The college and the Sonic Arts Center program have their own dedicated admissions procedures and application forms. You must be accepted to both the college and the Sonic Arts Center program to begin your studies. You should apply to the college and the Music and Audio Technology program at the same time to avoid any late admission issues with the college.
TRANSFER STUDENTS
We accept students into our program who are in any year of their undergraduate studies. We also accept students who have already completed a degree. For information on transferring credits, except for music and audio technology courses, please contact Melissa Odeon in the Dean of the Humanities and the Arts offices at: moden@ccny.cuny.edu
The audio technology course sequence always starts in the Spring semester of the first year. In very rare cases we may be able to accommodate transfers into the Fall semester of the second year (skipping the first semester of audio technology courses). If students begin their studies in the Spring of their first year any audio technology transfer credits will be applied as electives. If students begin their studies in the Fall of their second year we will accept audio technology transfer credits equivalent to the two audio courses in the second semester of the first year. All other audio technology transfer credits will be applied as electives.
Registering for Harmony and Ear Training classes does not require a placement exam at this time. Please click the link below for instructions on how to determine where you should begin your Harmony and Ear Training sequence.
PROSPECTIVE CANDIDATES MUST HAVE THE FOLLOWING EXPERIENCE
AUDIO TECHNOLOGY
This experience can be obtained through audio technology courses at an educational institution, internships, or through self initiated exposure to audio software, hardware, and practices.
THEORY AND MUSICIANSHIP
Qualified students must be able to write, sing, and recognize basic intervals, triads, scales/key signatures, and rhythm/time signatures.
CREATIVE MUSICIAN
Our program requires students to create original music. Candidates must have some experience as an arranger and composer/song-writer in any style of music.
COMPUTERS
Students must possess a basic background in computer technologies including an understanding of computer componenets (hard drive, RAM, ROM, etc.), operating system, file management, etc. Sonic Arts Center only uses Apple Computers.
APPLICATION DESCRIPTION
The application process consists of five basic components:
The Application Form, Transcripts, Letter of Intent, Recorded Examples, and Evaluations.
PREPARING THE APPLICATION FORM
Click below to view the Sonic Arts Application Form.
PREPARING THE TRANSCRIPT(S)
Provide a copy of your academic records. High school seniors and high school graduates with less than four semesters of full-time college credit should submit their high school transcript AND their college transcript(s) (when applicable). Candidates with four semesters of full-time college credit should submit their college transcript(s).Transcripts can be unofficial or official. All transcripts must be in PDF format.
Save your transcripts as PDF files with this naming structure:
“lastname_firstinitial_transcript.pdf”
If you are providing more than one transcript add a number to the file name.
Example: “jones_d_transcript.pdf” for each additional add a number “jones_d_transcript2.pdf“
LETTER OF INTENT
You must provide a short essay that will describe yourself, your background, your interest in music and audio technology, and the reason you want to attend The Sonic Arts Center. This is your opportunity to introduce yourself to the Selection Committee and to create a positive impression on them.
The Letter of Intent must be in PDF format.
Save your transcripts as PDF files with this naming structure:
“lastname_firstinitial_letter.pdf”
RECORDED EXAMPLES (PORTFOLIO)
You must provide at least three examples of your original, creative, musical work. You should compose and arrange the musical elements on your own and should be the primary audio technician for these examples. Performers, other than yourself, may be employed in these examples, however you must indicate where.
Portfolio Examples exported as:
- .mp3 or .wav, audio files
- .mp4, video files
Below is a list of skills that can be demonstrated in the examples with clear definitions of each. Be specific about what you contributed to the recording.
Examples of contribution would be:
- Producer - directed the entire production. Performers and/or engineers during the production or recording session took direction from you.
- Composer/Songwriter - wrote music and lyrics for an original piece of music or backing track.
- Arranger - created original instrumental, synth, sampled and/or vocal parts for a song.
- Recording Engineer - recorded live instrumentalists and/or vocalists.
- Mixing Engineer - mixed a multi-track recording, on either a DAW or analog console, using compressors, equalizers, delays and reverbs etc.
- Performer - played an instrument, sang, DJ'd or rapped on the track.
EVALUATION LETTERS
We require two instructor/mentor evaluations.
When you submit your completed application, your instructor/mentor will receive an automatic email with a link to the Instructor/Evaluator form.
APPLICATION DEADLINE
The Sonic Arts Center accepts applications on a rolling basis; we will review applications as we receive them.
Candidates should expect to receive a decision from the Selection Committee within a few weeks after the application, transcripts(s), and evaluations are received
Candidates can apply for either the Fall or Spring semester entry into the program.
SPRING APPLICATION DEADLINE
We recommend you send your application to us sometime between October 1 and December 15. All Spring applications must be submitted by December 15. You should send your application to CUNY no later than November 15th since their processing time is longer than ours.
FALL APPLICATION DEADLINE
We recommend you send your application to us sometime between February 1 and July 15. All Fall applications must be submitted by July 15. You should send your application to CUNY no later than June 15 since their processing time is longer than ours.
CUNY APPLICATION DEADLINES
CUNY applications are reviewed on a rolling admissions basis.
THE SONIC ARTS CENTER
THE CITY COLLEGE OF NEW YORK
259 Convent Avenue
Shepard Hall Room 72
New York, NY 10031
EDUCATIONAL PARTNERS
Last Updated: 06/26/2026 15:01