How to apply to your MI program:
The first step in applying to any MI program is to complete an Application for Admission.
To apply for admission click here.
MI offers programs in:
- Instrument Performance: Bass, Guitar, Drums, Keyboard, and Vocals
- Bachelor of Music in Performance
- Associates of Arts in Performance
- Certificate in Performance
- Encore (Non-Certificate)
- Recording and Music Industry Specialties:
- Certificate in Audio Engineering
- Independent Artist Certificate
- Guitar Craft Certificate
- Music Business Certificate
- Certificate in Music Video, Film and Television Production.
Deadlines:
The Admissions Department must receive a completed written application, all official documents/required materials, and completed Theory, Ear Training and Performance DVD tests by the deadlines.
Bachelor Application Deadlines:
Spring Admission: January 31
Fall Admission: July 31
Fully completed applications will be reviewed with placement priority given to the applications received prior to the established due dates. Accepted applicants will be notified by mail and telephone. Applicants who are not accepted will receive notification by mail only, along with the specific reasons for non-acceptance.
Associates and Certificates Application Deadlines:
Class sizes are limited and placement priority is given to applications in the order accepted. Fully completed applications are reviewed for acceptance on an ongoing basis. Accepted applicants will be notified by mail and/or telephone. Applicants who are not accepted will not be notified by mail.
Required Application Materials:
Mi Programs are fast paced and certain fundamental musical skills are required before you can begin your program. If you meet entry requirements and are accepted, a one-on-one performance evaluation and placement testing will be held during registration to determine whether you qualify for advanced placement in any area of course work. You are evaluated based on the content of your submission. The sound quality of your recording is not a factor. (Recordings will not be returned) Note: Recording Requirements (see page 5 of application for Admission for specifics) - Music Business, Audio Engineering, Film and Bachelor Degree applicants DO NOT need to submit the recordings.
Bachelor Degree Applicants: Bass- Drums- Guitar- Keyboard Technology- Vocals
For your application to be considered, complete the following requirements:
Submit a completed application form including:
- $100.00 application fee (non-refundable, checks made payable to Musicians Institute)
- Copy of photo ID (driver’s license or passport)
- 250 word essay
- Two recommendation letters (academic letter & music letter)
- SAT or ACT Scores- Or College Transcripts (if applicable)
- Copy of your high school diploma or equivalent (must be in English)
- High school seniors submit your diploma when you graduate
- International Applicants: Evidence of minimum TOEFL score of 500 (or computerized test score of 173 or internet-based/IBT score of 61)
- $300.00 tuition deposit (refundable- see catalog for details, you may send one check for the application fee and deposit at time of initial application.)
After all above documents have been received, your Bachelor entrance exam will be mailed to you. Your application will not be considered for final approval until review of your Bachelor Entrance Exam.
Associates Degree, Performance Certificate and Encore Applicants: Bass- Drum- Guitar- Keyboard Technology- Vocals
To be considered for acceptance, complete the following requirements:
Submit a completed application form including:
- $100 application fee (non-refundable, checks made payable to Musicians Institute)
- Audio recording of your instrument and speaking voice (see recording requirements on page 5 of application)
- One letter of recommendation from a music instructor or music professional who is familiar with your personal and musical qualities.
- Copy of photo ID (driver’s license or passport)
- Copy of your high school diploma or equivalent (must be in English; not required for Encore, High School seniors submit your diploma when you graduate)
- $300.00 tuition deposit (refundable- see catalog for details, you may send one check for the application fee and deposit at time of initial application)
For Vocal programs ONLY, non-refundable equipment fee is due at the time of registration:
- $120.00 Equipment Fee (Vocals)
Music Industry Program Applicants Audio Engineering- Independent Artist- Music Business- Film- Guitar Craft
To be considered for acceptance, complete the following requirements:
Submit a completed application form including:
- $100 application fee (non-refundable, checks made payable to Musicians Institute)
- Scholastic Level Exam (Audio Engineering, Music Business, Film, Guitar Craft ONLY)
- Audio recording (Independent Artist, Guitar Craft ONLY see recording requirements on page 5 of application)
For your application to be considered for final approval you must submit all items below:
- Copy of Photo ID (driver’s license or passport)
- Copy of your high school diploma or equivalent (must be in English, high school seniors submit your diploma when you graduate)
- $300 tuition deposit (refundable- see catalog for details, you may send one check for the application fee and deposit at a time of initial application)
For the following programs ONLY, non-refundable equipment fees are due at the time of registration:
- $280.00 (Independent Artist)
- $235.00 (Audio Engineering)
For Questions, Contact Admissions (800) 255-7529 or (323) 462-1384
Transfer Credits:
Policies regarding the acceptance of transfer course credit vary by institution and are at the complete discretion of the institution to which you may seek to transfer.
Credits Earned at Another Institution for Transfer to MI Bachelors Degree
General Education Transfer Credits
The two main components of the Bachelor of Music Degree are the music coursework and the general education requirements. To fulfill the general education degree requirements, you must complete 45 quarter units or 30 semester units in liberal arts subjects.
For this purpose, Musicians Institute has entered into a partnership with Los Angeles City College (LACC). All required general education courses, including a wide selection of subjects in English, mathematics, natural science, social science and humanities are offered on the nearby LACC campus. MI students may register for appropriate general education classes in consultation with LACC advisors with support and coordination from Musicians Institute. LACC is accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC). See Bachelor of Music Degree requirements in this catalog for a summary of required General Education credit distribution.
You may also transfer up to the maximum number of required general education units from institutions other than LACC pending review and approval by the Dean. Acceptance of coursework will be based on standards set by the National Association of Schools of Music and Musicians Institute, as well as comparisons to offerings from LACC.
Music Transfer Credits
The maximum number of transfer credits that may be applied to satisfy music coursework requirements vary according to your initial placement in the areas of Private Lessons, Ensembles, Theory, Ear Training and Reading. In no case may the total number of transfer credits (music and general education combined) exceed the maximum allowed under the Residency Requirement (see “Policies” in Course Catalog).
Credits from MI Associate for Transfer to MI BM Program
Once you have completed MI’s Associate of Arts in Performance (Bass, Guitar, Keyboard Technology, Drums or Vocals) with a minimum GPA of 3.75, you may transfer the following credits toward your BM completion requirements:
Instrument Study: 12 credits
Reading: 6 credits
Additional credits that may be transferred based on results of BM entrance evaluation include:
Private Lesson: up to 12 credits
Ensembles: up to 6 credits
Electives: up to 9 credits
Transfer credits for students who are admitted to the BM program after completing the AA Performance Degree with a GPA below 3.75 or students admitted after completing an AA (Combined Emphasis) Degree will be evaluated on a course-by-course basis.
Credits Earned at MI for Transfer to Another Institution
MI cannot guarantee the transferability of credit except between its own degree programs. If the credits, degree or certificate that you earn at MI are not accepted at the institution to which you seek to transfer, you may be required to repeat some or all of your coursework at that institution. For this reason, you should make certain that your attendance at MI will meet your educational goals. This may include contacting the institution to which you may seek to transfer after attending MI to determine if your credits, degree or certificate will transfer.

