This page contains information for current Thornton students who are eligible (undergraduate students who will be juniors and/or seniors in the 2023-24 academic year) and would like to apply for possible participation in a Thornton International Exchange Program during the 2023-24 academic year.
Application for Thornton Pre-Selection
Thornton students wishing to be considered for participation in an exchange program must first submit an application for pre-selection. This pre-selection application must be submitted via the online Slideroom application system. An application fee of $30 (payable by credit card) will be charged at the time of submission. An application cannot be submitted and no part of the application will be reviewed until all required portions are completed, all required files are uploaded, and the application fee is paid.
The deadline to submit your application to USC Thornton is January 15.
The online application for pre-selection will require the following materials:
- Letter of Motivation: In one or two pages, this letter should describe the reasons why you are interested in participating in the exchange program at the specific overseas host institution to which you are applying for study. Include reflections regarding your professional and artistic goals, along with how overseas study at the host institution aligns with those goals.
- Learning Agreement: This learning plan should list the specific courses you are proposing to take at the host institution if you are ultimately selected for participation in the exchange program. Not sure where to start? Use the Study Abroad Planning Tool.
- Résumé or Curriculum Vitae including musical, professional, and academic experience.
- Academic Transcript: This can be a PDF of the “Completed Course Summary” from the OASIS system (link from your MyUSC page).
- Passport: A copy of a valid passport that will not expire before the end of the 2023-2024 academic year.
- Recommendation Letters are optional
The Thornton International Program team will review all applications and pre-select Thornton students who will then be advised to apply for final selection by the appropriate host institution in Europe.
Application for Final Selection by Host Institution
Thornton students who are pre-selected must submit an additional application for final selection by the host institution. This additional application must be submitted via the prescribed online application system of the host institution, as instructed by the international exchange coordinator at the host institution.
Thornton students should be prepared to submit similar materials to those submitted on SlideRoom.
Acceptance from our overseas partner institution is based on available study places for the chosen program and the level of the student’s audition performance recording.
Thornton students must comply with the official deadline established by each host institution they are interested in participating in a semester exchange.
Amsterdam Conservatory application deadline is March 1
Audition Guidelines: submit 20 minutes of audition recordings.
All Instrumental & Vocalists must include three songs (at least one of the songs should be an original composition).
Composition applicants must submit a portfolio.
CODARTS Rotterdam application deadline is March 31
Audition Guidelines: submit 20 minutes of audition recordings.
All Instrumental & Vocalists must include three songs (at least one of the songs should be an original composition).
Sound Engineers (Production): three personal audio or audio-video productions.
CNSMD Lyon application deadline is March 28
Audition Guidelines:
All Instrumental & Vocalists must submit 20 minutes of audition recordings which demonstrate the musical qualities of the applicant.
Composition applicants: the score of one or two of their compositions, preferably accompanied by a recording of a performance.
CNSMD Paris application deadline is April 15
Audition Guidelines:
For Jazz applicants: submit 15-to-50 minutes of audition recordings. Audition recording must include: (1) a jazz standard in which the candidate plays solos and intervenes with the rhythm section or group (2) a composition by the candidate or an arrangement of a piece of their choice (with rhythm section) which highlights her/his aesthetic preferences (3) a free solo improvisation.
For Instrumental & Vocal Performers: submit a 20-to-30 minute recording (preferably video) of pieces of different styles, accompanied by a certificate of authenticity signed by the candidate’s teacher.
For Composition applicants: must submit a portfolio.
For Sound Engineers (Production): three personal audio or audio-video productions.
Norwegian Academy of Music application deadline is March 1
Audition Guidelines: submit 15-to-20 minutes of audition recording.
All Instrumental & Vocalists are required to play, or sing, two or three pieces that contrast in style. Videos can be uploaded in most file formats. They can also be attached as a link to Vimeo, SoundCloud, YouTube or Dropbox.
Composition applicants must submit a portfolio.
Royal Northern College of Music application deadline is TBD
Audition Guidelines: submit 15-to-20 minutes of audition recording.
All Instrumental & Vocalists are required to play, or sing, two or three pieces that contrast in style. Videos can be uploaded in most file formats. They can also be attached as a link to Vimeo, SoundCloud, YouTube or Dropbox.
Composition applicants must submit the score of one or two works showing both technical and compositional skills.
Sibelius Academy application deadline is March 1
Audition Guidelines: submit 15-to-20 minutes of audition recording.
All Instrumental & Vocalists are required to play, or sing, two or three pieces that contrast in style. Videos can be uploaded in most file formats. They can also be attached as a link to Vimeo, SoundCloud, YouTube or Dropbox.
Composition applicants must submit the score of one or two works showing both technical and compositional skills.
Notification of Final Selection
Students will be notified in early May regarding final selection by the host institution.
At the time of notification, students selected for the exchange program will be provided information regarding how to obtain the necessary visa and make other preparations for their time of study at the host institution.