Audition Requirements

Percussion performance requirements are as follows:

1. Percussionists should perform a solo on snare drum, keyboard (marimba/xylophone), and timpani.
2. Applicants auditioning will be asked to perform 3-5 scales from memory for at least 2 octaves. (all scales will be major)
3. Students will be asked to perform the chromatic scale for three (3) octaves.
4. Students will be asked to sight read a short passage on snare drum, keyboard, and timpani.

String performance requirements are as follows:

1. String players should perform 2 selections in contrasting style (lyrical/rhythmic, slow/fast, classical/swing, etc.)
2. Applicants auditioning will be asked to perform 2 major scales from memory for three (3) octaves.
3. Students will be asked to perform one (1) melodic minor scale for three (3) octaves.
4. Students will be asked to sight read a short passage.

Woodwind/Brass requirements are as follows:

1. Students should perform 2 selections in contrasting style (lyrical/rhythmic, slow/fast, classical/swing, etc.)
2. Applicants auditioning will be asked to perform 3-5 scales from memory for at least 2 octaves. (all scales will be major)
3. Students will be asked to perform the chromatic scale for the full range of the instrument.
4. Students will be asked to sight read a short passage.

The audition requirements for the piano major are as follows:

1. Each student is required to perform three pieces. One piece must be from the Eighteenth Century and one piece must be from the Nineteenth Century. The third selection may be from the Twentieth or Twenty First Century. At least two and preferably all three of the selected pieces must be performed from memory.
2. Performance of major and harmonic minor scales in all keys. Three of four octaves hands together is preferred.
3. The piano faculty will select a piece for the student to sightread at the audition.

Voice performance requirements are as follows:

1. Vocalists should perform 2 art songs in contrasting style from memory. If you need clarification on this, Dr. Scott R. MacLeod, Assistant Professor of Music, or Dr. Foster, Chair of the Department of Music would be happy to consult with you. Also, if you have a voice teacher or choir leader, they should be able to give you some guidance.
2. If you also have a musical theatre or pop piece you would like to sing, that would be great – something that shows your voice and your passions.
3. If you audition in person, we will provide the accompanist. We will allow for warm-up and rehearsal time prior to the actual audition. Please send your music in advance.
4. If you plan on doing a YouTube, DVD, or Skype audition, use live accompaniment (no pre-recorded music, please). Please make sure we can see you from the waist up.
5. Please bring a brief “resumé” of your musical accomplishments and a headshot or bio photo. (this helps us remember you when we’re awarding scholarship money)
6. At the end of the audition we will ask you to step out of the room and the professors will discuss your acceptance into the program. We will let you know at that time whether you have been accepted or not.
7. Scholarship offers are extended in late February or early March. The scholarship offer will come from the admissions office.