Auditions
Every School of Music applicant, including minors, must audition on a major performing instrument or voice. Composition applicants must submit scores and may choose to audition if interested in studying privately on a major instrument or voice. There are pre-screening audition requirements for percussion and sound recording technology applicants.
To schedule an audition, please submit the Audition Request Form. Auditions may be scheduled after September 1.
When to Audition
It is in the applicant's best interest to choose an early audition date. Space in each studio and degree program is limited and admission becomes more competitive as the admission season progresses.
Audition Options
- On-campus auditions -- On-campus auditions are strongly recommended and include personal meetings with faculty and information sessions with the dean, director of music admission, and a financial aid representative. On-campus auditions are required for composition, sound recording technology, and percussion applicants.
- Regional audition sites -- Auditions conducted at regional audition sites are video-recorded and brought back for review by the School of Music faculty. Regional auditions are not available for composition, sound recording technology, or percussion applicants.
- Video Recording -- A video recording via DVD or submitted online through ArtsApp is possible with permission from the director of music admission. Please note that video recorded submissions are typically not given the same scholarship consideration as on-campus and regional auditions. The deadline for video recorded submissions is February 1. Compact discs (CDs) are not accepted.
Audition Repertoire
There are very specific repertoire requirements for each instrument and degree program. Please carefully review the information on the Requirements Per Instrument website. Specific repertoire questions should be communicated directly to our faculty members.
Requirements Per Instrument
Faculty Directory
Sight-Singing Exam
In addition to the audition, all applicants will be required to perform a brief sight-singing examination. This is not a theory test, but does measure the applicant's ability to match pitch, sing simple melodic lines unaccompanied, and to read basic rhythmic patterns. No formal voice training is necessary, but it is recommended that applicants practice these skills with a school music teacher or a private teacher prior to the audition.
Additional Audition Requirements by Degree
- Composition (B.M.) -- Applicants are required to submit two sample compositions, with recordings if available. Scores should exhibit a variety of instrumentation and/or vocal forces. Applicants are also required to interview with the composition faculty on an audition date. An audition is not required for this degree program, but is necessary if an applicant would like to study privately on an instrument or voice. Scores and recordings may be submitted online through ArtsApp (preferred) when completing the School of Music Supplemental Application or mailed to Music Admissions, 3322 Whalen Center for Music, 953 Danby Road, Ithaca, NY 14850-7240. Hard copy of scores and recordings should be brought to the interview.
- Jazz Studies (B.M.) -- Applicants must complete the specified jazz and classical audition requirements, and demonstrate the ability to improvise with a live rhythm section (provided by Ithaca College). Applicants must also prepare several song selections from the list of approved selections at the following page:
For Jazz Studies Majors - Sound Recording Technology (B.M.) -- Applicants must submit pre-screening audition recordings through ArtsApp. Applicants will receive more information about this process after completing the Audition Request Form. Applicants who successfully pass the pre-screening audition will be invited to a live audition and interview on campus. Applicants must also submit the Recording Supplement prior to their on-campus audition. Please note that this program is designed for freshman entry only. Transferring into the recording major from another institution, from another major in the School of Music, or from within the College is not permitted.
- Theory (B.M.) -- Freshman theory applicants are typically accepted as "undeclared" music majors and may audition for formal entry into this program during the sophomore year. The audition consists of an oral examination with the chair of the music theory, history, and composition department and a second theory faculty member of the student's choice.
Accompanists
Voice applicants are required to perform with an accompanist. Applicants who audition at regional sites must provide their own accompanists. For auditions in Ithaca, applicants may provide their own accompanist or use an Ithaca College staff accompanist. The fee for this service is $25. Checks should be made payable to "Ithaca College" and presented to the registration desk on the audition day. Applicants must provide original copies of their music that are bound, clear, and legible and will stay open and flat for the accompanist. Instrumental auditions must be unaccompanied.
For More Information
For additional information about auditions, please contact the director of music admission:
Thomas Kline
School of Music
Ithaca College
3322 Whalen Center for Music
953 Danby Road
Ithaca, NY 14850-7240
Telephone: (607) 274-3366
Fax: (607) 274-1727
E-mail: tkline@ithaca.edu
Musical Theater Auditions
Musical theater auditions are not associated with the School of Music. For musical theater audition information, contact:
Department of Theatre Arts
Ithaca College
201 Dillingham Center
953 Danby Road
Ithaca, NY 14850-7293
(607) 274-3345