College Music Program Auditions: 4 Tips for Success
If you’re a high school student preparing to apply to college, you’re likely becoming familiar with how complex the process can be. From submitting grades and test scores to polishing your essays and seeking out scholarships, there’s a lot of work involved just in completing standard college applications.
Students planning to pursue a degree in music have another requirement to complete: program auditions. The format of each audition will vary based on which colleges you’re applying to and what area of music you’re interested in studying, but nearly all prospective music students will have to complete either an in-person or virtual audition for each program they’re considering.
To help you navigate college music program auditions, consider the following four tips:
As you incorporate these tips into your audition preparation, always keep your future goals in mind. According to My College Audition, a music degree is a tool that can introduce you to career opportunities that allow you to turn your passion into your profession. Remembering what you’re ultimately working towards will help guide you through your auditions and applications. Let’s get started!
1. Narrow Down Which Programs You’re Auditioning For
When deciding where you want to study music, you have a wide range of options. Although it’s tempting to submit dozens of applications to make sure you get in somewhere, you likely won’t have time to audition for every program that slightly interests you. It’s also risky to pin all of your hopes on getting into one or two programs, though.
So, the first step in your application process is to narrow down a list of 5-10 programs you most want to audition for. To make this decision, consider the following criteria:
The specific major or concentration you want to study. Music majors often focus on a particular area of the field, such as music education, composition, performance, or production. Make sure that the school you apply for has a major or concentration that aligns with your interests.
The type of degree offered. Depending on the program, you’ll graduate with either a Bachelor of Music (BM) degree, a BA in Music, or a BFA in Music. Compare the requirements and benefits of each type of degree to see if you’d prefer one over the others.
Your chances of getting into that college. Some college music programs will accept more students who play certain instruments or sing particular voice parts, giving those students an advantage during auditions. Many colleges also require a general application on top of your program audition, so do some research on whether they accept students with grade point averages and test scores similar to yours.
What you think of the school as a whole. The college you attend should be an environment in which you can grow as a person as well as a musician. Some music students thrive at large public universities, while others prefer a more dedicated conservatory experience. Browse each college’s website, schedule campus tours, and connect with current students to decide which schools would be a good fit for you.
If you think through each of these criteria before you start scheduling music program auditions, you’ll save time as you apply and be able to focus on the auditions that are most important to you.
2. Select the Right Audition Materials
Once you’ve decided which programs to audition for, you’ll need to select audition materials for each one. Finding the right pieces to play or sing requires you to balance following the program’s requirements with playing to your strengths as a performing artist.
Applying to college can be expensive, not to mention the cost of attending. Fortunately, there are many free college audition resources available to help you prepare, such as:
Your local library, where you can check out books of songs or search online databases for pieces from specific time periods or in certain styles.
Online recordings of past performances at the college you’re applying to that can help you get an idea of what songs appeal to the program.
Audition blogs that can let you know what to expect when you attend an audition.
Depending on the program, you may also be asked to sight read a few lines of music, take a music theory placement test, or complete a short interview during your audition. Consider discussing these aspects with your music instructors or an audition coach—they can assess your strengths and recommend ways to practice that will be most helpful for you.
3. Stay Organized Throughout the Process
During college audition season, spreadsheets, folders, and planners will be your best friends. Managing your time well and planning ahead will help you keep track of all of the moving parts of college auditions, such as:
The date and time of each audition.
Which auditions are in person, and which are virtual.
The audition materials you’re using for each school.
It’s also useful to create a list of deadlines for submitting your portfolio and general application to each school. Doing so can alleviate some stress and ensure you turn in everything on time.
4. Focus on Self-Care
Even if you stay organized throughout the application process, college auditions are often a stressful time. While it’s important to practice your materials and music skills, it’s also important to devote some time to self-care.
Acceptd’s guide to remaining calm before college auditions suggests the following self-care strategies for aspiring performing arts students:
Get enough sleep. Stick to a regular sleep schedule as much as possible, and avoid looking at screens too close to bedtime.
Write down any stressful thoughts. Using a physical or digital journal can help put your stressors into perspective.
Reduce your caffeine intake. While drinking a cup of coffee or caffeinated tea can energize you before an audition, too much caffeine can make you feel even more nervous and jittery.
Take exercise breaks. Whether you walk, run, stretch, or do another form of exercise, moving your body from time to time will help you refocus as you prepare for auditions.
Seek support from friends, family, and coaches. Expressing your concerns to people you trust and hearing their advice can boost your confidence.
Also, make sure you don’t neglect your schoolwork during audition season. Academic burnout is real, especially when you’re focusing on the prospect of college. However, it’s still important to balance academics with auditions and self-care to ensure that the colleges you apply to receive a good report of your senior year grades and that you finish strong in high school.
Final Thoughts on College Music Program Auditions
Going through the college audition process can seem overwhelming at first. But if you take the time to choose the programs and audition materials that align with your strengths, stay organized, and take care of yourself, auditions can actually help you make a more informed college decision. Plus, you’ll get your first experience in educational environments that could prepare you for your future career in music.
Need help with the college admissions process? Sign up for free college counseling through UPchieve today!