College Audition Guide: By Year of High School
What do you want to do after you graduate from high school? According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, as of May 2024, a little over 60% of high school graduates go on to college. While I could not find a recent number about music majors, back in 2009, 1.7% of all students enrolled in college were music majors. If you plan to attend college and would like to join that ~2% of students enrolled in music programs, this College Audition Guide can get you started.
College Applications for Music Majors
Requirements vary from school to school (and conservatory), but many schools require the same items from music majors as they do for any other non-arts major. Expect to write an essay (or two), take the SATs or ACTs, and have your grades scrutinized. Music schools also look at your extra-curricular activities. Like any other school, they like “well-rounded individuals”, so get involved in activities – not just music or theatre related.
That said, they also look at your experience in the arts. Think of it this way: If you wanted to go to school for engineering, you would make sure your high school course load prepared you for it by taking the appropriate math and science classes. A music or musical theatre major should prepare themselves the same way: Lessons for your chosen instrument, plus dance and acting classes for theatre majors, and, of course, performance experience. If your choices are limited during the school year, seek out summer camps and activities.
Unlike most other non-arts majors, the earlier you start planning, the better. It’s possible to pull together an audition package in your Junior or Senior year, but be prepared for a challenge! I have helped many high schoolers with their college audition packages. I specialize in voice auditions and the voice portion of a musical theatre audition. This college audition guide focuses on these two areas, but many of the ideas also apply to instrument majors as well. Music Education majors using their voice as their primary instrument will have similar requirements as Voice Majors.
Typical College / Conservatory Requirements
Voice Majors
Requirements may vary based on the style of music you sing, but many programs in the U.S. still focus on classical literature. Typically, the college audition process requires prospective voice majors to perform 3 – 5 pieces from various time periods. Most programs require you to sing something in Italian and often also expect you sing something in German or French.
Musical Theatre Majors
Musical Theatre Majors usually have less music to learn for their college auditions, but music is just one part of the audition. You will most likely have a dance/movement audition and will need to perform one or two monologues. For music, MT Majors typically need to perform cuts from 2 – 4 pieces. Be sure to read the requirements for each school’s audition carefully. Some ask for cuts based on time (30 seconds, for example) or number of bars (typically 16 – 32 bars). Some schools are very strict – if they say 32 bars, you can’t have a 33rd bar to finish the phrase – and some show some leniency. For big programs, assume they will be strict because of the volume of applicants. At a minimum, schools normally want to see an example of an uptempo piece and a ballad.
Do Your Research
Repertoire
Regardless of when you start working towards your college auditions, the first step will be to look at the schools and conservatories that interest you and learn their requirements. Most schools and conservatories list their requirements with their other application materials for their music and theatre departments. Write the requirements down so you can see the overlaps and outliers for music. You want as few “one off” requirements as possible. More songs means less focus. You most likely won’t be able to eliminate all the outliers completely, but once you have your list of schools and requirements, you can use this information to help you decide on which schools are your priorities.
Pre-screens & Auditions
Many schools pre-screen their applicants through a video audition. Pre-screens usually are due in October. Be sure to note due dates and video submission requirements. The pre-screens will ultimately dictate your exact timelines for the steps outlined in this college audition guide. Once you pass your pre-screens, you will be invited to audition in person or submit a full video audition. Some schools participate in the Unified auditions for Musical Theatre which allows you to audition for several schools at once. Live auditions typically happen in January while video auditions are often due in early February.
To Tour or Not to Tour?
Whether or not to tour campuses (and when) is up to you. Regardless of when you tour, if you choose to do it, there are a few things you can do to help ensure you’re making the right choice when it’s time to pick your school. Besides the usual stuff you look at when you tour a school, here are a few things to focus on:
Does the school inspire you?
How does the school make you feel when you’re walking across campus? If visual cues help you feel creative, then take some time after the tour and walk around campus. Find a spot to sit and take the vibe in. What about the music building(s)? One person’s inspiration can be another person’s downer. If you’re not feeling it, then it doesn’t matter if it’s a top-rated school. Find a campus that inspires and excites you.
Can you take a lesson?
Pick your top 2 or 3 schools and ask if you can have a lesson with someone who typically works with incoming Freshman. Bring one of your audition songs to work on (even if you have already auditioned). Use the lesson as an opportunity to have a new set of ears listen to you while getting a sense of what a lesson is like at the school. You will need to pay for the lesson out of pocket, so be selective about which schools to do this.
Check out the facilities.
The tours will lead with the performance space(s), but you will spend far less time in those spaces as you will practice rooms. Check out the practice and rehearsal spaces. How many does the school have? How difficult is it to grab a spot to practice on your own or with a group? Can you practice in your dorm (if it’s cool with your roommate, or course)?
Get prepared!
Regardless of when you start preparing, the process of pulling together your audition package consists of several parts.
Skill Development
Find a Teacher
If you do not currently have a voice teacher, find one. Nowadays, if you can’t find someone you like locally, you can easily find someone who teaches online. If your budget cannot accommodate weekly private lessons, you may have options.
- Some high schools offer free or steeply discounted private or semi-private music lessons.
- Some music schools and centers located in urban settings offer financial aid for their students.
- Consider taking lessons less frequently if your teacher offers the option. Some teachers offer the option to meet once or twice a month with a couple of quick video check-ins in between lessons.
- Ask your teacher if they offer scholarships or work study options.
Get Focused
Using your school research, work with your voice teacher to develop a plan to focus on skills you will ultimately need for your college audition package. If you haven’t sung in a foreign language yet, work on repertoire that includes the languages on your list. Explore the styles and time periods of music. MT majors, start working on building character in your music either in your voice lessons or in conjunction with an acting coach. One or more of your repertoire may find its way into your audition binder.
Skill development may include other items not directly related to your repertoire including music theory, sight-singing, and ear-training. Many schools include testing as part of the application process – especially for Music Education majors.
Branch Out If You Need To
Your teacher may not teach everything you need, and it’s ok to seek outside assistance. If you need to work on a jazz song, for example, you may want to pick up a few lessons with someone who specifically teaches that. When working with a second teacher, it’s common courtesy to let your regular teacher and the specialist know, so that everyone knows what role(s) they are filling.
During the summer, area colleges and arts organization often offer music or musical theatre intensives for high school students. These programs typically offer classes, one-on-one coaching, and performances, often times with headliner clinicians and high profile performers. Your teacher can help you find programs and also help you with any application or audition requirements the program may have.
Song Selection
Work with your teacher to find a short list of repertoire that meets the various requirements from your schools. Personally, I provide 3 – 5 songs for each category. I then ask my students to sit with the lists for a couple of weeks before narrowing it. If your teacher provides a list of options (and I hope they do), here’s what I have my students do. Try these ideas on your own or with your teacher.
Listen to recordings of the song.
I will provide at least one really good recording, but it’s good practice to explore other performances. Look for them on YouTube. I ask students to actively listen to each recording and jot down what they like or don’t like about the song itself and the performances.
Sing along.
On their own or in their lesson, I ask students to sing along with a recording. It doesn’t have to be perfect, but you don’t know if a shoe fits until you try it on and walk around in it. How does it feel to sing the song? You may love a song, but if it doesn’t feel like a fit vocally, sit it aside.
Narrow your choices.
Pick two or three songs (max) for each of your categories and start working on them. As you get into the song, you may decide it isn’t right for you, or, you might fall in love with it. Either way, songs will either bubble up to the top of your list or fall off of it. If you end up with two winners, so much the better for now!
Revisit your list of one-off requirements.
With your teacher, figure out if you need additional coaching/lessons to cover the song(s).
Build Your Audition Binder
Songs should be organized and marked for an accompanist. Use tabs to separate songs to make it easy for the accompanist to flip to whatever is requested during a live audition. If you have more than three or four songs, create a table of contents and put that as the first page before your songs. While you are building your binder, create a section behind your music for your research. When it’s time to audition, remove these pages, but while you are preparing, keep it all in one place. This section includes:
- Pre-screen requirements and which song(s) you will use. Read the requirements carefully. It seems like every school wants something a little different, so it pays to plan ahead. For example, if one school wants a video focused on your head while another wants from the waist up, you may be able to record from the waist up and crop/zoom in for the other video.
- Live/Video audition requirements and which song(s) you will use. Be prepared to sing other songs in your binder, though.
- Deadlines by school for pre-screens and auditions.
- (optional) Other requirements such as essays, test scores, etc by school.
- (optional) Application fees and your ranked list of the schools. I would also mark the schools with one-off audition requirements. If you need to cut back on how many schools you apply to, this list will help you organize your thoughts.
Video Preparation
When you record, have your lists of requirements handy so you can be sure to have the footage you need. Don’t try to do your pre-screens and audition videos on the same day unless you absolutely have to. In fact, depending on requirements, you may want to break up your sessions over the course of a few days if possible. Some helpful hints:
Don’t wait until the last minute
Filming and editing your videos will almost certainly take more time than you think it should take. For each song (for both pre-screens and full auditions), you will want several takes so you can pick your best performance. While pre-screens are often short, full video auditions typically end up being 10 – 20 minutes worth of video.
Accompanist versus backing tracks
Often times, pre-screens can use backing tracks. As long as you can work with the timing (for expression and rubato) of a backing track and all of your schools don’t care, save some money and skip the pianist. For video auditions, even if backing tracks can be used, I encourage my students to use a pianist if possible. A pianist follows you instead of you following a backing track which allows for more expression and deeper interpretation of the material.
How fancy do I need to be?
Pre-screens can be done on a decent phone. As long as the audio is clear and the video meets the requirements, you don’t need anything fancy. Video auditions can often also be done on a phone. Do a test run of one your more dynamic songs to make sure the microphone picks up your softer sections and doesn’t clip during louder passages. You may need an external microphone if your phone’s built in microphone can’t handle the input. Some families hire a videographer to film auditions which can be a great option if you can afford it. If you go this route, make sure their audio equipment provides a clean sound for singers.
Location, location, location
Regardless of how you record your pre-screens and auditions, find a quiet location that isn’t too echo-y. The space does not need to be acoustically dead, but if it’s a bright space with lots of echos, your end product’s sound may be muddy and not showcase your voice. Use a neutral backdrop if possible so the judges focus on you and not whatever’s happening in the background.
Tech Stuff
Before you get in the thick of creating pre-screen videos, set up your Common App account. Fill out as much as you can and expect it to take longer than you think it should take. If you want to major in Musical Theatre, you’ll also need to set up an Acceptd account for submitting your pre-screens. Be sure to read the info on their site about about which schools use this service and what the requirements are.
Gather Your Recommendations
Give your recommendation writers plenty of notice – several months if possible. When you ask for a recommendation, discuss with the person what you need. Do you need a general recommendation or do you want them to speak about specific aspects? Provide the person you’re asking all the information they need including where to submit/mail the recommendation and deadlines. Remember that the person might be asked by several students for one – make it easy for them to do it for you!
Practice Makes Permanent
Once you pull your audition package together, put on a performance. Ask your teacher if you can do a mini-recital through their studio. If that’s not possible, organize a performance at your home or at a local venue. If you’re a member of a church, you may be able to “borrow” space for free. Invite family and friends (and church members) and sing your audition pieces. Practice singing your pieces when you’re nervous, because even if you are a seasoned performer, you will be nervous during your auditions! Have someone video your performance so you and your teacher can analyze how you did afterwards. If you have the time and resources to do this more than once, go for it!
If you have limited performance experience in general, consider finding other ways to get comfortable singing in front of people. Some of these activities may even help your college application. Join a choir at your school, church, or in your community. Audition for community theater or your school’s musicals. Sing karaoke. Perform in your school’s talent shows. Ask your teacher to organize a recital at an area retirement home. Participate in studio recitals and performances. Find ways to sing in front of people. The more you do it, the easier it will be.
Timeline
When you start the process will determine how compressed the above elements become. Click the year that you’re either currently in or going into to see the college audition guide timeline from where you start through early in your Senior Year.
Freshman Year
Freshman Year College Audition Guide
If you start working on your audition Freshman Year, you have plenty of time to research, build skills, and pick your repertoire. All this time comes with a downside, though. You may feel like you have all the time in the world and end up procrastinating. Make sure you stay on top of the items you need to get done.
Freshman Year
Use this year for skill development and research. Some of the repertoire you use this year may end up in your audition binder. If you are new to private lessons, this year gives you an opportunity to build rapport with your teacher. The more your teacher understands your voice and what you respond to musically, the easier it will be for them to help you with song selection when the time comes.
Sophomore Year/ Early Junior Year
Continue building on your skill development as you build your audition binder. Because you started so early, you have plenty of time to explore your song options. You have time for “one-off” requirement songs. Or, you can pick an easier “safe” piece and one that will stretch you for various categories. Use this year to pick up any specialized lessons that you and your teacher agree would benefit you.
Mid / Late Junior Year
At this point, your audition binder should be finalized, including the section with all of your research. Polish your music and finalize your cuts. While you should work on all of your music, give the songs you will use for your pre-screens a little extra attention as you will need those first. Prepare them late in the summer and set up your Common App account and Acceptd account (if applicable). Line up who will write your recommendation letters and get them the information they need to do it.
Late Junior / Early Senior Year
If you didn’t do your pre-screens over the summer, do them early in September of your Senior year. Because you started this process so early, you have the luxury of time for any audition videos you plan to create. Plan for a practice performance of your audition pieces before Thanksgiving so you aren’t juggling it with the holidays.
Sophomore Year
Sophomore Year College Audition Guide
Starting in your Sophomore Year looks similar to starting in your Freshman year. The research and skill building portion ends up being consolidated.
Sophomore Year
If you haven’t started thinking about schools, start your research in the fall of your sophomore year. The earlier you can gather a list of song requirements to look at with your teacher, the better. This gives you more time to make decisions and to work on the skills you’ll need for your audition. If you have not formally studied voice up to this point, you will spend most of your sophomore year building your skill set and filling in knowledge gaps.
Towards the end of your sophomore year, start working on your song lists with your teacher. While you still have plenty of time, you will want to consider how many one-off songs you can handle and how ambitious your repertoire should be. Your teacher will help you gauge what’s realistic for you based on your current skill level and how much time you have to practice. If you want an ambitious college audition package, consider taking summer lessons if your teacher offers them.
Early Junior Year
If you haven’t started song selection yet, now is the time to do so. Ideally, you’ve narrowed your list of songs down by this point to one more than you need per category plus your one-off songs. Spend the Fall of your Junior year whittling the list down further. If you need any specialized/focused lessons, get them done at this time if you couldn’t get to them over the summer.
Mid / Late Junior Year
At this point, your audition binder should be finalized, including the section with all of your research. Use the remainder of your Junior year to learn your songs. By the summer, you should be putting the final polish on your songs and deciding on your final cuts. If you feel ready, prepare your pre-screens late in the summer. Set up your Common App account and Acceptd account (if applicable). Line up who will write your recommendation letters and get them the information they need to do it.
Early Senior Year
If you haven’t done them already, prepare your pre-screen videos in September of your Senior year. Once you complete them, gear up for any video auditions you may be doing. If possible, plan a practice performance before Thanksgiving so you aren’t juggling it with the holidays and submitting your pre-screens.
Junior Year
Junior Year College Audition Guide
If you start the process your Junior Year, you will need to be organized and stay on top of your research and practice.
Early/Mid Junior Year
Plan to get your research done in September. The faster you gather your requirements, the sooner you can focus on the repertoire you need to meet them. If you have not studied voice formally, your Fall may consist of intense skill building and filling in knowledge gaps.
By Christmas, you most likely will be considering song lists. When I have students who start this late in the game, I limit choices to 2 – 3 songs per category. I also encourage students to put schools with one-off requirements towards the bottom of their lists. Regardless, I tend to promote slightly easier-to-learn repertoire because knocking an easier song out of the park is always better than giving an ok-ish performance with a more difficult piece. Your teacher will help you find songs that will make you sound awesome that also have a reasonable learning curve.
Mid/Late Junior Year
By February, your song lists should be close to finalized so you can be deep in learning your repertoire. The research portion of your audition binder should be done. If you need a few specialized lessons, aim to get them sometime during the winter so you have some time to apply what you learned to your pieces. You may need the summer to put the final polish on your songs. If you cannot take lessons over the summer, be prepared for an intense September / early October for your Senior Year. Set up your Common App account and Acceptd account (if applicable). Line up who will write your recommendation letters and get them the information they need to do it.
Early Senior Year
Prepare your pre-screen videos early in your Senior year. If you’re ready, do them in September. If not, then plan to get them done by the first week in October (be sure to check your deadlines!). Once you complete them, gear up for any video auditions you may be doing. If possible, plan a practice performance before Thanksgiving so you aren’t juggling it with the holidays and submitting your pre-screens.
Senior Year
Senior Year College Audition Guide
While you can put together an audition package if you make a decision late in your Junior year to go to school for music, understand that you will not only need to be very efficient, you will also need to limit your options. Assuming you made the decision at the end of your Junior year, you will have summer vacation plus a couple of months at the beginning of your Senior Year to pull together your repertoire, prepare your pre-screens, and get ready for your live/video auditions. I have worked with students with this exact timeline, so I understand all too well the strain this causes. If at all possible, consider schools with rolling admissions who have a auditions in the spring or take a gap year. Give yourself the gift of time so you don’t burn yourself out trying to get it all done.
If you are set on following the traditional timeline for college applications and acceptances, the following ideas can help you get it all done.
Get your research done in a weekend.
This will most likely limit the number of schools for you to look at, but this will also limit the number of requirements that you have to meet. As you research, look at their acceptance rates. Plenty of programs out there only accept 5% of the applications. It’s fine to still have a “reach school” on your list, but make sure there are several schools on your list that do have a higher acceptance rate. If your list is limited, you don’t want to play the odds with severals schools with low rates.
Eliminate schools on your list with “one-off” audition requirements.
Every song on your list needs to cover multiple audition requirements. If you want to pursue Musical Theatre, attend Unified auditions. This will cut down on individual requirements and put you in front of a bunch of schools.
Look for schools with deferred auditions.
Some schools allow you to defer your audition. They base acceptance on academic merit and the strength of your application. You will enter as “undecided” and sometime during your Freshman Year, you will audition for your major. You would be able to start potential audition pieces your Senior Year and continue working on them with your voice teacher at your school. If you love the school, even if the audition doesn’t work out your Freshman Year, you may find another program that you fit in. Worse case scenario: you use this year to get some requirements out of the way and then audition and transfer to another school for your sophomore year.
Be prepared for extra lessons.
If this is your first time studying voice formally, be prepared to double up on lessons if you can. You will be skill building while learning your repertoire. If you have been studying all along, work with your teacher to see if any of your past lesson pieces could work as an audition piece. You may still require extra lessons to help you pull everything together.
Get some help.
Find someone – a friend, family member, or hire someone – to help you edit your videos. Take this task off your plate so you can focus on your music.
Overwhelmed?
College auditions are intense, no matter when you start. The earlier you start, the more time you have to do your research, pick your repertoire, try different things, and change your mind about schools and song. If you decide later in your high school career, you can still do it as long as you are focused and organized.
If you read through my college audition guide and want more help, book a discovery call with me. We can explore your audition needs and see if private lessons or a project-based engagement help you get on track.