Music Program Entry Auditions
Program entry auditions
An audition is required for all music major and music minor students. If you are interested in becoming a becoming a music major or minor at the University of Wisconsin-Parkside, there are two steps you need to take:
- Apply for admission to the university
- Audition for the Music Department
Auditions
Virtual audition submission
OPEN
In-person dates
2023-2024
Saturday, Nov. 11, 10-12
Friday, Dec. 1, 4-5:30 (coincides with Arts Visit Day)
Saturday, Jan. 6, 9-10 (coincides with Honor Band)
Saturday, Feb. 10, 10-12
Friday, March 15, 3-4 (coincides with Jazz Week)
Saturday, April 6, 10-12
Saturday, May 18, 10-12
Apply to UW-Parkside!
Complete and submit the university application for undergraduate admission.
Virtual auditions are being accepted now!
The UW-Parkside Music Department accepts virtual auditions for program entry into the major or minor on a rolling basis. Read "Video Music Audition Instructions" below before you submit."
OR, audition in person in the Fall
Your audition consists of an informal 10-15 minute performance for music faculty, along with a brief music theory placement survey and short interview with faculty. If you desire piano accompaniment, a pianist may be provided. Please contact Dr. Laura Rexroth if you have questions on how to prepare for a live audition: rexroth@uwp.edu.
VIDEO MUSIC AUDITION INSTRUCTIONS
WHAT TO PREPARE
You may prepare and submit up to 3 video clips, with a combined duration not to exceed 12 minutes. You may upload the video file(s) directly from your computer, or simply provide link(s) for your streaming video(s) (unlisted YouTube, for example). At the beginning of the video, please clearly state your name and the work you’re performing (title and composer). You may perform with piano accompaniment or a pre-recorded accompaniment (i.e. backing track). Instrumentalists may perform unaccompanied if appropriate or if no accompaniment is available. Further guidance regarding specific audition repertoire can be be found below.
WHAT HAPPENS NEXT
After you’ve submitted your materials, you’ll receive a confirmation email and further information from the Music Department. Remember, you must already be accepted by the UW-Parkside Admissions Office before the Music Department can formally act upon your video audition submission.
Want some help preparing for your virtual audition?
Virtual auditions are different than in-person auditions, no doubt about that. The way you prepare is a little different, too. That's why we asked our faculty experts for their top tips to prepare.
QUESTIONS?
Please contact our music admissions coordinator, Dr. Laura Rexroth: rexroth@uwp.edu | 262-595-2438
SAMPLE AUDITION REPERTOIRE
Strings (violin, viola, cello, string bass, harp, classical guitar)
- Two contrasting pieces or contrasting movements from a multi-movement work. (Compositions from the WSMA class A list may be used. Also for violin, viola and cello, ASTA repertoire level 5 or above may be used)
- Two three-octave major scales of your choice.
- Students who do plan to audition on electric bass will be asked to perform a piece demonstrating music reading skills. Students without upright bass skills will be placed in the preparatory level of string bass instruction.
- Guitar players without classical guitar experience should demonstrate music reading skills and expect to be placed in the preparatory level of classical guitar instruction.
Woodwinds and Brass (flute, oboe, clarinet, saxophone, bassoon, horn, trumpet, trombone, euphonium, tuba)
- A solo with contrasting Styles and Tempi, or a slow and fast movement from a multi-movement work, or two selections from different historical style periods.
- Play a two octave chromatic scale
Percussion
- One solo for timpani, snare drum or multiple percussion AND one mallet keyboard work.
- Candidates for Jazz Studies should demonstrate idiomatic time keeping in swing, latin, and rock styles.
Piano
- A work of at least six minutes in duration, or a slow and fast movement from a multi-movement work, or two selections from different historical style periods.
Voice
- Vocalists are required to perform two selections by memory with piano accompaniment from the art song, operatic, sacred music, or music theater repertoire, with at least one of the selections from the art song repertoire.
- For voice students auditioning specifically for the contemporary commercial music track, prepare two contrasting selections from different genres, e.g.:
- Classical
- Musical theater
- Pop
- Rock
- Country
- Folk
- The selections should display who you are as a singer. You can use a karaoke track or piano accompaniment. If you also play acoustic guitar or piano, you may accompany yourself on one of these instruments.
MUSIC AUDITION CONTACT
Dr. Laura Rexroth | rexroth@uwp.edu
