Undergraduate Music Auditions | Houghton University

You must apply to Houghton University for admission before you can audition.

Explore the opportunities available for students to learn more and audition for the Greatbatch School of Music at Houghton University.

Audition Process & Requirements

All applicants to the School of Music are required to prepare and present an entrance audition. These auditions are designed to give studio faculty the opportunity to meet each applicant and assess strengths and potential for success in collegiate music studies.

Students can choose to audition when they are on-campus for a Personalized Visit (most weekdays), or virtually (contact music@houghton.edu for more information).

Register for an audition through one of the links above. For deadlines and more information, visit our Scholarships and Grants webpage.

Note: Music Composition Major students will also be asked to submit a portfolio to help us understand their musical interests and what they are currently working on. Most portfolios include sheet music (handwritten or using computer software) along with an audio recording of the piece. Recordings may feature the student performing the work, other musicians performing it, or computer-generated sounds (such as MIDI). Students who are still developing their music notation skills are welcome to submit an audio recording only.

BMus & BA Majors

Music Composition, Music Education, Music Performance, Music with Non-Elective Studies, Music

Instrumental

Woodwind/Brass/String

Perform one etude, solo piece or movement demonstrating slow, lyrical style (approx. 3-5 minutes.
Perform one etude, solo piece or movement demonstrating fast, more technical demands. (approx. 3-5 minutes)
Be prepared to play major scales if requested.
Sight-read short excerpts provide by the instrumental faculty in the audition, if requested.

Percussion

Prepare an audition demonstrating development levels on each of these three areas: Snare drum, mallets (marimba or xylophone), and timpani
The typical audition generally consists of the performance of a snare drum solo, etude or exercise, a mallet solo or exercise, and an exercise or solo for 2, 3, or 4 timpani demonstrating your tuning and technical skills. You may also perform on drums set, preferably with a recorded accompaniment.

Organ

Perform two or three pieces or movements from contrasting style periods (Baroque, Classic, Romantic, 20th-21st centuries). Performance from memory is not required.

One hymn (introduction and two stanzas) from a hymnal of your choice, played as though accompanying a large, enthusiastic congregation.

Sight-read a short piece or excerpt selected by the faculty.

Piano

Perform two or three pieces or movements from contrasting style periods (Baroque, Classic, Romantic, 20th Century). Please limit any hymn or contemporary arrangements to one.
Perform from memory, if possible.
Sight-read short excerpts selected by the faculty in the audition.
Two Scales to be chosen by faculty during audition.

Vocal

Two contrasting pieces, one in a foreign language if studied, representing different styles if studied (i.e. "Danza danza fanciulla" and "If I Loved You" etc).
The audition will include a brief aural recognition exam and a sight-singing example.

BS Majors

Music Industry, Worship Arts

Instrumental

Guitar

Prepare an audition demonstrating development levels in multiple styles.
The typical audition generally consists of a performance either with recorded accompaniments which you provide or you accompanying yourself (or someone else) singing.
There may be a request for you to play in additional styles.
It is recommended you also provide video examples of you playing with a group.

Drum Set

Prepare an audition demonstrating development levels in multiple styles.
The typical audition generally consists of a performance with recorded accompaniments which you provide plus you playing in additional styles as requested.
It is recommended you also provide video examples of you playing with a group.

Bass

Prepare an audition demonstrating development levels in multiple styles.
The typical audition generally consists of a performance either with recorded accompaniments which you provide or you accompanying yourself (or someone else) singing.
There may be a request for you to play in additional styles.
It is recommended you also provide video examples of you playing with a group.

Concert/classical Percussion

Prepare an audition demonstrating development levels on each of these three areas: Snare drum, mallets (marimba or xylophone), and timpani.
The typical audition generally consists of the performance of a snare drum solo, etude or exercise, a mallet solo or exercise, and an exercise or solo for 2, 3, or 4 timpani demonstrating your tuning and technical skills. You may also perform on drums set, preferably with a recorded accompaniment.

Woodwind/Brass/String

Perform one etude, solo piece or movement demonstrating slow, lyrical style (approx. 3-5 minutes).
Perform one etude, solo piece or movement demonstrating fast, more technical demands. (approx. 3-5 minutes).
Be prepared to play major scales if requested.
Sight-read short excerpts provide by the instrumental faculty in the audition, if requested.

Piano

Perform one hymn or solo from the classical repertoire, and one piece from a chord chart/lead sheet.
Scales are optional

Vocal

Two songs that are familiar to you, in contrasting styles if possible, at least one learned with a score (sheet music). If needed, you may download and learn The Ash Grove.
The audition will include a brief aural recognition exam and a sight-singing example.

Audition FAQs

What do I wear?

Since you are auditioning for admission into the Greatbatch School of Music, we recommend that your dress code is business casual. Please do not wear jeans, t-shirts, and sweatshirts.

For males: a button-down shirt, polo, or sweater is acceptable, as well as khakis or dress pants. A button-down shirt and tie is recommended.
For females: a blouse, sweater, dress pants, skirt, or dress is acceptable.

What do I play / sing?

Review the column that lists all of the degree programs and instruments. Simply click on the drop-down menu and you will see the expectations for your audition based on your instrument and degree.

If I'm auditioning as a vocalist, can I request a pianist?

Yes, the Greatbatch School of Music can provide a pianist with at least two weeks' notice.

What will the audition be like?

You will have a 20-minute warm-up and a 20-minute audition with the committee (which will consist of two kind and supportive music faculty members). Everyone you meet at Houghton, including the faculty in your audition, wants to help you succeed! Auditions can sometimes be nerve-racking, but we are very intentional to make it as comfortable and calming as possible for you.

When will I receive a decision?

After your audition, it usually takes about a week for us to formally communicate a decision. Please remember that you must be admitted to Houghton University before any music admission decision can be made. If you have not yet completed your Houghton University application, please do so prior to scheduling your audition.