# Music : Stanford University

**Source**: https://admission.stanford.edu/arts-portfolio/music.html
**Parent**: https://admission.stanford.edu/apply/first-year/arts.html

## Required Portfolio Elements

**Students may submit one Music portfolio in the following categories: Instrumentalists, Conductors, Vocalists or Composers.**

### Instrumentalists & Conductors

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- Submit two or three pieces that demonstrate your ability in a variety of styles, periods or tempi.
- Conducting submissions require a live performance video.
- Instrumentalists must limit submissions to one instrument except percussionists.

### Vocalists

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- Submit two or three pieces. If the repertoire is from the Western classical tradition,
  submissions should be in more than one language.
- Students may perform unaccompanied or with recording accompaniment playing in the
  background. No overlays will be accepted.
- Submissions must be limited to one voice area (Western classical and musical theater
  may go together).
- Email the Music Department at [ugmusicinquiries@lists.stanford.edu](mailto:ugmusicinquiries@lists.stanford.edu) to inquire if we
  are able to evaluate a different tradition.

### Music, Science, Technology

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- Maximum of 3 examples of experiences with music technology that may include but are not limited to compositions, improvisations, software, DIY music instruments or writing samples of music technology research. Students may upload any media file type accepted by the application platform.

### Composers

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- Maximum of 3 works for acoustic instruments and/or electronic media, including web-audio project. Scores in PDF format are only required for notated work. Digital playback of notated score is accepted and encouraged, but not required.

**NOTES:** Performance recordings must be done on video, unedited and recorded in a natural acoustic. We suggest a total duration of 10 minutes or less. Be sure to capture a full-body frame showing your hands and face. There is no advantage to performing with an accompaniment. For instrumentalists and vocalists, ensembles (instrumental or choral) and audio-only recordings will not be evaluated. \
**We do not offer live auditions.**

## Letter of Recommendation

Students submitting a portfolio in Music are encouraged to include an optional letter of recommendation
from an arts instructor or any other person in a mentoring role. This helps the Music faculty know more about a student.

With questions, contact the Music Department: [ugmusicinquiries@lists.stanford.edu](mailto:ugmusicinquiries@lists.stanford.edu ) Or review the [Department of Music Arts Portfolio FAQ](https://music.stanford.edu/admissions/prospective-undergraduate-students/arts-portfolio-faq) .