School of Music

ADMISSION CHECKLIST for applicants wanting to major in music:

TRANSFER APPLICANTS must also submit:

2008-2009 Audition Dates

* March 2nd is the last audition day for music scholarship consideration. On-Campus Audition Days include the audition, sample lesson with a faculty member, music class visit, ensemble rehearsal observation, campus tour, and Q&A session. Please note that the January 19 audition occurs during DePauw's Winter Term: regular classes and ensemble rehearsals will not be taking place at that time.

In addition to the Audition Day visit events listed above, the Overnight Audition Programs will also showcase student and faculty performers as well as include a dinner with current students and faculty members. The February Overnight will highlight DePauw Opera's performance of Puccini's Suor Angelica and Gianni Schicchi. The closing concert of Music of the 21st Century will be showcased during the March Overnight.

Schedule your audition at least two weeks prior to the audition date through one of the following methods:

Recorded Auditions:
The Admission Committee prefers that you audition in person. If circumstances prevent you from doing so, we will accept a high-quality CD audio recording. Recordings submitted must clearly identify the name of the performer, instrument and audition repertoire. We encourage applicants to send a videotape or DVD in addition to the CD audio recording. Check the Application Deadlines section for recorded audition deadlines. Send recordings to: DePauw University Office of Admission, 101 E. Seminary St., P.O. Box 37, Greencastle, IN 46135-0037.

For suggestions on how to perform your best on music auditions, DePauw's Music Admission Counseling Service offers sound advice on auditioning (PDF).


Scholarships and Financial Aid

Auditionees may be asked to sight-read; instrumentalists may be asked to demonstrate proficiency in both scales and arpeggios.

VOICE
Three contrasting selections (all performed from memory) from each of the following categories: (1) an art song or aria in Italian; (2) an art song in French, German or English; (3) a classical or musical theatre selection. All voice students are required to audition with the professional accompanist that DePauw provides (there is no charge to the auditioning student): no exceptions will be made to this policy. Vocalists will have a short rehearsal with the accompanist immediately prior to the audition. Scores do not need to be provided in advance, but do need to be provided at the rehearsal.

STRINGS
Violin, Viola, Violoncello, Double Bass – At least two contrasting works from the following three choices: (1) a movement from a J.S. Bach solo sonata or partita, or other Baroque work; (2) a movement from a 19th- or 20th-century sonata or concerto; (3) a work of the student’s choice.

HARP
At least two contrasting works from the standard repertoire.

WOODWINDS
Flute, Oboe, Clarinet, Saxophone, Bassoon – At least two contrasting works from the standard repertoire, including movements of sonatas, concerti and other solo pieces.

BRASS
Horn, Trumpet, Trombone, Euphonium/Baritone, Tuba – At least two contrasting works from the standard repertoire, including movements of sonatas, concerti and other solo pieces.

PERCUSSION
One selection from each of the following categories: (1) snare drum; (2) marimba, xylophone or vibraphone (demonstrating two and four-mallet technique); (3) timpani (demonstrating tuning ability); optional: drum set or multiple percussion.

PIANO
Three selections (all performed from memory) from each of the following categories: (1) a three-part invention or a prelude and fugue from the Well-Tempered Klavier by J.S. Bach; (2) a movement from a sonata by Mozart (excluding K. 545) or Beethoven (excluding op. 27, no. 2 and op. 49); (3) a work by a representative 19th- or 20th-century composer.

ORGAN
At least two selections: (1) prelude and fugue by J.S. Bach or a work by another Baroque composer; (2) a 19th- or 20th-century composition.

JAZZ STUDIES
Students wishing to be considered for a Performance Award in Jazz Studies as a participant or jazz minor may choose to perform an audition consisting of two or three contrasting jazz études or standards and an optional improvisation on a standard or blues tune.


2008-09 Application Deadlines