Master Class: Preparing for College Auditions

Students and teachers at the International Women’s Brass Conference had the opportunity to hear advice on preparing for college auditions in a workshop given by Paul Hillner, Assistant Dean for Admissions and Student Services and Annmarie Lyons, Admissions Officer at the University of Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music. Mr. Hillner and Ms. Lyons covered the admissions process from the initial search to the final decision on a college music program.

The process begins with identifying career options such as performing, teaching, composing, conducting, music business, music criticism, and music therapy. The next step is to search for colleges offering majors in the chosen area. College guides, Internet sites, professional journals and high school guidance counselors are helpful sources in finding college programs, but often the best advice comes from private teachers, orchestra directors, and band directors.

The student must then decide what type of school she is looking for, whether it is a conservatory or a school of music within a university setting. The size of the school, geographic location, curriculum, and cost are important factors to consider.

The next step is to request information from many schools, including application material as well as a bulletin or view book in order to learn more about each program.

The student should then visit the top schools of her choice, preferably in her junior year or the summer before her senior year. The visit should include a meeting with an admissions representative, a tour of the facility, class and rehearsal observation, and if possible, a meeting or lesson with the private teacher on her main instrument.

During the senior year, the student should apply to three to six schools of varying levels of competition. It is important to understand all application requirements such as transcripts, test scores, letters of recommendation, and application fees. The student should also be aware of the application deadlines and apply early. It is helpful to set up an application budget including application fees and travel costs, and to plan the audition schedule so that the student plays well at each audition.

The most important part of the admissions process is the audition itself. In order to be best prepared, the student must know the audition requirements for each school. Music should show tone, technique, and musicality, as well as contrast in tempi, style, and musical periods. Scales, if required, should be memorized. Some schools will also require orchestral excerpts, sight reading, and improvisation in the case of a jazz audition. Students should choose material that is challenging but does not exceed their ability, and should strive for peak performance at the audition time. To avoid performance anxiety, it helpful to perform the audition for as many people as possible, record the audition, and time the audition. Some schools will also require an interview or a theory test on the audition day. To navigate the logistics of the audition day, be sure to receive a schedule and directions, and know where the audition will take place as well as where to warm up.

Finally, it is time for admissions decisions from the colleges. It is important to find out how and when admissions decisions are made, as well as scholarship decisions. Schools may offer talent-based scholarships, academic scholarships, financial aid based upon need, or a combination of these.

Once the student has received offers of admission, it is time for the final decision on where to attend. It is important to develop a “pros and cons” list for each school and to decide which school best meets the student’s overall needs. All schools must be notified by May 1 whether or not you plan to attend. Once this final decision is made, students will receive information regarding orientation, housing, and registration for classes.

The admissions process requires great preparation, consideration, and thought. If the student is well prepared and has a successful audition, she will be admitted to the school which best meets her needs.

Submitted by Annmarie C. Lyons