Tips for a Successful Music Audition
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The purpose of the audition is to provide an opportunity for the student to demonstrate her capability and achievement. The Music Faculty is interested in hearing you at your best. Be as prepared as possible and if you, or your teacher, have questions, call the Music Department (478-757-5259) before you arrive. We will be eager to hear you.
All students who wish to pursue music studies in voice or on an instrument at Wesleyan College must perform a live audition for the music faculty. Students who audition will be eligible for scholarships recommended by the Music Department. (If a live audition is not possible, we will accept a video or DVD audition.)
You are encouraged to audition early. Most scholarship money is awarded by mid-March. Music scholarship money is restricted to students who plan to major or minor in music.
For music majors, Wesleyan College offers the Bachelor of Arts Degree with performance emphasis in piano, voice, or organ. This liberal arts degree allows the student to pursue any number of careers in music from teaching applied lessons to performing. The major is excellent preparation for those who wish to continue studies in a graduate music degree program. While the BA Degree does not prepare the student specifically for certification in music education, it can lead to certification through other means.
Repertoire for the Audition
General: All students should prepare two contrasting selections from the standard repertoire for their instrument/voice. It is recommended that the audition be from memory. Please bring a copy of your selections to the audition. Students performing solos with piano accompaniment will be supplied an accompanist. Taped accompaniments are not appropriate.
Piano Auditions: Two pieces in contrasting styles should be prepared for the audition. These might be a Bach Two-part Invention and a movement of a Beethoven Sonata, or a piece by Debussy.
Organ Auditions: Students should prepare a composition by J. S. Bach and an additional composition in a contrasting style. The student auditioning in organ should be prepared to play a hymn of her choosing.
Voice Auditions: The student should prepare two selections from the solo vocal repertoire in contrasting styles. It is recommended that, when possible, one of the selections should be a song in a foreign language (Italian, French, or German) plus a second selection in a contrasting style. One selection from musical theatre may be used. A voice part from a choral composition is not permissible. Singers should bring a copy of the score so that one of the music faculty may provide a piano accompaniment. Remember that a singer presents a better picture of how well she sings with "live" accompaniment.
Auditions on Instruments: A student may audition on wind, brass, or string instruments if she wishes to study privately on one of these instruments. It is possible to study these instruments as electives or as a part of a music minor. The compositions performed should be solos for the instrument, not an orchestral or band part. A copy of the accompaniment is expected unless the composition is specifically written for the instrument alone. Solo versions of popular music are not appropriate.
Other Audition Expectations
You will be asked to sight sing a short selection. Also, you will be asked to sight read on the performance instrument. Parents, teachers, and friends are not permitted in the audition room.
The Wesleyan College music faculty will evaluate each student's audition. After the audition, students will have the opportunity to talk with music faculty members about courses of study, life at Wesleyan and we will answer any questions you may have. |
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