Music BA Audition Information

Note: this page includes audition information for students interested in declaring a major in music (performance track). For students interested in auditioning for department ensembles and private lessons, see the Auditions for Non-Majors page.

General Information

Candidates applying to the Music BA Performance Track must apply for admission to the college as well as complete an audition for acceptance into the music major. If you have not yet completed your application to the college, please visit the Admissions Office page. Students interested in preprofessional study in both Music Education and Conducting must first audition for the program in Music Performance. No audition is required for the Music BA tracks in Musicology; Jazz and American Music Studies; or Music Business, Recording, and Production.

We accept applicants in Voice and on the following Instruments: Piano, Flute, Oboe, Clarinet, Saxophone, Bassoon, Trumpet, Horn, Trombone, Euphonium, Tuba, Violin, Viola, Cello, Double Bass, Guitar, or Percussion. The entrance audition places students with a studio teacher as well as in a departmental ensemble (note: prospective vocal performance majors must also attend a separate choral audition). 

When to Audition

For fall admission, high school seniors and transfer students should audition before March 1. For spring admission, applicants should audition before November 1. Current Geneseo students may audition for entrance into the major in either the fall or spring semester. Auditions for incoming students may be submitted virtually via the link below or performed in person. Please contact Danielle Clark (dclark@geneseo.edu) to request an audition date or with any questions regarding an online audition submission.

What to Prepare

For the audition, applicants should prepare the following:

Voice:

Three contrasting, memorized art songs, including one in a foreign language, that demonstrate classical singing technique at NYSSMA Level VI. Geneseo will provide an accompanist. Applicants may also be requested to sight read; résumé. Vocal Performance majors must also attend a separate choral audition (see posted audition schedule).

Brass, Strings, Winds, Guitar, and Piano:

Two contrasting selections that demonstrate the applicant's playing ability with respect to rhythm, articulation, phrasing, and dynamics. Note: Prospective students in guitar must audition with a classical (nylon) guitar.

Percussion:

Three selections--one on snare, one on timpani, one on a melodic instrument--that demonstrate the applicant's playing ability with respect to rhythm, articulation, phrasing, and dynamics.