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

1. Submit the Bienen School Supplement

In most cases, a performance audition is required.* 

*NOTE: Bachelor of Arts and Music Composition programs do not have an audition component, but applicants must submit music materials via the Bienen School Supplement following the deadlines listed on our Application & Timeline page.

Start Your Bienen School Supplement

NOTE: If you wish to apply to more than one music major, you must submit two Bienen School Supplements that include the necessary requirements. Requirements should be separated by program. Music education/performance applicants should only submit one Supplement, as the application requirements are the same for both programs. 

2. Prepare for Your Audition

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 giving 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. 

3. Audition

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

FALL 2023 AUDITION PROCEDURES:

The Bienen School offers an on-campus or virtual audition option. On-campus auditions are strongly encouraged, if possible. For those 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 Bienen School Supplement. After submitting your Bienen School Supplement and Common/Coalition Application and receiving your prescreening results (if applicable), you will receive an email that includes a link to the specific recorded audition repertoire requirements and video duration specifications.  Early Decision and Regular Decision recording deadlines are TBD. Repertoire requirements will be pulled from the audition requirements found on individual Program Requirements pages. 
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/singing. 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.