If you’ve ever performed in a play or musical, then you’re probably familiar with sweating through an audition. Even if you’re not, pursuing a degree in dance or music will probably require you to endure at least one. However, auditions for college admission may be a bit different from singing a cappella in front of the high school choir director — this is serious business! (Not to imply that high school isn’t...) You can expect more competitiveness, more seriousness, and an expectation that you possess a certain degree of talent — no wannabes here! 

Are you ready? Well, warm up your pipes or tune your strings! Whatever your specialty, here are some practical tips for nailing a stellar performance and knocking the admission committee off their feet.

Vocal auditions

• Prepare at least two pieces in contrasting styles, including one in a foreign language, if possible
• Opt for operatic, show music, or art song selections
• Memorize each piece
• Try to bring a familiar accompanist to the audition, if permitted

Instrumental auditions

• Prepare to play scales and arpeggios, at least one etude or technical study, and a solo work
• Instrumental pieces don’t need to be memorized but you may have to sight-read

General advice

• When you’re performing sight-read music, take time to look over the piece and make sure you understand the key and time signatures before proceeding
• Ask for help from teachers as you prepare for your audition
• Try to acquire audition information ahead of time
• Know more than is required for the audition
• Select your audition time and date early
• Perform your solo in front of as many people as you can as many times as possible
• If you haven’t already, get involved in high school performances

What programs are looking for
Music departments usually want you to demonstrate technical competence and performance achievement but each program is different. Call the college and ask for specifics about their audition requirements. It's a good idea to audition with at least three colleges (but no more than five) to amplify your opportunities. This can definitely ring true for instrumental performers, especially those aiming to study with a renowned musician who teaches a certain instrument.

If you feel like you could have done better, some colleges may allow you to audition a second time. Ideally, you’ll be accepted into the school you really want, but it’s possible that you won’t make the cut. If that’s the case, remain upbeat and decide if you want to pursue a music program at another college or consider a different major. Where there’s a song there’s a way.