Auditions

Robinson Hall Building, UNC Charlotte Campus
ONLINE REQUEST FOR AUDITION FORM

Printable Audition Form

AUDITION F.A.Q.s

I want to major or minor in music.  Do I have to audition?

Yes.  The Department of Music requires that you audition before faculty members for acceptance into the music program before registering for any music classes.  You will also take placement tests in music theory, ear training, and piano to determine which courses are most appropriate for you.

What happens during the audition?

The audition serves as an opportunity for you to display your abilities, meet our faculty, and ask questions about the Department of Music and various aspects of being a music student at UNC Charlotte. At the same time, our faculty will be determining which degree program and courses are most appropriate for you.

Auditions are held in Robinson Hall for the Performing Arts on the UNC Charlotte campus. On the day of your audition, please meet Dr. Grymes at 9:00 am in the lobby of Anne R. Belk Theatre in Robinson Hall (facing University City Boulevard) to receive the assigned times for your audition and placement exams, and for a brief tour of our beautiful facility for you and your family. If you would like to arrive early to warm up, practice rooms are located on the third floor of Robinson Hall (please use rooms 311-314 and 326-329).

What should I prepare for my audition?

Please see the Guidelines for Audition Material at the bottom of this page.

What should I wear to my audition?

Business attire is appropriate for an audition.

Does UNC Charlotte offer scholarships for music majors?

Yes.  Scholarships are awarded to outstanding music majors on the basis of their auditions and academic record. New students interested in being considered for music scholarships should plan to audition in person as early as possible in the academic year preceding enrollment; continuing students will be re-evaluated annually on the basis of their end-of-semester juries, academic performance, and contributions to the department.

When should I schedule an audition?

High school students are urged to audition early in their senior year; transfer students should plan to audition during the year preceding enrollment at UNC Charlotte. You should schedule your audition at least one week in advance by registering on-line above. If scheduling conflicts do not permit a personal audition on one of the regularly scheduled audition dates, you should contact the Department of Music to arrange an alternate time

What if I need an accompanist?

Although students are encouraged to bring their own accompanist, a pianist from the Department of Music can normally be provided upon request. Pre-recorded accompaniments are not acceptable.

What if I am unable to travel to Charlotte for a live audition?

A live audition is preferable, but if distance prohibits a personal audition a recorded audition may be submitted. Students submitting a recorded audition should complete the Request for Audition form and mail it with a compact disc recording and an accompanying video. Please clearly indicate your name, instrument or voice category, and the selections performed (titles and composers) on the disc. If a recorded audition is provisionally admitted, the students final status will be determined by a live audition and placement tests on campus immediately prior to the beginning of the semester.

When will I be notified of the results of my audition and placement tests?

You will be notified of the results of your audition by letter within a matter of days, but scholarship applicants may not receive notification of a scholarship offer for several weeks.

I am a transfer student who has taken music courses elsewhere.  Do I still need to take the placement tests?

Yes. Transfer students are required to complete the standards established for all enrolled students.  Students who are deficient in one or more areas will be required to repeat courses for which credit was previously granted at another institution, even if the course equivalency has transferred into UNC Charlotte.

GUIDELINES FOR AUDITION MATERIAL

Brass, Woodwind, and String Instruments (including Guitar). Prepare at least two contrasting selections, etudes, and/or movements (ideally one lyrical and the other technical) that best represent your performance level. You may also be asked to perform major scales and to sight-read passages chosen to suit your technical capabilities.

Percussion. Be prepared to play a solo piece in each of the following three categories: mallets, snare drum, and timpani. In addition, a published drum-set or multi-percussion solo from the standard repertoire can be performed. The mallet selection should be chosen for musical content and technical difficulty; a four-mallet work is ideal. The snare drum selection should clearly demonstrate your level of technical ability; both a rudimental and classical-style solo is recommended. The solo timpani selection should utilize two or more drums; intonation and interval knowledge will be tested. Sight-reading on all three categories may be required.

Piano. Be prepared to perform the following, preferably from memory: major and minor scales and arpeggios over four octaves; a two-part or three-part invention by Bach or an equivalent work from the same period; one movement of a sonata by Haydn, Mozart, Beethoven, or an equivalent work; and one or two additional compositions of your own choice, preferably from the 19th or 20th century.

Voice. Be prepared to sing, from memory, two songs of contrasting mood and tempo. You will be evaluated on vocal potential, as well as basic musical skills and expression. Students should include songs in French, German, and/or Italian if they have had experience singing in these languages.