Audition Information 2008-2009
Auditions at Millikin University allow you to showcase your talents. Our auditions are a professional experience, so we have developed these guidelines to help you prepare for them.
Who should audition?
To be accepted by the School of Music, high school seniors and transfers interested in majoring or minoring in music at Millikin must audition. Since our talent awards are offered on a first-come, first-served basis, it is better to schedule your audition earlier in the year rather than later. Students who are interested in playing or singing in an ensemble will also need to audition in order to be considered for a talent award.
When should I audition?
INSTRUMENTALISTS: You may choose your audition date. Let us know which month, from September through April (excluding December and January), you would like to audition. We will contact you with specific available dates.
VOCALISTS: We have set aside five audition days for you to choose from:
- Tuesday, November 11, 2008
- Monday, January 19, 2009
- Monday, February 16, 2009
- Monday, March 9, 2009
- Saturday, March 28, 2009
How do I schedule an audition?
What takes place in an audition?
First, you will perform one or two prepared pieces. Second, you'll demonstrate basic music competencies including major and minor scales, sight-reading and, for vocalists, tonal memory drills, and basic piano skills.
Do I need an accompanist?
Faculty prefer that instrumentalists audition without accompaniment. Vocalists should make every effort to bring their own; otherwise, Millikin will provide a professional accompanist with three weeks notice. Please send or FAX (217.420.6652) music at least three weeks prior to your audition. Recorded accompaniment is not acceptable.
Who will listen to my audition?
Faculty members will look (and listen) for rhythm, intonation, dynamic contrast, tone quality, technique, articulation, and phrasing -- those qualities that make you a musician.
What will audition day be like?
You will have plenty of time to warm up. Following the audition, you'll meet with a member of the music faculty in an "exit interview" to discuss your audition and the degree program to which you have been admitted, as well as to answer any questions you or your parents may have. To make the most of your campus visit, you should also make appointments with the Admissions and Student Service Center offices. They can arrange a campus tour, lunch or dinner on campus and, with a week's notice, even an overnight stay either before or after your audition. You are also welcome to attend classes, athletic events or performances.
May I bring someone with me?
Your parents/guardians are encouraged to come to campus with you. While they will not be able to listen to your audition, they will get acquainted with Millikin and have many of their questions answered in the exit interview.
What should I perform at my audition?
Prepared pieces should highlight your strengths as a performer.
Specific requirements:
Woodwinds and Brass
Prepare no more than ten minutes of literature from one or two pieces. Appropriate literature includes solos and etudes, which could include the All-State/District Audition Etudes. Also be prepared to play at least three major scales to demonstrate range and technical facility. Sight-reading is an important aspect of the audition. Students with expertise in jazz improvisation are also encouraged to include a demonstration of these skills at the audition (bring a play-along CD for accompaniment).Percussion
Percussionists should perform one piece on each of these instruments if possible: keyboards (marimba, xylo or vibes) timpani and snare drum (concert or corps style). Those who also play drum set should be prepared to demonstrate various styles. Sight reading will be on the snare drum and marimba, depending upon your abilities.
Strings
Perform two contrasting classical pieces and an étude (Dont Op. 37, Mazas, Kreutzer, or similar), play three-octave major and minor scales, and sight-read selected examples of music.Guitar
Prepare two pieces, preferably one in a classical style and the other in any style, although a jazz piece is encouraged. You will be asked to sight read, improvise and play chord changes and scales.Commercial Bass (Jazz and commercial styles on electric and/or acoustic bass)
Prepare two pieces in any popular style, preferably a jazz transcription for at least one selection. Play two octave major and minor scales, walk bass lines over chord changes (blues, rhythm changes or standard jazz tunes for example) and sight-read.
Keyboard instruments
Perform two classical selections in contrasting styles, play four-octave major and minor scales, and sight-read selected examples of music. For students interested in the Commercial Music degree, prepare one classical selection and one jazz/commercial selection. You will be asked to improvise.Vocalists
Prepare two solo pieces, preferably memorized, in contrasting styles – the committee may choose one or both. Traditional music would include art songs from the Renaissance to present and arias. Do not use choir music or lead sheets for your audition. The following musicals skills will be assessed: sung major and minor scales, tonal memory, rhythm reading, duple and triple divisions, melodic sight-reading and basic piano skills.Specific vocal requirements for each degree:
Vocal Performance: Sing two songs from the traditional repertoire with one in a foreign language.
Music Education: Sings two songs both from the traditional repertoire. Singing one foreign language song is desirable but not required.
Commercial Music: Sing one song from the traditional repertoire and one in a commercial, jazz or pop style.
Music Business, Bachelor of Arts, Minor in Music orEnsemble Participation: Sing any two songs.
[Note: Candidates interested in the Musical Theatre degree must audition through the Department of Theatre and Dance]
Vocal auditions result in the following levels of admisstion:
Level 1
These students have demonstrated the best musical competencies for their age group.They have displayed the highest level of preparation and background and will be eligible to study in any degree program they choose.Level 2
These students have shown much potential, but need more training to develop the skills and techniques necessary for a successful career as a performer or teacher. They will be eligible to study in the Music Business or the Bachelor of Arts in Music degree programs, or minor in Music. If a degree in Performance, Music Education or Commercial Music is desired, progress in all areas of instruction will be monitored in order to allow a change of major.
Level 3
These students have demonstrated a lack of preparation for majoring in music. Many demonstrate innate abilities and talents and are encouraged to audition for choirs.
Millikin University has an excellent financial aid program and is committed to providing assistance to students who qualify for need-based and/or talent-based aid. In addition, we offer Young Artist Awards for exceptionally talented musicians. All students auditioning will automatically be considered for a talent award and Young Artist Award. Since our talent awards are offered on a first-come, first-served basis, it is better to schedule your audition earlier in the year rather than later.
The 2008/2009 Young Artist Awards
Scholarships for exceptionally talented musicians
FAQs
Must I schedule a separate audition to be considered for the YAA?
No. Your audition for the School of Music automatically places you in consideration. See the audition information above for more details.May I send an audiocassette, CD, or videotape?
No. YAA candidates must audition in person.How are YAA nominees identified and selected?
Faculty nominate a small percentage (about 14%) of all students who audition. These names are passed on to the YAA selection committee, which meets approximately three times during the spring to select winners. The committee conveys its decision to the Director of the School of Music, who sends a letter to each Young Artist announcing his/her award.