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Join 750 highly talented musicians from around the world who are enrolled annually in the ASU School of Music.
All applicants are required to perform a live audition or submit an audition recording.
The audition is performed for representative members of the music performance faculty. Evaluations are based on technical and musical proficiency. Auditions are scheduled only after complete application materials have been received. Because of faculty availability and the high volume of applicants, we are unable to honor special requests for particular times on an audition day. Please allow the entire day (8 a.m. – 6 p.m. for instrumental/piano and 8 a.m. – 8 p.m. for voice) for auditions when making travel arrangements. Please pay special attention to the application deadlines and audition requirements for your specific program of interest.
An audition date/time will be scheduled only after complete application materials are received. Once an audition confirmation email has been sent, a $10 Audition Change fee applies to any change to the assigned date or time requested by the applicant. Please allow the entire day (8 a.m. – 6 p.m.) for auditions when making travel arrangements.
All applicants are required to perform a live audition or submit an audition recording.
The November audition date is for spring admission only. January and February audition dates are for fall admission.
The entrance audition must display a level of development that will allow students to start with the listed repertoire or comparable literature. The point of the audition is to demonstrate your current level of playing, so choose works that showcase your sound, musicianship and musical strengths. Piano accompaniment is not required.
Non-Performance Majors (composition, music education, theory, music therapy, Bachelor of Arts)
Performance Majors
Recorded Auditions: While recorded auditions are acceptable, a live audition is strongly recommended for scholarship consideration. See "Recordings + Portfolios" for technical specifications.
These guidelines should be used for all programs and majors, although performance majors should anticipate a higher entrance standard than non-performance majors (composition, music education, theory, music therapy, Bachelor of Arts). Piano accompaniment is not required.
Recorded Auditions: While recorded auditions are acceptable, a live audition is strongly recommended for scholarship consideration. See "Recordings + Portfolios" for technical specifications.
The entrance audition must display a level of development that will allow students to start with the listed repertoire or comparable literature. The point of the audition is to demonstrate your current level of playing, so choose works that showcase your sound, musicianship and musical strengths. Piano accompaniment is not required.
Non-Performance Majors (composition, music education, theory, music therapy, Bachelor of Arts)
Performance Majors
Recorded Auditions: While recorded auditions are acceptable, a live audition is strongly recommended for scholarship consideration. See "Recordings + Portfolios" for technical specifications.
Spring 2019 applicants should contact Professor Catalin Rotaru directly to schedule an ad-hoc audition. The dates listed above are for fall admission only.
These guidelines should be used for all programs and majors, although performance majors should anticipate a higher entrance standard than non-performance majors (composition, music education, theory, music therapy, Bachelor of Arts). Piano accompaniment is not required.
Recorded Auditions: While recorded auditions are acceptable, a live audition is strongly recommended for scholarship consideration. See "Recordings + Portfolios" for technical specifications.
Jazz: Applicants interested in the Bachelor of Music in Jazz Performance should refer to the Jazz Instruments section for audition dates and repertoire. To audition on both classical and jazz guitar, select email MusicAdmin@asu.edu to schedule a second audition.
These guidelines should be used for all programs and majors, although admission into performance programs requires more advanced development of embouchure, articulation, range, tone and flexibility than is required for non-performance programs (composition, music education, theory, music therapy, Bachelor of Arts). While orchestral excerpts are not required of performance applicants, the inclusion of several standard excerpts as a part of your audition is welcomed. Piano accompaniment is not required.
Recorded Auditions: While recorded auditions are acceptable, a live audition is strongly recommended for scholarship consideration. See "Recordings + Portfolios" for technical specifications.
The Flute studio only accepts applications for Fall admission. No openings are available for Spring admission.
The entrance audition must display a level of development that will allow students to start with the listed repertoire or comparable literature. The point of the audition is to demonstrate your current level of playing, so choose works that showcase your sound, musicianship and musical strengths. These guidelines should be used for all programs and majors, although performance majors should anticipate a higher entrance standard than non-performance majors (composition, music education, theory, music therapy, Bachelor of Arts).
Piano accompaniment is strongly recommended, but not required.
Recorded Auditions: While recorded auditions are acceptable, a live audition is strongly recommended for scholarship consideration. See "Recordings + Portfolios" for technical specifications.
Prior private instruction from a qualified classical guitar teacher is strongly advised. These guidelines should be used for all programs and majors, although performance majors should anticipate a higher entrance standard than non-performance majors (composition, music education, theory, music therapy, Bachelor of Arts). You may be asked to sight-read a short piece to be selected at the time of the audition.
Recorded Auditions: While recorded auditions are acceptable, a live audition is strongly recommended for scholarship consideration. Please note: Spring auditions are Ad-Hoc or recorded only. See "Recordings + Portfolios" for technical specifications.
Jazz: Applicants interested in the Bachelor of Music in Jazz Performance should refer to the Jazz Instruments section for audition dates and repertoire. To audition on both classical and jazz guitar, select email MusicAdmin@asu.edu to schedule a second audition.
These guidelines should be used for all programs and majors, although performance majors should anticipate a higher entrance standard than non-performance majors (composition, music education, theory, music therapy, Bachelor of Arts). All solos to be performed from memory.
Applicants may practice and audition on ASU harps. ASU owns a Lyon & Healy 85 CG.
Recorded Auditions: While recorded auditions are acceptable, a live audition is strongly recommended for scholarship consideration. See "Recordings + Portfolios" for technical specifications.
These guidelines should be used for all programs and majors, although admission into performance programs requires more advanced development of embouchure, articulation, range, tone and flexibility than is required for non-performance programs (composition, music education, theory, music therapy, Bachelor of Arts). While orchestral excerpts are not required of performance applicants, the inclusion of several standard excerpts as a part of your audition is welcomed. Piano accompaniment is not required.
Recorded Auditions: While recorded auditions are acceptable, a live audition is strongly recommended for scholarship consideration. See "Recordings + Portfolios" for technical specifications.
Each applicant must perform a 15-minute audition accompanied by members of the jazz faculty. Studio instruction in jazz is only available to jazz performance majors. Therefore, only applicants applying for the Bachelor of Music in Jazz Performance, Bachelor of Music in Music Education and Bachelor of Music in Music Therapy or Bachelor of Arts in Music and Culture may audition in jazz.
The Bachelor of Music in Jazz Performance is offered on the following instruments:
Recorded Auditions: While recorded auditions are acceptable, a live audition is strongly recommended for scholarship consideration. Applicants must demonstrate improvisational skills on a recorded audition. See "Recordings + Portfolios" for technical specifications.
Bring to Your Audition:
We Will Supply:
The titles suggested in this section illustrate the kind and quality of music appropriate for an audition. Applicants are free to choose a program using music from this list or music of comparable quality. Candidates for all instruments (except for drum set: see separate requirements) should prepare something similar to the following, although not all selections may be heard:
Instrument-Specific Requirements
Students who wish to take classical lessons must pass a classical studio audition to be eligible to take these lessons while pursuing jazz studies at ASU. To audition in both classical and jazz, select "Bachelor of Music: Performance" as your 2nd Choice Degree on the School of Music application.
The entrance audition must display a level of development that will allow students to start with the listed repertoire or comparable literature. The point of the audition is to demonstrate your current level of playing, so choose works that showcase your sound, musicianship and musical strengths. These guidelines should be used for all programs and majors, although performance majors should anticipate a higher entrance standard than non-performance majors (composition, music education, theory, music therapy, Bachelor of Arts). Piano accompaniment is not required.
The etude and solo must be contrasting works that demonstrate a good command of tone, technique, articulation and musicianship.
Recorded Auditions: While recorded auditions are acceptable, a live audition is strongly recommended for scholarship consideration. See "Recordings + Portfolios" for technical specifications.
Prospective organists should contact Dr. Kimberly Marshall directly to set up an ad hoc audition (by appointment). Organ auditions are not offered on regular audition dates.
Non-Performance Majors (composition, music education, theory, music therapy, Bachelor of Arts)
Performance Majors
Recorded Auditions: While recorded auditions are acceptable, a live audition is strongly recommended for scholarship consideration. See "Recordings + Portfolios" for technical specifications.
First-Time Freshman Applicants
Prospective first–time freshman must demonstrate technical strength and reading ability on keyboard and at least two of the three percussion areas of snare drum, timpani and drum set. Performances on all four instruments will improve an applicant's chances of admission and scholarship consideration. The examples listed below are indicative of the minimum level of ability expected for incoming students. This list serves only as a suggestion; you are welcome to choose different literature that is similar in style and technical demand.
These guidelines should be used for all programs and majors, although performance majors should anticipate a higher entrance standard than non-performance majors (composition, music education, theory, music therapy, Bachelor of Arts).
Keyboard
Timpani
Transfer Applicants
Prospective transfer students must demonstrate technical strength and reading ability on keyboard and two of the remaining three percussion areas. Performances on all four instruments will improve an applicant's chances of admission and scholarship consideration. The examples listed below give an idea of the expected minimum level of ability for first- and second-year students. Performance at the audition will determine how many lesson credits will transfer into the ASU program of study.
These guidelines should be used for all programs and majors, although performance majors should anticipate a higher entrance standard than non-performance majors (composition, music education, theory, music therapy, Bachelor of Arts).
KeyboardTimpani
Drum Set
Multiple Percussion
Recorded Auditions: While recorded auditions are acceptable, a live audition is strongly recommended for scholarship consideration. See "Recordings + Portfolios" for technical specifications.
Jazz: Applicants interested in the Bachelor of Music in Jazz Performance should refer to the Jazz Instruments section for audition dates and repertoire. To audition on both classical and jazz guitar, select email MusicAdmin@asu.edu to schedule a second audition.
All prospective students must be able to play major and minor scales and arpeggios with facility and appropriate fingerings, and be prepared to sight–read at the audition. The audition must be memorized and demonstrate technical facility, musicality and understanding of musical styles consisting of the following works or their equivalents.
Non-Performance Majors (composition, music education, theory, music therapy, Bachelor of Arts)
Solo Performance Majors
Recorded Auditions: While recorded auditions are acceptable, a live audition is strongly recommended for scholarship consideration. Recorded auditions must be submitted in video format. Audio recordings are not accepted. See "Recordings + Portfolios" for technical specifications.
Collaborative Piano: Students interested in the collaborative piano major should prepare the solo performance major audition and email Dr. Andrew Campbell prior to their audition.
Jazz: Applicants interested in the Bachelor of Music in Jazz Performance should refer to the Jazz Instruments section for audition dates and repertoire. To audition on both classical and jazz guitar, select email MusicAdmin@asu.edu to schedule a second audition.
Audition Process for admittance to BA in Music (Popular Music) concentration:
Artist Statement:
All auditioning students must submit an artist statement explaining both their current work and vision of their future work in popular music. A minimum of 250 words is required.
Audition:
Live auditions or recorded auditions are required for admission to the BA program in popular music and for placement in MUP 111 Studio Instruction in popular music. A live audition consists of a 15-minute performance or presentation consisting of three to five selections of live or digital music performance. The selections may be original works or selections from popular music repertoire. The audition will also include scales, improvisation and aural skills. Students may also provide a recorded sample of their creative popular music work if they so choose.
For students seeking to pursue popular music performance, a live or recorded performance video is required for at least part of the audition. For other disciplines in which a video is not possible (studio recording, music creation and composition), students are required to submit a digital audio sound recording of three to five selections.
The audition also includes a live or remote interview. A live audition is preferred. Applicants who are unable to visit the campus for a live audition may upload a recorded audition to the School of Music application. These students will be contacted by faculty to arrange a remote interview.
Students interested in pursuing classical music lessons in addition to their popular music studies are required to follow the classical repertoire audition requirements for MUP 111 Studio Instruction in addition to auditioning for MUP 111 Studio Instruction in popular music.
The entrance audition must display a level of development that will allow students to start with the listed repertoire or comparable literature. The point of the audition is to demonstrate your current level of playing, so choose works that showcase your sound, musicianship and musical strengths. These guidelines should be used for all programs and majors, although performance majors should anticipate a higher entrance standard than non-performance majors (composition, music education, theory, music therapy, Bachelor of Arts). Piano accompaniment is not required.
Recorded Auditions: While recorded auditions are acceptable, a live audition is strongly recommended for scholarship consideration. See "Recordings + Portfolios" for technical specifications.
Jazz: Applicants interested in the Bachelor of Music in Jazz Performance should refer to the Jazz Instruments section for audition dates and repertoire. To audition on both classical and jazz guitar, select email MusicAdmin@asu.edu to schedule a second audition.
Prospective students are encouraged to visit the ASU campus for a lesson and visit with Dr. Edwards. Please email well in advance to arrange a time. Skype lessons are possible but are not an equal substitute for personal interaction.
Trombonists should prepare 2-3 pieces in contrasting styles: lyrical/legato and technical/tongued. These varied styles can be different movements from the same work. Students may select etudes, solos or orchestral excerpts. In addition, sight-reading is required. Candidates are free to select other works of comparable difficulty. Above all, applicants should choose music on which they sound their best.
These guidelines should be used for all programs and majors, although admission into performance programs requires more advanced development of embouchure, articulation, range, tone and flexibility than is required for non-performance programs (composition, music education, theory, music therapy, Bachelor of Arts).
TENOR TROMBONE
BASS TROMBONE
Recorded Auditions: While recorded auditions are acceptable, a live audition is strongly recommended for scholarship consideration. See "Recordings + Portfolios" for technical specifications.
Jazz: Applicants interested in the Bachelor of Music in Jazz Performance should refer to the Jazz Instruments section for audition dates and repertoire. To audition on both classical and jazz guitar, select email MusicAdmin@asu.edu to schedule a second audition.
These guidelines should be used for all programs and majors, although admission into performance programs requires more advanced development of embouchure, articulation, range, tone and flexibility than is required for non-performance programs (composition, music education, theory, music therapy, Bachelor of Arts). While orchestral excerpts are not required of performance applicants, the inclusion of several standard excerpts as a part of your audition is welcomed. Piano accompaniment is not required.
Recorded Auditions: While recorded auditions are acceptable, a live audition is strongly recommended for scholarship consideration. See "Recordings + Portfolios" for technical specifications.
Jazz: Applicants interested in the Bachelor of Music in Jazz Performance should refer to the Jazz Instruments section for audition dates and repertoire. To audition on both classical and jazz guitar, select email MusicAdmin@asu.edu to schedule a second audition.
These guidelines should be used for all programs and majors, although admission into performance programs requires more advanced development of embouchure, articulation, range, tone and flexibility than is required for non-performance programs (composition, music education, theory, music therapy, Bachelor of Arts). While orchestral excerpts are not required of performance applicants, the inclusion of several standard excerpts as a part of your audition is welcomed. Piano accompaniment is not required.
Recorded Auditions: While recorded auditions are acceptable, a live audition is strongly recommended for scholarship consideration. See "Recordings + Portfolios" for technical specifications.
Jazz: Applicants interested in the Bachelor of Music in Jazz Studies should refer to the Jazz Instruments section for audition dates and repertoire. To audition on both classical and jazz tuba, select "Bachelor of Music: Jazz Studies" as your 2nd Choice Degree on the School of Music application.
Piano accompaniment is not required.
Non-Performance Majors (composition, music education, theory, music therapy, Bachelor of Arts)
Performance Majors
Recorded Auditions: While recorded auditions are acceptable, a live audition is strongly recommended for scholarship consideration. See "Recordings + Portfolios" for technical specifications.
Piano accompaniment is not required.
Non-Performance Majors (composition, music education, theory, music therapy, Bachelor of Arts)
Performance Majors
Recorded Auditions: While recorded auditions are acceptable, a live audition is strongly recommended for scholarship consideration. See "Recordings + Portfolios" for technical specifications.
Voice applicants should include the following in the ASU School of Music Application:
Recorded Auditions: While recorded auditions are acceptable, a live audition is strongly recommended for scholarship consideration. See "Recordings + Portfolios" for technical specifications.
Pieces should be memorized. The audition must be accompanied by a pianist. You may bring your own accompanist or request an official ASU accompanist to be provided for your audition free of charge.
If you are using the ASU accompanist, you must submit the titles, names of composers and keys of your audition repertoire on the Audition Confirmation form within 24 hours of receiving your Audition Time Confirmation email. The Audition Confirmation form will be available to you online after you receive your Audition Time Confirmation email.
On the day of your audition, you are required to bring piano scores of your audition pieces for the pianist. The scores should be double-sided and organized in a three-ring binder.
The official ASU accompanist, who is an experienced collaborative pianist, is available to meet briefly immediately prior to your audition time to discuss any cuts and/or breath marks. A rehearsal is not possible with an official ASU accompanist. If you wish to be able to rehearse with a pianist prior to the audition, please contact Dr. Andrew Campbell to inquire after hiring an accompanist for the audition.
Voice Performance, Composition, Music Education, Theory
BA Music, Music Performance Minor
Music Therapy
Music Theatre Performance
To be considered for an interview, the composition program requires a prescreening portfolio to be uploaded to the School of Music Application. Refer to "Recordings + Portfolios" for technical specifications.
Portfolio Requirements
Applicants who pass the prescreening are scheduled for an interview with the composition faculty. In the event that you are not selected for an interview, you may still audition for admission in another degree.
Composition applicants invited for an interview must also perform an audition to be considered for admission. Refer to your instrument or voice above for audition repertoire.
Applicants who select Music and Culture as their first-choice major are scheduled for an interview with at least three musicology faculty to establish their potential as Music and Culture majors. In the interview, you will be asked questions about your musical background and interest in music and culture, as well as related creative, research, and interdisciplinary experiences. You will also demonstrate your singing voice, sight-reading of rhythm and pitch on voice or your instrument, and audiation (capacity to sing back accurately) during your interview. Your examples of musicianship may also consist of such areas of your choice as songwriting, composition, improvisation in some style of your choosing, performance art, a documented interdisciplinary installation of your own creation, etc. in a live demonstration or through video-recorded performance. Students who wish to take studio lessons as part of the Music and Culture degree must also perform an audition with the studio faculty. Acceptance into any performance studio is at the discretion of the respective studio faculty. Refer to your instrument or voice above for audition repertoire.
In addition to performing an audition, applicants who select Music Education as their first choice are scheduled for an interview with music education faculty to establish their potential as education majors. In the music education interview, you will be asked questions about your musical background and interest in music education, as well as experience working with people of various ages. You will also be asked to demonstrate your singing voice, rhythmic sense, sight-singing, audiation (singing back), and improvisation and sight-reading on your primary instrument. As you will be asked to perform on your primary instrument during your interview, you need to bring it with you to the meeting.
Music Education applicants must also perform an audition to be considered for admission. Refer to your instrument or voice above for audition repertoire.
In addition to performing an audition, applicants who select Music Therapy as their first choice major are scheduled for an interview with music therapy faculty to establish their potential as therapy majors.
In the music therapy interview, you will be asked questions about your musical background and interest in music therapy, as well as experience working with people of various backgrounds and abilities. Additionally, you will also be asked to demonstrate your singing voice.
Music Therapy applicants must also perform an audition to be considered for admission. Refer to your instrument or voice above for audition repertoire.
A live audition is recommended. Applicants who are unable to visit the campus for a live audition may submit a link from YouTube or Vimeo for their recorded audition in the School of Music Application. Scholarship consideration is prioritized to applicants who perform on-campus auditions instead of recorded auditions.
Audition recordings must conform to the same audition requirements as an on-campus audition unless otherwise noted. DVD, CD, (or similar) submissions received by postal mail or email are not accepted. Refer to Recordings + Portfolios for acceptable formats and submission instructions.
Ad hoc auditions are required for harp and organ applicants and not available to voice applicants.
If you are unable to attend one of the scheduled audition dates for a live audition, it may be possible to arrange an ad hoc audition (by appointment) on another date by following these steps:
The final date for ad hoc auditions is Nov. 30 for spring admission and Feb. 28 for fall admission.
Hotel accommodations are listed on the Tempe Convention and Visitors Bureau website.