Audition Information for The Felix Manz School of Music
Students wishing to study music at Truett McConnell University are required to perform an audition and interview for the music faculty. This audition should highlight the instrument in which the student wishes to major, but can feature more than one instrument. This audition is used to determine the amount of music scholarship to be awarded and placement in music classes.
After performing, the student will meet with the faculty. The faculty will give an overview of music study at TMU and ask questions which demonstrate the student’s level of preparation and strengths.
Audition dates are scheduled throughout the academic year, but an individual’s audition may be scheduled on other dates by calling the Music School Office at 706-865-2134. Scholarship decisions are made by July 31 before each fall semester.
To schedule an audition, complete the audition form and submit to schoolofmusic@truett.edu.
Audition Dates Spring 2024
- Friday, March 22nd
- Saturday, April 27th – Accepted Student Day
Audition Requirements
BRASS and WOODWIND auditions should include at least two solo works written for the specific instrument. One work may be an etude or study. The other work should be a solo, sonata, or concerto which specifically demonstrates contrasting styles — a faster, articulate section and a slower, lyrical section. Major scales and a chromatic are expected. Sight reading may be tested in the audition.
COMPOSITION auditions are intended for students with advanced abilities in piano or guitar in addition to music theory. In most cases the audition will happen at the end of the freshman year after two semesters of music theory. Freshmen will only be allowed to study applied composition at the discretion of the entire music faculty after extensive evaluation of compositional aptitude.
GUITAR auditions must include at least two works of contrasting styles.
PERCUSSION auditions include demonstrations on as many of the following instruments as possible:
- Snare Drum: Demonstrate knowledge of rudiments, orchestral style, marching band style; one prepared piece
- Drum Set: Demonstrate basic swing, rock, and Latin styles; one prepared piece
- Mallets: Demonstrate sight reading ability; major scales (minor, if possible); one prepared piece
- Timpani: Demonstrate sight reading ability; one prepared piece
PIANO auditions must include:
- Two pieces from the classical piano literature, preferably from contrasting style periods.
- Scales and/or arpeggio representing student’s facility with technical exercise.
STRING auditions should include one major scale (at least two octaves, preferably 3); one minor scale (two octaves, natural or harmonic or melodic); One etude; two contrasting movements of a concerto or sonata (may be from different works)
VOCAL auditions should demonstrate good diction, accurate pitch, acceptable tone quality, breath control, and a concept of phrasing. Two memorized solo songs of contrasting nature are required. One song should be selected from classical repertoire. Sight reading and tonal memory will be tested.
Music Scholarships
The Music and Fine Arts Division awards scholarships to eligible students working toward a music degree. Students seeking scholarship aid must use the audition/interview process for that purpose. To be considered for a music scholarship the student should put a check by the statement “I wish to audition for the following degree program” at the bottom of the Audition Form. Students auditioning for music scholarships also should read carefully the sample Music Scholarship Agreement and the Policy Manual for Maintaining Music Scholarships. The deadline for music scholarships is July 31 for the fall semester.
Accompanist Scholarships – Qualified piano majors or talented pianists who are non-piano music majors may be eligible for accompanying scholarships. These students will accompany music majors in practices, lessons, and recitals. Students interested in this scholarship should contact Dr. Becky Lombard for details. (blombard@truett.edu)
Ensemble Scholarships – Non-music majors who participate in ensembles will be awarded a scholarship for each semester they actively contribute to their performing group. The availability of this scholarship is based upon remaining funds after music major and music minor scholarships have been awarded.