Prospective instrumental or voice majors and minors are not required to audition for acceptance into the Department of Music as a music major or minor. However, an audition is required for music scholarship consideration.
Click Here to Register for Auditions/Scholarships for the HPU Department of Music
The audition process has two components:
- The performance
- The interview
2022-2023 audition dates:
October 28
January 27
February 10
March 31
Please click on the tabs below for specific information on the performance component:
Percussion performance requirements are as follows:
- Percussionists should perform a solo on snare drum, keyboard (marimba/xylophone), and timpani.
- Applicants auditioning will be asked to perform 3-5 scales from memory for at least 2 octaves. (all scales will be major)
- Students will be asked to perform the chromatic scale for three (3) octaves.
- Students will be asked to sight read a short passage on snare drum, keyboard, and timpani.
String performance requirements are as follows:
- String players should perform 2 selections in contrasting style (lyrical/rhythmic, slow/fast, classical/swing, etc.)
- Applicants auditioning will be asked to perform 2 major scales from memory for three (3) octaves.
- Students will be asked to perform one (1) melodic minor scale for three (3) octaves.
- Students will be asked to sight read a short passage.
Woodwind/Brass requirements are as follows:
- Students should perform 2 selections in contrasting style (lyrical/rhythmic, slow/fast, classical/swing, etc.)
- Applicants auditioning will be asked to perform 3-5 scales from memory for at least 2 octaves. (all scales will be major)
- Students will be asked to perform the chromatic scale for the full range of the instrument.
- Students will be asked to sight read a short passage.
Piano performance requirements are as follows:
- The applicant should perform 2 selections in contrasting style. At least one selection should represent the classical or the romantic period. At least one selection should be memorized.
- Applicants auditioning will be asked to perform 2 major scales from memory. (Three or four octaves, hands together)
- Students will be asked to perform one harmonic minor scales from memory.
- The applicant will also be asked to sight-read a short piece and demonstrate a basic knowledge of keyboard harmony.
Voice performance requirements are as follows:
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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)
- 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.
- Scholarship offers are extended in late February or early March. The scholarship offer will come from the admissions office.
Interview
During the interview portion of the audition, the faculty will try to get to know you a little better and learn about your playing experience, goals, and about you, the individual. Please bring a résumé with you, as well as several copies of the music you’re performing.