Los Angeles College of Music

What is the accreditation of Los Angeles College of Music?

LACM identifies the National Association of Schools of Music (NASM) as its accrediting organization. NASM's role is particularly relevant because it accredits music institutions and programs; applicants should check NASM's current directory for the college's status and the scope of accreditation.

Accreditation involves external review against published standards. It does not mean every course will transfer to another college, nor does it guarantee professional licensure or employment. Students should distinguish NASM accreditation from any separate approval that a particular credential or occupation might require. For federal financial aid, eligibility also depends on the institution's and the student's current participation and eligibility under federal rules.

What are the admission requirements at Los Angeles College of Music?

LACM is not an open-admission institution. Applicants should expect an application, academic records and a demonstration of relevant musical or technical ability; the exact audition or portfolio requirements depend on the program.

In 2024-25 admissions reporting, a secondary school transcript and GPA were required, while recommendations were considered but not required. SAT and ACT scores were neither required nor recommended. English-language testing, including TOEFL, was listed as required for applicants subject to that requirement; international applicants should confirm which tests and exemptions the current admissions policy permits.

The reported first-year admission rate was about 88%: 364 of 415 applicants were admitted. That figure describes one applicant pool, not an individual's likelihood of admission. Before applying, check the current program instructions for the accepted audition format, submission deadlines and whether academic or English-proficiency requirements differ by credential.

What are the application fees and waivers at Los Angeles College of Music?

The reported application fee is $60. Applicants should confirm the amount shown in the current application before paying, particularly if applying to a graduate program or using a different application route.

An application fee pays for application processing; it is not an enrollment deposit or a charge toward tuition. Applicants who need a fee waiver should ask admissions about eligibility and the request procedure before submitting payment, rather than assuming a waiver can be applied afterward.

What types of ROTC programs are available at Los Angeles College of Music?

Prospective students should not assume that LACM operates an Army, Air Force or Navy ROTC unit, or that enrollment at the college establishes access to a nearby university's unit. Cross-enrollment requires an arrangement that the ROTC host and LACM both recognize.

A student interested in commissioning should ask the relevant ROTC host whether LACM students may participate, whether the schedule works with music coursework and whether a scholarship can be used at LACM. ROTC scholarships and participation have separate eligibility rules and, for commissioning pathways, service obligations.

What are the requirements for transfer students at Los Angeles College of Music?

Transfer applicants should prepare official transcripts from every college attended and meet the admission requirements of their intended LACM program. Admission to the college and acceptance of previous coursework toward a particular degree are separate decisions.

Institutional enrollment figures record 11 transfer-in students in the reported entering population, so transferring is a relevant pathway. Before committing, request a written evaluation showing how prior music, general education and elective courses would apply. This is especially important for sequenced performance and production classes: receiving elective credit for a course may not replace a required course. Applicants should also confirm any residency requirement - the minimum coursework that must be completed at LACM - and the term for which they can apply.

What types of study abroad programs are available at Los Angeles College of Music?

Students interested in study abroad should first establish whether a proposed experience can count toward an LACM degree. International enrollment at the Pasadena campus does not, by itself, indicate that the college operates semester exchanges or faculty-led programs overseas.

Before paying an outside program provider, obtain written answers about academic approval, transfer credit, instrument or equipment needs and whether any financial aid could apply. Performance and production courses may have sequences that make time away from the campus difficult to fit into a degree plan.