Audition FAQ

We strongly encourage students to audition on campus if at all possible, but we do  accept recorded auditions. Please refer to our Recorded Audition FAQ.

Please consult our Entrance Audition Requirements for what you should prepare to play for your live or video-recorded audition. If you have questions about specific repertoire, please contact music.admission@pugetsound.edu.

Please bring yourself, your instrument (if applicable), copies of your music, and a water bottle.

Business casual or all black is a safe bet. (Formal performance attire is not necessary.)

It is important for you to be comfortable, but equally important that you show the faculty that you take your audition seriously.

Memorization is required for vocal and piano auditions, and strongly encouraged for strings. It is especially encouraged for students auditioning for the Bachelor of Music in Performance major. 

Memorization is not required for any other instruments, but it is never discouraged.

Yes. Please bring two copies of your music to your audition, and original copies when possible.

Vocalists are provided an accompanist for on-campus auditions at no charge.

Voice students will receive an email prior to their audition requesting scanned copies of their music. Please provide these within 10 days of your audition.

Instrumentalists are not required to have accompaniment, and we are not able to provide accompanists for instrumental auditions.

Please arrive at least 45 minutes early to allow time to park, check in, and warm-up. Practice rooms will be available for those auditioning on campus.

You will be auditioning for at least two faculty members in your area, in a 15-20 minute time slot. Your audition will include performance of the required repertoire as well as interview-style questions about your background and academic interests.

Keep in mind that the music faculty members at your audition have all auditioned themselves and understand how stressful the process can be. They want to hear you at your best, so they all strive to put you at ease and welcome you.

We strongly recommend live auditions, but we will accept video-recorded auditions for those who live 3 or more hours from campus. Please see the Recorded Audition guidelines to learn how to submit and what the requirements are.

Recorded auditions are accepted as video-recordings only, uploaded via your audition application.

Your video does not need to be recorded professionally. We recommend recording in the highest quality possible to give our music faculty the best chance to adjudicate your true ability, however, a professional recording is not necessary.

You may submit recordings of you performing live as supplements to your audition. Please contact music.admission@pugetsound.edu with questions.

All voice auditions are required to have an accompanist. Singing to pre-recorded accompaniment, or a cappella is not appropriate for an audition.

Instrumentalists are not required to have accompaniment but are welcome to have an accompanist for their video audition.