Entrance Auditions

All new or transfer students wishing to major in music are required to audition; you must be formally accepted to NMU before you can sign up for an audition.  Once you receive the university acceptance, you may register for an audition online or by contacting the Music Department at 906-227-2563. You will receive confirmation and further important information

Audition dates for freshman majors entering in Fall 2013 are listed below.  You should plan to audition on one of these dates if you wish to be considered for scholarships (see Scholarships below). However, alternate audition times are arranged, usually as part of a campus visit (these may be arranged at campus visit webpage).  You may also contact the Department  (906-227-2563) to discuss other arrangements. 

• Saturday, February 16, 2013
• Saturday, March 23, 2013

Auditions cannot be scheduled during summer orientation sessions.  Incoming majors (not seeking scholarships) will audition during the first week of classes in the fall semester.  Fall 2013 auditions are scheduled for Tuesday, August 27 at 4:00 p.m. 

Entrance Audition Requirements

 I.  Performance  (An accompanist will be available upon request.  Students should provide printed music for accompanist)

             Instrumentalists:

• all major scales (one octave ascending and descending)  Percussionists may substitute drum rudiments
• chromatic scale (two octaves)
• sight reading example for your instrument
• prepared solo with or without accompaniment (comparable to a solo performed at a Solo & Ensemble Festival)

 Singers:

• an ascending and descending major scale (on a neutral syllable or solfege), demonstrating normal tuning and control
• sight reading
• prepared solo with accompaniment (comparable to a solo performed at a Solo & Ensemble Festival)

  II  Basic Musical Aptitude (All students)

• identify the names of notated pitches on the clef normally used for the instrument/voice)                     
•  match pitch
• echo back simple melodic intervals using  a neutral syllable (“LA”)
• sing a simple, familiar melody (e.g. Happy Birthday, America)
• echo back (clapping or tapping) a short rhythmic example in both simple and compound meter 

Entrance auditions will be conducted by one or more faculty members from the student's performance area.  Auditions will generally be recorded, especially if particular faculty members cannot be present.  Be prepared for a relaxed, informal dialogue with faculty; they will ask questions about personal and musical background and interests, and you will be encouraged to ask questions in turn. Students are notified of results in writing.

Those who satisfy all of the entrance audition requirements are accepted as music majors; students not meeting all requirements are not  accepted as majors at that time. However, the audition is not intended to discourage students with potential for success. The Department seeks to encourage all who show promise, even if some aspects of musical preparation may be deficient at first.  If a student does not pass the entrance audition, he or she meets with the department head, who stipulates first semester courses designed to supply what is lacking.  If the student successfully completes these courses (with grades of C or above),  he or she may repeat  the entrance audition at the beginning of the next semester. Since these first semester courses are identical for the most part with those taken by music majors and minors, students who pass the entrance audition the second time remain on-track with their peers. And even if the students is unsuccessful the second time, courses have not been wasted; he or she will have completed the majority of the hours needed for a music minor.  

Scholarships

The  department awards scholarships to music majors based on auditions. Incoming freshmen will be considered for scholarships if they audition at one of the scheduled dates listed above. Continuing students must re-audition for scholarships each school year (at the March audition date).  Scholarship recommendations are made in early April and letters are mailed to students by mid-April. Students must confirm acceptance of scholarships by a specified date using a form supplied with the letter. The form will include department requirements for grade point maintenance and/or ensemble participation.   

There are several different types of scholarships available for music majors at NMU. For more information about other scholarships and sources of financial aid, contact the NMU Financial Aid Office at 906-227-2327 or fao@nmu.edu.  Non-majors may be eligible for  Service Awards (below) 

Service Awards

 All students, regardless of major, are important to the strength of performing ensembles and to the overall music program. The department encourages participation by these students through Service Awards. At the beginning of each academic year, non-music majors (and majors without scholarships) may be eligible for Service Awards depending on available funding and the specific needs of the department.  Service Awards are given at the discretion of area faculty and/or ensemble directors with the approval of the department head. 

In addition to contacting the department office (906-227-2563), please feel free to phone or e-mail any of the faculty if you have questions about auditions or scholarships. Contact information is available on the Faculty & Staff tab. We will be happy to help you!