Webster University: Undergraduate Auditions in Music

Undergraduate Audition Guidelines

Students auditioning for Webster University Department of Music admission and scholarships must follow general guidelines. Please remember that this audition is for admission only to the Department of Music. You also must apply to and be accepted by the university.

General Guidelines. Prepare one or two works that best represent your musical and technical abilities. The music on your state adjudicated contest list is repertoire suitable for audition.

Although most prospective music majors audition on one instrument (or voice) only, you may audition on two different instruments (such as piano and voice, or violin and clarinet), provided you feel equally strong in both instruments. Performance time is generally limited to 7 minutes per instrument. Faculty members of the area in which you audition will serve as the audition committee for your performance. For example, if you perform a trumpet audition, members from the brass faculty will hear you play. As a general rule, the most important thing is for you to play or sing two contrasting selections that you do well.

Memorized performance is required for voice auditions, and encouraged for piano auditions. You should also be ready to demonstrate ability to perform scales, and you may be asked to sight-read a short selection.

Specific audition information by instrument is posted here.

In preparation for the music theory diagnostic, we urge prospective students to review this information about recommended music theory knowledge.

Jazz Students. All jazz majors audition on their primary jazz instrument. Please prepare three excerpts: one of a blues tune, one of a standard, and a final excerpt of an additional standard in a contrasting rhythmic feel. You will also be asked to improvise and sight-read. Piano and guitar students will be asked to accompany as well. Drummers should demonstrate a number of different rhythmic patterns and styles.

Accompanist. The university provides a highly qualified accompanist for your audition, so you need not travel with your own accompanist. You must, however, bring music for the staff accompanist, with any cuts or directions clearly marked.

Audition Days always include a general information session with the Chair of the Department of Music, a tour of buildings, a music theory exam, a piano placement exam, a short visit with current students, and other activities. Plan on spending four to five hours on campus. And plan on enjoying a relaxing day!