Bridgewater State University is currently holding both in-person auditions and accepting video auditions. Anyone wishing to audition for the music department in-person is asked to complete the audition form and indicate which audition date they would like. A representative from the music department will contact them to confirm.
In-person audition dates:
Friday, Nov. 3, 2023
Friday, Feb. 23, 2024
Friday, March 15, 2024
Anyone wishing to audition for the music department with a video is invited to submit a video in which they perform their repertoire and scales (see auditions criteria below). Applicants are asked to upload videos to a personal YouTube channel and include the URL (web address) in your audition form. The music department recommends setting videos to "unlisted."
Requirements
Instrumentalists must proficiently execute:
- Major scales (ascending and descending, up to four sharps and flats) and a chromatic scale (two octaves, ascending and descending) and/or technical studies, as appropriate for instrument.
- A 3- to 5- minute prepared solo, preferably with accompaniment
- A second selection in a contrasting style
Vocalists must proficiently execute:
- An unaccompanied major scale on a neutral syllable
- An art song or aria
- A second selection in a contrasting style
Percussionists must proficiently execute:
- Major scales on mallets (two octaves, ascending and descending, up to four sharps and flats) and/or technical studies, as appropriate for instrument.
- A prepared solo or etude on one of the following instruments: Snare Drum, Timpani, Keyboard Percussion (two and/or four mallets) or Drum Set (jazz concentration track).
Applicants choosing Drum Set must demonstrate:
1. Four styles; moderate swing, bossa nova, ballad, and funk.
2. Perform a four bar fill in a moderate swing style.
- A second selection on an alternate instrument.
- All percussion applicants are required to audition in 2 of the 4 percussion disciplines (snare drum, timpani, keyboard percussion, drum set). Applicants are encouraged to audition in as many percussion disciplines as possible.
Auditioners may provide their own accompanist. Auditioners choosing to use the departmental accompanist must submit music at least two weeks in advance of their scheduled audition date.
View example of a successful instrumental audition demonstrated by Lannah Fitzgerald, '18.
Notification
Within ten days of the audition, candidates will be notified of their status. They will be:
- Accepted into the program
- Conditionally accepted:
1. The student may re-audition on another scheduled audition or jury day.
2. The student must pass the audition within one year, or not be accepted as a music major.
- Not accepted. A student who auditions and is not accepted as a music major:
1. May audition only once more.
2. May select music as a minor.