Prospective Students
LHSOM students develop a broad understanding of musical styles and techniques of all eras, participate in studios with instruction from our expert faculty and participate in the university's unique General Education program, taking courses in a wide range of topics. The undergraduate degrees include music courses in theory, history, composition and performance.
Students involved in our undergraduate programs learn by performing, listening to, analyzing and creating music.
The University of Idaho is an accredited institutional member of the National Association of Schools of Music, and the standards of the school are consistent with those set by the association.
Welcome to Idaho, Future Vandals!
The Lionel Hampton School of Music offers you the opportunity to learn by performing, listening to, analyzing and creating music.
Joining the LHSOM
To enroll in the LHSOM, all prospective students must complete the following three steps:
1. Apply to the University of Idaho. This is separate from the LHSOM application.
2. Apply to the Lionel Hampton School of Music.
3. Complete an in-person, video call or recorded audition. Auditions on the student's main instrument or voice are required for all degrees in music.
Scholarships
Over 150 merit–based scholarships are awarded to music students each year. Awards are based on entrance auditions. Priority consideration is given to those who audition by February 22, 2025, and have a 3.0 high school GPA.
List of Primary Instruments
Student must audition for the LHSOM on one of the following instruments or voice:
Brass
- Horn
- Trumpet
- Trombone
- Euphonium
- Tuba
Keyboard
- Piano
Strings
- Violin
- Viola
- Cello
- Double Bass (String Bass)
- Guitar
Voice
- Soprano
- Alto
- Tenor
- Baritone
- Bass
Woodwinds
- Flute
- Oboe
- Clarinet
- Bassoon
- Saxophone
Piano Placement Exam
The Piano Placement Exam is for students who wish to place out of some but not all required class piano courses.
The Challenge By Exam Form is necessary only when testing out of all four semesters for majors and two semesters for minors. This form must be filled out prior to taking the challenge exam. No exam may be conducted during the last two weeks of any academic session.
Transfer Students
Transferring to the University of Idaho is easy – and it's a good choice.
The School of Music provides you with a transfer advisor to ease the transition from your previous institution. We normally accept transfer music credits from NASM-accredited institutions.
On this page, you will find guidelines for admission, information about class piano and study guides for the exams that transfer students are expected to take at University of Idaho.
Theory and Aural Skills Diagnostic Exam and Study Guides
The goal of this exam is to advise transfer students regarding deficiencies in their prior theory training. The exam is given during the first week of classes each semester, as needed.