Guidelines for Auditions
All incoming VUSC students who are music majors or minors, and/or interested in Music Scholarships, are required to perform an entrance audition in their primary performing medium. Students living within 200 miles of the University are encouraged to audition in person. Audition appointments are scheduled on a first come first serve basis and are approximately 30 minutes in length. Students who are unable to audition in person may send in a DVD/VHS video audition. It is the responsibility of the student to be in contact with the music department regarding audition dates and deadlines.
Audition Deadlines for Music Scholarships are as follows:
April 09, 2010 for video auditions.
April 16, 2010 for live auditions.
For the audition, all students should prepare two pieces of contrasting style (baroque, classical, jazz, gospel, contemporary, etc.) that reflect their level of musical achievement. Students will also be expected to sight-read a piece of music. Students should bring a list of repertoire studied or performed both in school and/or church. Following are listed audition requirements in the various performing mediums:
Voice
Voice students should bring sheet music accompaniment for their pieces, as an accompanist will be available for in-person auditions. (Sound trax are acceptable if sheet music is unavailable.) Voice students should be capable of sight-singing a hymn or worship chorus. Some knowledge of the keyboard or other instrument is desirable. Transfer music majors in the upper division levels should sing one of their songs in a foreign language (Italian, German or French).
Piano/Keyboard
A. An accumulation of five or more years of serious piano study is expected as a prerequisite.
B. A minimum of three pieces should be prepared from the following (memorization is expected):
1. An invention, prelude, or fugue by J.S. Bach
2. A movement of a Classical Sonata by Haydn, Mozart, or Beethoven
3. A work from the romantic period or the 20th century
4. An advanced hymn arrangement
C. The student may be asked to sight-read or play major minor scales in four octaves.
Brass Instruments
The development of embouchure, articulation, range, tone, flexibility, and intonation should be at a level that will allow students to begin with freshman college level literature. Students will be required to sight-read and to play at least three major scales (two octaves) plus a solo of average difficulty. Two pieces of contrasting styles are preferred.
Woodwinds
The student should be able to perform at least 3 major scales and have a basic knowledge of minor scales and arpeggios. The student must be able to demonstrate the ability to sight-read and have a command of rhythm and intonation. Audition performance may be taken from the standard etude or solo repertoire for the instrument. Two pieces of contrasting styles are preferred.
Strings
Knowledge of major and minor scales and arpeggios (in two octaves) is required. Students will be required to sight-read and to play at least three major and/or minor scales (two octaves). Pieces as etudes or a concerto of moderate difficulty would be appropriate for the audition, along with a representative contemporary/sacred arrangement recently performed at church, school or festival.
Guitar/Bass Guitar
The student should demonstrate the ability to sight-read and play major and minor guitar chords in rhythm guitar/chord chart form. For classical guitarists, the audition should include a representative work from a major musical period. (A piece such as a baroque sarabande or a classical etude would be appropriate.)
Percussion
The student should prepare to demonstrate skill on snare drum, tympani, and mallet instruments in an audition. It is not required that the pieces be memorized. The student should prepare contrasting works that best demonstrate their ability and interest. The school will provide instruments. Please contact the Department of Music with any exotic instrument requests.