Thank you for your interest in The New School for Jazz and Contemporary Music. This page provides the information you need to complete your application. Please download and read the Application Instructions (PDF) before beginning your application. Pay close attention to important deadlines in the instructions.
Applicants applying to the Dual-Degree BA/BFA program should download the Jazz BA/BFA Application instructions (PDF) and complete the program-specific online application.
Admission Checklist
A completed application consists of the following items:
Online Application
- The application form completed and submitted online
- $100 nonrefundable application fee
- Your personal statement of interest in the New School program
Additional Required Application Materials
Note: Most documents can be submitted or requested as part of the online application. If you have to mail any document separately, please include a Materials Cover Sheet (PDF) with each mailing.
- Official transcript from your high school or secondary school
- Official transcripts from all colleges or universities previously attended (if applicable)
- A letter of recommendation that addresses your artistic abilities
- A letter of recommendation that addresses your academic abilities
International Students: All the above plus proof of English language proficiency (TOEFL score) if English is not your first language, and other special requirements
Audition Requirements
- A prescreening recording (required for drums, guitar, piano, and voice applicants only)
- A live or recorded audition (required for all applicants; see Auditions for details about specific instrument requirements)
Explanations of Admission Requirements
Online Application
Application Form
All applicants are required to complete and submit the online application form to begin the admission process. Start by going to Apply Online, where you will be guided through the necessary steps to complete your application. Applications are due by January 1, 2013 if you are applying for Fall 2013 and September 15, 2013 if you are applying for Spring 2014. Contact the Office of Admission at jazzadm@newschool.edu or 212.229.5896 if you have any questions about the online application form.
Application Fee
The $100 nonrefundable application fee is payable online by credit card as part of your online application. Note: If you do not wish to pay by credit card, you can mail a personal check or money order separately accompanied by a Materials Cover Sheet (follow the application instructions carefully). Your application will not be considered until the $100 fee has been paid. Fee waivers will be granted only upon the recommendation of a high school guidance counselor.
Your Personal Statement of Interest in the New School Jazz Program
This is a required part of the Online Application Form. Your personal statement should be at least 250 words responding to the following prompt: Describe your personal definition of success in today's music scene and what you feel you need to do to build a career, earn a living, and make a difference. Tell us how you think The New School for Jazz and Contemporary Music will help you achieve these goals.
Supporting Credentials
Official Transcripts
All applicants must provide high school (secondary school) transcripts. If you previously have attended another college or university and have not yet completed a bachelor's degree, you must also provide transcripts from all institutions attended. If you are currently enrolled in high school or college, your transcript must include your progress to date, and you must arrange for a final transcript to be sent upon completion of your courses. If you attended school outside the United States, see the additional requirements for international students.
Recommendations
Every applicant must submit two letters of recommendation, one addressing the applicant's academic ability and the other addressing the applicant's musical talents. Your references must be in a position to speak knowledgeably about your qualifications to study at The New School for Jazz and Contemporary Music. Applicants who wish to provide a character reference are welcome to submit a third recommendation letter from a teacher, counselor, or other appropriate professional. Use the online application form to provide contact information for your references; the Office of Admission will contact them by email with instructions for submitting a letter of recommendation online. If one of your references prefers to mail the recommendation letter, please give that person a completed Materials Cover Sheet and instruct him or her to mail it with the letter. Recommendation letters must be received by February 4, 2013, if you are applying for fall 2013 and by October 12, 2013, if you are applying for spring 2014.
Official TOEFL Score
Applicants whose native language is one other than English are required to take the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL), administered by the Educational Testing Service (ETS). The test score should be sent to the Office of Admission directly from ETS (the New School institution code is 2572). A minimum score of 79 on the Internet-based test, 550 on the written test, or 213 on the computer-based test is required for admission. Note: The TOEFL requirement can be waived for applicants whose primary language of instruction throughout secondary school was English. If this is your situation, contact the Office of Admission to confirm your exemption after submitting your online application. Any other requests for exemption from the TOEFL requirement will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis. Your TOEFL score must be received by February 4, 2013, if you are applying for fall 2013 and by October 12, 2013, if you are applying for spring 2014. Go to the ETS website and register now if you have to take the TOEFL.
Audition Requirements
Visit the Auditions page for information about audition requirements.
