Auditions
To ensure your acceptance to the Department of Music, complete the online Audition Request Form. Read carefully below the information concerning the audition process.
Audition and Proficiency Expectations for Entering and Transfer Students
In order to be accepted as a music major, one must be admitted to the University AND must also successfully complete a Music Department audition.
Auditions
The Department of Music requires all prospective music majors to complete an audition on their major instrument/voice. Students may audition in person and may do so at any time after acceptance to the University. Students living more than 250 miles from campus may send recorded auditions (CD or DVD). To schedule an audition, use the Audition Request Form found on the department website (also available in the department office).
All auditions, live or recorded, shall include two pieces in contrasting styles that can be performed within the 10-minute limit that demonstrate accurate rhythms, pitch control and interpretive awareness. Accompaniment is not necessary.
Additional Requirements
Instrumentalists shall prepare two major scales and one minor scale in all three forms - natural, harmonic, and melodic.
Jazz students shall prepare two contrasting tunes Aebersold-type play-along accompaniments are acceptable. Jazz drummers must demonstrate 4/4, 3/4, and Latin tempos. They may submit a tape ofa band in which they are featured.
Music Education students shall write a one-paragraph statement on why they wish to teach.
Music Theatre students are encouraged to submit a DVD of themselves performing (singing and acting) in a musical.
Students may include more than one instrument/voice or musical style on their audition.
Please use the Audition Request Form to schedule auditions.
Send recorded auditions along with a cover letter to:
Music Department (Audition Materials)
Sonoma State University
1801 E. Cotati Ave.
Rohnert Park, CA 94928
Scholarships
All music majors may also audition for a variety of scholarships. Scholarship audition information and application can be found on the department website. The scholarship audition can also serve as the program audition. Students living more than 250 miles from campus may send recorded auditions (CD or DVD). Forms are at http://www.sonoma.edu/performingarts/music/scholarships.shtml
Fill out the Scholarship Application and send all required materials to:
Music Department Scholarship Committee
Sonoma State University
1801 E. Cotati Avenue
Rohnert Park, CA 94928
Upon your acceptance to the Department of Music you will declare your major from one of the four options:
- Bachelor of Arts
Applied Music Concentration
Liberal Arts Concentration
Jazz Studies Concentration
- Bachelor of Arts in Music Education (expected to become the Bachelor of Music Education)
Proficiency Expectations
Basic keyboard skills and the ability to read standard musical notation are prerequisites to the music major curriculum. All entering and transfer students will be given placement examinations in piano, music theory, and aural skills (sight-singing and dictation) during orientation. Students with inadequate preparation in keyboard will be expected to take MUS 109 Intensive Keyboard Lab I. Students without background in any of these areas will also be expected to take MUS 106 Fundamentals.
We look forward to your enrollment!
