Transfer Applicants

We welcome students who may have begun their musical education elsewhere, but wish to finish their degrees at the Colburn Conservatory of Music. For the most part, transfer candidates must follow the same application process as new students with a few additional requirements.

  • We do not accept transfer applicants into our Master of Music degree program.
  • We require both high school and college transcripts for any completed coursework.
  • Transfer applicants enrolling at the Colburn Conservatory of Music must formally withdraw from their current institution prior to transferring to Colburn.

Transfer of Credits

Some credits may be transferable to the Colburn Conservatory. Requests for credit transfers are made during your first semester of enrollment in the Conservatory.

General Education Credits

Completed humanities courses with a grade of C or better at another accredited undergraduate college or university shall be considered for transfer.

We may accept up to 50% of general education and humanities credits (12 credits total) for transfer applicants who have completed at least two years of post-secondary education.

For students who have less than two years of post-secondary education, including high school students who have earned college credits, we may accept up to 25% (6 credits total) of general education and humanities credits.

All transfer applicants must provide us with official transcripts showing final grades. Also, we may ask for course descriptions, syllabus, or textbooks and class materials to determine course equivalency.

Music Theory and Ear Training

Credit for these courses at Colburn is based on assessment tests. The results will determine whether you’ll receive credit for equivalent classes at Colburn.

Music History

Placement into music history courses at the Colburn Conservatory of Music will be based on a review of your transcripts, which must include course names and final grades. Also, we may ask for course descriptions, syllabi, or textbooks and class materials to determine course equivalency.

Orchestra, Applied Study, and Chamber Music

Regardless of your previous school experiences, we expect all students at the Colburn Conservatory of Music to enroll in applied studies (lessons) and orchestra (except pianists) during each semester. We also expect all students to enroll in chamber music classes for 50% of their enrollment.

Determination of Transfer Credits

The final determination of whether your previously earned credits from another college or university will be applied toward your work at the Colburn Conservatory of Music will be decided by the Dean of the Conservatory in consultation with faculty. Typically this decision will be finalized during the registration process. Any adjustments to transfer credits or placements are made at the discretion of Colburn and in consultation with your academic advisor.