- Forte and Vivace Scholarships
Forte and Vivace Scholarships
Audition Dates for 2012:
Saturday, February 11; Monday, February 20
Questions and Answers about Music Auditions and Scholarships
Who must audition?
An audition is required of all students wishing to pursue a music major or minor, and for all students seeking a music scholarship.
When are the scholarship auditions?
There are two audition dates for students seeking the Forte or Vivace Scholarships: Saturday, February 11, 2012 and Monday, February 20, 2012. Deadline to request a scholarship audition: January 30, 2012.
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 VU music students and faculty, time to warm up, a private audition with 2-3 faculty members, and (for Saturday auditions only) 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 a video audition instead. To be considered for a music scholarship, your DVD, VHS, or link to an online digital media file (e.g., YouTube clip) must be received by February 17, 2012. Music majors and minors auditioning by videotape will take the assessment exam in the first week of classes in the fall, or at FOCUS new student orientation/registration in June.
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 should include 2-3 prepared works in contrasting styles.
• Organ auditions should include 2-3 prepared selections in contrasting styles. Organists should also prepare a hymn.
• Percussion auditions should perform in at least 2 of the following three areas: mallets, snare, and timpani.
• Piano auditions should include 2-3 prepared works in contrasting styles; performance majors should play from memory.
• Vocal auditions, performance majors, should include 3 memorized selections, at least one in a foreign language.
• Vocal auditions, other than music performance majors, will include 2 memorized selections. Both may be in English.
May I audition in more than one performance area?
For the scholarship audition, each student will be heard in only one performance area. Scholarships 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 your audition 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 choose to present their 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.
What kind of music scholarship assistance is available?
• Forte Scholarships support talented music majors and qualified non-music majors in leadership roles in departmental performing ensembles. They typically range from $2000 to $5000 per year and are renewable.
• Vivace Scholarships support active student musicians from any major in continuing their private lesson studies and ensemble participation at Valparaiso University. Vivace Scholarships are typically $1000 per year and are renewable.
Can students in any major be considered for music scholarships?
Yes, the Forte and Vivace Scholarships are available to any student, regardless of major. Awardees must enroll in studio lessons and perform in ensembles as assigned each semester.
Are there other music scholarships available at Valparaiso University?
Yes, the Valparaiso University Signature Artist Scholarships are available to prospective music majors who are advanced performers, and require a separate application and pre-screening process. For more information, please contact the Music Office at 219.464.5454 or at music@valpo.edu.
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 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 Admissions and Financial Aid at 219.464.5015 or (toll free) 888.GO.VALPO and ask to speak with a Financial Aid Counselor.
For more information on the Department of Music and music scholarships, call 219.464.5454. Send e-mail inquiries directly to the Music Office at: music@valpo.edu.