In-Person/On-Campus Auditions
January 15, 2024
February 19, 2024
March 23, 2024
April 1, 2024
APPLY NOW OR KEEP READING
Music at Austin College will encourage you to sing and play your very best regardless of your major or minor. We want you to continue to be involved with music in college, and we have music scholarships to help make that possible. At Austin College our ensembles and classes are filled with music majors and non-majors alike, and we have scholarships for both. The scholarship requires an audition; for those receiving a scholarship the only requirement is to continue in your assigned ensemble. Keep reading below for answers to your music scholarship questions.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I have to major in music?
No. No one comes to Austin College as a major in anything. Music scholarships are awarded based on your audition, and you do not have to major or minor in order to receive one. The scholarships are automatically renewed if you continue in your assigned ensemble.
How do I apply?
- Complete your application to Austin College.
- Fill out an ONLINE MUSIC SCHOLARSHIP APPLICATION.
- Schedule your audition through the application form.
- Contact the Admission Office with any questions or concerns at 903-813-3000
What does the live audition entail?
- Vocalists: Two contrasting classical pieces. One piece must be sung in a foreign language. CHORAL PARTS OR BROADWAY SONGS ARE NOT APPROPRIATE. (both pieces must be accompanied)
- Instrumentalists: Two contrasting pieces which may be etudes, sonatas, concertos, or stand-alone pieces. CONCERT EXCERPTS ARE NOT APPROPRIATE. (one must be accompanied however both can be if the applicant desires). Piano and percussion auditions do not require a piano accompanist.
After your audition, the music faculty will also speak with you for a few minutes about your plans for music in college.
What does "two contrasting pieces" entail?
Applicants must perform two contrasting pieces involving two different composers from separate time periods and/or two contrasting movements of the same work at different tempos. Vocalists must sing two pieces in different languages. Concert excerpts for instrumentalists and choral parts or Broadway songs for vocalists are not appropriate. Both pieces must be selected from classical literature.
Does Austin College have an accompanist available for live auditions?
Yes. We have an accompanist available for all applicants in need of one for their live audition performance at no cost to the applicant. Applicants must provide Jessica Foster with copies of the accompanist parts for their intended performance pieces no later than a week prior to their audition date.
Can I audition remotely?
Yes. Applicants may submit video recordings in lieu of scheduling a live audition. Video auditions are due no later than Friday, March 15, 2024: CONTACT US FOR POSSIBLE EXTENSION. Requirements for video auditions are the same as the live auditions mentioned above, depending on the applicant's intended audition type.
In addition to the two contrasting classical pieces, applicants must submit a third video answering the following questions:
- State your full name and the instrument/voice type.
- How long have you been playing/singing?
- Have you taken private lessons? If so, for how long (on each instrument and/or voice)?
- How long have you been playing/singing the pieces you performed for the audition?
- What makes you a competitive candidate for the AC music scholarship?
- How do you plan to be involved in music at AC? (Major? Minor? Take lessons? Perform with an ensemble?)
- If you are awarded a music scholarship, do you acknowledge that participation in your assigned music ensemble each semester you receive the scholarship is a requirement for the continuation of the scholarship award?
Audition videos must be sent via YouTube and can be uploaded when completing the online scholarship application or sent directly to the Admission Office. Previously recorded videos, lip-synched videos, or audio-only files will not be accepted.
Applicants should ensure their audition materials maintain a professional background, sound, and lighting quality before submission.
Do video-recorded auditions require an accompanist?
Yes. Video-recorded auditions maintain the same requirements as live auditions and, therefore, also require accompaniment.
Are there any additional requirements?
Yes. All video-recorded auditions must clearly show the applicant playing their instrument or singing. Additionally, please be reminded Austin College music scholarship auditions are conducted in a professional setting. As such, concert attire is expected of all auditioning applicants, whether performing live or via a recording.
Can I audition with a second instrument or voice?
We are excited to hear about applicants who have experience in multiple musical disciplines. However, as the scholarship award requires students to commit to performing in one assigned ensemble, the faculty can only consider one discipline for each applicant.
If I play a secondary instrument and/or sing, can I continue to practice or perform in a second ensemble?
Yes. The Music Department at AC holds ensemble auditions open to any student on campus at the beginning of the fall semester annually. In addition, students can sign up for private lessons through the registrar's office.
Who should I contact for help?
Contact the Admission Office with any questions or concerns.