Music Conservatory Auditions

Auditions are required for entry into all music programs and for academic scholarship consideration. Students who wish to major in music should first apply for admission to the University and then schedule an audition.

The Ensemble Participation Grant is available to non-music majors who are interested in performing with a music ensemble.

Schedule an In-Person Audition

If you want to schedule an in-person audition, please contact music@evansville.edu.

Recorded Auditions

If you are unable to attend an in-person audition at UE, you may also submit a recorded video of your audition.

Submit a recorded Audition

Music Major Audition Requirements

Harpsichord
Performance: Three compositions, at least two memorized, of contrasting styles by composers such as Bach, Couperin or Scarlatti.

Other music degrees: Two compositions, at least one memorized, of contrasting styles as noted above.

Organ
Performance: Three compositions, at least two memorized, from different stylistic periods (Baroque, Romantic, or Contemporary). Two verses of a hymn as if playing for a church service.

Other music degrees: Two compositions, at least one memorized, of contrasting styles as noted above.

Piano
Performance: Three memorized compositions from different stylistic periods (Baroque, Classical, Romantic, or Contemporary).

Other music degrees: Two compositions, at least one memorized, of contrasting styles as noted above.

Bowed Strings-Violin, Viola, Cello, Bass
All music degrees: One solo and one etude (Memorization encouraged but not required.) Major and minor scales (2 or 3 octaves) and arpeggios.

Guitar
Performance: Three memorized compositions from different stylistic periods (Renaissance, Baroque, Classical, Romantic, or Contemporary). Major and minor scales.

Other music degrees: One solo or one etude. Major and minor scales (2 octaves). Students may audition on electric, jazz, or folk guitar. Studies for all guitar majors will be on classical guitar.

Harp
Performance: Three compositions from different stylistic periods (Renaissance, Baroque, Classical, Romantic, or Contemporary). Repertoire can include original works, transcriptions, a standard orchestra cadenza, or a concerto movement.

Other music degrees: Two pieces of music in any style.

Performance
Three memorized art songs (classical, not musical theater). One selection in a language other than English is required.

Other music degrees
Two memorized art songs (classical, not musical theater). One selection in a language other than English preferred.

Brass
All music degrees: One solo and one etude, major and chromatic scales, and sight reading.

Percussion
All music degrees: Snare solo or etude: concert/orchestral style (e.g. Cirone, Peters, Delecluse) and rudimental style (e.g. Wilcoxin, Pratt, Freytag). Mallet solo or etude: two mallet (e.g. Bach, MacMillan, Green) or four mallet (e.g. Peters, Gomez, Musser). Choice of drum set, timpani, or multiple percussion. Sight reading on snare drum and mallets. Auditionees are expected to provide their own music, sticks, and mallets.

All percussion instruments will be provided.

Woodwinds
All music degrees: Two works (solos or etudes) of contrasting styles to demonstrate technical and musical ability; major and chromatic scales; and sight reading. Memorization of scales is encouraged but not required.

Ensemble Participation Award Audition Requirements

Brass and woodwind
One solo or etude, major and chromatic scales

Percussion
Snare drum rudiments (i.e., buzz roll, paradiddle, double paradiddle, 5-stroke roll, etc.), major scales on keyboard/mallet instruments and timpani tuning

Strings
One solo or etude, major and minor scales (2 or 3 octaves).

Brass and woodwind
One solo or etude, major and minor scales (2 or 3 octaves).

Voice
One solo song
Sight reading will be assessed during the audition