Students who wish to major in music must complete an audition, offered both in-person and virtually. Any student interested in music, regardless of major, is encouraged to audition as well but is not required to do so. All students who audition are considered for a performance award and lesson waiver. You must submit an application to receive access to audition registration.
CLICK HERE TO REGISTER FOR AN ON-CAMPUS AUDITION
On-Campus Audition Dates
- Saturday, December 2, 2023
- Saturday, February 10, 2024
Audition day itineraries are sent at least one week before an audition. If you cannot attend one of the audition dates but would still like to audition on campus, please contact musicadmission@depauw.edu to schedule a date.
Audition Recordings
You may submit an audition recording if an on-campus audition is not feasible. Your recording should contain all audition requirements and not exceed 20 minutes.
All audition recordings and on-campus auditions are due by February 16, 2024, for admission and scholarship consideration. Please note that admission decisions are held until after the music audition.
MUSIC PERFORMANCE AWARDS
DePauw grants Music Performance Awards to intended music majors who demonstrate exceptional talent during an audition for music faculty. Music Performance Awards vary in amount up to full tuition, may be combined with University Merit Awards, and are limited to tuition expenses only.
Co-curricular musicians (non-music majors) who commit to enrolling in auditioned large ensembles may audition for Music Performance Awards. Music Performance Awards are limited to tuition expenses only. Students who complete this audition will also be considered for an Applied Lessons Fee Waiver.
Audition Information
Audition time slots will be in 20 minute increments. Your audition time will include your prepared performance, sight reading, and a brief conversation with the audition committee.
Audition Repertoire
Woodwind Requirements
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.
Brass Requirements
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.
Percussion Requirements
1. Select One Solo Literature or Etudes from each of the following categories:
Snare drum: solo snare drum or etudes from Peters, Cirone, Delecluse that demonstrating buzz rolls, flams, and different articulation strokes; and optional on rudiments: here
Marimba, xylophone or vibraphone (demonstrating two and four-mallet technique)
Timpani (demonstrating fundamental strokes tuning ability);
Optional: drum set or multiple percussion.
2. Sight-reading on snare drum and marimba
3. Two Octave Major Scales (quarter note = 80 bpm) with Arpeggio from memory
Piano Requirements
Students auditioning for the Bachelor of Music Performance (B.M.), Bachelor of Musical Arts (B.M.A.), or Bachelor of Music Education (B.M.E.)
Three selections (all performed from memory), one for each of the following categories: (1) a prelude and fugue from the Well-Tempered Klavier by J.S. Bach; (2) a movement from a sonata by Haydn, Mozart or Beethoven; and (3) a Romantic, Impressionist or Contemporary work of choice.
Students auditioning for the Bachelor of Arts with a Major in Music (B.A.) or the Music Minor
Two stylistically contrasting piano pieces
Students auditioning for the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences Music Performance Award
One or two piano pieces of applicant's choice, memorization not required.
Strings Requirements
-
Two contrasting movements from a J. S. Bach solo Sonata, Partita, or Suite or other unaccompanied Baroque work - memorized
-
A movement of a concerto or like concert work - memorization encouraged
-
A show piece, caprice, or similar work - memorization not required
In selecting repertoire, we encourage you to present an array of repertoire that explores the works of Black, Indigenous, and other creators and Color, as well as works by Female and Gender Non-Conforming artists. Repertoire selection is another opportunity for our faculty to get to know you and we are eager to craft a performance tradition together that more equitably represents music makers in our time. We have included links to resources below.
You will be asked to sight-read and may be asked to perform three-octave scales in a key of your choice. Working with a collaborative pianist is not required for auditions.
Repertoire Expansion Resource Databases: Institute for Composer Diversity, League of American Orchestra’s Database List, Boulanger Initiative, Philomel Project, Corelia Project
Harp Requirements
Two contrasting pieces from the standard repertoire, plus one orchestral excerpt.
Voice Requirements
Vocalists will be required to perform two pieces of contrasting style: a classical or musical theatre piece in English and an art song or aria in Italian, French, or German. Both selections should be performed from memory and with piano accompaniment.