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Northwest Missouri State University


(Photo by University Photography)

Future Students

First, we would like to thank you for your interest in Northwest. The admission criteria for the university may be found online. Northwest has moderately selective admissions criteria, and the various ways of meeting those requirements can be found by following the above link.

For those who are interested in auditioning for a music performance scholarship, you are encouraged to complete the application form (see form for deadlines). Auditions will be held on February 17, 20, and 25, 2017. See the application form for more information.

Upon entrance to Northwest, students may declare any major, including music. However, the department has prerequisites for admission to certain courses that are important for incoming students to know.

  1. Incoming students must take the Theory Placement Examination to determine what theory course they should take. First-time freshmen usually take this exam during summer pre-registration; transfer students generally take it by appointment. Click here to download a brochure describing the exam. For more information relative to this exam, please contact Dr. Stephen Town.
  2. Students who intend to major in vocal or instrumental music education will also need to take a piano placement exam, please contact Dr. Anthony Olson.
  3. For all levels of applied study, students must have the permission of the instructor and/or the faculty within the area of study. Entering freshmen will be heard by applied faculty before the drop/add period closes to determine acceptance to applied study. Students unable to demonstrate sufficient performance skills will be admitted on a trial basis. Permission to continue will be decided at the end of the first term on the basis of a jury performance.