About the Audition
Incoming freshmen may audition for a music scholarship on any of our three annual audition days. Auditions will be held at the Langroise Center for the Performing & Fine Arts on the College's campus on the following dates:
- February 15, 2025
- March 1, 2025
- March 15, 2025
Accommodations are available under special circumstances. Click here to register for an audition.
Auditioning puts students in consideration for one of many available music scholarships and is not limited to students majoring in music. Students of all degree programs are eligible for award.
Scholarship consideration is based on the quality of preparation and performance, the potential for further musical growth, and the instrumental/vocal needs of the music department. Please see the list of instrument-specific audition requirements below to inform your preparation. In addition, our instrumental faculty may be available to offer a complimentary lesson to help make your audition as successful as it can be.
Any questions should be directed to Edith Dull, Academic Administrative Assistant for the Fine and Performing Arts.
Audition Requirements
Wind and Brass - Prepare a solo work for the instrument representative of your current ability. A piece from the state-solo list or a sufficiently technical étude are appropriate choices. Accompanists are welcome but are not necessary or expected. A major scale across the whole range of your instrument may also be asked.
Percussion - Prepare two brief solo works or études, one for snare drum and one for keyboard percussion. Demonstration of major scales may also be asked. Accompanists are welcome but are not necessary or expected. Instruments will be provided for you. Jazz percussionists should also be prepared to demonstrate a variety of styles on drum set.
Vocalists - Prepare two songs of contrasting styles, tempos, or languages that demonstrate your current abilities. Consider asking your teacher for song ideas but the State-Solo List is a great resource to begin with (click on "required music" for a list by voice part). One of the songs may be from the jazz, folk, or musical theatre genre. A brief sight-singing and or aural recall excerpt may be asked of you. An accompanist will be provided so please bring a copy of your music for them.
Strings - Prepare two contrasting pieces or movements no longer than 10 minutes combined. Accompanists are welcome but are not necessary or expected. A major scale across the whole range of your instrument may also be asked.
Piano – Prepare two contrasting solo piano pieces from the standard repertoire.
Suggested repertoire:
- A prelude and Fugue from the Well-Tempered Clavier
- A movement from a Classical Sonata
- A piece by Schumann, Brahms, Chopin, Liszt, Mendelssohn, or Debussy