School of Music

Percussion

Percussion

Learn everything about your application process:

BM in Theory

BM in Theory

The Bachelor of Music (BM) in Theory degree plan provides additional training in the discipline on top of a robust theory core curriculum that serves all of our undergraduate music majors at Baylor University. Through specialized courses in theory and analysis, we prepare students majoring in music theory for advanced studies in music in the graduate level. Our master’s program in music theory is designed to equip the student with knowledge of both traditional sectors and current trends of the discipline, as well as the ability to engage in independent research of the highest level.

Resources

Additional Opportunities

  • The Bachelor of Arts (BA) degree is designed in the liberal arts tradition and is a good fit for students who want a music degree and who want to take additional courses outside of their major course of study. Choose BA in Music above for more details.
  • Declare a Double Major. Find out more on our Double Major in Music page.
  • The Secondary Major in Instrumental, Keyboard, or Vocal Performance allows advanced performers (piano, organ, voice, winds, brass, strings, or percussion) to continue their interest in music performance while pursuing another academic career path. Choose Secondary Major above for more details.
  • Certificate of Orchestral Conducting
  • Certificate in Jazz Studies

How to Apply

Step 1: Start your Baylor University application

Studying music at Baylor is a dual admission process, meaning you must apply and be admitted to both Baylor University and the School of Music. You may apply through GoBaylor, CommonApp, or ApplyTexas. You must begin your Baylor application in order to receive your “Bear ID” (firstname_lastname#) to link your BU application to your School of Music application.

  • If you apply through GoBaylor, you will receive your BearID immediately
  • If you apply through CommonApp or ApplyTexas, Baylor will send you an email with your BearID and instructions on creating a GoBaylor account to track your BU admissions status

Start your Baylor University Application

Steps to Success:

  • Choose the Baylor Early Action application track! Apply by November 1st!
  • Complete the FAFSA and CSS Profile as early as possible. See below for more information.

Step 2: Submit your School of Music application

Deadlines:

  • All trumpet and trombone applicants: Submit your School of Music application by December 15, which includes your prescreening videos.

  • All other applicants: Submit your School of Music application at least 2 weeks before your preferred audition date. Applicants who submit a School of Music application within 2 weeks of the preferred audition date are not guaranteed a timeslot for that date.

  • The application portal closes on February 1st.

Start your School of Music Application

BM in Theory Additional Requirements
Request an interview with Eric Lai.

Step 3: Audition

All prospective first-year students and transfer music majors are required to audition on their principal instrument for acceptance into the School of Music. The audition is the most important factor in determining whether a student will be accepted as a music major. In-person auditions are strongly encouraged. Applicants seeking to audition via recorded video or live-virtual via Zoom must contact the applied professor directly. Applicants can select their preferred audition date on the School of Music application.

Audition Materials and Dates

Decisions Timeline

First-year and transfer School of Music admissions decisions (March) Admissions decisions are sent via email and updated in GoBaylor accounts
School of Music Merit Scholarship offers (March) Scholarship offers are send via email provided on School of Music application
First-year Decision Deadline (May 1) Commit to Baylor by depositing at *website*

Scholarship & Financial Aid Information

Scholarships

We're glad you are considering Baylor. All undergraduate students who complete the following are considered for Music Merit Scholarships and Baylor University Scholarships:

  1. Apply to the School of Music
  2. Apply to Baylor University
  3. Audition for the School of Music with the intent to major in music
    • Outstanding applicants pursuing a music degree that will enroll as full-time students may be recommended for music scholarships based on their performance ability and the programmatic needs of the School of Music.
  4. We HIGHLY recommend completing both the FAFSA and CSS Profile .

Financial Aid

To be considered for all possible scholarship and financial aid opportunities, undergraduates must complete both the FAFSA and CSS Profile. You may complete them before you get accepted or audition (the earlier you complete these applications, the better). We recommend completing before February 1 for those wanting to begin school in the Fall.

Baylor University maintains a student financial aid program including scholarships, grants, on-campus employment, and loans totaling approximately $60 million dollars annually. 92% of Baylor students receive financial aid.

Percussion Audition Information

Directly contact Todd Meehan if you have any questions.

Percussion Studio

The Baylor School of Music Percussion Studio is a comprehensive center of percussion study offering undergraduate and graduate degrees in music performance and music education. The program focuses on intensive training in solo percussion performance, orchestral percussion, chamber music, and drum set studies. Baylor percussion students are taught the knowledge and skills necessary to excel as professional, creative performers and educators in today’s music world. The department is under the direction of Todd Meehan and Arlo Shultis.

The Percussion Studio is unique in its small size, limiting the overall number of students to no more than 16. This allows the program to be highly selective in its admissions/audition process and creates an intimate learning environment for each individual student. Due to the studio’s size, Baylor percussionists are afforded unparalleled performing and learning opportunities. All percussion students study with faculty members Todd Meehan and Arlo Shultis during their entire residency at Baylor. In addition, students have endless performance outlets within Baylor’s highly recognized large ensemble and chamber music programs.

Please take a moment to further explore the information below and learn more about percussion studies at Baylor. For additional inquiries about the program, please email todd_meehan@baylor.edu. Sic ‘em!

Percussion Faculty

Todd Meehan, DMA

Professor of Percussion Associate Dean for Graduate Studies

Todd Meehan, DMA

Professor of Percussion Associate Dean for Graduate Studies

Todd_Meehan@baylor.edu

McCrary Music Building 124

Arlo Shultis

Part-time Lecturer in Percussion

Arlo Shultis

Part-time Lecturer in Percussion

Arlo_Shultis@baylor.edu

McCrary Music Building 124

Baylor Percussion Symposium

The Baylor Percussion Symposium showcases contemporary music’s most recognized and innovative artists during two days of masterclasses and concerts on the Baylor University campus each spring. Past symposia have featured Glenn Kotche, So Percussion, Tristan Perich, Steven Schick, Michael Burritt, Ivan Trevino, and Doug Perkins, as well as Pulitzer Prize winners Steve Reich and David Lang. The annual event brings together the most original voices in the contemporary music world and creates a platform for dialogue between students and professionals.

Learn More

Baylor Percussion Group

The Baylor Percussion Group is a dynamic contemporary music percussion ensemble devoted to the artistic presentation of the most significant percussion works of the 20th and 21st centuries. A central focus of the ensemble is to foster relationships between composers and performers through musical collaborations and commissions.

Learn More

Events for Prospective Students

BearShadow
College Fairs
Schmidt Vocal Competition

Undergraduate Admissions FAQs

Graduate Admissions FAQs

School of Music

 
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