School of Music

Auditions

The Illinois Wesleyan School of Music schedules on-campus auditions from September through March of each year.  Scheduled Music Auditions dates listed below include an introduction to the School of Music by the Director, a chance to meet the faculty, a student recital, lunch, and an opportunity to audition.

2009-2010 Audition Dates

Audition Date Registration Form (for Music Majors).
Non-majors are not required to audition unless you would like to apply for a Jennings Award.

  • October 12, 2009*
  • November 14, 2009*
  • January 16, 2010
  • February 6, 2010
  • February 20, 2010*
  • Weekday by Appointment

*Indicates University Faculty Open House

You may schedule an audition by completing the online audition registration (above). Campus auditions are strongly recommended however recorded auditions can be submitted with the approval of the School of Music.

All audition inquiries can be directed to Laura Dolan at (309) 556-3063 or e-mail ldolan@iwu.edu.

 Presser Hall

Audition Requirements

Brass and Woodwind

Prepare two selections of solo repertoire (contrasting styles and tempi).  One selection may be an etude or study.  Be prepared to sight-read.  Memorization is not required.

Percussion

Students prepare the following: A solo or etude on mallets, snare, and timpani.  In addition, prepare major scales on mallets; demonstration of standard P.A.S. rudiments on snare; and long crescendo diminuendo roll on timpani.

Vocal Music Majors

Auditioners are asked to sing two art songs in contrasting styles and languages.  Choose repertoire that you sing well and shows your voice to its best advantage.  Art songs from books such as The First Book of Soprano, Mezzo Soprano, Baritone, or Bass Solos would be good for auditions as well as songs from the 26 Italian Songs and Arias.  Also, be prepared to sight-sing.

String

String candidates should prepare from memory at least one movement from a standard concerto  or comparable composition, a movement from an unaccompanied Bach suite, and technical material (an etude or a caprice).

Keyboard

Perform from memory at least three compositions drawn from three of the following style periods:  Baroque,  Classic, Romantic, Contemporary; all major and minor scales and triad arpeggios played across a four octave range, ascending and descending; and sight reading.

Composition

            If you wish to major in composition, you should arrange to meet with the head of the Composition Department (Dr. David Vayo) on the day of your instrumental or vocal audition.  Bring some of your recent compositions (scores and/or recordings) with you.  Students who have a strong interest but no experience in composing are sometimes admitted as composition majors if their musical background and talents are strong.  The decision as to whether to admit such students is based primarily on the results of the applied audition and the interview with the head of the Composition Department.