While studying at DePauw University, students can participate in various large ensembles within the School of Music. In addition, our bands, choirs, and orchestras offer multiple performance opportunities throughout the year, including concerts, international tours, operas, plays, and musicals. Students who wish to major in music or participate in our large ensembles as a major outside of music are required to complete an audition. All students who audition, regardless of major, are considered for a performance award and lesson waiver.
On-Campus Audition Dates
November 19th, 2022 • December 3rd, 2022 • January 14th, 2023 • January 21st, 2023 • February 11th. 2023
Register for an On-Campus Audition!
Students should plan to be on campus from 9 a.m. - 5 p.m. for their audition and related activities. However, you will receive an email with a full itinerary at least one week before your audition.
If you cannot attend one of the audition dates but would still like to audition on campus, please contact musicadmissions@depauw.edu to schedule a date.
Audition Recordings
If an on-campus audition is not feasible, you may submit an audition recording. Your recording should contain all audition requirements and not exceed 20 minutes. Submitting an audition recording does not disqualify you from admission into the School of Music or Music Awards.
*ALL IN-PERSON AUDITIONS AND AUDITION RECORDINGS ARE DUE BY FEBRUARY 17TH FOR ADMISSION AND SCHOLARSHIP CONSIDERATION*
The DePauw University application is not required before registering for an ON-CAMPUS audition. However, we strongly encourage students to apply for admission to the University before their auditions. STUDENTS WHO CANNOT COMPLETE AN ON-CAMPUS AUDITION BUT WOULD LIKE TO SUBMIT AN AUDITION RECORDING MUST APPLY FOR THE UNIVERSITY FIRST. After an application is submitted, students will receive login information for their student portal and will be able to submit an audition recording then. You may also email audition recordings to musicadmission@depauw.edu for official submission. We will then reach out and contact you to set up a sample lesson.
MUSIC PERFORMANCE AWARDS
DePauw grants Music Performance Awards to 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.
Any high school senior who completes an application to DePauw University and auditions for the DePauw University School of Music will receive a $1,000 School of Music Audition Award in addition to their University Merit and Music Performance Awards.
College of Liberal Arts and Sciences co-curricular musicians who commit to enrolling in auditioned large ensembles may audition for Music Performance Awards ranging up to $3,000. Music Performance Awards are limited to tuition expenses only. Students who complete this audition will also be considered for an Applied Lessons Fee Waiver of $1,100.
2022-2023 DePauw Admission Deadlines
| Application & Financial Aid Deadlines | Notification Deadlines | Candidate Reply Date | |
|
Early Decision 1 Deadline (binding) |
November 1 | November 15 | December 15 |
|
Early Action Deadline (non-binding) |
December 1 | January 15 | May 1 |
|
Early Decision II Deadline (binding) |
January 15 | February 1 | March 1 |
|
Regular Decision Deadline (non-binding) |
February 1 | March 1 | May 1 |
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
2 stylistically contrasting piano pieces
Students auditioning for the College of Liberal Arts Music Performance Award
1 or 2 piano pieces of applicant's choice, memorization not required.
Strings Requirements
At least two contrasting works chosen 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-20th century sonata or concerto; (3) or a work of the student's choice. You will be asked to sight-read. Prospective students may be asked to perform three-octave scales in a key of their choosing.
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.