<p>I know the Boyer College of Music at Temple U. does not require an instrumental audition, nor does Temple have a high GPA cutoff (yours is definitely in range), and it is going to a SAT-optional application this year. However, the composition program is very competitive. My son applied there in 2011 and they only admitted 6 out of 27 applicants. He really liked the program and the facilities though. It is not too strong on electronic music though. Fairly affordable as well.</p>
<p>I would not restrict myself to no-audition programs. As long as you are reasonably good at your instrument and can play standard repertoire it isn’t a gigantic factor in composition program acceptance; your compositions matter much more. It’s especially good if you can play something you have written for your instrument. I would think there are few composers auditioning on percussion and that might even make you stand out. Most are pianists. </p>
<p>It’s also possible to transfer in to composition from other music majors if you don’t get into the program you want but do get accepted at the school. Be sure to ask about that when you visit. There was a parent here a few years back whose student was initially not accepted into Temple’s program but went in as a BA Music major and was able to re-audition and got into the comp program. My son went to Belmont as a Commercial Guitar major but switched to comp his second year. He had to make up a few lessons last summer but will graduate on time next spring. </p>
<p>You might want to take a look at Belmont, my son’s roommate is a percussion major and raves about the faculty (and he has gotten a lot of playing gigs around Nashville), and my son has had a wonderful experience with the composition faculty. It has amazing electronic studios, and a New Music Ensemble that features student compositions in concerts. It’s not a world-renowned program but might be a good fit for you. Also pretty affordable and a very nice campus with beautiful new dorms. </p>