In addition to being officially accepted by ÃÛÌÒav, entering first year and transfer students wishing to major in any of our five music degree tracks are required to pass a music audition in their chosen performing area before being accepted. No audition is required to minor in music.
Although the Peter and Judy Jackson Music Program has a rolling audition process, we strongly urge music auditions for first year students be completed by March 1. But must be completed by March 15th to be considered for one of the incoming music student scholarships. We work with ÃÛÌÒav's Admissions Office to review and assess applicants who exhibit the strongest potential for success at the University. Both academic background and talent are among the factors that are considered in the final decision.
Prepare two contrasting pieces (both memorized, one in English and one foreign language) from age and ability-appropriate literature (art song, oratorio/sacred music, opera, and/or musical theater). An accompanist is provided by SU; however, you may choose to bring your own.
Students wishing to pursue the Vocal Performance track should prepare three contrasting songs (all memorized, at least one in a foreign language).
Be prepared to sight-read and interview with faculty.
Please contact Dr. John Wesley Wright, Associate Professor and Voice Coordinator, for more information.
Prepare two contrasting pieces of a solo, excerpt, or etude. (Students wishing to pursue the Instrumental Performance track should prepare three contrasting pieces.)
Prepare several major scales at a comfortable tempo. Two octave scales are encouraged.
Prepare two solos of contrasting styles. These may be a movement of a sonata, the first movements of a concerto, or a concert solo piece. Accurate intonation, rhythmic perception, bow control, and quality of tone should be demonstrated. (Students wishing to pursue the Instrumental Performance track should prepare three contrasting pieces.)
3-octave major scales up to 3 sharps and 3 flats at a tempo of quarter note equals 80.
Perform two solo classical or finger-style pieces on a classical nylon or acoustic steel-string guitar. (Students wishing to pursue the Instrumental Performance track should prepare three such pieces.)
Sight-read a short musical example.
Please contact Dr. Danielle Cumming, Associate Professor of Guitar, for more information.
Prepare from the requirements below from at least two different percussion areas. (Students wishing to pursue the Instrumental Performance or Teacher Certification tracks should prepare from at least three different areas.)
Percussion areas include Snare Drum, Mallet Percussion, Timpani, and Drum Set.
Snare Drum: prepared solo or etude (MD All State, All Shore, or equivalent), a selection of the 40 standard rudiments performed slow-fast-slow as chosen by the audition panel, and sight-reading
Mallet Percussion: prepared solo or etude (MD All State, All Shore, or equivalent), a selection of major scales and arpeggios ascending and descending in 2 octaves as chosen by the audition panel, and sight-reading
Timpani: prepared solo or etude (MD All State, All Shore, or equivalent), demonstration of tuning from a source pitch or tuning fork, and sight-reading
Drum Set: demonstrate the following patterns/forms: shuffle pattern in 12-bar blues, medium tempo swing in 32-bar form, and 16-bars of a Bossa Nova, Afro-Cuban, or other Latin-style groove
Note: Students are expected to provide their own sticks, mallets, and music at the audition and may elect to bring their own instruments (such as a snare drum) and/or equipment.
Prepare two pieces of your choice, in contrasting styles. At least one of the pieces must be memorized. A movement of a composition is considered to be one piece. (Students wishing to pursue the Instrumental Performance track should prepare three pieces.)
Be prepared to play some major and minor scales (a minimum of 2 octaves) at the audition.
Be prepared to sight-read.
Please contact Dr. Linda Cockey, Professor of Piano, for more information.
All students indicating an interest in majoring in music are admitted provisionally (Pre-Music Major) to the Peter and Judy Jackson Music Program by the ÃÛÌÒav Admissions Office. Full admission to the program is not attained until the student has successfully passed a music audition and taken a Theory Advisory Test. While some students may successfully complete an audition prior to their first semester enrollment at SU and immediately be accepted into the music major program, other students may choose to stay in the pre-music program while preparing for their music audition which should occur sometime during their first year of applied study at ÃÛÌÒav.
