<p>I agree that the schools you will find a music “performance” major without an audition admit criteria are those that offer a BA. The list will include some, but I don’t think all, of the list that comprises “The Colleges That Change Lives”. Google the term, and you’ll find the website.</p>
<p>There are BA programs that DO have an audition based admission criteria. </p>
<p>I’m going to stick my neck out and say without verifying that I can think of no BM program that does not have an audition based criteria.</p>
<p>There are a few programs that may start as a BA in music, and allow you to audition into the BM at some point, usually towards the end of sophomore year. I believe Oberlin has (or had) this option. There are others.</p>
<p>Realize also that any “performance” path will have regular juries, which must be passed to continue within the major. This is true of BA, BS, BFA and BM variants, although the frequency of these may be program specific. The typical BM requires an annual jury, culminating in a senior recital.</p>
<p>I have to question the thought processes that are getting you to consider a performance concentration without an audition based criteria. I’m not trying to denigrate your skills, but PLEASE realize that music performance is an extremely competitive field, filled with exceptional talent with years of training prior to undergrad work. The prospects for many are dim to dismal, and few will find that one performance job that will provide a comfortable living. Yes, one can make a living, but it is a series of gigs, short term positions, and some sort of studio or private teaching as the norm.</p>
<p>You may well be talented and highly skilled, and a detail of your training and experience, instrument(s) would be helpful in pointing you to schools. But realize also that a non audition BA program may not be the best place to prepare for a performance degree in hopes of a pro career. Many of these programs are fine for continued skill building and refinement, especially for an avocational player. There are some excellent instructors, and you will find students of exceptional talent. What you will not find is depth, strength and talent across all instruments and disciplines. Musicians get better when they can play and ;earn from peers of equal or greater talent. This may be lacking in any number of programs along the lines you seek.</p>
<p>Consider what you wish to do by pursuing undergrad music performance. </p>
<p>Please read through the threads here: <a href=“http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/music-major/258796-so-you-want-music-major-one-familys-experience.html[/url]”>http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/music-major/258796-so-you-want-music-major-one-familys-experience.html</a>
<a href=“http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/music-major/460187-how-many-music-voice-performance-majors-find-jobs.html[/url]”>http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/music-major/460187-how-many-music-voice-performance-majors-find-jobs.html</a></p>
<p>They may answer some questions, and pave the way for new ones.</p>