Major in Music Admissibility and Possible Scholarship

The Performed Audition Preparing to The Three Parts of an Audition The performed audition is perhaps the single most important factor in determining Major in Music admissibility and possible scholarship. In addition to the admission requirements for Although music admissions teams consider in College all prospective college students (high school teacher recommendations, musical experience transcripts, SAT or ACT scores, etc.) almost and accomplishments, in most cases, much of all college music major programs require an the evaluation comes down to the “Here and Audition Information audition which typically consists of three parts: Now” of how well a student performs – how for well they present themselves musically and • the Performed Audition on the major professionally on the day of the audition. Guidance Counselors, instrument (or voice) Several key factors can contribute to a Music Teachers, • a Theory Test successful college music audition. and • a Sight Singing Test. • Select and develop audition repertoire Prospective Students. It is important for prospective music majors to early – in the sophomore or junior year prepare for all three parts of the audition if possible. process. This pamphlet has been prepared in • Strictly adhere to each school’s order to assist prospective students in their Prepared by: audition guidelines and requirements. college audition preparations. • Choose repertoire that demonstrates The New York State Association playing in a variety of styles and moods of College Music Programs (up-tempo technical piece vs. slower more lyrical piece) to show depth and from a workshop given at the Winter Private Study range of ability. Conference of NYSSMA, 2003 by: • Choose repertoire that is appropriate to It is generally unrealistic to expect that the level of the student. An easier Adrian Daly, Eastman School of Music, participation in high school music programs piece played well is much better than a University of Rochester alone will adequately prepare students for a more difficult piece played poorly. college music major. Most successful • Choose an opening piece that the applicants to college music programs have Glenn Guiles, Crane School of Music, student can play confidently that shows studied privately. It is important that the SUNY Potsdam, off the student’s strengths. private teacher(s) prepare the student in • Practice fundamentals – effective performance, theory and sight singing. Townsend Plant, School of Music warm-up routines and practice habits. Ithaca College Students can also prepare for the theory and ear training parts of the audition by working • Prepare scales and arpeggios. James Tapia, Setnor School of Music, through music software or visiting on-line • Practice sight-reading so you are sources such as www.musictheory.net prepared to sight-read at the audition. Syracuse University The importance of sight-reading is often underestimated by students in This brochure may be duplicated without change as preparing for auditions. needed. The Theory and Sight Singing Tests Tips For The Audition Day • Don’t worry about little mistakes in the audition. If mistakes happen, just move Schools vary in the level of importance they • Schedule your audition early in the on. It is the big picture that is place on these tests at the time of the audition. audition year/cycle. Many schools important, and the audition committee Some schools administer extensive theory and make admission and scholarship is not expecting a perfect performance; sight singing exams, while others do just one decisions on a rolling basis (after each they are measuring potential. or the other. audition day) and those who audition • Be prepared to play parts of pieces, not early get first consideration. always starting from the beginning. Music Admissions teams recognize that the • Perform mock auditions – run through Audition committees will occasionally level of music theory offerings varies widely the audition repertoire several times only ask for sections of pieces. from high school to high school. Nevertheless, before you actually audition at schools. • Enjoy the experience as much as it is important for each student to prepare for • You are probably auditioning at several possible, and treat the audition like the Theory and Sight Singing tests by: schools. Space the auditions at each another opportunity to share your art. school well enough to allow adequate This too will come through in the • Working with the private teacher on time for travel and rest between audition. theory, ear training and sight singing. auditions. • Getting other outside help. • Submit all application and • Working through basic music theory supplementary music materials to the software either purchased separately, or music admission and college admission A Special Note about Taped Auditions done online. offices as early as possible in the senior year, but no later than the audition day Distance from a given school, timing issues, or The student should be prepared to: itself. Observe all deadlines carefully. budgetary limitations can make it difficult for • read both treble and bass clefs. • Arrive at the school the day before the students to audition in person at every school. • identify intervals and triads both on audition if possible in order to get a Though in-person auditions are always better, paper and heard. good night’s rest and be fresh the a well-prepared taped audition can be a fine • demonstrate the ability to match pitches following day for the audition. alternative. Schools have varying ways in by singing notes played on the piano. • Arrive early the day of the audition and which they accept taped auditions (some prefer • sing a major scale (with or without warm-up, but be careful to not play too video while some take CDs, etc.), and students solfege). much before the audition. should prepare their recordings carefully • be able to sight sing a short, simple • Be 10 to 15 minutes early to the according to these guidelines. It is extremely melody. designated audition space. important that taped auditions follow the same • perform simple rhythms accurately. • Bring a copy of your resume for the requirements as live auditions, and that auditioning committee, even if you recordings are clearly labeled with their Instrumentalists should not be concerned have already submitted one with your contents. Include a resume with your about the quality of their voice as much as application. recording. pitch and rhythmic accuracy. Poor or non- • Remember that the audition starts the existent basic theory and aural skills could minute you enter the audition room, not keep a strong player or singer from being when you begin playing the repertoire. accepted. Students should get precise • Dress appropriately, speak confidently information on what is expected from each and respectfully, smile and make eye school to which they are applying. contact with the adjudicators. .

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