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Music

Audition Overview

Students who wish to be admitted into an undergraduate Bachelor of Music degree program at the University of Dayton, and students interested in receiving a music scholarship (regardless of major) must complete an audition.

Auditions consist of:

  • A short performance/musical skills demonstration on your applied instrument
  • A brief sight-singing and pitch matching assessment
  • An interview with a faculty member in chosen degree area (music majors only)

Audition Day

On the scheduled audition day, you will have an interview with a faculty member in your degree program, and a brief test of sight reading and other musicianship skills.

We will also offer information sessions on our degree programs, financial aid, performance opportunities and perspectives from our current students and alumni. Your Flyer Friend (a current UD music student) will be there to help you navigate the process.

Skill Requirements by Area/Instrument

All vocalists must prepare two contrasting selections to demonstrate your technique and expressive ability. One selection must be in English; one selection in a language other than English is encouraged. Songs must be memorized and selected from the standard art song repertoire. One selection from music theater repertoire may be chosen.

In addition:

  • Music Performance Degree applicants must prepare a total of four memorized selections of contrasting styles demonstrating English and two other languages.
  • Music Therapy Degree applicants have the option of accompanying themselves on piano or guitar for the contemporary or music theater selection (if they have chosen one).
  • Bachelor of Arts (Jazz Concentration) Degree applicants should perform two contrasting jazz standards demonstrating melodic interpretation and improvisational skills instead of the art songs mentioned above. Auditionees will also be asked to sight-read a selected big band chart with recorded accompaniment.

Pianists must prepare to perform three pieces of contrasting styles. Memorization of at least one selection is highly encouraged.

Jazz Studies degree applicants: Instead of the three pieces mentioned above, auditionees must perform two of the following tunes demonstrating style-appropriate bass line patterns, playing the melody and displaying improvisation skills: A Child is Born, Autumn Leaves, Billie’s Bounce, Blue Bossa, Footprints, Lester Leaps In, Rhythm-a-ning, Sugar, Take the A Train, Up Jump Spring.


Prepare:

  • One movement of a piece written to be unaccompanied (bass students may replace this with three standard orchestral excerpts)
  • Another movement of contrasting style* from a sonata or concerto

*Contrasting style periods are Baroque, Classical, Romantic, and Contemporary (20th/21st Centuries)


Instrumental students should prepare either two short contrasting pieces or one extended work demonstrating your technical and musical skills (see below for Jazz Concentration requirements). A piece from the appropriate state solo and ensemble contest list is acceptable. You may be asked to play major scales. Music Performance Degree applicants, please see additional requirements below.


  • Trumpet, Saxophone, Trombone: Perform two of the following tunes demonstrating melodic interpretation and improvisational skills: A Child is Born, Autumn Leaves, Billie’s Bounce, Blue Bossa, Footprints, Lester Leaps In, Rhythm-a-ning, Sugar, Take the A Train, Up Jump Spring
  • Piano, Bass: Perform two of the following tunes demonstrating style-appropriate bass line patterns, playing the melody and displaying improvisation skills: A Child is Born, Autumn Leaves, Billie’s Bounce, Blue Bossa, Footprints, Lester Leaps In, Rhythm-a-ning, Sugar, Take the A Train, Up Jump Spring
  • Drums: Perform a variety of styles at different tempi: swing, bossa/latin, funk/rock, waltz
  • Sight Reading (all applicants): Selected big band chart with recorded accompaniment

  • Brass/Woodwinds: A total of three prepared pieces of contrasting styles* (three standard orchestral excerpts may replace the third prepared composition)
  • Guitar: A total of three contrasting pieces in a variety of styles, at a level no lower than Carcassi, op. 60  Sight-reading must be competent in first and second positions with rhythms including sixteenth notes
  • Percussion: A solo or etude on snare drum, mallet percussion, and timpani

*Contrasting style periods are Baroque, Classical, Romantic and Contemporary (20th/21st Centuries)


Music major interviews

Required only for students interested in Bachelor of Music degree programs. These short interviews with faculty members may cover previous experience in the field, career goals, and other topics specific to the degree program. 

Interviews: Bachelor of Music Applicants

Prospective students are required to participate in a 15-minute interview during the audition day with the degree program coordinator. They must also provide a portfolio (with recordings if possible) of all past composition/arranging work prior to their audition.


Prospective students are required to participate in an interview during the audition day. The interview will be with at least one music education professor and will cover topics such as previous teaching experience, performing experience, career goals, and expectations of an undergraduate music education degree program.


Prospective students will meet with the degree coordinator for an interview, which will cover topics such as knowledge of the field and career goals and expectations for this program.


Prospective students are required to participate in an interview during the audition day with the degree program coordinator or designated music therapy faculty. The interview will cover topics such as:

  • Previous volunteer experience with children or adults with disabilities, illnesses, or special needs
  • Functional music skills (e.g. guitar, piano)
  • Career goals
  • Expectations of an undergraduate music therapy degree program

CONTACT

Department of Music

Fitz Hall
300 College Park
Dayton, Ohio 45469 - 2946
937-229-3936
Email