AUDITIONS - MUSIC

All new undergraduate students whether first-time freshmen or transfer, must audition for acceptance into any music major.  This process is in addition to the admission application procedure of the university. 

Graduate performance auditions are required for performance programs and the Artist Diploma program. Graduate degrees in scholarly/academic fields require submission of written materials.

Performance auditions last approximately 15 minutes and the faculty will be assessing musicianship, intonation, general technique, interpretive skills, and stylistic considerations compared to the standard expected of students entering a music program at the undergraduate or graduate level. 

On-campus audition dates for entry in Fall 2012 are:

• Saturday, February 11, 2012
• Sunday, February 12, 2012
• Saturday, February 25, 2012
• Sunday, February 26, 2012

In order to schedule an audition, please complete the audition/information form and submit to the School of Music and Dance by February 1, 2012.

An on-campus performance audition is preferable, but students who are unable to come to San Diego for a personal audition due to distance or scheduling conflict may audition by submitting a DVD or VHS tape. All audition DVD’s or tapes should clearly indicate the student’s name, instrument/voice type, repertoire performed, and the date of the recording. An audio compact disc recording of a student’s work may be submitted only as supplemental material. Audio only submissions will not be accepted in lieu of a DVD or VHS recording. The deadline for receipt of your recording is 2/1/12.

While the faculty who will listen to your recording do not expect professional level production quality, it is important that your materials are of sufficient audio quality for committee members to clearly hear your performance level.

Accompanist
An accompanist is not required for instrumentalists although some areas do recommend their use.  See your instrument page for specific information. All singers are required to perform their audition with a piano accompanist. 

Staff accompanists are available for a $20 charge (checks should be made payable to the SDSU School of Music and Dance).  If you plan to utilize a staff accompanist, please send a copy of all selections you will be performing with your audition application form. Pre-recorded accompaniment is not permitted.

Required Performance Repertoire

• Brass Instruments (euphonium, horn, trumpet, trombone, tuba)
• Conducting
• Composition
• Jazz Studies
• Percussion
• Piano
• Stringed Instruments (bass, cello, classical guitar, viola, violin)
• Voice
• Woodwind Instruments

Notification of Audition Results: Undergraduate
Students will be notified about the results of their audition by letter, normally in mid-March. Admission to a degree program in music is contingent upon the student’s acceptance to San Diego State University. Notification regarding admission to the university is sent separately by the Office of Admissions.

Notification of Audition Results: Graduate
Students will be notified no later than April 1 of the results of their audition.

Music Theory Placement:  Undergraduate
All students will be given a music theory examination during the audition day.  This test is used for appropriate placement in the comprehensive musicianship (music theory and aural skills) course sequence. 

For any additional questions regarding the audition process, please contact the Student Services Coordinator.  619.594.6032.