Audition Information

On Campus Event Days: Typically starting around 8:30am and ending at 3:30pm. The event day will include your audition, a sample lesson, special programming, a tour, and a chance to connect with DePauw Students and Faculty. 

Admission to our School of Music is contingent upon admission to our College of Liberal Arts. Students are encouraged to initiate the audition process while their application to DePauw is under review. Students who have completed the audition process along with their application to DePauw may receive an admission decision to the School of Music at the same time as their admission decision to the University.

Submit your application to here.

To complete the virtual audition, students are asked to upload videos to their student portal, and to schedule a virtual sample lesson with our faculty.

Vocal Auditions

Voice Audition Repertoire should be performed from memory and with piano accompaniment. Click here for resources and recommendations on how to prepare your accompaniment.

Our collaborative pianists can provide a virtual coaching session and recording of the piano accompaniment to your audition repertoire free of charge.

We kindly request a one week notice to schedule a coaching session where our staff can better understand the tempi and style of your audition repertoire. From there, our staff will need approximately one week to produce your recording. Please allow extra time so you may familiarize yourself with the accompaniment ahead of your recording session.

Uploading Auditions 

You will receive an email with detailed upload instructions when you register for the audition. Audition repertoire is listed below or by clicking here.

See our Best Practices for Audition Recordings for tips or go directly to our instructions on uploading your audition video.

Students are encouraged but not required to upload audition videos two weeks prior to their sample lesson.

Tip: Record yourself early and often as you practice your audition repertoire. That way, you are less likely to be caught off guard by something you hear on the recording. Schedule multiple recording sessions so you can submit the performance you are the most comfortable with. Start early and record often.

ACCESS YOUR STUDENT PORTAL HERE!

Sample Lessons

Please indicate your preferred date(s) on the Audition Registration Form. We are happy to work with your schedule and offer an individual appointment if needed. Students are required to submit a video and complete a sample lesson to be eligible for School of Music Admission consideration. While sample lessons are a part of our audition process, students are welcome to schedule one earlier in the school year to assist with their audition preparation. Sample lessons will be conducted over Zoom. You will receive a link in advance of your lesson. The session will include sight-reading, pitch matching, portions of your audition repertoire, and general technique for your instrument. It is also a great opportunity to get to know our faculty and to ask questions about DePauw.

For admission to the School of Music and scholarship consideration:

Horn, Trumpet, Trombone, Euphonium/Baritone, Tuba – At least two contrasting works from the standard repertoire, including movements of sonatas, concerti and other solo pieces. You will be asked to sight-read and demonstrate proficiency in both scales and arpeggios.

For admission to the School of Music and scholarship consideration:

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

Piano – 

For admission to the School of Music and scholarship consideration:

Two contrasting pieces from the standard repertoire, plus one orchestral excerpt.