School of music

In a prospective guitar, bass, or strings concentration audition, students must play three memorized works chosen from one or more genres (pop, rock, classical, jazz, country, urban, hip-hop, gospel, Latin) that exemplify their technical ability and artistic expression. A committee of faculty will observe and engage the student in follow-up discussion.  
These pieces may be performed with a collaborative musician or recorded tracks.

Recording and Production Concentration Students:

• Pieces should include a blues selection, up tempo selection, and one additional selection.

Songwriting and Performance Concentration Students (Guitar only):

• Pieces should include a blues selection, up tempo selection, and one additional selection.

• One selection must be an original song/composition.

The following skills will also be explored in the audition:

• Chord voicings/spellings (comping and other patterns)

• Scales, arpeggios, and other technical patterns

• Sight-reading, standard music notation, tablature, and chord sheets

• Aural abilities

Criteria for Evaluation

• Technique

• Tempo and Rhythm

• Melody, Pitch, Harmony, Chord Voicing

• Expression and Dynamics 

Equipment Available for Commercial Music Major Auditions (upon request):

• Piano/Keyboard

• Speaker with inputs for smart phone/laptop/Bluetooth.

• Microphone

• Amplifier for bass, guitar, and keyboard

• Drum kit (5-piece)

• Music Stand

Online Submission Requirements:

If an in-person audition is not possible, students may upload videos to YouTube and submit unlisted links to Professor John Buteyn ([email protected]).  Please slate each video with your name and intended degree concentration.  In addition to the three requested pieces, also include:

• One-octave major scales in A major and F major.

• A brief statement regarding your music reading and sight-reading abilities.