Vocal Auditions

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 to be admitted to the program.

Schedule your audition by filling out an 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.

To receive priority scholarship consideration, plan to complete your audition on or before the February audition dates. Voice auditions heard beyond this date will still be eligible for admission to music degree programs, but may not be considered for scholarship awards.

Voice audition requirements differ depending on your intended degree. Please prepare the repertoire listed below for the degree you plan to pursue.

Bachelor of Music in Performance or Education Audition Requirements

Applicants with voice as their primary instrument considering a Bachelor of Music in Music Education: Choral emphasis, or a Bachelor of Music in Music Performance: Vocal emphasis, should prepare the following.

Choose between:

1. Two art songs
2. One art song and one aria

One selection should be in a foreign language, if possible, and both should be memorized.

As an option, the candidate may also present a musical theatre piece

In addition to the sung selections, the candidate’s sight-singing ability, aural acuity, and grasp of music theory will also be assessed through brief diagnostic exams on the day of the audition.

Bachelor of Arts in Music Audition Requirements

Students auditioning for the BA with Voice as their primary instrument will need to prepare three pieces from at least two of the following categories.

1. An art song or an aria (preferably in a foreign language but not required)
2. A musical theatre selection
3. A cover of a popular music or jazz selection
4. An original composition

An accompanist will be provided, but candidates may bring their own. The auditioning student has the option to self-accompany one piece from either option 3 or 4.

In addition to the sung selections, the candidate’s sight-singing ability, aural acuity, and grasp of music theory will also be assessed through brief diagnostic exams on the day of the audition

Master's of Music in Voice Performance

Applicants for the Master's of Music Voice Performance degree should prepare the following.

A combination of 5 art songs and arias (both categories should be represented) demonstrating proficiency in at least three languages, one of which should be English.

Two additional pieces are optional: One oratorio/concert work aria and/or one musical theatre selection.

All repertoire should be memorized for the audition (with the exception of the optional oratorio/concert work aria).

Live auditions will also include a brief interview and may include an assessment of the auditioning student's sight-reading and/or aural skills.

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 Voice Video Audition Requirements

1. An art song or aria
2. A musical theater selection, a cover of a popular music or jazz selection, or an original composition

All repertoire should be memorized for the audition (with the exception of the optional oratorio/concert work aria).

Additional Contact Information

• USU Opera Theater and Choral/Vocal Ensembles

No additional application or audition is required to be considered for a Vocal Talent Scholarship, although such awards will only be given to intended Voice Performance or Choral Education majors.