms: Basic

Fail the music theory exam and it could cost you thousands. Prepare and pass for scholarship eligibility.

Take Practice Exam

Music History: Basic

Even with AP credit, most students must pass entrance exams. Don’t skip history prep.

Take Practice Exam

Practice Test - Basic

Textbook: Practical Beginning Theory by Bruce Benward and Barbara Jackson. McGraw-Hill.

Take Practice Exam