Denison University invites prospective students who have a passion for music to audition as an optional supplement to their application. All students who audition will be considered for a Denison arts scholarship. These merit-based arts scholarships range from $5,000 to $15,000 and are renewable for all four years. Scholarship recipients are encouraged but not required to major or minor in music.
High School Senior Auditions
Fall Audition
Friday, November 10, 2023
Offered in conjunction with our Fall Open House program on November 10, we invite students interested in auditioning for a music scholarship to join us for a day of programming that includes:
- A 15 minute audition with our music faculty
- Time to connect with current students and admission, tour facilities — including our state-of-the-art Michael D. Eisner Center for the Performing Arts — and learn more about Denison’s music program
- Complimentary snacks and beverages
Please note that interested participants should register for both events.
Spring Audition
Saturday, January 20, 2024
We invite students interested in auditioning for a music scholarship to join us for a day of programming that includes:
- A 15 minute audition session with our music faculty
- A music workshop with faculty and current students
- Panel discussions with current Denison students in the arts
- A tour of our state-of-the-art Michael D. Eisner Center for the Performing Arts
- Complimentary breakfast, lunch, and more!
Check back in early December for Spring High School Senior Audition Day Registration.
During in-person auditions, you will have the opportunity to connect with faculty and current students, tour our facilities, and learn more about Denison’s music program. Auditions last approximately 15 minutes.
If you are from outside the region and can’t travel to campus, you may submit a 15-minute video recording as an arts supplement. The arts supplement deadline is the same as your chosen application deadline. Please review the specific requirements for each instrument/area in the drop-downs below.
We encourage applicants to connect with faculty members in your area(s) of interest for more information on Denison’s music major/minor, ensembles, and lessons.
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.
- Vocalists:
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:
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:
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:
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:
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:
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:
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:
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:
Check out our music ensembles!
The Department of Music offers more than 25 ensembles, including the Symphony Orchestra, Wind Ensemble, Concert Choir, American Roots/Bluegrass Ensemble, Balinese Gamelan, Early Music Ensemble, Gospel Choir, Latin Jazz Percussion, Singers Theatre Workshop, New Music Ensemble, and many more. Students serve as concertmasters, section leaders, soloists, and managers, helping develop their skills as leaders and stewards for the arts.
