In addition to applying for admission to the University, all applicants interested in pursuing a music degree must perform an audition on their major instrument prior to their first semester enrolling in music courses. Schedule your audition by filling out the Online Audition Application. Audition applications are accepted at any time, but those wanting to secure an audition time on our designated audition date(s) should submit their application by Saturday, January 24, 2026. Auditions serve admission and placement purposes, and are also for talent scholarship consideration.
Auditions Requirements
Applicants with guitar as their primary instrument considering a Bachelor of Music in Music Education: Guitar emphasis, or a Bachelor of Music in Music Performance: Guitar emphasis, should prepare all of the following:
- Major and minor scales
- Basic chords
- Barre chords
- Finger-style and/or pick-style solo (solo should demonstrate the auditionee's highest level of musicianship and technical facility)
Guitar scholarships are awarded only to intended music performance or music education majors.
Applicants for the Master's of Music in Guitar Performance
- Play two-octave major, natural minor, harmonic minor, and melodic minor scales and arpeggios in all 12 keys; play modes from the major scale
- Play other common scales (whole-tone, diminished, etc.)
- Play a solo piece of music on guitar (chord solo arrangement or classical/finger-style piece of music)
- Be tested on chord voicing knowledge
- Improvise over a standard and a blues progression (students with jazz emphasis)
- Be tested on music reading capabilities
Recorded Auditions
Applicants wishing to submit a video audition 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.
Music Therapy Guitar Video Audition Requirements
- Major and minor scales
- Basic chords
- Barre chords
- Finger-style and/or pick-style solo (solo should demonstrate the auditionee's highest level of musicianship and technical facility)
Additional Contact Information
Corey Christiansen
Professor
Music (Guitar)