The Institute of Music
Compose your future.
Students who wish to major or minor in music are highly encouraged to complete an audition either in-person or self-recorded. Please note that if you plan to pursue a Bachelor of Musical Arts, auditions are required.
Auditioning allows you to be considered for music scholarships and lesson fee waivers, to connect with faculty and current students, to see our stunning facilities and to learn more about how DePauw's Institute of Music and Creative School fit with your unique passions and ambitions. Please note you must complete an application for admission before registering for an audition.
Small classes. Big ideas.
A life-changing experience.
On-Campus Audition Dates
- Saturday, February 15, 2025
- Saturday, March 1, 2025
In addition to the official audition dates listed above, in-person auditions are available by appointment. Please note that auditions are subject to faculty availability. Audition day itineraries are sent at least one week before an audition. Please contact musicadmission@depauw.edu with any scheduling questions.
Virtual Audition Recordings
Students may submit an audition recording if an on-campus audition is not feasible. Recordings should contain all audition requirements and not exceed 20 minutes.
All audition recordings and on-campus auditions are due by April 1, 2025, for admission and scholarship consideration.
Music Scholarships and Awards
DePauw grants music scholarships and lesson fee waivers to auditionees who demonstrate exceptional talent during an audition for music faculty. Music scholarships vary in amount, may be combined with University Merit Awards, and are limited to tuition expenses only.
Audition Information and Required Repertoire
In-person auditions will last approximately 20 minutes and will include your prepared performance, sight reading, and a brief conversation with the audition committee.
At least two contrasting works from the standard repertoire, including movements of sonatas, concerti and other solo pieces. You will be asked to sight-read and demonstrate proficiency in both scales and arpeggios.
Two contrasting pieces from the standard repertoire, plus one orchestral excerpt.
- Select one solo piece or etude from each of the following categories
- Snare drum: solo snare drum or etude from Peters, Cirone, Delecluse that demonstrates buzz rolls, flams, and different articulation strokes;
- Marimba xylophone or vibraphone: solo piece or etude that demonstrates two and four-mallet technique;
- Timpani: solo piece or etude that demonstrates fundamental strokes tuning ability;
- Optional: piece that demonstrates skills on drum set or multiple percussion.
- Sight-reading on snare drum and marimba
- Two Octave Major Scales (quarter note = 80 bpm) with Arpeggio from memory
Students auditioning for the Bachelor of Musical Arts (B.M.A.)
Three selections, one from each of the following categories:
- a prelude and fugue from the Well-Tempered Klavier by J.S. Bach
- a movement from a sonata by Haydn, Mozart or Beethoven
- a Romantic, Impressionist or Contemporary solo work of choice
In rare circumstances, exceptions to the above may be accepted — e.g. another contrapuntal work in lieu of Bach, an original composition as a contemporary work, etc. Please consult with and seek the approval of the piano faculty ( mphang@depauw.edu ) before the audition.
Students auditioning for the Bachelor of Arts with a Major in Music (B.A.) or the Music Minor
Two stylistically contrasting piano pieces. Memorization is not required.
Students auditioning for music scholarship and lesson fee waivers who do not intend to major or minor in Music:
One or two piano pieces of applicant's choice, to best demonstrate their skills and interests. Memorization is not required.
- Two contrasting movements from a J. S. Bach solo Sonata, Partita, or Suite or other unaccompanied Baroque work - memorized
- A movement of a concerto or like concert work - memorization encouraged
- A show piece, caprice, or similar work - memorization not required
The presentation of an array of repertoire is encouraged; for example, works of Black, Indigenous, and other creators and Color, as well as works by female and gender non-conforming artists. Repertoire selection is another opportunity for our faculty to get to know you and we are eager to craft a performance tradition together that more equitably represents music makers in our time. Links to resources are provided below.
In addition to repertoire, the audition includes sight-reading and performing three-octave scales in a key of your choice. Working with a collaborative pianist is not required for audition
Repertoire Expansion Resource Databases: Institute for Composer Diversity , League of American Orchestra’s Database List , Boulanger Initiative , Philomel Project , Corelia Project
Vocalists will be required to perform two pieces of contrasting style: a classical or musical theatre piece in English and an art song or aria in Italian, French, or German. Both selections should be performed from memory and with piano accompaniment.
At least two contrasting works from the standard repertoire, including movements of sonatas, concerti and other solo pieces. You will be asked to sight-read and demonstrate proficiency in both scales and arpeggios.
At DePauw, I got to try a whole bunch of stuff. I was able to follow my creative passions.
-Gerard Pannekoek
Contact Us
The Institute of Music
-
Aaron Sandel
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Music Admission Liaison
- musicadmission@depauw.edu
- (765) 658-4540
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Office of Admission
204 East Seminary Street
Greencastle, IN 46135
DePauw University
P.O. Box 37
Greencastle IN 46135-0037
Phone (765) 658-4800
