Undergraduate Audition Requirements

These audition requirements are for students auditioning for these majors: Church Music, Composition, Music Education, Music Performance, Music Theory, Music Therapy (Classical track), Music with Outside Minor, Bachelor of Arts in Music, and Music Minor.

Audition Requirements

Perform two prepared classical pieces performed from memory

• You may choose the two classical pieces from the list of suggested sources below.
• Other sources are permissible so long as the selection will be at an equivalent level of skill or higher.
• Other languages are acceptable if you have been trained to sing in the language.
• For the In Person audition, students will be provided with an accompanist and cannot accompany themselves.
• For Video auditions only: Students may not accompany themselves for the audition, but record their own accompaniment to play with their audition. Students may choose to use a piano accompanist for the classical songs or a backing track.

Provide a repertory list which includes all solo literature studied by the student

• This should be music the student has studied with a private teacher if the student has been taking lessons.
• If the student has not taken private lessons, please include the songs which the student has prepared for the audition.

Provide an audition activities list/resume.

• The audition activities list is a résumé of all music activities like choir or band, awards, honors, roles in musicals, solo performances, etc.

Suggested Sources

Songs in English

• First or Second Book of Baritone Solos
• First or Second Book of Bass Solos
• First or Second Book of Mezzo-soprano Solos
• First or Second Book of Soprano Solos
• First or Second Book of Tenor Solos

All books listed by Joan Boytim; published by G. Schirmer

Songs in Italian

• Italian Songs of the 17th and 18th Centuries (Editor: Dallapiccola: Vols. I, II, High, Medium; Publisher: International)
• Music Arie Italiane (Publisher: Ricordi)
• 24 Italian Songs (Publisher: G. Schirmer)
• 26 Italian Songs and Arias (Publisher: Alfred)

These audition requirements are for students auditioning for the Commercial Music major or Music Therapy major (Commercial track):

Audition Requirements

Perform one prepared classical piece performed from memory. 

• You may choose the classical piece from the list of suggested sources below.
• Other sources are permissible so long as the selection will be at an equivalent level of skill or higher.
• Other languages are acceptable if you have been trained to sing in the language.

Perform two prepared commercial selections of contrasting styles from the same or different genres.

• Songs must be memorized.
• No original songs permitted. 
• Genres/styles include: Jazz, Country, R&B, Pop, Light Rock, Contemporary Christian.
• Sources for vocal jazz standards include The New Real Book (Key of C), Volumes 1, 2, and 3 by Chuck Sher.
• Only one Contemporary Christian song is permitted at the audition.
• No Musical Theatre pieces are permitted at the audition.
•  

You cannot accompany yourself for the classical or commercial selections, whether auditioning in person or online.
 
You will perform your classical selection with a live piano accompanist if in person. You should bring sheet music (not chord charts) for all selections performed with the accompanist. You can perform you commercial selections with the piano accompanist, pre-recorded accompaniments or backing tracks.
 
If you are auditioning online, you can use a piano accompanist or a pre-recorded accompaniment for your classical selection. For your commercial selections, you can use a piano accompanist, pre-recorded accompaniments or backing tracks.

 
Provide a repertory list which includes all solo literature studied by the student

• This should be music the student has studied with a private teacher if the student has been taking lessons.
• If the student has not taken private lessons, please include the songs which the student has prepared for the audition.

Provide an audition activities list/resume.

• The audition activities list is a résumé of all music activities like choir or band, awards, honors, roles in musicals, solo performances, etc.

Suggested Sources

For the classical piece

Songs in English

• First or Second Book of Baritone Solos
• First or Second Book of Bass Solos
• First or Second Book of Mezzo-soprano Solos
• First or Second Book of Soprano Solos
• First or Second Book of Tenor Solos

All books listed by Joan Boytim; published by G. Schirmer

Songs in Italian

• Italian Songs of the 17th and 18th Centuries (Editor: Dallapiccola: Vols. I, II, High, Medium; Publisher: International)
• Music Arie Italiane (Publisher: Ricordi)
• 24 Italian Songs (Publisher: G. Schirmer)
• 26 Italian Songs and Arias (Publisher: Alfred)

These audition requirements are for students auditioning for the Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) or Bachelor of Music (BM) Musical Theatre major:

Audition Requirements

Musical Theatre auditions have 3 portions/sections:

1. Vocal (three songs)
2. Monologue
3. Dance

Vocal Portion of the Audition

• Perform one memorized aria or art song, cut to one minute (or less) in duration. *See note at bottom
• Perform two memorized musical theatre songs of contrasting styles, cut to one minute (or less) in duration.
• Auditioners perform the three songs with a live piano accompanist provided by Belmont. Auditioners must bring sheet music in the correct key. 

Monologue Portion of the Audition

• Perform a one minute or less, memorized, age appropriate monologue from a play or musical.

Dance Portion of the Audition

• Participate in a group dance class during which you’ll be learning several short dance combinations.
  • The group dance class will be approximately 60 minutes.
  • NOTE: If you are auditioning via video, you must submit a video of a live solo one minute or less dance (not a video of a previous performance) which can be choreographed by the student or by an outside teacher or choreographer. You may use recorded music.

Provide a headshot and performance resume.

**Performance resume must be uploaded under Audition Activities List/Resume in your BU4U account.

• The audition activities list is a résumé of all musical theatre roles the student has performed in concert in addition to music activities like choir or band, awards, honors, solo performances, etc.

Belmont Musical Theatre is looking for the nation's most talented students to train to become triple threats for successful careers in Musical Theatre. Auditioners should show a knowledge of styles in their contrasting selections as well as range and vocal health and good pitch. Most importantly, students should show they connect with their chosen material and that they can communicate the story and character's journey in their selections. Young auditioners should choose material which is age appropriate and refrain from overly profane selections.

*Please note: A classical aria is a song from an opera; an art song is vocal music composed or arranged for solo voice by a classical composer. They can be arrangements of folk songs or hymns, normally by classical composers. Our request that you submit an art song comes from our desire to hear the purity of your voice without ornamentation or stylistic choices which may hinder the vocal timbre. This means you should sing a song as simply and as straightforward as possible with vibrato if possible. No riffs, no scoops, no vocal growls or things that get in the way of the purity of the voice. Most of the composers who wrote operas also wrote art songs. It does not have to be in a foreign language, so it can be in English. Some classical composers who wrote English art songs might include Haydn, Handel, Purcell, Barber, Copeland, John Jacob Niles or Mark Hayes.  Some folksongs or hymns which might work would be “Oh Danny boy“, “Amazing Grace“, or “Shall we gather by the river."

These audition requirements are for students auditioning for these majors: Church Music, Composition, Music Education, Music Performance, Music Theory, Music Therapy (Classical track), Music with Outside Minor, Bachelor of Arts in Music, and Music Minor

Audition Requirements

Perform either a first or last movement of a prepared standard concerto or comparable work.

• Accompaniment is not required.

Perform one movement from an unaccompanied Bach.

• Prepare an etude or short lyrical work.

Provide a repertory list which includes all solo literature studied by the student

• This should be music the student has studied with a private teacher if the student has been taking lessons.
• If the student has not taken private lessons, please include the songs which the student has prepared for the audition.

Provide an audition activities list/resume.

• The audition activities list is a résumé of all music activities like choir or band, awards, honors, roles in musicals, solo performances, etc.

These audition requirements are for students auditioning for the Commercial Music major or Music Therapy major (Commercial track):

Audition Requirements

Perform one prepared commercial selection.

• This may include a jazz standard, country, bluegrass, blues, rock, or fusion.
• Instrumentalists are not required to have an accompanist.

Perform two prepared selections from the classical repertoire for the instrument.

Provide a repertory list which includes all solo literature studied by the student

• This should be music the student has studied with a private teacher if the student has been taking lessons.
• If the student has not taken private lessons, please include the songs which the student has prepared for the audition.

Provide an audition activities list/resume.

• The audition activities list is a résumé of all music activities like choir or band, awards, honors, roles in musicals, solo performances, etc.

These audition requirements are for students auditioning for these majors: Church Music, Composition, Music Education, Music Performance, Music Theory, Music Therapy (Classical track), Music with Outside Minor, Bachelor of Arts in Music, and Music Minor

Audition Requirements

Perform two prepared selections from the classical repertoire for the instrument

• One selection should be technical and the other lyrical (e.g. fast and slow movements of a standard concerto).
• An accompanist is not required or provided.
• See below for a list of selections used in past auditions.
• Performing an orchestral excerpt in addition to the two prepared selections is optional.

Provide a repertory list which includes all solo literature studied by the student

• This should be music the student has studied with a private teacher if the student has been taking lessons.
• If the student has not taken private lessons, please include the songs which the student has prepared for the audition.

Provide an audition activities list/resume.

• The audition activities list is a résumé of all music activities like choir or band, awards, honors, roles in musicals, solo performances, etc.

Some selections that have been used successfully for auditions in the past include:

These audition requirements are for students auditioning for these majors: Church Music, Composition, Music Education, Music Performance, Music Theory, Music Therapy (Classical track), Music with Outside Minor, Bachelor of Arts in Music, and Music Minor

Audition Requirements

Perform either a first or last movement of a prepared standard concerto or comparable work.
Perform one prepared movement from an unaccompanied Bach.
Perform a prepared etude or short lyrical work.
Perform a three-octave major scale and its parallel minor and arpeggios (applicant's choice of bowing)

Provide a repertory list which includes all solo literature studied by the student

• This should be music the student has studied with a private teacher if the student has been taking lessons.
• If the student has not taken private lessons, please include the songs which the student has prepared for the audition.

Provide an audition activities list/resume.

• The audition activities list is a résumé of all music activities like choir or band, awards, honors, roles in musicals, solo performances, etc.

Please Note: While memorization of the concerto and of unaccompanied Bach is recommended for Classical Performance applicants, auditioning students in the string area may refer to their music as needed during the audition

These audition requirements are for students auditioning for the Commercial Music major or Music Therapy major (Commercial track):

Audition Requirements

Perform one prepared commercial selection.

• This may include a jazz standard, country, bluegrass, blues, rock, or fusion.
• An accompanist is not required.

Perform two prepared selections from the classical repertoire for the instrument 

• One selection should be technical and the other lyrical (e.g., fast and slow movements of a standard concerto)

Perform a three-octave major scale and its parallel minor and arpeggios (applicant's choice of bowings)

Provide a repertory list which includes all solo literature studied by the student

• This should be music the student has studied with a private teacher if the student has been taking lessons.

• If the student has not taken private lessons, please include the songs which the student has prepared for the audition.

Provide an audition activities list/resume.

• The audition activities list is a résumé of all music activities like choir or band, awards, honors, roles in musicals, solo performances, etc.

Please Note: While memorization of the concerto and of unaccompanied Bach is recommended for Classical Performance applicants, auditioning students in the string area may refer to their music as needed during the audition.

These audition requirements are for students auditioning for these majors: Church Music, Composition, Music Education, Music Performance, Music Theory, Music Therapy (Classical track), Music with Outside Minor, Bachelor of Arts in Music, and Music Minor

Audition Requirements

Perform two prepared selections from the classical repertoire for the instrument

• One selection should be technical and the other lyrical (e.g. fast and slow movements of a standard concerto).
• An accompanist is not required or provided.
• See below for a list of selections used in past auditions.
• Performing an orchestral excerpt in addition to the two prepared selections is optional.

Provide a repertory list which includes all solo literature studied by the student

• This should be music the student has studied with a private teacher if the student has been taking lessons.
• If the student has not taken private lessons, please include the songs which the student has prepared for the audition.

Provide an audition activities list/resume.

• The audition activities list is a résumé of all music activities like choir or band, awards, honors, roles in musicals, solo performances, etc.

Some selections that have been used successfully for auditions in the past include:

Audition Requirements

The audition requirements and information below pertains only to students who want to major in the Bachelor of Music in Music Technology degree. For students who want to major in the Bachelor of Music in Commercial Music Performance with Music Technology emphasis, the student must choose a primary instrument other than the Digital Audio Workstation.

Portfolio Audition Requirements:

1. Applicant is to create a DAW production based on the two scores provided by Belmont upon audition registration. Production must be produced via MIDI programming (utilizing a MIDI controller) and using Virtual Instruments/Soft-Synths. The Virtual Instrument/Soft-Synth selections are to be close in nature and sound to which each part on the score was assigned. NO AUDIO tracks (audio recordings) are to be used for the “Audition Scores”. Applicant will produce an Mp3 Mix-down for each.
2. Applicant will produce 2 “Original” DAW productions (your own creations/compositions). The productions can be original compositions or arrangements of existing compositions, demonstrate contrasting styles, and 1.5 - 2 minutes in duration each. The original DAW productions must consist of MIDI programmed material (assigned to Virtual Instruments). Some Audio Tracks (live audio recordings) can be included on the original DAW productions. Applicant will produce an Mp3 Mix-down for each.
3. Applicant must complete a “BM Music Technology Audition Questionnaire” form that will be provided by the School of Music (will be emailed after applicant registers for an audition).

If YOU’RE COMING FOR A LIVE AUDITION:

• Applicant’s productions (“Audition Scores” and “Originals”) must be completed prior to the Live Audition. Applicant will provide the adjudicators with a portable drive (i.e Thumb Drive/Flash Drive) that will contain all four Mp3 Mix-downs which will be played-back during the audition.
• Applicant will provide the adjudicators a printed copy of their “BM Music Technology Audition Questionnaire” form.
• Applicant will be asked a series of questions to assess their knowledge of basic musicianship and DAW technical skills.

IF YOU’RE SUBMITTING AUDITION VIA ACCEPT’D:

• Upload all materials to the Accept’d site.
• Applicant may be contacted to meet with a faculty member via Zoom or telephone after submission of audition requirements have been reviewed. 

These audition requirements are for students auditioning for the Commercial Music major or Music Therapy major (Commercial track):

Audition Requirements

Perform two of the following three pieces:

• A Classical Piece on Electric Bass (reference: J.S. Bach for Electric Bass by Josquin des Pres)
• A Jazz Standard-melody, bass line and solo (improvised or composed) [reference: The Real Easy Book by Chuck Sher, The Real Book (bass clef)]
• A Contemporary Rock or Funk bass line that demonstrates technical control of the bass (examples: Geddy Lee [Rush], Flea [Red Hot Chili Peppers], Les Claypool [Primus], Victor Wooten, Jaco Pastorius, Marcus Miller, Stanley Clarke)
• An accompanist is not required.

Provide a repertory list which includes all solo literature studied by the student

• This should be music the student has studied with a private teacher if the student has been taking lessons.
• If the student has not taken private lessons, please include the songs which the student has prepared for the audition.

Provide an audition activities list/resume.

• The audition activities list is a résumé of all music activities like choir or band, awards, honors, roles in musicals, solo performances, etc.

These audition requirements are for students auditioning for these majors: Church Music, Composition, Music Education, Music Performance, Music Theory, Music Therapy (Classical track), Music with Outside Minor, Bachelor of Arts in Music, and Music Minor

Audition Requirements

Perform two prepared selections from the classical repertoire for the instrument

• One selection should be technical and the other lyrical (e.g. fast and slow movements of a standard concerto).
• An accompanist is not required.
• See below for a list of selections used in past auditions.
• Performing an orchestral excerpt in addition to the two prepared selections is optional.

Provide a repertory list which includes all solo literature studied by the student

• This should be music the student has studied with a private teacher if the student has been taking lessons.
• If the student has not taken private lessons, please include the songs which the student has prepared for the audition.

Provide an audition activities list/resume.

• The audition activities list is a résumé of all music activities like choir or band, awards, honors, roles in musicals, solo performances, etc.

Some selections that have been used successfully for auditions in the past include:

These audition requirements are for students auditioning for these majors: Church Music, Composition, Music Education, Music Performance, Music Theory, Music Therapy (Classical track), Music with Outside Minor, Bachelor of Arts in Music, and Music Minor

Audition Requirements

Perform two prepared selections from the classical repertoire for the instrument

• One selection should be technical and the other lyrical (e.g. fast and slow movements of a standard concerto).
• An accompanist is not required.
• See below for a list of selections used in past auditions.
• Performing an orchestral excerpt in addition to the two prepared selections is optional.

Provide a repertory list which includes all solo literature studied by the student

• This should be music the student has studied with a private teacher if the student has been taking lessons.
• If the student has not taken private lessons, please include the songs which the student has prepared for the audition.

Provide an audition activities list/resume.

• The audition activities list is a résumé of all music activities like choir or band, awards, honors, roles in musicals, solo performances, etc.

Some selections that have been used successfully for auditions in the past include:

These audition requirements are for students auditioning for these majors: Church Music, Composition, Music Education, Music Performance, Music Theory, Music Therapy (Classical track), Music with Outside Minor, Bachelor of Arts in Music, and Music Minor

Audition Requirements

Perform two prepared selections from the classical repertoire for the instrument 

• One selection should be technical and the other lyrical (e.g. fast and slow movements of a standard concerto).
• An accompanist is not required.
• See below for a list of selections used in past auditions.
• Performing an orchestral excerpt in addition to the two prepared selections is optional.

Provide a repertory list which includes all solo literature studied by the student

• This should be music the student has studied with a private teacher if the student has been taking lessons.
• If the student has not taken private lessons, please include the songs which the student has prepared for the audition.

Provide an audition activities list/resume.

• The audition activities list is a résumé of all music activities like choir or band, awards, honors, roles in musicals, solo performances, etc.

Some selections that have been used successfully for auditions in the past include:

These audition requirements are for students auditioning for these majors: Church Music, Composition, Music Education, Music Performance, Music Theory, Music Therapy (Classical track), Music with Outside Minor, Bachelor of Arts in Music, and Music Minor

Audition Requirements

Perform TWO prepared contrasting stylistic selections from the classical repertoire for the instrument.

• Examples include an etude or piece from Sor, Giuliani, Carcassi, Caruli, Milan, Bach, etc.
  Singing is not permitted as part of the guitar audition.

Provide a repertory list which includes all solo literature studied by the student

• This should be music the student has studied with a private teacher if the student has been taking lessons.
• If the student has not taken private lessons, please include the songs which the student has prepared for the audition.

Provide an audition activities list/resume.

• The audition activities list is a résumé of all music activities like choir or band, awards, honors, roles in musicals, solo performances, etc.

These audition requirements are for students auditioning for the Commercial Music major or Music Therapy major (Commercial track):

Audition Requirements

Prepare ONE of the following swing tunes to be performed at a moderate or fast tempo:

Autumn Leaves
All the Things You Are
Fly Me to the Moon
There Will Never Be Another You
Stella by Starlight
How High the Moon
Satin Doll
My Funny Valentine

• Use a pre-recorded track or record your own accompaniment. 
• Play through the form of your selected tune from above THREE times:
  • Play the melody (one time through the form).
  • Play a solo (one time through the form). This can be improvised, worked out, or copied from a recording.
  • Play chords (one time through the form), preferably in a composing style that would mimic a horn section, not the straight four strums to the bar.

Perform ONE prepared selection of your choice from jazz, classical, fusion, metal, country, etc.

• You must play along with a pre-recorded track unless your selection is an unaccompanied solo piece.

Provide a repertory list which includes all solo literature studied by the student

• This should be music the student has studied with a private teacher if the student has been taking lessons.
• If the student has not taken private lessons, please include the songs which the student has prepared for the audition.

Provide an audition activities list/resume.

• The audition activities list is a résumé of all music activities like choir or band, awards, honors, roles in musicals, solo performances, etc.

Singing is not permitted as part of the guitar audition.
Students may use pedals or pedalboards.

FOR BANJO OR MANDOLIN AUDITIONS

Follow the Guitar (Commerical) requirements. The jazz standard can be substituted by a bluegrass tune if desired by the student.

These audition requirements are for students auditioning for these majors: Church Music, Composition, Music Education, Music Performance, Music Theory, Music Therapy (Classical track), Music with Outside Minor, Bachelor of Arts in Music, and Music Minor

Audition Requirements

Perform two prepared selections from the classical repertoire for the instrument

• One selection should be technical and the other lyrical (e.g. fast and slow movements of a standard concerto).
• An accompanist is not required.

Perform one prepared etude or standard orchestra excerpt.

Provide a repertory list which includes all solo literature studied by the student

• This should be music the student has studied with a private teacher if the student has been taking lessons.
• If the student has not taken private lessons, please include the songs which the student has prepared for the audition.

Provide an audition activities list/resume.

• The audition activities list is a résumé of all music activities like choir or band, awards, honors, roles in musicals, solo performances, etc.

These audition requirements are for students auditioning for the Commercial Music major or Music Therapy major (Commercial track):

Audition Requirements

Perform one prepared commercial selection

• This may be a jazz standard, country, bluegrass, blues, rock, or fusion.

Perform two prepared selections from the classical repertoire for the instrument

• One selection should be technical and the other lyrical (e.g. fast and slow movements of a standard concerto).
• An accompanist is not required.

Provide a repertory list which includes all solo literature studied by the student

• This should be music the student has studied with a private teacher if the student has been taking lessons.
• If the student has not taken private lessons, please include the songs which the student has prepared for the audition.

Provide an audition activities list/resume.

• The audition activities list is a résumé of all music activities like choir or band, awards, honors, roles in musicals, solo performances, etc.

These audition requirements are for students auditioning for these majors: Church Music, Composition, Music Education, Music Performance, Music Theory, Music Therapy (Classical track), Music with Outside Minor, Bachelor of Arts in Music, and Music Minor

Audition Requirements

Perform two prepared selections from the classical repertoire for the instrument

• One selection should be technical and the other lyrical (e.g. fast and slow movements of a standard concerto).
• An accompanist is not required.
• See below for a list of selections used in past auditions.
• Performing an orchestral excerpt in addition to the two prepared selections is optional.

Provide a repertory list which includes all solo literature studied by the student

• This should be music the student has studied with a private teacher if the student has been taking lessons.
• If the student has not taken private lessons, please include the songs which the student has prepared for the audition.

Provide an audition activities list/resume.

• The audition activities list is a résumé of all music activities like choir or band, awards, honors, roles in musicals, solo performances, etc.

Some selections that have been used successfully for auditions in the past include:

These audition requirements are for students auditioning for these majors: Church Music, Composition, Music Education, Music Performance, Music Theory, Music Therapy (Classical track), Music with Outside Minor, Bachelor of Arts in Music, and Music Minor

Audition Requirements

• Memorization is not required for the audition. 

Provide a repertory list which includes all solo literature studied by the student

• This should be music the student has studied with a private teacher if the student has been taking lessons.
• If the student has not taken private lessons, please include the songs which the student has prepared for the audition.

Provide an audition activities list/resume.

• The audition activities list is a résumé of all music activities like choir or band, awards, honors, roles in musicals, solo performances, etc.

Some selections that have been used successfully for auditions in the past include:

These audition requirements are for students auditioning for these majors: Church Music, Composition, Music Education, Music Performance, Music Theory, Music Therapy (Classical track), Music with Outside Minor, Bachelor of Arts in Music, and Music Minor

Audition Requirements

Audition Requirements

Audition is required on all of the following instruments:

Snare Drum
Marimba (or substitute keyboard percussion instrument)
Timpani

For those performing a live audition, Belmont will provide all the required percussion instruments—specifically, a Pearl Philharmonic Snare Drum, Adams Philharmonic Duff Timpani, and a Malletech 5.0 MJB Marimba.  A student may bring his/her own snare drum, if s/he wishes.  Students should bring their own sticks and mallets.

Snare Drum - Audition Requirements

• Student will perform a published prepared solo or etude (for example, a Cirone concert etude or a Pratt rudimental solo).
• For those submitting a video audition, the student may be asked at a later date via a live Zoom session to sight read a short etude.

Marimba - Audition Requirements

• Student will perform a published prepared solo or etude (for two or four mallets) that shows representative level of skill on the instrument.
• For those submitting a video audition, the student may be asked at a later date via a live Zoom session to sight read a short two-mallet melody.

Timpani - Audition Requirements

• Student will perform a short published prepared solo or etude that shows representative level of skill on timpani. For tuning, the desired pitch should be given audibly on the recording on an instrument or device, then the student tunes the timpani from the given pitch.
• For those submitting a video audition, the student may be asked at a later date via a live Zoom session to tune timpani.

For those submitting a video audition, the camera frame must be set to show unobstructed the playing surface of instrument and the hands, upper body, and face of student (evaluator wants to be able to assess technique so stroke must be visible). Student should NOT perform WITH a metronome (so, no headphones). 

Additional materials to provide:

• A copy of snare, marimba, and timpani solos performed in the audition
• A repertory list which includes all solo literature, technical studies, and method books studied by the student; this should be music the student has studied with a private teacher if the student has been taking lessons.
• An audition activities/resume list that references all music activities like band or orchestra, awards, honors, solo performances, etc.

These audition requirements are for students auditioning for the Commercial Music major or Music Therapy major (Commercial track):

Audition Requirements

Audition is required on all of the following instruments:

Drumset
Snare Drum
Marimba

For those performing a live audition, Belmont will provide all the required percussion instruments—specifically, a Pearl Philharmonic Snare Drum, a Malletech 5.0 MJB Marimba, and a Mapex or Pearl four-piece drumset with throne, kick pedal, hi-hat, ride cymbal, and crash cymbal.  A student may bring his/her own kick pedal, if s/he wishes.  Students should bring their own sticks, brushes, and mallets.

Snare Drum – Audition Requirements

• Student will perform a published prepared solo or etude (for example, a Cirone concert etude or a Pratt rudimental solo).
• For those submitting a video audition, the student may be asked at a later date via a live Zoom session to sight read a short etude.

Marimba – Audition Requirements

• Student will perform a published prepared solo or etude (for two or four mallets) that shows representative level of skill on the instrument.
• For those submitting a video audition, the student may be asked at a later date via a live Zoom session to sight read a short two-mallet melody.

Drumset – Audition Requirements

The student will be asked to demonstrate the following styles in this order. For those submitting a video audition, the student should play the tempo marking via metronome audibly on the recording before each pattern, then turn off the metronome (and not use headphones).

1. ROCK: Play at quarter = 132bpm, rock beat, 3 bars “time” (pattern), 1 bar fill, repeat for total of 16 bars.
2. FUNK: Play at quarter = 92, funk beat (with a sixteenth note foundation on the hi-hat), 3 bars time, 1 bar fill, repeat for a total of 16 bars.
3. SWING: Play at quarter = 184, swing, 4 bars time, 4 bar solo, repeat for a total of 32 bars.
4. BRUSHES: Play quarter = 200, swing brush pattern, 4 bars time, 4 bar solo, repeat for a total of 32 bars.
5. BOSSA NOVA: Play at quarter = 144, bossa nova pattern for 16 bars.
6. SAMBA: Play at HALF note = 104, samba pattern for 16 bars.
7. JAZZ WALTZ: Play at quarter = 172, jazz waltz pattern for 16 bars.
8. SHUFFLE: Play at dotted quarter = 124, 12/8 blues shuffle pattern for 8 bars.

The evaluator is examining the student’s performing knowledge of these patterns, steadiness of pulse, stylistic feel, technique, and creativity of improvised fills.

The student is encouraged to consult references (teacher, books, video, etc.) in preparation for the drumset portion of the audition, particularly if the terms and patterns referred to in the Audition Requirements above are unfamiliar.

For those submitting a video audition, the camera frame must be set to show unobstructed the playing surface of instrument and the hands, upper body, and face of student (evaluator wants to be able to assess technique so stroke must be visible). 

Additional materials to provide:

• A copy of snare and marimba solos performed in the audition.
• A repertory list which includes all solo literature, technical studies, and method books studied by the student.
• An audition activities list/resume that references all music activities like band or orchestra, awards, honors, solo performances, etc.

These audition requirements are for students auditioning for these majors: Church Music, Composition, Music Education, Music Performance, Music Theory, Music Therapy (Classical track), Music with Outside Minor, Piano Pedagogy, Bachelor of Arts in Music, and Music Minor

Audition Requirements

Perform two prepared classical selections of contrasting style periods, from memory, chosen from the standard classical piano repertoire.

A movement from a standard piano concerto may be used for one of the selections.

Perform scales in 4 octaves.

Present a major and a harmonic minor scale of your choice, played ascending and descending through four octaves, hands together. 

Provide a repertory list which includes all solo literature studied by the student

• This should be music the student has studied with a private teacher if the student has been taking lessons.
• If the student has not taken private lessons, please include the songs which the student has prepared for the audition.

Provide an audition activities list/resume.

• The audition activities list is a résumé of all music activities like choir or band, awards, honors, roles in musicals, solo performances, etc.

Examples of contrasting repetoire styles often performed for audition include: 

• A Sonata movement by Mozart, Haydn, or Beethoven
• A contrapuntal composition by J.S. Bach such as an invention, a sinfonia, or a prelude and/or fugue
• A composition by a composer from the Romantic Period of classical music such as Schubert, Chopin, Brahms, Schumann, Liszt, etc.
• A composition by Debussy or Ravel
• A 20th-century composition by such composers as Bartok, Ginastera, Muczynski, etc.

These audition requirements are for students auditioning for the Commercial Music major or Music Therapy major (Commercial track):

Audition Requirements

• All selection must be performed without written music.
• Examples of commercial styles include jazz, Latin jazz, rock, blues, country, gospel, or pop or jazz ballad.
• At least one commercial selection should demonstrate improvisational skills.
• The ability to improvise and knowledge of chord symbols are required of commercial pianists.
• Singing is not permitted as part of the piano audition.

Perform two prepared classical selections of contrasting style periods, from memory, chosen from the standard classical piano repertoire.

• A movement from a standard piano concerto may be used for one of the selections.

Perform scales in 4 octaves.

Present a major and a harmonic minor scale of your choice, played ascending and descending through four octaves, hands together.

Provide a repertory list which includes all solo literature studied by the student

• This should be music the student has studied with a private teacher if the student has been taking lessons.
• If the student has not taken private lessons, please include the songs which the student has prepared for the audition.

Provide an audition activities list/resume.

• The audition activities list is a résumé of all music activities like choir or band, awards, honors, roles in musicals, solo performances, etc.

Examples of contrasting repetoire styles often performed for audition include: 

• A Sonata movement by Mozart, Haydn, or Beethoven
• A contrapuntal composition by J.S. Bach such as an invention, a sinfonia, or a prelude and/or fugue
• A composition by a composer from the Romantic Period of classical music such as Schubert, Chopin, Brahms, Schumann, Liszt, etc.
• A composition by Debussy or Ravel
• A 20th-century composition by such composers as Bartok, Ginastera, Muczynski, etc.

These audition requirements are for students auditioning for these majors: Church Music, Composition, Music Education, Music Performance, Music Theory, Music Therapy (Classical track), Music with Outside Minor, Bachelor of Arts in Music, and Music Minor

Audition Requirements

• One should be technical and the other lyrical (e.g. fast and slow movements of a standard concerto).
  • An accompanist is not required.
  • See below for a list of selections used in past auditions.
• Performing an orchestral excerpt in addition to the two prepared selections is optional.

Provide a repertory list which includes all solo literature studied by the student.

• This should be music the student has studied with a private teacher if the student has been taking lessons.
• If the student has not taken private lessons, please include the songs which the student has prepared for the audition.

Provide an audition activities list/resume.

• The audition activities list is a résumé of all music activities like choir or band, awards, honors, roles in musicals, solo performances, etc.

Some selections that have been used successfully for auditions in the past include:

These audition requirements are for students auditioning for the Commercial Music major or Music Therapy major (Commercial track):

Audition Requirements

• Auditionees are encouraged to use a backing track or pre-recorded accompaniment with which to play along, but this is not required.
• Auditionees are to play their selected tune through three times:
  • First time: Play the melody.
  • Second time: Play an improvised solo based on the chord changes.
  • Third time: Play a contrasting improvised solo based on the chord changes.

Perform one prepared selection from the classical repertoire for the instrument.

• Performing an orchestral excerpt in addition to the one prepared classical selection is optional.
• An accompanist is not required.
• See below for a list of selections used in past auditions.

Provide a repertory list which includes all solo literature studied by the student

• This should be music the student has studied with a private teacher if the student has been taking lessons.
• If the student has not taken private lessons, please include the songs which the student has prepared for the audition.

Provide an audition activities list/resume.

• The audition activities list is a résumé of all music activities like choir or band, awards, honors, roles in musicals, solo performances, etc.

Some selections that have been used successfully for auditions in the past include:

These audition requirements are for students auditioning for these majors: Church Music, Composition, Music Education, Music Performance, Music Theory, Music Therapy (Classical track), Music with Outside Minor, Bachelor of Arts in Music, and Music Minor

Audition Requirements

Perform two prepared selections from the classical repertoire for the instrument

• One should betechnical and the other lyrical (e.g. fast and slow movements of a standard concerto).
• An accompanist is not required.
• See below for a list of selections used in past auditions.
• Performing an orchestral excerpt in addition to the one prepared classical selection is optional.

Provide a repertory list which includes all solo literature studied by the student

• This should be music the student has studied with a private teacher if the student has been taking lessons.
• If the student has not taken private lessons, please include the songs which the student has prepared for the audition.

Provide an audition activities list/resume.

• The audition activities list is a résumé of all music activities like choir or band, awards, honors, roles in musicals, solo performances, etc.

Some selections that have been used successfully for auditions in the past include:

These audition requirements are for students auditioning for the Commercial Music major or Music Therapy major (Commercial track):

Audition Requirements

• Auditionees are encouraged to use a backing track or pre-recorded accompaniment with which to play along, but this is not required.
• Auditionees are to play their selected tune through three times:
  • First time: Play the melody.
  • Second time: Play an improvised solo based on the chord changes.
  • Third time: Play a contrasting improvised solo based on the chord changes.

Perform one prepared selection from the classical repertoire for the instrument.

• An accompanist is not required.
• See below for a list of selections used in past auditions.

Provide a repertory list which includes all solo literature studied by the student

• This should be music the student has studied with a private teacher if the student has been taking lessons.
• If the student has not taken private lessons, please include the songs which the student has prepared for the audition.

Provide an audition activities list/resume.

• The audition activities list is a résumé of all music activities like choir or band, awards, honors, roles in musicals, solo performances, etc.

Some selections that have been used successfully for auditions in the past include:

These audition requirements are for students auditioning for these majors: Church Music, Composition, Music Education, Music Performance, Music Theory, Music Therapy (Classical track), Music with Outside Minor, Bachelor of Arts in Music, and Music Minor

Audition Requirements

Perform two prepared selections from the classical repertoire for the instrument

• One selection should be technical and the other lyrical (e.g. fast and slow movements of a standard concerto).
• An accompanist is not required.
• See below for a list of selections used in past auditions.
• Performing an orchestral excerpt in addition to the two prepared selections is optional.

Provide a repertory list which includes all solo literature studied by the student

• This should be music the student has studied with a private teacher if the student has been taking lessons.
• If the student has not taken private lessons, please include the songs which the student has prepared for the audition.

Provide an audition activities list/resume.

• The audition activities list is a résumé of all music activities like choir or band, awards, honors, roles in musicals, solo performances, etc.

Some selections that have been used successfully for auditions in the past include:

These audition requirements are for students auditioning for the Commercial Music major or Music Therapy major (Commercial track):

Audition Requirements

• Auditionees are encouraged to use a backing track or pre-recorded accompaniment with which to play along, but this is not required.
• Auditionees are to play their selected tune through three times:
  • First time: Play the melody.
  • Second time: Play an improvised solo based on the chord changes.
  • Third time: Play a contrasting improvised solo based on the chord changes.

Perform one prepared selection from the classical repertoire for the instrument.

• An accompanist is not required.
• See below for a list of selections used in past auditions.

Provide a repertory list which includes all solo literature studied by the student

• This should be music the student has studied with a private teacher if the student has been taking lessons.
• If the student has not taken private lessons, please include the songs which the student has prepared for the audition.

Provide an audition activities list/resume.

• The audition activities list is a résumé of all music activities like choir or band, awards, honors, roles in musicals, solo performances, etc.

Some selections that have been used successfully for auditions in the past include:

These audition requirements are for students auditioning for these majors: Church Music, Music Composition, Music Education, Music Performance, Music Theory, Music Therapy (Classical track), Music with Outside Minor, Bachelor of Arts in Music, and Music Minor

Audition Requirements

• One selection should be technical and the other lyrical (e.g. fast and slow movements of a standard concerto).
  • An accompanist is not required.
  • See below for a list of selections used in past auditions
• Performing an orchestral excerpt in addition to the two prepared selections is optional.

Provide a repertory list which includes all solo literature studied by the student

• This should be music the student has studied with a private teacher if the student has been taking lessons.
• If the student has not taken private lessons, please include the songs which the student has prepared for the audition.

Provide an audition activities list/resume.

• The audition activities list is a résumé of all music activities like choir or band, awards, honors, roles in musicals, solo performances, etc.

Some selections that have been used successfully for auditions in the past include:

These audition requirements are for students auditioning for these majors: Church Music, Composition, Music Education, Music Performance, Music Theory, Music Therapy (Classical track), Music with Outside Minor, Bachelor of Arts in Music, and Music Minor

Audition Requirements

Please Note: While memorization of the concerto and of unaccompanied Bach is recommended for Classical Performance applicants, auditioning students in the string area may refer to their music as needed during the audition

Provide a repertory list which includes all solo literature studied by the student

• This should be music the student has studied with a private teacher if the student has been taking lessons.
• If the student has not taken private lessons, please include the songs which the student has prepared for the audition.

Provide an audition activities list/resume.

• The audition activities list is a résumé of all music activities like choir or band, awards, honors, roles in musicals, solo performances, etc.

These audition requirements are for students auditioning for the Commercial Music major or Music Therapy major (Commercial track):

Audition Requirements

• This may include a jazz standard, country, bluegrass, blues, rock, or fusion.
• An accompanist is not required.

Perform two prepared selections from the classical repertoire for the instrument

• One technical and the other lyrical (e.g., fast and slow movements of a standard concerto)

Perform a three-octave major scale and its parallel minor and arpeggios (applicant's choice of bowings)

Please Note: While memorization of the concerto and of unaccompanied Bach is recommended for Classical Performance applicants, auditioning students in the string area may refer to their music as needed during the audition.

Provide a repertory list which includes all solo literature studied by the student

• This should be music the student has studied with a private teacher if the student has been taking lessons.
• If the student has not taken private lessons, please include the songs which the student has prepared for the audition.

Provide an audition activities list/resume.

• The audition activities list is a résumé of all music activities like choir or band, awards, honors, roles in musicals, solo performances, etc.

These audition requirements are for students auditioning for these majors: Church Music, Composition, Music Education, Music Performance, Music Theory, Music Therapy (Classical track), Music with Outside Minor, Bachelor of Arts in Music, and Music Minor

Audition Requirements

Please Note: While memorization of the concerto and of unaccompanied Bach is recommended for Classical Performance appl icants, auditioning students in the string area may refer to their music as needed during the audition

Provide a repertory list which includes all solo literature studied by the student

• This should be music the student has studied with a private teacher if the student has been taking lessons.
• If the student has not taken private lessons, please include the songs which the student has prepared for the audition.

Provide an audition activities list/resume.

• The audition activities list is a résumé of all music activities like choir or band, awards, honors, roles in musicals, solo performances, etc.

These audition requirements are for students auditioning for the Commercial Music major or Music Therapy major (Commercial track):

Audition Requirements

• This may include a jazz standard, country, bluegrass, blues, rock, or fusion.
• An accompanist is not required.

Perform two prepared selections from the classical repertoire for the instrument

• One selection should be technical and the other lyrical (e.g., fast and slow movements of a standard concerto)

Please Note: While memorization of the concerto and of unaccompanied Bach is recommended for Classical Performance applicants, auditioning students in the string area may refer to their music as needed during the audition.

Provide a repertory list which includes all solo literature studied by the student

• This should be music the student has studied with a private teacher if the student has been taking lessons.
• If the student has not taken private lessons, please include the songs which the student has prepared for the audition.

Provide an audition activities list/resume.

• The audition activities list is a résumé of all music activities like choir or band, awards, honors, roles in musicals, solo performances, etc.

Each candidate must perform a vocal OR instrumental audition, as well as submit a portfolio via Acceptd: (Acceptd link will be sent via email upon application to Belmont University.) The portfolio should be submitted by the day of the audition or soon after. 

Portfolio Requirements

• Two (2) scores and sound files of compositions (do not have to be
  professionally recorded) which show recent compositional activity.
• Compositions should represent two different instrumentations (for instance, one for solo piano and one for string quartet).
• A repertory list of all student compositions with approximate dates completed should be submitted.