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 2014 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, often as part of a campus visit. You may also contact the Department  (906-227-2563) to discuss other arrangements.

• Saturday, November 16, 2013
• Saturday, February 15, 2014
• Saturday, March 15, 2014
  
    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 pitches played on the piano
• 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
• describe current keyboard level- a simple right-reading piece may be available

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 dialog 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.  Though students not meeting requirements are not  accepted as majors at that time, the audition is not intended to discourage those with potential for success.  A student not passing the entrance audition may enroll in specific first semester music courses designated by the department.  If they successfully complete these courses with grades of C or above,  they may repeat  the entrance audition at the beginning of the next semester. Since these first semester courses match  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 they are unsuccessful the second time, the courses have not been wasted since they will apply to the 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 (or by special arrangement prior to the final audition date). Continuing students apply in writing for renewal of scholarships.  Scholarship recommendations are made in early April and letters are mailed to students by mid-April. Students must confirm acceptance of scholarships.

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

 Non-music majors are vital 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!