Admissions & Auditions

Yearly Music Department auditions are held each January and February for the following Fall semester. All students who intend to major in music must complete an entrance audition, which will also serve as their audition for music talent scholarships. Some students (woodwind, brass, and percussion only) who do not intend to major in music may submit an application and complete an audition to be considered for music talent scholarships.

For information about ensemble auditions, visit the USU Ensembles page.

Important Audition Dates

How to Apply for a Music Degree Program at USU

1

Apply for admission to Utah State University

Students should apply for admission to the university as early as possible. Students who apply before December 1 will qualify for academic scholarship consideration.

 
2

Complete pre-screening requirements (piano and music therapy applicants only)

Piano and Music Therapy applicants must pass a pre-screening before they will be invited to a live audition. Links to requirements are listed below:

All other areas (Woodwind, Brass, Percussion, Guitar, Strings, Voice, Harp) do not have pre-screening requirements

 
3

Submit an audition application

All music program applicants must submit an audition application.  Applications are accepted at any time, but those wanting to secure a spot on our designated audition dates should submit their application by January 24, 2026. We strongly recommend that prospective music majors complete their audition during our yearly Music Department auditions, but alternative arrangements may be made in special cases.

After completing the application, you can expect to receive an email from musicadmissions@usu.edu with an audition time or instructions to arrange an audition appointment. Applicants who are auditioning on more than one instrument will be given a 45-60 minute gap between instruments where the schedule allows.

If you've missed the application deadline, don't worry! Most instrument areas continue accepting applications even after the live auditions have passed. Submit an audition application, then reach out to the professor over your primary instrument to arrange an audition appointment. Keep in mind that auditioning late may affect eligibility for scholarships, but don't let this deter you from applying!

 
4

Apply for scholarships & financial aid (optional)

We encourage all prospective students to seek out scholarship and financial aid opportunities from multiple sources. For detailed information about available scholarships, visit our scholarships & financial aid page.

What Happens Next?

1

Watch your email for audition details

Once you have submitted your audition application or passed your pre- screening, we will schedule your audition and send you an email with details. In the meantime, you can start preparing the required audition repertoire for your primary instrument.

 
2

Audition

If you have made alternative arrangements for your audition (i.e. recorded audition, Zoom audition, or other live audition), please complete your audition in a timely manner. Applicants who have opted to audition via recording should submit their video recording link directly to the application form.

Recorded Audition Best Practices

  • Read audition requirements carefully. Select your repertoire with the help of your private instructor, or a trusted ensemble director at your school. If you have any questions about the audition requirements, contact our faculty.
  • Recorded auditions must include both audio and video.
  • Dress in audition appropriate attire, similar to what you would wear for a concert or recital. Remove any distractions from the background.
  • Please be sure the lighting in your video is balanced. It may help to turn on lights or stand near a window. On the other hand, you may need to close window blinds or move away from bright lights.
  • Your video frame should capture as much of your body and instrument as possible. Do your best to make sure your hands and face are visible.
  • Do an audio test before you record your audition materials. Be sure to test various dynamic and pitch ranges. You may need to adjust your microphone placement in order to capture the best possible sound.
  • Introduce yourself, your accompanist (if applicable), and the selections you are performing.
 
3

Receive an admission decision

You will receive an admission decision from the faculty over your intended area of study. Decisions for Fall admission are typically sent out in March and April.

 
4

Confirm your attendance and accept scholarship offer

Let us know if you will be attending USU!

You may also receive a scholarship offer letter. Please note that all scholarships require confirmation through the USU online scholarship platform, Scholarship Universe. Your scholarship may require additional steps, such as a thank you letter. You will need to complete all requirements and accept the scholarship through Scholarship Universe before funds can be dispersed.

If you have questions about audition scheduling, please contact us by email musicadmissions@usu.edu or phone (435) 797-2756