Information for Prospective Music Students
Are you planning to become a music major or minor?
In order to study at the School of Music, most incoming students (freshmen, transfer, and graduate) must complete a successful audition on their primary instrument or voice. We look forward to meeting you soon and introducing you to our supportive music community! Students have the option of auditioning in person or online for the School of Music.
If you have already registered for an audition but would like to make a change to your registration, contact our office. Do not complete the online registration form a second time.
Music Award consideration
All auditionees will be considered for a Music Award, no matter how they choose to audition (online or in-person). However, we strongly encourage applicants to audition early if they wish to secure School of Music acceptance and receive early notification of their Music Award status.
Audition options
- Attend an on-campus audition on January 17 (Friday), February 14 (Friday), February 15 (Saturday), or March 21 (Friday), 2025.
- Submit a pre-recorded audition video with the specific Audition Requirements for your instrument or voice (see undergraduate or graduate audition requirements) AND complete an Online Interview with the applied instructor of your instrument or voice. Online Interview dates: February 15 (Saturday) and March 21 (Friday), 2025. By default, all online interviews are scheduled between 1:00 PM and 5:00 PM Eastern Time).
Auditions
On Campus Auditions
2024 On Campus Audition Dates
• January 17, 2025(Friday)
• February 14, 2025(Friday)
• February 15, 2025(Saturday)
• March 21, 2025(Friday)
What should you expect during an on campus audition day?
Individual auditions will be scheduled between 9:00 am to 5:00 pm on audition day.
Woodwind, String, Brass, and Percussion students will audition only for the professor of their instrument, without a collaborative pianist, in the faculty member’s office or a classroom.
Vocalists will audition for all members of the vocal faculty in Chamichian Recital Hall. A collaborative pianist for singers is provided for you at no cost and printed copies of the audition pieces must be supplied. Taped accompaniments are not allowed.
Online Audition Video
Online auditions will require the submission of a pre-recorded video performance of the School of Music Audition Requirements for your voice or instrument (see Undergraduate or Graduate Audition Requirements) and the scheduling of an Online Interview with the professor of your instrument or voice.
Instrumentalists
Video submissions must be received by the School of Music no later than one week prior to your scheduled Online Interview Date.
Vocalists
Video submissions must be received by the School of Music no later than two weeks prior to your scheduled Online Interview Date.
If you have questions about what to play or sing, please contact the applied professor for your instrument or voice. Contact information is available on our Faculty Directory.
Virtual Interviews
2024 Virtual Interview Dates
• February 15, 2025(Saturday, scheduled between 1 PM and 5 PM)
• March 21, 2025(Friday, scheduled between 1 PM and 5 PM)
Our faculty are excited and eager to meet you! Your virtual interview may consist of:
• Discussion of your video submission
• Sight-reading via screen share from the Professor’s computer
• Performance of the scales or technical studies required for admission to the School of Music
• The opportunity for you to ask questions and get to know us!
Your audition video
Watch our video tutorials below to learn how to create your pre-recorded audition video and submit it!
Helpful reminders
Choose a location that is free from distractions
- Avoid noisy rooms. Make sure that your family knows when you will be recording.
- Make sure your space is clear from visual distractions. A blank white wall is not needed, but avoid clutter, busy-looking walls, or rambunctious pets.
Adjust your camera so it is about eye level
- Make sure you are in the center of your screen, and that the viewer can see all of your face, head, and instrument. (Try experimenting with your laptop or tablet sitting closer and further away from you.)
Remember your lighting
- Try sitting next to natural light, or moving a lamp closer to you. Avoid sitting in front of windows, as the backlight will create a silhouette effect on your video.
- Good lighting will dramatically improve the overall quality of your video. You want to make a great first impression, so make sure to dress professionally!
Improve your sound quality
- Using a built-in microphone should work just fine; however, if you plan to use a USB microphone, make sure to put 4 to 6 feet of space between you and your microphone while you play or sing.
Upload your video
- Title your video in the following format: Name, Instrument, "CMU Audition"
- List the repertoire you perform in the video's description.
- Select "Unlisted" for your video visibility.
- Click on "Online Auditions" above and the "SUBMIT AUDITION VIDEO" button.
- Complete the form to submit your Audition Video.
Even if you play or sing multiple pieces, we prefer for your audition to be submitted as one (1) video link. If you have questions about how to combine multiple video clips into a single file, contact Dr. Garcia Souza.
Your online interview
What to expect
Once your audition video has been received, the School of Music office will schedule your online interview. Interviews will typically last fifteen minutes and take place via Zoom.
Your interview may consist of:
- Discussion of your video submission.
- Sight-reading via screen share from the Professor’s computer (so please be prepared to play during your interview).
- Performance of the scales or technical studies required for admission to the School of Music.
- The opportunity for you to ask questions and get to know us!
Our office will send you your interview time and the link no later than two weeks prior to your Virtual Interview date.
