Step-by-step instructions for auditioning for the Bienen School of Music are outlined below.
MM & DMA Auditions
1. Submit your application Top
Within the Graduate Application, you will answer questions about your musical background, upload your resume and personal statement, and request recommendations. Many programs require that prescreening materials be submitted with the application. If your program requires an audition, you will receive information on how to schedule it following a successful review of your prescreening materials.
2022-23 Audition Dates
Bassoon
MM: February 11 & 18 ||| DMA: TBD after prescreening results are sent
Cello
MM: February 10 & 17 ||| DMA: February 13 & 16
Choral Conducting
MM & DMA: February 9
Clarinet
MM: February 8-9 & 15
Classical Guitar
MM: February 10, 13, & 17 ||| DMA: February 13 & 16
Double Bass
MM: February 8-9 & 15 ||| DMA: February 13 & 16
Euphonium
MM: February 10 & 17 ||| DMA: TBD after prescreening results are sent
Flute
MM: February 11 & 12 ||| DMA: TBD after prescreening results are sent
Harp
MM: February 8
Horn
MM: February 9, 11, & 16
Jazz Studies
MM: February 8-10
Music Education
MM (1- and 2-year degrees): February 7-8
Oboe
MM: February 11 & 18 ||| DMA: TBD after prescreening results are sent
Orchestral Conducting
MM: TBD
Percussion
MM & DMA: February 18 & 19
Piano
MM: February 10-11, 14, 17-18 ||| DMA: February 12
Saxophone
MM & DMA: February 10-11
Trombone - Bass/Tenor
MM: February 11 & 18 ||| DMA: TBD after prescreening results are sent
Trumpet
MM: February 11 & 18 ||| DMA: TBD after prescreening results are sent
Tuba
MM: February 10 & 17 ||| DMA: TBD after prescreening results are sent
Viola
MM: February 10 & 14; other dates possible based on applicant schedules ||| DMA: February 13 & 16
Violin
MM: February 10-11 & 17 ||| DMA: February 13 & 16
Voice
MM: January 30, February 6, 10-11, 17-18 ||| DMA: February 13
Wind Conducting
MM: February 21 ||| DMA: February 20
2. Prepare for Your Audition Top
We recommend starting early by taking the audition requirements to your music teacher. Prepare for your audition by bringing musical selections that best showcase what you do well. It is better to beautifully perform a piece that requires moderate skill, as opposed to a mediocre performance of a very difficult piece.
It is not necessary to produce prescreening recordings and final audition recordings in a professional studio. The most important aspect is that the sound quality of your recording is excellent, so find a good microphone and play your recording for multiple people before you submit it.
Accompaniment
Please see your program's individual Audition & Program Requirements page for information about accompaniment requirements.
3. Audition Top
The Bienen School of Music will offer on-campus auditions for fall 2023 admission. This modality is subject to change based on the trajectory of the COVID-19 pandemic. For MM applicants unable to audition on campus, a two-part virtual audition option is available* (please note: those whose instruments are prescreened must pass the prescreening round in order to move ahead with the virtual audition round):
- Submit a recorded audition via the Portfolio section of your Graduate Application. You will receive an email that includes a link to the specific recorded audition repertoire requirements and video duration specifications. Repertoire requirements will be pulled from the audition requirements found on individual Audition & Program Requirements pages. Recorded auditions are due February 1.
- Complete a 10-minute Zoom meeting with faculty. Information on the meeting format will be available via the aforementioned email. The meeting may include playing (or singing for voice applicants). Applicants will receive their Zoom link 3-5 days before the meeting.
*Piano applicants auditioning virtually will only submit a recorded audition. There will be no Zoom component.
COVID-19 Policies for On-campus Auditions
The Bienen School requires that all visitors to our buildings adhere to the following policies and guidelines to participate in an on-campus audition:
- While it is not required, visitors are welcome to wear a mask covering their mouth and nose while inside. If you do not bring a mask, they will be available in various areas throughout the Ryan Center for the Musical Arts.
- A student may be accompanied in our buildings by up to two guests. Guests may not enter the audition room with the student.
- Students and guests must follow all University guidelines.
- Visiting students and/or guest(s) who exhibit symptoms of COVID-19 or test positive for COVID-19 must notify the faculty member and cancel the in-person audition.
- Visiting students and/or guests who do not follow safety guidelines and policies or faculty/staff instructions will be asked to leave.