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Audition FAQs

• I cannot come to the scheduled audition weekend. What do I do?
• What is the audition day like?
• How should I prepare for my audition?
• Can I get a scholarship?
• What theory background does a prospective music major need to have?

Non-music Majors FAQs

• Do I have to audition if I want to be a music minor?
• Do I have to audition if I just want to join an ensemble but I don't want to be a music major?

General FAQs

• What are the different ensembles that are available? Do I need to audition for them?
• Do you offer courses for non-majors?
• What lesson opportunities are available?
• I’m a transfer student - will my music courses automatically transfer to the UO?

Q: I cannot come to the scheduled audition weekend. What do I do?
A: If you cannot make the scheduled audition, it is sometimes possible to schedule special audition times with the individual area teachers. Contact the music admissions office for assistance (email gmusadm@uoregon.edu or call (541) 346-5268).

If special arrangements cannot be made, a recorded audition may be allowed. CDs and DVDs are preferred. Accompaniment for taped auditions is not necessary except for vocalists. The requirements for a taped audition are the same as a live audition (without sight reading). Recorded auditions must be received before February 10. See Audition Requirements.

Q: What is the audition day like?
A. You will have chosen pieces based upon the Audition Requirements. Upon arrival you will check in at the main reception desk to notify us and double-check your audition time. Informational meetings with the Dean of the School of Music and Dance and the Associate Dean for Undergraduate Studies will be organized for you during the audition day.

A warm-up room will be available for you. At the audition, the playing of scales and some sight-reading may be required in addition to the audition repertoire. Most auditions will last 10 to 15 minutes. Accompaniment will be provided for vocalists, but are not required for instrumental auditions.

Q: How should I prepare for my audition?
A: Choose pieces that show you to your best advantage—it is not necessary to play pieces that are technically difficult for that reason only. Perform what you perform well. If you would like some advice on choosing literature for your audition, contact the studio teacher in your area. The studio teacher will be glad to help advise you on what to play for your audition. In some cases the teacher might be available to work with you in advance of the audition to help you prepare.

Q: Can I get a scholarship?
A: Over half of our music students receive some form of financial aid, such as scholarships, grants, loans, or employment opportunities, including work-study options in the music school itself. There are three main sources from which students can receive funding for the school:

1. Music Awards: The School of Music and Dance awarded $500,000 in scholarships for 2011-12, a new record setting total amount for our school. The average award is $4,400 and ranges from $1,000-$12,000. Every student who auditions for the School of Music and Dance is automatically considered for a Music Scholarship. There is no extra form for your scholarship application; however, you must make the January 15 deadline to be considered. Music scholarships are awarded to music majors only.
2. Academic Merit Awards: academic merit awards are determined centrally, through processes in the main university admissions and financial aid offices. These include Presidential, Deans, Diversity Excellence, and General University Scholarships. To learn how to apply for centrally administered financial aid and scholarships please visit the Office of Student Financial Aid and Scholarships website http://financialaid.uoregon.edu/.In some cases your School of Music and Dance award can be combined with centrally administered scholarship funds.
3. Need-based Awards: Students can apply and be considered for need-based assistance through financial aid after filing the required Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) at http://www.fafsa.ed.gov/. These awards include the prestigious Staton Scholarships, Need-based grants, Federal Loans, and Work-Study programs. Work-study positions include library, band, orchestra and choral assistants; public relations; and general office work. File the FAFSA early (by February 1st to meet the March 1 priority date) to be sure that your financial aid package reflects the best combination of scholarships and financial aid for which you qualify.

Q: What theory background does a prospective music major need to have?
A: Incoming music majors are expected to have basic theory knowledge (i.e. how to read notes/rhythms, structure of scales). However, if a student has advanced knowledge of theory, he/she has the opportunity to take a placement exam at the beginning of the year.

Q: Do I have to audition if I want to be a music minor?
A: No, you do not have to perform an audition to be a music minor. You will need to talk to our Undergraduate Music Advisor, ugramus@uoregon.edu, and fill out a music minor form once you are enrolled at UO.

Q: Do I have to audition if I just want to join an ensemble but I don't want to be a music major?
A: Many students who major in other areas still participate in our music ensembles throughout the year. Auditions for specific ensembles take place during Week of Welcome (week prior to first day of school).

Q: What are the different ensembles that are available? Do I need to audition?
A: We have over 35 different ensembles here at the UO. Click here for a list of all of them. Some ensembles require an audition to join. These usually take place during Week of Welcome (week prior to first day of school). Please review the audition requirements for each ensemble.

Q: Do you offer courses for non-majors?
A: The School of Music and Dance offers several courses for non-music majors, including topics on music industry, hip hop, and performance lessons. We encourage non-majors to participate in our ensembles, some of which do not require an audition (ex. Gospel Choir, Campus Band, and the Javanese Gamelan Ensemble).

A music minor offers a flexible curriculum and the opportunity to take more advanced music courses (e.g. theory and aural skills).

Q: What lesson opportunities are available?
A: All music majors enroll in one-on-one lessons with the studio professor which meets up to one hour once a week. Each student also attends studio master class once or twice a week. Within this intimate setting, the students and studio professor examine pedagogical concepts among other topics. Students are also given opportunities to perform for their peers.

Private lessons are available to non-majors in all instruments and voice depending on availability and space.

Q: I'm a transfer student - will my music courses automatically transfer to the UO?
A: No. Most music courses do not automatically transfer, students need to take placement tests at the beginning of the year. Please contact the Undergraduate Music Advisor for more information ugramus@uoregon.edu.