Q&A & FAQ
Fill out the form and then scroll down to see more info about Violin Studies @ UCF including answers to questions that I'm often asked. I'll be in touch as soon as I can so we can get things rolling. It's always best for us to be in contact before you plan an audition!
Anything found below in RED is a clickable link. This website is not the official source for UCF Music or UCF applications! The links may change without notice. Make sure to visit ucf.edu (clickable and always correct) to get the most reliable info...
IMPORTANT: For 2023 auditions, violinists should select either a February 11 or 18 in-person audition date, or request a video or alternate live audition. I will not be able to be present for the February 6 UCF Music audition. Please email me ASAP at ross.winter@ucf.edu if Feb 11 or 18 are not possible for any reason.
What do I need to play for my audition?
Depending on the degree for which you're auditioning, there are different requirements. Those details are located on the UCF website by clicking here. If you have questions or would like to propose repertoire substitutions, please reach out!
How many applications do I need to fill out?
Two. You will need to apply to the university (academically, here) and to the School of Performing Arts (musically, here). Undergraduate students may also consider applying to the UCF Honors College which is found here.
International students will also need to fill out a separate application. Details are found here at UCF Global.
Graduate students will also need to fill out a separate application if auditioning for an assistantship found here.
I've already applied to UCF. How do I apply to be a music major?
The applications for specific UCF Music degrees can be found by clicking here.
Can I major in music without an audition?
No. All prospective students planning to be a music major must audition for the program.
I live far away or out-of-state. Can I audition through Zoom or on video?
The simple answer is: yes. It's always best if you can attend an audition in-person, but we understand that distance and travel finances can pose an issue with getting to campus. Please contact me for more info if you're not able to attend an on-campus audition.
I want to perform an on-campus audition, but I can't be there on any of the audition days.
If you are not able to come to campus on one of the official audition days but would still like to audition in-person, please reach out to me as soon as possible to see if we can arrange an alternate day/time.
What do the different degrees mean for violin students?
*The BM degree is a rigorous program for students intending to pursue a career as a performing musician. It offers/requires 4 years (8 semesters) of lessons and orchestra, as well as a course-load of substantial music classes and additional electives.
*The BME degree is also a rigorous program that prepares a student to teach violin, orchestra, and other music ensembles in schools and privately. It offers/requires 3 years (6 semesters) of lessons and orchestra, as well as student-teaching placements and substantial music ed courses.
*The BA-Music is a degree that is intended to offer a survey of music courses in conjunction with a liberal arts education. It is limited to 1 year (2 semesters only) of lessons and requires 2 years (4 semesters) of orchestra, although orchestra participation may continue for as many semesters as desired after successful ensemble auditions/participation.
*The graduate MA degree in Music is a flexible program of 2 years for students wishing to study and improve their playing at the highest level.
Is there a music minor at UCF?
Yes. A student can minor in music at UCF. However, music minors are not eligible to take private lessons.
Can I take lessons for credit as a non-music major?
Unfortunately, no. Only students who are enrolled in the BM, BME, BA, or Master's programs are eligible to take lessons for credit.
Can I double major with music and another degree?
Yes. Some students do pursue a double major with music and another field. Some music classes will count as electives for the second major and vice versa. A double major is not recommended for students pursuing the BME degree given the required curriculum and required student-teaching in public schools.
Can I take a lesson with you before I audition?
Yes! I offer a meet-and-greet lesson with prospective high school seniors and undergraduate seniors intending to audition for violin studies at UCF with no fee. It can be on campus or over Zoom. Because of the high demand and time limitations, I am only able to meet with students who have already submitted their UCF Music application/intent-to-audition form. Non-seniors (juniors, sophomores, etc) are encouraged to reach out at any time.
Can I transfer into UCF as a music major?
We welcome students to audition for entrance to UCF as a transfer student. The audition process remains the same and transfer students need to apply for an audition to UCF Music. See the audition repertoire requirements here.
Can I audition to start in the Spring semester instead of the Fall?
Yes. Students can apply to audition or transfer for the Spring semester. A special audition will need to be arranged a few months before January so contact the applied teacher well in advance. It will likely require a video audition.
I've already been accepted to UCF. Can I be a music major without auditioning for UCF Music?
Unfortunately, no. All prospective music major students have to complete an audition which grants admission into the music program as a music major. No student can declare a major in music until accepted after an audition on an instrument.
Can I still attend UCF if I'm not accepted as a music major?
As long as you were formally and academically accepted to UCF...YES! You will still be a Knight and can begin your academic career at UCF.
Can I play in one of the UCF orchestras if I'm not a music major?
The short answer is: yes. Each semester, the orchestra program holds auditions for music majors and non-majors. The dates, times, requirements are located here. The page is generally updated about 1 to 2 months before the next semester begins, so check back for future info.
If I am not accepted as a music major after the audition, can I re-audition again?
Absolutely. Often there are way more students who audition that we are able to take in a given year. You are strongly encouraged to practice diligently with excellent guidance for the next year and are always welcomed to re-audition! Students who show perseverance and progress are well-respected by our faculty.
Does UCF offer music scholarships?
Yes! Music merit scholarship awards are made based on the audition and can range from hundreds to thousands of dollars that contribute to tuition each year. While limited, UCF also offers out-of-state tuition waivers for music majors as well based on the audition.
Can I audition for a music scholarship to play in a university orchestra if I'm not a music major?
No. Music scholarships are only available to music majors.
Are there graduate assistantships for master's students in music?
Yes. These competitive awards grant full-tuition waivers (for in-state, out-of-state, and international tuition), and include a $10,000 per year stipend. The application can be found here.
If I'm not awarded a graduate assistantship, can I still attend UCF for a master's degree in music?
Absolutely. Many students decide to still complete a grad degree while attending either full-time or part-time over the course of study. Out-of-state students are encouraged to start part-time while they establish Florida residency for one year in order to qualify for in-state tuition.
IMPORTANT: For 2023 auditions, violinists should select either a February 11 or 18 in-person audition date, or request a video or alternate live audition. I will not be able to be present for the February 6 UCF Music audition. Please email me ASAP at ross.winter@ucf.edu if Feb 11 or 18 are not possible for any reason.
What do I need to play for my audition?
Depending on the degree for which you're auditioning, there are different requirements. Those details are located on the UCF website by clicking here. If you have questions or would like to propose repertoire substitutions, please reach out!
How many applications do I need to fill out?
Two. You will need to apply to the university (academically, here) and to the School of Performing Arts (musically, here). Undergraduate students may also consider applying to the UCF Honors College which is found here.
International students will also need to fill out a separate application. Details are found here at UCF Global.
Graduate students will also need to fill out a separate application if auditioning for an assistantship found here.
I've already applied to UCF. How do I apply to be a music major?
The applications for specific UCF Music degrees can be found by clicking here.
Can I major in music without an audition?
No. All prospective students planning to be a music major must audition for the program.
I live far away or out-of-state. Can I audition through Zoom or on video?
The simple answer is: yes. It's always best if you can attend an audition in-person, but we understand that distance and travel finances can pose an issue with getting to campus. Please contact me for more info if you're not able to attend an on-campus audition.
I want to perform an on-campus audition, but I can't be there on any of the audition days.
If you are not able to come to campus on one of the official audition days but would still like to audition in-person, please reach out to me as soon as possible to see if we can arrange an alternate day/time.
What do the different degrees mean for violin students?
*The BM degree is a rigorous program for students intending to pursue a career as a performing musician. It offers/requires 4 years (8 semesters) of lessons and orchestra, as well as a course-load of substantial music classes and additional electives.
*The BME degree is also a rigorous program that prepares a student to teach violin, orchestra, and other music ensembles in schools and privately. It offers/requires 3 years (6 semesters) of lessons and orchestra, as well as student-teaching placements and substantial music ed courses.
*The BA-Music is a degree that is intended to offer a survey of music courses in conjunction with a liberal arts education. It is limited to 1 year (2 semesters only) of lessons and requires 2 years (4 semesters) of orchestra, although orchestra participation may continue for as many semesters as desired after successful ensemble auditions/participation.
*The graduate MA degree in Music is a flexible program of 2 years for students wishing to study and improve their playing at the highest level.
Is there a music minor at UCF?
Yes. A student can minor in music at UCF. However, music minors are not eligible to take private lessons.
Can I take lessons for credit as a non-music major?
Unfortunately, no. Only students who are enrolled in the BM, BME, BA, or Master's programs are eligible to take lessons for credit.
Can I double major with music and another degree?
Yes. Some students do pursue a double major with music and another field. Some music classes will count as electives for the second major and vice versa. A double major is not recommended for students pursuing the BME degree given the required curriculum and required student-teaching in public schools.
Can I take a lesson with you before I audition?
Yes! I offer a meet-and-greet lesson with prospective high school seniors and undergraduate seniors intending to audition for violin studies at UCF with no fee. It can be on campus or over Zoom. Because of the high demand and time limitations, I am only able to meet with students who have already submitted their UCF Music application/intent-to-audition form. Non-seniors (juniors, sophomores, etc) are encouraged to reach out at any time.
Can I transfer into UCF as a music major?
We welcome students to audition for entrance to UCF as a transfer student. The audition process remains the same and transfer students need to apply for an audition to UCF Music. See the audition repertoire requirements here.
Can I audition to start in the Spring semester instead of the Fall?
Yes. Students can apply to audition or transfer for the Spring semester. A special audition will need to be arranged a few months before January so contact the applied teacher well in advance. It will likely require a video audition.
I've already been accepted to UCF. Can I be a music major without auditioning for UCF Music?
Unfortunately, no. All prospective music major students have to complete an audition which grants admission into the music program as a music major. No student can declare a major in music until accepted after an audition on an instrument.
Can I still attend UCF if I'm not accepted as a music major?
As long as you were formally and academically accepted to UCF...YES! You will still be a Knight and can begin your academic career at UCF.
Can I play in one of the UCF orchestras if I'm not a music major?
The short answer is: yes. Each semester, the orchestra program holds auditions for music majors and non-majors. The dates, times, requirements are located here. The page is generally updated about 1 to 2 months before the next semester begins, so check back for future info.
If I am not accepted as a music major after the audition, can I re-audition again?
Absolutely. Often there are way more students who audition that we are able to take in a given year. You are strongly encouraged to practice diligently with excellent guidance for the next year and are always welcomed to re-audition! Students who show perseverance and progress are well-respected by our faculty.
Does UCF offer music scholarships?
Yes! Music merit scholarship awards are made based on the audition and can range from hundreds to thousands of dollars that contribute to tuition each year. While limited, UCF also offers out-of-state tuition waivers for music majors as well based on the audition.
Can I audition for a music scholarship to play in a university orchestra if I'm not a music major?
No. Music scholarships are only available to music majors.
Are there graduate assistantships for master's students in music?
Yes. These competitive awards grant full-tuition waivers (for in-state, out-of-state, and international tuition), and include a $10,000 per year stipend. The application can be found here.
If I'm not awarded a graduate assistantship, can I still attend UCF for a master's degree in music?
Absolutely. Many students decide to still complete a grad degree while attending either full-time or part-time over the course of study. Out-of-state students are encouraged to start part-time while they establish Florida residency for one year in order to qualify for in-state tuition.