Audition Overview

 

All applicants qualify for a free lesson with our faculty to help them prepare for the live audition and submit a quality portfolio. Use the time to connect with a teacher and experience our top-rate private instruction for yourself. 

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Audition Portfolios contain media links of pre-recorded audition material. They are required application checklist items and must be submitted at least 1 week in advance of the audition using your applicant portal. Faculty evaluators will have the opportunity to review portfolios in advance of the live audition. We look at the portfolios prior to meeting with you on audition day to take some of the pressure off of the performance and put focus on the personal interactions.  We also use audition portfolios as a point of reference as we conduct our cumulative review and consider accepted students for scholarships.

How do I assemble my Audition Portfolio?

You'll record high-quality videos that accurately demonstrate your musical ability and fulfill the audition requirements for your primary instrument and chosen major. You'll then upload your media to a cloud-based online platform and compile a single portfolio document that contains public links to all of your music media.

Can I include additional content that is not required?

Yes, of course! While it is essential to include the content that meets the specified audition guidelines, all applicants are welcome to include supplemental media and/or to list accomplishments, accolades, and awards that support their overall artistry and musicianship . Use the Audition Portfolio to tell us all about who you are and share your goals and interest as a prospective student.

Audition Portfolio Details

In addition to the portfolio submission, scheduling a music audition is also a required checklist item. Each applicant will choose a date to audition and then complete a series of evaluations on their scheduled day. 

Audition Day Components

Depending on your chosen major, primary instrument, and level of study, your audition day experience may include any combination of the following components:

Instrumental Audition
This is the most common component and a widely shared experience among prospective students on audition day. This is your opportunity to demonstrate your ability to meet the audition requirements and showcase your instrumental identity as a vocalist, as a cellist, as a wind or brass player etc.

Degree Interview
These interviews are designed with flexibility in mind and they feel like a conversation rather than a high-pressure event. Applicants are encouraged to share their musical knowledge and experiences honestly so that all parties can determine whether the intended major is a good fit. 

Musicianship Placement Exam
This online diagnostic exam does not require any preparation and takes about 1 hour to complete. All undergraduates scheduled to audition will receive a link to take the online exam prior to audition day. You are welcome to complete the exam at any time from home or school, but it must be completed by the end of your scheduled audition day to avoid decision delays.

GA Interview
All graduate performance majors are eligible to serve as a Graduate Assistant (GA). On audition day, prospective graduates will meet with the Assistant Dean of Music Admissions to review application progress and estimate award potential. This interview functions as a vital checkpoint for prospective graduate performance majors and is an essential step in financial planning.

*graduate-level program

NOTE: The table above lists audition day components for all music majors. Prospective undergraduates applying for the "Discover Music - Undecided" are not required to schedule and complete a formal music audition. Learn more about Discover Music - Undecided.

Faculty evaluators work together in teams to assess different aspects of each applicant. Some evaluators are professional performers with a particular instrumental expertise while others are actively participating in and contributing to a specific musical discipline or industry. All are submitting official feedback as auditions and interviews are taking place. In the days that follow an audition event, all feedback is compiled for each applicant, and an admission decision is made based on the collective assessment.

Feedback provides clarity, perspective, and flexibility.

Feedback from faculty evaluators is essential not only for determining admission, but for determining program fitness and resonance as well. In some cases, we may recommend a change of program as a condition prior to issuing an admission decision if concerns arise during the process. For all instrumental auditions and degree interviews, at least two faculty evaluators are present in each instance to ensure fairness, equity, and consistency within instrumental areas and degree programs.