Brandeis University Admissions

Famed American composer and conductor Leonard Bernstein was one of Brandeis' first and most influential faculty members. Each year, in collaboration with our music faculty, we select a small cohort of students to participate in a Scholars Program established in his honor.

The arts have always been an essential part of the Brandeis experience. The Leonard Bernstein Scholars Program — which celebrates the legacy of Bernstein and all of Brandeis' talented musicians — provides students with free private lessons, professional chamber coaching from esteemed Brandeis faculty, and a range of unique performance experiences.

This year, the Scholars Program will be awarded for instrumentalists and vocalists. Portfolios will be reviewed by Brandeis music faculty and considered in the application review process for admission to Brandeis. 

How to Apply

On the supplement page of your Brandeis application, you'll be asked whether you'd like to be considered for the Leonard Bernstein Scholars Program. If you do, you'll be asked to submit a recorded music audition through a program called Slideroom. See the table below for submission deadlines.

Applicants are encouraged to submit two to three recordings. Submissions are evaluated by Brandeis music faculty, who select Leonard Bernstein Scholars in conjunction with the admissions office. Scholars are notified of their award at the time of admission.

Perks of the Program

• Free private lessons with members of the Brandeis music faculty.
• Unique performance opportunities with the other members of the Leonard Bernstein Scholars Program.
• Mentorship and advising from Brandeis' highly respected music faculty.

Program Requirements

In order to maintain their funding and Scholars Program membership, scholars must:

• Maintain a satisfactory level of participation and performance in Leonard Bernstein Scholars Program ensembles.
• Declare a major or minor in music.
• Meet the additional renewal criteria for the Leonard Bernstein Fellowship.

Slideroom Submission Deadlines