Audition and Portfolio Requirements

Depending on the degree you are applying for, you will need to audition and/or submit a portfolio to be considered for acceptance in the School of Music. (see requirements for each degree below)

Degrees requiring an audition for acceptance:
Also see Suggested Audition Repertoire

• Undergraduate
  • BM in Music Education
  • BM in Music Performance
  • BM in Music Composition
  • BM in Jazz Studies
  • BA in Music
• Graduate
  
  • MM in Performance
  • MM in Conducting (see portfolio requirements below as well)

Degrees requiring a portfolio for acceptance:

• Undergraduate
  • BM in Music Composition
• Graduate
  • MM in Composition
  • MM in Conducting
  • MM in Music Education
  • MM in Music History

Area Coordinator, Dr. Pablo Furman

• Submit a portfolio of two or three original compositions for any instrumental combination (scores and audio recordings).  Post the scores in PDF format and audio in mp3 file format (not WAV or AIFF) in Google drive or Dropbox.com, and send the link to the Composition Area Coordinators, Dr. Pablo Furman.
• In addition to submitting a composition portfolio, composition applicants must audition on their primary instrument or voice. In lower-division, composition majors must enroll in applied lessons on their primary instrument or voice as well as applied composition lessons.   Please review the information on this page for vocal and instrument auditions, and faculty contacts.
• All music majors must enroll in a primary performing ensemble each semester they enroll in applied lessons.  Placement auditions for ensembles are required.

Area Coordinator, Dr. Jeffrey Benson

Portfolio, Audition, and Interview

• Portfolio:
• Repertory list of works the applicant has studied, has previously conducted, and is prepared to conduct demonstrating familiarity with a substantial repertory of music, mastery of conducting techniques beyond the training level, and a minimum of two years of teaching experience
• Video recording of the applicant conducting a 10-15 minute rehearsal (unedited) with the candidate’s face and hands to the camera.  
• 3 letters of recommendation
• Resume or CV

• After the pre-screening (video submission), some candidates will be invited to campus for a live conducting audition with the Concert Choir or other appropriate performing group
• Interview with conducting faculty

Area Coordinator, Dr. David Vickerman

Portfolio, Audition, and Interview

A complete pre-screening application packet includes:

• Portfolio (via email)
• Letters of Recommendation (via email)

Upon selection after pre-screening, candidates will be scheduled for:

• Audition and Interview (in person)

**Two year minimum of professional teaching or conducting experience required for acceptance in the Master in Music in Instrumental Conducting Program. (Highly qualified and talented applicants without the requisite two years of experience will be considered).**

STEP 1: Send your portfolio via email directly to Dr. David Vickerman

• Portfolio includes:
  • Resume/CV (doc, PDF)
  • Repertory List (doc, PDF)
    • A list of works the applicant has studied, has previously conducted, and is prepared to conduct demonstrating familiarity with a substantial repertory of music, mastery of conducting techniques beyond the training level
  • Video Links in the email (REQUIRED)
    • Video recording links of the applicant conducting either a rehearsal or performance with the candidate’s face and hands to the camera. For those applicants who do not regularly conduct a large ensemble, a smaller chamber group may be used.
  • Audio Links in the email (OPTIONAL)
    • Audio recording links to a performance conducted by the applicant.

STEP 2: 3 Letters of Recommendation sent directly to Dr. David Vickerman.

STEP 3: Audition and Interview

After the pre-screening (video submission and review of portfolio), qualified candidates will be invited to campus for a live conducting audition with the Wind Ensemble or other appropriate performing group.

For any further questions on the MM degree in Instrumental Conducting contact Dr. David Vickerman

Area Coordinator, Dr. Diana Hollinger

Portfolio

• Resume or curriculum vitae
• Three Letters of recommendation
• Video of a teaching episode (~15 mins)
• Statement of intent and teaching philosophy (1-2 pages)
• Writing sample (essay or term paper from undergraduate coursework)

Area Coordinator, Dr. Gordon Haramaki

Portfolio

• Submit two undergraduate term papers in music analysis between 10-30 pages in length that demonstrate writing ability, skills as a researcher, an critical and original thinking.