Step-by-step instructions for auditioning for the Bienen School of Music are outlined below.

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.

Submit your application

See Program Requirements

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 Program Requirements page for information about accompaniment requirements. 

NOTE: FALL 2024 AUDITION FORMAT OPTIONS WILL BE ANNOUNCED IN THE SUMMER OF 2023.

FALL 2023 AUDITION PROCEDURES:

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):

1. 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 Program Requirements pages. Recorded auditions are due February 1.
2. 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.