Auditions

Roots music performers should prepare the following:

• Two songs that showcase their strengths
  • Vocalists:
    • Two traditional songs of varying styles (e.g., one up tempo and one waltz or ballad).
  • Instrumentalists:
    • One vocal song that includes backup playing and a solo break
    • One traditional instrumental song that includes playing the melody.
    • Singing on the vocal song is not required for an instrumentalist.

Students submitting a video arts supplement instead of auditioning should include a written paragraph (200 words max) that tells us about your experience as a musician and the goals you want to pursue at Denison (musical or otherwise).

Video recordings should be no longer than 15 minutes. Read the instructions for submitting an audition video as an arts supplement.

Questions should be directed to Adam Schlenker, coordinator of American roots music studies, at schlenkera@denison.edu.

Composers should submit two to three scores and/or recordings of their original work.

• MIDI files are acceptable.

Read the instructions for submitting your materials as an arts supplement.

Questions should be directed to HyeKyung Lee, chair of music, at leeh@denison.edu.

Guitarists should prepare the following:

• Two contrasting pieces that showcase their strengths.
  • May be in any style from any era (Jazz, Classical, Fingerstyle, Blues etc.)
  • Both pieces must have a melodic component (not just chords used as accompaniment to a melody).
• Two major scales in different keys.

Students submitting a video arts supplement instead of auditioning should include a written paragraph (200 words max) that tells us about your experience as a musician and the goals you want to pursue at Denison (musical or otherwise).

Video recordings should be no longer than 15 minutes. Read the instructions for submitting an audition video as an arts supplement.

Questions should be directed to Brett Burleson, professor of guitar, at burlesonb@denison.edu.

Percussionists should prepare the following pieces:

• One snare drum etude (either rudimental or orchestral style)
• One marimba etude or excerpt
• For jazz focus: a demonstration of swing and various styles on drumset

Questions should be directed to Seth Rogers, professor of percussion, at rogerss@denison.edu.

Pianists should prepare the following:

• One four-octave major scale, hands together, ascending and descending
• One four-octave minor scale, hands together, ascending and descending
• Two pieces from different periods/styles (e.g., Baroque, Classical, Romantic, 20th/21st century).

Prospective students submitting a video arts supplement instead of auditioning should include a written paragraph (200 words max) that tells us about your experience as a musician and the goals you want to pursue at Denison (musical or otherwise).

Video recordings should be no longer than 15 minutes. Read the instructions for submitting an audition video as an arts supplement.

Questions should be directed to Sun Min Kim, coordinator of keyboard studies, at kims@denison.edu.

Violinists, violists, cellists, and string bassists should prepare:

• One 2 or 3-octave major scale of choice.
  • Students may choose based on background and experience.
• A solo piece of about 5-10 minutes in length.
  • Excerpts are acceptable if the piece is longer than 10 minutes.
• Be prepared to do some sight-reading (in-person auditions only)

Prospective students submitting a video arts supplement instead of auditioning should include a written paragraph (200 words max) that tells us about your experience as a musician and the goals you want to pursue at Denison (musical or otherwise).

Video recordings should be no longer than 15 minutes. Read the instructions for submitting an audition video as an arts supplement.

Questions should be directed to Hanna Hurwitz, coordinator of string studies, at hurwitzh@denison.edu.

Vocalists should prepare the following:

• Two contrasting pieces
  • If possible, one piece should be in a foreign language (for example, an Italian aria and a folk song or music theatre piece in English).
• Please email your sheet music to ipockw@denison.edu when signing up for an audition. See instructions below.

Vocalists auditioning virtually must submit via email to ipockw@denison.edu:

• A 15-minute video recording of their singing prior to the audition, since sound quality over Zoom can be variable.
• A written paragraph (200 words max) that tells us about your experience as a musician and the goals you want to pursue at Denison (musical or otherwise).

Students submitting a video supplement INSTEAD of attending an in-person or virtual audition may use their own live accompanist or a taped accompaniment. Please also upload your sheet music along with your video.

Video recordings should be no longer than 15 minutes. Read the instructions for submitting an audition video as an arts supplement.

Questions should be directed to Harris Ipock, director of choral activities, at ipockw@denison.edu.

Wind/brass players should prepare:

• Approximately 5 minutes of music that best demonstrates their strengths on their primary instrument, including:
  • Three major scales and a chromatic scale (slurred)
  • One etude or solo piece from a recent performance OR
  • One excerpt from your recent high school band, orchestra, or jazz band repertoire

Prospective students submitting a video arts supplement instead of auditioning should include a written paragraph (200 words max) that tells us about your experience as a musician and the goals you want to pursue at Denison (musical or otherwise).

Video recordings should be no longer than 15 minutes. Read the instructions for submitting an audition video as an arts supplement.

Questions should be directed to Westover-Muñoz, director of bands, at westoverc@denison.edu.