Who must audition?

An audition is required for all students wishing to pursue a music major or minor and for students seeking a music scholarship.

When are the scholarship auditions held?

There are two audition dates for students seeking music scholarship awards: Saturday, February 12, 2011 and February 19, 2011. Deadline to request a scholarship audition: January 29, 2011.

What happens on audition day?

On scholarship audition days, your visit will include: check-in at a welcome table in the Lobby of the Valparaiso University Center for the Arts, conversation with Valpo music students and faculty, time to warm up, a private audition with 2-3 faculty members, and a short assembly with lunch for all visitors and parents. You will take a brief assessment exam in general music knowledge and music fundamentals. We will do our best to get acquainted with you in a short time.

What if I cannot make a visit to campus?

If you are unable to make a campus visit to audition, you may submit an audition via DVD, or digital music file. To be considered for a music scholarship, your video is due by (Date to be announced). Music majors and minors auditioning by video will take the assessment exam in the first week of classes in the fall or at FOCUS new student orientation/registration in June.

If I audition by video, what should I include?

Include on your video the items listed under "What should I perform for my audition" and send your video along with the completed Student Data Sheet to:

Chair, Department of Music, Valparaiso University, 1709 Chapel Drive, Valparaiso, IN 46383

While your video need not be of professional quality, we do ask that it be in standard DVD format, video in other formats may not receive consideration.

What should I perform for my audition?

Prepare music to demonstrate your current level of technical ability, musical understanding and expression. Consult with your music teacher or director for guidance on selections.

• Instrumental auditions include scales and arpeggios and 2-3 prepared works in contrasting styles. (7-10 minutes of music)
• Organ auditions should include 2-3 prepared selections in contrasting styles (10-15 minutes of music). Organists should also prepare a hymn.
• Percussion auditions should demonstrate proficiency in at least 2 of the following three areas: mallets, snare, and timpani. (7-10 minutes of music)
• Piano auditions should include 2-3 prepared works in contrasting styles (10-15 minutes of music). Performance majors should play from memory.
• Vocal auditions for performance majors should include 3 memorized selections, at least one in a foreign language. (5-10 minutes of music)
• Vocal auditions, other than music performance major, will include 2 memorized selections. Both may be in English. (5-10 minutes of music)

May I audition in more than one performance area?

For the scholarship audition, most students will be heard in only one performance area. Scholarship awards are linked to specific performance areas, and music majors are accepted in terms of their principal performance area. Audition in the area of your greatest strength and interest. 

What if I need an accompanist for the campus audition?

Accompanists are available for vocal auditions only for a fee of $10, which you will pay at the time of your arrival. The Department must receive requests for an accompanist at least two weeks prior to your audition date. Instrumentalists may bring their own accompanists or may audition without accompaniment.

May I also audition for ensembles at the time of my campus audition?

No. Ensemble auditions are conducted separately at the beginning of the fall semester.

Can students in other majors be considered for music scholarships?

In some cases, non-majors with advanced performance skills, if they are needed for leadership in designated ensembles, may qualify for music scholarship assistance. Awardees must perform in ensembles as assigned each semester in which they receive an award. Awardees are usually expected to enroll in private instruction in the area of their award.

When will I hear about my application and scholarship?

You can expect to receive a letter from the Department Chair within four to six weeks of your audition, notifying you whether you have been accepted as a music student and whether you are being offered a music scholarship. Remember: 1) Consideration for music awards and entrance into the music major is contingent upon a student's successful application and admittance to Valparaiso University and 2) Any music scholarship award announced in the Chair's letter may be only a part of a larger financial aid package.

What if I have more questions?

For information on financial aid, call the Office of Financial Aid at 219-464-5015 or (toll-free) 888-GO-VALPO and ask to speak with a Financial Aid Counselor. For more information about the Department of Music, call 219-464-5454 or visit www.valpo.edu/music. Send e-mail inquiries directly to the Music Office at: music@valpo.edu. 

Contact the Department of Music for an Audition Application.