Frequently Asked Questions

1. What programs do you offer?
We currently have three programs, a single semester Diploma, one year and two year Diploma in Music Performance. These programs are open to students of all instruments. Every Semester consists of two sets of faculty. We have had faculty from 19 different countries till now.

2. What is the difference between Single semester Diploma, 1year and 2year Diploma Programs?
You can think of the Single semester program as an intensive foundation course that is designed to hone up both performance and music theory knowledge across virtually all aspects of contemporary music that is inclusive of jazz, rock, blues, carnatic music and several other world music genres. The one year and two year programs offer graded advancement to the foundation set in the single semester program and prepares students more effectively for career streams in music as a performer, songwriter, composer, arranger and more. Students enrolled in the one year programs get to study with twice the number of faculty and those in the 2 year programs get to study with four times the number of faculty as the single semester program. As SAM's faculty is drawn from the cream of world talents from many countries, single semester, one year and two year diploma students are assured of world class music education that is current and career oriented.

3. What are the prerequisites/eligibility for the program?
You should be 18 or older and should have basic proficiency on their chosen instrument and performance experience in a solo or band setting for SAM to consider your application. We also strongly encourage our applicants to develop a basic understanding of music theory through self-study or other forms of learning.

4. Who is the faculty?
SAM's faculty drawn from all over the world are among the best seen in any music college. They include Grammy Award nominees, winners of major fellowship and some of the most acclaimed touring and recording artists in the world. We have a different set of faculty for each semester and in many cases, two different sets of faculty in each semester to maximize the learning experience for each student.For more info on our current Faculty please visit the Faculty Details page.

5. Is a demo required for applying to the program?
Yes. The demo can be a solo performance in video or audio and can be an online link through myspace, youtube, soundcloud, reverbnation, facebook etc. They do not have to be professional quality demos. Home demos are perfectly acceptable. While we also accept physical CDs as demos, we strongly encourage you to send us online links or mp3s which make it easier for you and us to quickly process your application. In person auditions can also be scheduled in advance if you would like to come to SAM to audition.

6. What are the courses offered?
The Diploma in Music Performance is a comprehensive music education program. The courses offered range from Basic to Advanced material in Music Theory, Reading and Writing Music, Ear Training, Composition, Arranging, Improvisation, Music Appreciation, Carnatic music and various other forms of music from around the world. Apart from classroom instruction, you will have private lessons, instrumental or vocal labs, ensembles, seminars and other sources of instruction.

7. Do you offer Scholarships or Financial Aid?
Not at the present time. SAM is working on making this possible in the future.

8. Do you offer any work study programs?
Currently we do not offer any work/study program. But do let us know your skill-sets and provide us with your resume or profile and we will get in touch with you when there is a job available in campus.

9. I play an instrument which is not taught at the school, can I still apply?
At SAM, you learn music in a holistic way. The Diploma program welcomes students of all popular instruments. Since the focus of SAM is on contemporary artistic and popular music, we would have to evaluate applicants with principal instruments that are outside the norm, in a case-by case basis. Singers and instrumentalists who play guitar, acoustic or electric bass, piano or keyboards, drums or any Indian/World/Western percussion instrument, flute, clarinet, bass clarinet, saxophone, trumpet, trombone,accordion, violin, viola, cello, marimba, vibes etc are most welcome at reasonable levels of proficiency. If you play the bassoon, english horn, french horn, oboe, harp and other instruments more common in classical music, we believe only highly advanced musicians may be able to take advantage of our program. All our faculty have strong compositional and arranging skills and play multiple instruments and will be able to to teach musicians of any principal instrument outside of specific instrumental instruction.

10. What is the cost of the Diploma Program?
For more details please visit Fee Details page.

11. Can I get in touch with any alumni for more information?
We will gladly provide you contact information of any of our current students or alumni if you want to talk to them about the SAM experience.

12. How will a SAM education prepare me for a career in music?
The music world is filled with opportunities as a performer, song-writer, composer, arranger, music teacher, producer and more. The more skills you have, the better your chances of making a successful career in music. A SAM education will provide you the Foundation, Focus and Forward motion towards a rewarding career in music for you. We will give you the knowledge, confidence, requisite vocal or instrumental skills and other multi-musical and non-musical skill sets that are needed to make you a well rounded musician and open your doorway to pursuing higher studies in music or focusing on getting work as a performer, composer, arranger, producer, teacher etc. For students serious about a career in music, we recommend the one year and two year diploma programs which in simple terms will make you twice or four times as qualified as a single semester student in your SAM afterlife.