Major Audition Requirements

• A program of art songs and/or operatic arias totaling three selections.
• At least one, and preferably two, of the works performed must be in one or more of the standard foreign languages: Italian, French, or German.
• Memorization is required.
• Demonstration of sight-reading is required (music will be provided).

Non-Major Audition Requirements

• Two art songs by memory.
• Demonstration of sight-reading is required (music will be provided).

Major Audition Requirements

• Three compositions, one for each of the following instruments: timpani, mallets, and snare drum: i.e., one solo or etude on each instrument (2 or 4 mallets for keyboard percussion).
• Students should be prepared to demonstrate knowledge of tuning timpani.

Non-Major Audition Requirements

• Ten minutes from repertoire that highlights two of the following: timpani, mallets, snare drum.

The Music Department can provide a snare drum, timpani and marimba for auditions; any special equipment needs must be communicated by emailing FineArtsAdmissions@southwestern.edu at least four business days before the audition date.

Major Audition Requirements

• Two complete works (a movement of a standard sonata is considered a complete work) representing different stylistic periods (Baroque, Classical, Romantic, Twentieth­-century).
• Memorization is required.

Non-Major Audition Requirements

• Two complete pieces of contrasting style periods (one piece may include popular styles that demonstrate skills at improvisation and/or arranging). One movement of a multi-movement work such as a sonata or suite is acceptable.
• Memorization is recommended, but not required.

Major Audition Requirements

• Two complete works (a movement of a standard sonata is considered a complete work) representing different stylistic periods (Baroque, Classical, Romantic, Twentieth­-century).
• Memorization is required.
• Demonstration of sight-reading is required (music will be provided).

Non-Major Audition Requirements

• Two complete pieces of contrasting style periods. One movement of a multi-movement work such as a sonata or suite is acceptable.
• Memorization is recommended, but not required.
• Students will be asked to sight-read a short piece or accompaniment, which will be provided at the audition.

Major Audition Requirements

• Two selections representing different stylistic periods (Baroque, Classical, Romantic, Twentieth­-century).
• One selection only may be an etude; a program of two etudes is NOT acceptable.
• Memorization of at least one of the selections is encouraged, but not required.

Non-Major Audition Requirements

• Two selections each representing different stylistic periods.
• One of these (only) may be a standard or region etude.

Solos that are written with piano accompaniment must be performed with live accompaniment at the audition—an accompanist will be provided. If a student wishes to use an SU accompanist, music for accompaniments must be received no later than two weeks before the scheduled audition date. Sent to Laura Sewell at sewelll@southwestern.edu.

Major Audition Requirements

• Two selections representing different stylistic periods (Baroque, Classical, Romantic, Twentieth­-century).
• One selection only may be an etude; a program of two etudes is NOT acceptable.
• Memorization of at least one of the selections is encouraged, but not required.

Non-Major Audition Requirements

• Two selections each representing different stylistic periods.
• One of these (only) may be a standard or region etude.

Solos that are written with piano accompaniment must be performed with live accompaniment at the audition—an accompanist will be provided. If a student wishes to use an SU accompanist, music for accompaniments must be received no later than two weeks before the scheduled audition date. Sent to Laura Sewell at sewelll@southwestern.edu.

Major Audition Requirements

• Two selections representing different stylistic periods (Baroque, Classical, Romantic, Twentieth­-century).
• One selection only may be an etude; a program of two etudes is NOT acceptable.
• Memorization of at least one of the selections is encouraged, but not required.

Non-Major Audition Requirements

• Two selections each representing different stylistic periods.
• One of these (only) may be a standard or region etude.

Solos that are written with piano accompaniment must be performed with live accompaniment at the audition—an accompanist will be provided. If a student wishes to use an SU accompanist, music for accompaniments must be received no later than two weeks before the scheduled audition date. Sent to Laura Sewell at sewelll@southwestern.edu.

Recipients of Sarofim Scholarship in Music and Performance Awards may also be eligible for additional assistance such as academic scholarships. In addition, recipients may apply for University need-based aid. For more information, please go to Financial Aid/Merit scholarships or call 1-800-252-3166. 

Any financial aid offer from Southwestern University will be void as of May 1, 2020 if a student accepts financial aid from another college or university.