Music Auditions
Prospective music majors and minors are required to audition for the music faculty. The purpose of this audition is not only to demonstrate the student’s level of performance skill, but also to acquaint the music faculty with the student’s potential and needs so that the student may be more effectively advised. All auditions will include an interview, a musicianship assessment and sightreading plus the specific performance requirements listed below.
Students may also be considered for a Music Scholarship at the time of the entrance audition. (Because Scholarship funds are limited, students are encouraged to try to schedule their auditions early.)
Audition Dates
Auditions are scheduled on the following dates.
- Saturday, November 9, 2024
- Saturday, February 22, 2025
- Saturday, March 22, 2025
- Saturday, April 26, 2025
- Saturday, May 17, 2025
Music Audition Application Form
*Please note: The deadline for application is 8 days prior to each audition date (5:00 PM).
Students who live more than 200 miles from campus may be allowed to audition by video recording. If this applies to you, please contact Dr. Michiko Otaki.
Audition Requirements
Voice
Prepare two memorized selections: (1) a classical art song or aria in Italian, French, German, Spanish, or English, (2) another classical song or aria, a concert folk song or spiritual arrangement, or a lyrical musical theatre piece. Individual vocal lines from a choral piece may not be used.
All selections must be accompanied by piano. An accompanist will be provided, and students will have the opportunity to briefly rehearse with the accompanist prior to the audition.
Piano
Pianists should prepare all major and minor (harmonic and melodic) scales, hands together, 2 octaves. Minimum tempo of metronome marking 100 per every 4 notes.
Perform two from the following three. All pieces must be played from memory. Inappropriate repertoire may result in an unsuccessful audition result. Please inform Dr. Otaki of your audition pieces in advance if you are unsure.
- A 2-part Invention, 3 part-Invention (Sinfonia), or a Prelude and Fugue from the Well-Tempered Clavier by J.S. Bach
- One movement of a sonata (not a sonatina) by F.J. Haydn, W.A. Mozart, or L.v. Beethoven. If you choose a short sonata by Haydn, you will be required to play all movements of the sonata. Please check with Dr. Otaki if you are unsure.
- A Romantic, Impressionistic, or 20th century piece from the standard classical piano solo concert repertoire
In addition, you will also be asked to sight-read a short piece.
Guitar
Prepare two contrasting solos or etudes of your choice. Applicants also will be asked to play a position (across the neck) major scale. All audition requirements will be played using finger-style guitar technique and not a pick. Memorization is not required.
Instrumental
Prepare two works for the audition. We suggest one etude or solo piece of the student’s choice and one movement from the standard sonata or concerto repertoire. Students also will be asked to play one major and one minor scale in two or three-octaves with the corresponding arpeggios. Percussionists should play one piece each on timpani, snare drum, and a mallet instrument. An accompanist is not required, but one can be provided upon request. Memorization is not required.
Please contact Dr. Michiko Otaki to request additional information about auditions, scholarships, or admission into the music program.