Audition
Schedule Your Audition
After completing the application for admission and submitting the audition fee or fee waiver through the online applicant portal, you will be asked to request your audition date. All music majors must audition. Note: Music Industry and Arts Management & Entrepreneurship majors are not required to audition.
The application and audition fee must be submitted by November 1 to audition in November and by January 15 to audition in January or February. Applications for instrumentalists and classical voice have been extended to February 1. Applications may be accepted beyond the deadline on a space-available basis. Contact music@bw.edu for more information.
Applicants have the option of auditioning live in person or virtually. Recorded auditions are also welcome for instrumentalists and classical vocalists. Music theatre applicants will be asked to submit recorded monologue, wildcard, and dance videos as well as their headshot, and resume prior to their scheduled live voice audition.
Applicants cannot select more than one audition date. If the applicant registers for an available audition spot, the applicant cannot also choose to be waitlisted for a different audition date.
Audition Dates for Fall 2023 Enrollment
Auditions are filled on a first-come basis after the receipt of the application and audition fee or fee waiver, and registration of the audition date through the applicant portal. The application is available beginning on August 1 and auditions may be reserved through the applicant portal starting on August 16. Audition spots may fill well in advance of the application deadline.
Decision letters regarding your status for admission with BW and the Conservatory are sent by December 6 or March 7, depending on when you audition.
Instrumental & Classical Voice Auditions
Music education, music therapy, music composition, instrumental performance, voice performance, keyboard performance, music theatre direction, music theory, music history & literature, Bachelor of Arts in music.
Instrumental & Classical Voice Auditions: Zoom
Saturday, November 12, 2022 |
Saturday, February 18, 2023 |
Instrumental & Classical Voice Auditions: On-Campus
Friday, November 4, 2022 (BW High School Orchestra Festival participants only) |
Saturday, November 19, 2022 |
Saturday, February 11, 2023 |
Saturday, February 25, 2023 |
Instrumental & Classical Voice Auditions: Recorded
Accepted throughout the audition season for a March decision.
Music Theatre Auditions: Zoom
Sunday, December 4, 2022 |
Sunday, February 19, 2023 |
Music Theatre Auditions: On-Campus
Saturday, November 12, 2022 |
Saturday, November 19, 2022 |
Saturday, February 11, 2023 |
Saturday, February 18, 2023 |
Saturday, February 25, 2023 |
Music Theatre Organization Specific Auditions
Applicant’s membership in a specific organization will be checked prior to confirmation except for the Florida Combined Auditions which are open to all.
November 17 - November 18, 2022 (Moonifieds in Dallas) |
January 7 - January 8, 2023 (MTCA in NYC) |
January 14, 2023 (Florida Combined Auditions in Tampa) |
Note about Music Theatre Auditions: Applicants will only be asked to sing live on their audition date regardless of format or location of audition. By their audition date, they are expected to upload a one-minute monologue, one-minute wild card video, the dance combo video, and a 30 second video of the applicant singing any song that they would like, for faculty review. The specific dance combination will be emailed to applicants approximately two weeks prior to their confirmed audition date.
Audition Fee
Please submit your audition fee using your applicant portal after submitting your application. Instructions for logging into your applicant portal are emailed once your application is received.
The audition fee for on-campus and off-campus auditions is $100 and is non-refundable.
- Students who wish to audition for more than one Conservatory program are only charged a flat rate of $100.
- Students who wish to audition for both a Conservatory program and the BFA acting program are offered a special audition rate of $150.
You will receive an email confirmation of your payment. Audition confirmations will also be emailed when finalized.
If paying the audition fee is a financial hurdle, you are invited to contact music@bw.edu to request an audition fee waiver. The Baldwin Wallace Conservatory of Music is dedicated to ensuring that all prospective students regardless of financial standing can secure an audition opportunity if spots are currently available.
Soon after payment of the audition fee or approval of the fee waiver, you will have access to the audition calendar within the applicant portal to select a date to conduct your audition.
The Audition
Numerous opportunities are available to audition in person or virtually for the BW Conservatory. Both types of auditions are encouraged and are held at regular intervals by the Conservatory. Instrumentalists including piano and organ, as well as classical vocalists, may instead submit a recorded audition to the Conservatory of Music by selecting the recorded audition option on the application.
Recorded audition materials may be uploaded into the applicant portal, after submitting the audition fee, by clicking “Edit Portfolio.” The recorded audition will be reviewed after the application, uploaded audition, and supporting materials have been received.
Music theatre applicants will be asked to submit a recorded monologue, dance audition, headshot, resume, and 30 second singing video prior to their scheduled live, virtual voice audition. They may be uploaded into their portal by clicking “Edit Portfolio” as well.
An accompanist or backing track/recorded accompaniment is expected for all voice auditions. Instrumentalists are not expected to have an accompanist.
All music majors with piano or organ as the primary applied instrument may choose to prepare an audition of one solo piece on an orchestral instrument or voice. This audition will be considered for the student’s secondary instrument and/or large ensemble requirement for the desired degree program.
Prospective music education, music theory, music theatre direction, music history and literature, composition and music therapy majors will have a brief interview with one or more members of the faculty to assess the applicant’s suitability for the desired major. Students who submit a recorded audition are responsible for contacting the Conservatory admission office to arrange the required interview.
It is recommended that candidates for the music education major submit at least one recommendation from an instructor in their school setting. This could be a band, orchestra or choir director or an academic teacher.
Prospective Bachelor of Music in composition majors must submit two to four original compositions for review. Recordings are strongly recommended (live or midi versions). The preferred option for submission is uploading them into the applicant portal by clicking “Edit Portfolio.” Scores should be uploaded as PDF files and recordings should be uploaded as mp3 files. The second option is to upload files through our composition submission system.
Candidates for the music theory major or music history and literature major should describe their interest in pursuing a theory or history major in the music essay. In addition, candidates should submit a writing sample that demonstrates research ability..
Suggested Repertoire
The compositions listed below are considered suitable for audition. These suggestions are an indication of the degree of achievement expected. Selections should demonstrate your musicianship and technical proficiency, be performed within your capabilities and be thoroughly prepared and convincingly performed.
Pianists and vocalists are required to memorize all selections. Memorization is not required for organ, string, wind, brass, or percussion auditions.
- Strings
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Violin: Three contrasting movements should be selected that demonstrate the applicant’s range of capabilities, both technical and stylistic. These three works should include one movement of a standard concerto, one movement of an unaccompanied work (such as a Bach solo sonata or partita) and one work of the applicant’s choice. Works by at least two different composers should be represented on the audition. Applicants are encouraged to consult with Khari Joyner (kjoyner@bw.edu) if there are any questions about these repertoire requirements.
Viola: Three contrasting movements which demonstrate a student’s range of capabilities. These movements should include a movement of a concerto (or work for viola and orchestra), a movement of an unaccompanied Bach Suite (originally for cello) and a movement of the student’s choice. In addition, applicants should be prepared to play a major and minor 3-octave scale of the applicant’s choice, slurred and spiccato. Applicants are encouraged to contact Lembi Veskimets (kveskime@bw.edu) if there are any questions about these repertoire requirements.
Cello: Any three contrasting movements which demonstrate the student’s range of capabilities, both technical and stylistic. The applicant may choose movements from any repertoire including sonatas, concertos, Bach Suites, or etudes. If the applicant wishes, it is acceptable to pick two movements from the same work, though at least two composers must be represented. Applicants are encouraged to consult with Khari Joyner (kjoyner@bw.edu) if there are questions about these repertoire requirements.
Double Bass: Three contrasting movements which demonstrate a student’s range of capabilities. These movements should include a movement of a concerto, a movement of a sonata, and a concert étude. Examples include works by Bach, Bottesini, Dittersdorf, Eccles, Koussevitsky, Marcello, Scarlatti, and Vivaldi. In addition, applicants should prepare to play a 3-octave major and minor scale and arpeggio, slurred and detaché. You are encouraged to consult with Charles Carleton (ccarleto@bw.edu) if you have any questions about the repertoire requirements.
Harp: Two solos of contrasting period/style of the applicant's choice, and two excerpts from the standard orchestral repertoire. Applicants are encouraged to consult with Jody Guinn (jguinn4277@aol.com) if there are any questions about these repertoire requirements.
Guitar: Guitarists of varying backgrounds and styles (e.g., classical, rock, jazz) are encouraged to audition for acceptance to the guitar studio at BW. All players should prepare three contrasting pieces/excerpts (approved by BW faculty prior to audition day; backing tracks are welcomed) which demonstrate their range of capabilities and artistic interests (sound equipment can be provided on request, please contact guitar faculty or admissions staff prior to the audition day). Applicants are encouraged to consult Bryan Reichert (breicher@bw.edu) with questions/concerns regarding these audition requirements, or to schedule a sample lesson.
- Woodwinds, Brass, Percussion
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Flute: One movement of a classical concerto or baroque sonata, i.e., Mozart Concerto in D major or G major or Bach Sonatas in E major or e minor. One piece from music by French composers (Schirmer) or equivalent. One piece of choice, in a contrasting style. All major, harmonic, and melodic minor scales; minimum two-octave range. Applicants are encouraged to consult with George Pope (gpope@bw.edu) and Sean Gabriel (sgabriel@bw.edu) if they have questions.
Oboe: Any movement(s) from a baroque sonata or concerto. A movement from Saint-Saëns, Hindemith, or Poulenc sonatas, or from concertos by Mozart, Strauss, Vaughan-Williams, etc. An etude by Barrett or Ferling. You might be asked for any of the major scales and arpeggios, as well as a full range chromatic scale from low Bb to high D.
Clarinet: Prepare at least two selections in contrasting styles. Works such as sonatas by Hindemith, Saint-Saens, Brahms, and Bernstein, concertos by Mozart, Weber, and Debussy, and etudes by Rose and Cavallini would all be good choices but there are many other great works to choose from. Please do not hesitate to contact Professor McKelway at dmckelwa@bw.edu with any questions.
Saxophone: Two contrasting etudes by Ferling, Voxman or Mule. One movement or section from a longer work such as a Concerto by A. Glazunov, Sonata by P. Creston, Concertino da camera by J. Ibert, Concerto by P. Dubois, Tableaux de Provence by P. Maurice, Sonata by L. Lunde, Scaramouche by. D. Milhaud, or other. Scales: Major, harmonic minor scales full range and in all keys. Feel free to contact Professor Piqué (gpique@bw.edu) to inquire about repertoire choices or questions regarding the audition process. Come prepared to discuss in detail your current musical activities and goals for the future.
Bassoon: Sonatas by Vivaldi, Telemann, Fasch, Saint-Saëns and Hindemith; concertos by Vivaldi, Mozart, and Weber. Applicants are encouraged to consult with Thomas English (tenglish@bw.edu) if they have questions.
Trumpet: A sonata by Paul Hindemith, Kent Kennan, or Halsey Stevens; one movement of a standard concerto; two contrasting etudes by Arban, Brandt, Charlier, or a similar composer. Standard excerpts from the orchestral repertoire. Scales and sight-reading may be required.
Horn: Two contrasting etudes by Kopprasch, Gallay or Maxine-Alphonse. Select one of the following solos: Mozart Concerto No. 2, first movement; Mozart Concerto No. 4, first movement; R. Strauss Concerto No. 1, first movement. A selection of contrasting horn excerpts from the standard orchestral repertoire. All major and minor scales and arpeggios, two octaves.
Trombone: Etudes from materials such as Kopprasch, Blazhevich and Rochut. Solos such as David, Hindemith, Guilmant and Marcello. Orchestral excerpts welcome but not required. Sight reading may be asked.
Euphonium: Two contrasting etudes by Bordogni/Rochut, Arban or Kopprasch. Solo of choice from the standard repertoire. All major scales.
Tuba: Two contrasting etudes; one taken from Bordogni/Rochut and one from Kopprasch. Solo of choice from the standard repertoire. (Suggestions include Hindemith, Vaughn Williams, Gregson, Lebedev or others of similar level). All major scales.
Percussion: Etudes or pieces comparable in difficulty to those listed below. Performance on mallet percussion and snare drum is required along with the applicant’s choice of timpani or drum set. Applicants should be prepared to play major scales and sight-read on snare drum and marimba.
- Snare Drum: Performance in concert and rudimental styles, e.g., one of Cirone’s Portraits in Rhythm and a solo from Wilcoxon’s The All-American Drummer.
- Mallets: Performance of a marimba, xylophone, or vibraphone solo or etude by Musser, Peters, Smadbeck, Zeltsman, etc. Applicants are invited to perform a 2 and a 4-mallet solo if they wish.
- Timpani: An etude from the Goodman, Hinger, Hochrainer, Carroll or Delecluse methods. Interval tuning may be required.
- Drum Set: Demonstration of different styles and/or transcriptions. A written solo is not necessary.
Students may perform a styles demonstration or a transcription on drum set. This can be done in place of the timpani requirement.
- Keyboard
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Organ: Three contrasting selections from the following categories: 1. Choral preludes, free works (preludes/fantasias and fugues, etc.), or other compositions by Bach or other composers of the Baroque era such as Buxtehude, Böhm, or Lübeck; 2. Works of the Romantic or Late Romantic era by composers such as Mendelssohn, Franck, Langlais, or Reger; 3. Works of the 20th or 21st Century by composers such as Hindemith, Sowerby, or Albright. Selections should include a balance of lyricism, expression, and virtuosity. Memorization is not required but is strongly encouraged.
Applicants will be asked to sight read a short selection. Applicants are encouraged to consult with Sungeun Kim (skim@bw.edu) with any questions.
Piano: Applicants for the BM in Performance, Music Therapy, Music Theatre Direction, and Music History or Theory and BME must prepare a Prelude and Fugue by J.S. Bach from the Well-Tempered Clavier, a first or last mvt of a Sonata by Mozart, Haydn, or Beethoven (except Op. 49, Op. 27, No. 2 first mov’t,) plus one other work (or mvt of larger works) by another composer from the 19th through 21st century. All pieces must be memorized and should demonstrate a range of technical, musical, and expressive styles.
Applicants for the BM in Composition and BA degree must prepare a Prelude and Fugue by J.S. Bach from The Well-Tempered Clavier plus one other contrasting work; all pieces must be memorized.
Four octave major and minor scales and arpeggios, sight-reading and an ear test are also part of all piano primary auditions. Applicants are encouraged to contact Sungeun Kim at skim@bw.edu with any questions.
- Voice
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An accompanist will be provided for all in-person voice auditions. Three memorized selections chosen from songs and arias of the 17th and 18th centuries and art songs from the 19th century to present. Operatic and oratorio literature may be presented when suitable for the singer.
- Music Theatre
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Music Theatre Audition: Your live or Zoom audition will include a voice audition, with acting and dance videos submitted via your applicant portal by your audition date.
- Voice: Have 3 1-minute cuts ready to go (there is no genre requirement -- sing what you love). We will provide an accompanist for live auditions on campus; live auditions off campus will require you to provide your own recorded accompaniment. We will choose two of your selections during your live or Zoom audition. In your applicant portal, please upload a voice piece of your choice for studio placement purposes. (Anything you’d like!)
- Acting: Upload an age-appropriate monologue that you connect with, from any genre.
- Dance: You will receive a video combination 2 weeks prior to your confirmed audition date, you will need to upload your dance video by your audition.
- Wild Card: Upload a video, no more than 60 seconds, of anything that shows your personality: a special skill, a passion speech, etc.
- Headshot and Resume: Must be uploaded to your portal by your audition date.
The acting, dance, and wildcard videos must be received by your audition date.
- Music Theatre Direction
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Applicants for the BM in Music Theatre Direction must prepare a Prelude and Fugue by J.S. Bach from the Well-Tempered Clavier, and a first or last mvt of a Sonata by Mozart, Haydn, or Beethoven (except Op. 49, Op. 27, No. 2 first mov’t). All pieces must be memorized and should demonstrate a range of technical, musical, and expressive styles. Four octave major and minor scales and arpeggios, sight-reading, and an ear test are also part of all piano primary auditions. Applicants are encouraged to contact Sungeun Kim at skim@bw.edu with any questions.
In addition, applicants must prepare a piece from the repertoire of Stephen Sondheim, Jason Robert Brown, Leonard Bernstein, Lin Manuel Miranda, or Georgia Stitt that demonstrates groove and/or complicated melodic figures. Applicants may also prepare one other piece that has personal significance and be prepared to discuss why that piece is important to them. These pieces do not need to be memorized. Applicants may reach out to Matt Webb at mwebb@bw.edu with any questions.
A Note Regarding the Upcoming Audition Season
All applicants may select either a live, Zoom or on-campus audition date this season; Music Theatre applicants may also select an off-campus or member-specific audition date. Classical vocalists & instrumentalists have the option of submitting a recorded audition. Regardless of the format, we will offer all applicants the opportunity to attend an information session prior to their audition. In addition, masterclasses, sample lessons and Q&A sessions with faculty and current students may be offered throughout the audition season. We invite you to take advantage of as many of the sessions as feasible to enrich your understanding of the BW Conservatory of Music culture.
For those auditioning over Zoom, off campus, or recorded video, we invite you and your family to schedule a personal campus tour and information session. We look forward to seeing you on campus, off campus, or online this audition season!
Overnight Accommodations
If you are coming from a distance and need a place to rest your head, please view a list of nearby hotels. Make sure you mention you are visiting BW, as some offer a discounted rate.