Questions?
Should you have questions about our admissions processes not addressed in the materials below, please contact [email protected] or use the Contact Form below.
| Audition Date | Submission Deadline |
|---|---|
| Saturday, December 2, 2023 | Sunday, November 26, 2023 |
| Saturday, January 27, 2024 | Sunday, January 21, 2024 |
| Saturday, February 10, 2024 | Sunday, February 4, 2024 |
| Saturday, February 24, 2024* | Sunday, February 18, 2024 |
|
Click each step below to expand for further instructions.
Incoming Freshmen and Transfer Students
Full admission to the School of Music is contingent upon acceptance into the University by the Office of Undergraduate Admissions, a complete application to the School of Music, and completed audition, or submission of supplemental materials (where applicable). Acceptance to the University prior to your music audition is not a requirement, though you are strongly encouraged to submit an application to the Office of Undergraduate Admissions prior to your audition. You can contact the Office of Undergraduate Admissions for more information at (336) 334-5243 or visit their website at admissions.uncg.edu.
Returning Students
Returning students are those who were previously enrolled at UNCG, but have stepped away from pursuing their degree for one or more reasons. The requirements for readmission vary depending on the length of your time away. Please review the steps required at the Admission website.
All Applicants
- All prospective students wishing to take lessons must audition for a spot in their desired studio(s). An audition is a required step for those interested in the Bachelor of Music in Performance (including Composition) and Bachelor of Music in Music Education degrees.
- Prospective students interested in Composition and Popular Music and Technology (PopTech) should, in addition to their audition recording, upload the required materials to the Digital Portfolio in the School of Music application.
- Prospective students interested in the Bachelor of Music in Music Education must also complete a mandatory interview with members of the music education faculty on their scheduled audition day.
- Audition recordings/Portfolio Items will be uploaded to the Digital Portfolio in the School of Music Application for International Students (living outside the United States), Composition, Popular Music and Technology (PopTech), and those auditioning virtually in April.
Ready to begin the process?
- Complete your application for undergraduate admission to UNCG through our Student Portal (or the Common Application).
- Complete the application to the School of Music. This online form will require that you create a login or use the credentials created for your university application.
- Once logged in, click Start New Application and the application form “School of Music Auditions” should appear.
① Apply to UNC Greensboro② Apply to the School of Music
These procedures are for current university undergraduate students who wish to apply to a new degree program in the School of Music. A new university application is not required.
Apply to the School of Music through the secondary application.- Review the Audition Requirements (see below) for your instrument/vocal to prepare for your selected Audition Day.
- Complete the audition/interview with the area.
- Receive official results from the School of Music within 10 business days of your audition and/or interview.
- Students who are admitted should complete the Major/Minor Request Form through the Registrar’s Office upon receipt of their acceptance letter.
- An audition is a required step for those interested in the Bachelor of Music in Music Education and all concentrations of the Bachelor of Music in Performance.
- Prospective students interested in the Bachelor of Arts in Music who wish to include private studio lessons as part of their studies must successfully complete an audition. Those students who do not wish to include private studio instruction will indicate this on the application and await their results after the BA Committee reviews their applications.
- Prospective students interested in Composition should, in addition to an audition, prepare a portfolio of their work and an essay.
- Minor in Music students who wish to have private lesson instruction should also complete an application and audition.
Bachelor of Music in Music Education
A music degree that prepares students for positions as choral directors, band directors, or general music teachers in public schools.
All prospective students interested in pursuing a major in Music Education must complete a meeting with members of the music education faculty on one of the designated audition days.
- Apply to the University
- Prepare audition/interview materials
- Apply to the School of Music
- Attend Audition Day or Virtual Meeting
Bachelor of Music in Performance
A professional music degree that prepares students for future careers as performers, composers and/or private teachers (concentrations are available in instrumental, vocal, jazz studies, popular music and technology, and composition).
- Apply to the University
- Prepare audition/interview materials
- Apply to the School of Music
- Attend Audition Day or Virtual Meeting
Bachelor of Music in Performance, Concentration in Composition
A degree that offers outstanding resources and quality experiences to students interested in traditional compositional styles, as well as new music.
Prospective Composition students must audition on an instrument or in voice, and must adhere to the audition requirements for that area.
- Apply to the University
- Prepare audition/interview materials
- Prepare the following supplemental materials to upload to your Digital Portfolio:
- A portfolio of original compositions, 2-5 selections (at least 3, if available). Please include scores (.pdf format) and recordings (preferably .mp3 format). Live recordings or digital representations exported from notation software are acceptable. Choose pieces that best represent your compositional style and interests.
- A short essay (.pdf format preferred):
- What are your career goals?
- What kind of music do you write?
- What kind of music do you listen to?
- What would you like to do creatively?
- Apply to the School of Music
- Attend Audition Day or Virtual Meeting
Bachelor of Music in Performance, Concentration in Popular Music and Technology
A degree that offers outstanding resources and quality experiences to students interested in the performance and creation of popular music, along with its intersection with music technology.
Prospective students in Popular Music and Technology (PopTech) must either complete an audition on an instrument/voice, or they must demonstrate proficiency in working with digital media. The audition consists of a Digital Portfolio submitted with the application, and an in-person meeting. On Audition Day, students will have the opportunity to further present their musical background and work.
- Apply to the University
- Prepare the following supplemental materials to upload to your Digital Portfolio:
- Instrumentalists, vocalists:
- Submit a portfolio of 2 video or audio recordings that showcase your performing ability. Optionally, include both an original and a cover, an arrangement, improvisation, examples of your engagement in music technology, secondary instruments, original lyrics, music reading ability, activities in online or social media platforms, or anything else that highlights your musical creativity.
- On audition day, be prepared to play your instrument or sing, either on your own, or with a playback (karaoke) track. You will have the opportunity to discuss your musical experiences, artistic community, performance history, daily musical activities, collaborations, secondary interests, and your goals in music and life. Depending on your chosen area and skill set, you may be asked to demonstrate basic musicianship skills.
- Producers, composers, singer-songwriters, engineers, DJs, etc.:
- Submit a portfolio of 2 video or audio recordings of your original musical work. This could be beats you have produced, songs you have written, music for film or video games, bands you have recorded in the studio or engineered live, videos of DJ sets or EDM sets you have performed, or improvisations. Optionally, include descriptions of your releases, evidence of music reading ability, activities in online and social media platforms, documentation of your workflow (such as screenshots of your DAW sessions), or anything else that highlights your musical creativity.
- On audition day, you will be asked to present your work and discuss its artistic context and influences. You will have the opportunity to discuss your musical experiences, artistic community, performance history, daily musical activities, collaborations, secondary interests, and your goals in music and life. Depending on your chosen area and skill set, you may be asked to demonstrate basic musicianship skills.
- Instrumentalists, vocalists:
- Apply to the School of Music
- Attend Audition Day or Virtual Audition Day
Bachelor of Arts in Music
A liberal arts degree that provides valuable preparation for a variety of careers, opportunities for a medley of musical experiences outside of performance and education, as well as flexibility for double-majors.
All prospective students interested in pursuing the Bachelor of Arts in Music must complete the Application to the School of Music. For potential scholarship opportunities, you have the option of uploading a writing sample/paper of no fewer than 1500 words. In addition, you may also upload a personal statement that demonstrates and highlights your unique strengths as a musician.
Please Note: Students interested in private studio lessons as part of their studies must successfully complete an audition (see requirements).
- Apply to the University
- Prepare audition/interview materials (if studio lessons are desired)
- Apply to the School of Music
- Attend Audition Day or Virtual Meeting
Music Minor
A non-audition program that affords students majoring in other fields the opportunity to complete a carefully planned course of study integrating music performance, music theory, music history, and music electives.
Please Note: Students interested in private studio lessons as part of their studies must successfully complete an audition.
- Apply to the University
- Contact your academic advisor to add a Music Minor
Music minors who are interested in private lessons must also: - Prepare audition/interview materials (if studio lessons are desired)
- Apply to the School of Music
- Attend Audition Day or Virtual Meeting
For degrees with required Portfolio Materials, International Students living outside of the United States, and those auditioning virtually in April.
Recordings of undergraduate applicants should be unedited and continuous. You may upload more than one video if you choose. These should be filmed in the spirit of a live audition, without an audience.
- Begin your recording facing the camera. Introduce yourself and the piece(s) you are about to present. If you would like to share something you would like the faculty to know, feel free to do so.
- Please speak loudly and clearly. Present a professional image.
- Your video recordings should clearly show your face and most of your body. Ideally, the camera should be far enough away (6 ft or more) to avoid sound distortion, but still close enough to see your instrument and technique.
- Please keep the camera fixed and do not pan or zoom during your recording.
- Professional recordings are not required. Recordings taken from handheld devices are permitted, so long as the quality is sufficient to meet our requests.
- Ensure that the recording you’ve made is good quality and that the file contains all instrumental/vocal audition requirements (see below).
Your audition video(s) will be uploaded to your Digital Portfolio in the Application to the School of Music. Remember, video recordings uploaded to YouTube may be Public or Unlisted, but not Private.
Prepare two or more solo works/etudes of contrasting styles that best represent your performance level.
Violin, Viola, and Cello students interested in Performance should be prepared to perform the following:
- Two contrasting movements of a Bach solo work for your instrument
- One movement of a concerto
- A piece of the applicant’s choice (may be an etude)
Violin, Viola, and Cello students interested in Music Education, Composition, or the BA in Music should be prepared to perform the following:
- One movement of a Bach solo work for your instrument
- One movement of a concerto or virtuoso piece
Prepare two or more solo works/etudes of contrasting styles that best represent your performance level.
Prepare two contrasting works that represent your performance level. One should demonstrate tone, the other technique.
Prepare two or more solo works/etudes of contrasting styles that best represent your performance level.
Prepare two or more solo works/etudes of contrasting styles that best represent your performance level.
Students interested in Performance
Prepare 2 or 3 contrasting solo works showcasing technique and musicality. One of these 3 solo works must be a Bach/Grandjany Etude of your choosing. Memorization is preferred, but not required.
Students interested in Music Education, Composition, or the Bachelor of Arts
Prepare 2 contrasting solo works showcasing technique and musicality. Memorization is preferred, but not required.
Prepare two or more solo works/etudes of contrasting styles that best represent your performance level.
Be prepared to perform the following (for saxophone, trumpet, trombone, drums, piano, electric guitar, double bass):
- Major scales, two octaves in all keys with fluency
- Two or three contrasting jazz standards should be prepared. Be able to play the melody and improvise (guitar, bass, and pianists should demonstrate accompanying.)
- Performance of a transcription is highly recommended
Jazz percussionists should demonstrate ballad, medium, and fast swing “time” with brushes and sticks; bossa nova, funk, and afro-cuban grooves. They should also demonstrate that they have started a pitched instrument, such as marimba, vibraphone, or piano. It is suggested that jazz percussionists bring their own sticks, mallets, brushes, snare drum, hi hat clutch, and cymbals (including hi hats) to the audition.
Guitarists should additionally prepare a chord-solo piece.
Prepare two or more solo works/etudes of contrasting styles that best represent your performance level.
Be prepared to perform the following:
- Four 4-octave scales and arpeggios, your choice of 2 major and 2 minor, in keys with one or more accidental.
- A prelude and fugue at least 4 minutes in length from any time period.
- A chorale prelude written before 1750.
- One composition of your own choice from a style period different from the above.
Students who have not previously studied organ and wish to begin organ study at UNCG should plan to audition on piano to demonstrate keyboard skills essential for organ study. In this event, see the guidelines for Piano.
Undergraduate Percussion Performance Audition Requirements
Choose repertoire that highlights your skill, musicianship and preparation. Advanced selections played with a lack of technical and musical focus may not best represent your musical ability. Work closely with your percussion instructor or band director to select music that best showcases your talent.
Snare Drum
- Concert Solo or Etude. (Similar to Cirone Portraits in Rhythm or All-State audition etudes, etc.)
- Rudimental Solo or Etude. (Similar to Wilcoxon All American Drummer or All-State audition etudes, etc.)
Two-Mallet Keyboard
- Solo or Etude. (Transcriptions, ragtime xylophone, All-State audition etudes, etc.)
Four-Mallet Keyboard
- Solo or Etude. (Transcriptions; All-State audition etudes; Selected solo from Books by Justin Bunting, Mark Ford, Bart Quartier)
Timpani Solo or Etude
- No solos/etudes that require playing on the bowls, or with wood mallets/butt ends.
Optional Areas
- Drum Set (Demonstration of different styles and soloing)
- World Percussion (Example: Congas, traditional Frame Drum, Pandeiro, Riq)
If you are unable to access keyboard instruments, timpani, or drum set to record your audition materials, this is understandable. Please contact Dr. Eric Willie ([email protected]) with any questions or concerns as you prepare.
Undergraduate Music Education Audition Requirements
Choose repertoire that highlights your skill, musicianship and preparation. Advanced selections played with a lack of technical and musical focus may not best represent your musical ability. Work closely with your percussion instructor or band director to select music that best showcases your talent.
Snare Drum
- Solo or Etude. (Similar to Cirone Portraits in Rhythm, All-State audition etudes, Pratt or Wilcoxon solos, etc.)
Two-Mallet Keyboard
- Solo or Etude. (Transcriptions, ragtime xylophone, All-State audition etudes, etc.)
Optional Areas
- Drum Set (Demonstration of different styles and soloing)
- Four-Mallet Keyboard
- Solo or Etude. (Transcriptions; All-State audition etudes; Selected solo from Books by Justin Bunting, Mark Ford, Bart Quartier)
- Timpani Solo or Etude
- No solos/etudes that require playing on the bowls, or with wood mallets/butt ends.
- World Percussion (Example: Congas, traditional Frame Drum, Pandeiro, Riq)
If you are unable to access keyboard instruments, timpani, or drum set to record your audition materials, this is understandable. Please contact Dr. Eric Willie ([email protected]) with any questions or concerns as you prepare.
Be prepared to perform the following, preferably from memory:
- Four 4-octave scales and arpeggios, your choice of 2 major and 2 minor, in keys with one or more accidental.
- A contrapuntal work from the Baroque Era.
- One movement of a sonata from the Classical Era.
- An additional composition of your own choice from a style period different from the above.
Technique
Prepare one major and one harmonic minor scale through the full range of the instrument.
Etudes
Prepare two contrasting etudes from Ferling 48 Studies or Voxman Selected Studies.
Solo literature
Prepare a solo piece demonstrating excellent technique, tone, and musicianship. Examples of appropriate works are as follows:
- Creston – Sonata for Alto Saxophone and Piano
- Glazounov – Concerto for Alto Saxophone and Orchestra
- Maurice – Tableaux de Provence
- Rueff – Chanson et Passpied
- Teal – Solos for the Alto Saxophone Player
Note: by far the most important part of your audition is the Solo literature!
Prepare two or more solo works/etudes of contrasting styles that best represent your performance level.
Prepare two or more solo works/etudes of contrasting styles that best represent your performance level.
Prepare two or more solo works/etudes of contrasting styles that best represent your performance level.
Violin, Viola, and Cello students interested in Performance should be prepared to perform the following:
- Two contrasting movements of a Bach solo work for your instrument
- One movement of a concerto
- A piece of the applicant’s choice (may be an etude)
Violin, Viola, and Cello students interested in Music Education, Composition, or the BA in Music should be prepared to perform the following:
- One movement of a Bach solo work for your instrument
- One movement of a concerto or virtuoso piece
Violin, Viola, and Cello students interested in Performance should be prepared to perform the following:
- Two contrasting movements of a Bach solo work for your instrument
- One movement of a concerto
- A piece of the applicant’s choice (may be an etude)
Violin, Viola, and Cello students interested in Music Education, Composition, or the BA in Music should be prepared to perform the following:
- One movement of a Bach solo work for your instrument
- One movement of a concerto or virtuoso piece
Perform, from memory, two contrasting solo pieces from the standard art song repertoire. All selections should be for solo voice with piano accompaniment, either live or pre-recorded. A capella auditions or vocal lines excerpted from choral works are not acceptable.
You will be evaluated on vocal potential, as well as basic musical skills and expression. Transfer students should include songs in French, German, and/or Italian if they have had experience singing in these languages.
Check-In
Check-in will take place on Saturday morning from 7:45–8:25 AM, and you will receive your audition time and a schedule for the day. Although this is an exciting time in your musical journey, we recommend limiting your party size to a minimum of three (3) persons.
There is a welcoming meeting in the morning and an opportunity to meet faculty before auditions begin. You will also have opportunities to connect with current students, see student performances, and tour the Music facilities and Studio 91 in Cone Residence Hall. Details on these events, start times, room assignments, and more will be provided at check-in Saturday morning.
Accompanist for Vocalists
If you are a vocalist auditioning for our voice area faculty, please be sure to bring one (1) extra copy of your audition music for your accompanist. This should be a legible, clean copy of your music. You will hand your music to the accompanist when you enter the audition room. Vocal candidates interested in PopTech will either sing their selections acapella or bring a pre-recorded instrumental track.
Location/Parking
In case you would like to utilize a GPS or other mapping service, the physical address to the Music Building at UNCG is: 100 McIver Street, Greensboro, NC 27402. Parking is available in the McIver Street Parking Deck (adjacent to the School of Music) and is free until 5:00 PM. You will need to pull a ticket to enter the parking deck in the morning, but the gate will lift automatically when you depart.
Music Education Individual Meeting
For students interested in Music Education, an individual meeting will be conducted with members of the Music Education faculty on the same date. More information will be told at check-in. If, after your initial audition date, you decide that you wish to be considered for the Music Education degree and did not indicate this on your School of Music application, please contact our school to request information about scheduling a supplemental meeting.
Piano Proficiency Exam
This exam is optional to take on Audition Day, but will be helpful for Class Piano placement to our prospective undergraduate music majors. A sign-up table will be available to ask questions and register for an exam time, if interested.
Scholarships for Music Majors
Outstanding students majoring in music will be awarded music scholarships based on the results of their auditions and will receive notification by email. In order to be eligible for a music scholarship, you should plan to audition no later than the priority deadline in the academic year preceding expected enrollment (February 25 for Fall 2023 admission). Music scholarships are granted on a one-year basis and are renewable depending upon satisfactory academic and musical progress. Scholarships are not awarded mid-year for new Spring semester students.
Transfer Students
Theory and ear training placement tests will be offered at the beginning of each semester. Prior to taking the tests, students will be registered for the theory and ear training level according to transcripts of previous study. Following the tests, students will be placed into courses based upon their individual results.
Overview of Virtual Meetings
Applicants are expected to submit an audition video and attend a virtual audition day meeting with members of the School of Music faculty via Zoom. On your selected audition date, prospective students will meet individually with members of the School of Music faculty. Your audition video should be uploaded onto your School of Music Application before the deadline date.
These meetings are a chance for the faculty and applicants to meet and discuss goals, interests, and other items that would normally occur in-person. Additionally, it is at the discretion of the studio teacher if sight reading will be offered. Please reach out to your preferred private lessons instructor for more information.
These meetings will begin promptly in the morning and will last approximately 15 minutes. Students can expect to be given a meeting time anywhere between 9:30 AM to 2:00 PM ET. More information will be sent via email during the week of the selected virtual meeting date.
Music Education Individual Meeting
For students interested in Music Education, an individual meeting will be conducted with members of the Music Education faculty on the same date. If, after your initial audition date, you decide that you wish to be considered for the Music Education degree and did not indicate this on your School of Music application, please contact our school to request information about scheduling a supplemental meeting.
Missed Audition Meeting
If a prospective student experiences technical difficulties or misses their scheduled meeting with faculty entirely, please contact the School of Music at [email protected]. We will work with the faculty areas to determine if a rescheduled date can be arranged.
Scholarships for Music Majors
Outstanding students majoring in music will be awarded music scholarships based on the results of their auditions and will receive notification by email. In order to be eligible for a music scholarship, you should plan to audition no later than the priority deadline in the academic year preceding expected enrollment (February 25 for Fall 2023 admission). Since the virtual meetings occur in April, students will still be considered for any awards remaining automatically. Music scholarships are granted on a one-year basis and are renewable depending upon satisfactory academic and musical progress. Scholarships are not awarded mid-year to new Spring semester students.
Transfer Students
Theory and ear training placement tests will be offered at the beginning of each semester. Prior to taking the tests, students will be registered for the theory and ear training level according to transcripts of previous study. Following the tests, students will be placed into courses based upon their individual results.