Herberger Institute for Design and the ArtsSchool of Music

Conducting Audition Information 

Choral Conducting (MM & DMA): Audition by invitation

To be considered for a live, in-person audition, applicants must upload a prescreening recording to the School of Music Application and submit the application by October 1 for spring admission and December 1 for fall admission.  

The prescreening requirements: 

l  A 10-minute video that shows you conducting in rehearsal.  

l  The camera should be placed from the point-of-view of the singers (not behind you), and all instructions to the choir should be clearly audible and understandable.  

l  An additional video from a performance is acceptable, but not required.

Music Direction (MM): Audition by invitation 

l  This is an entry-level degree in conducting with an emphasis in music direction for theatre.  

l  The program is geared toward those with strong keyboard/piano skills who are eager to learn the skills necessary for a successful career as a musical director.  

l  This competitive program admits only one student per year and includes study of both opera and musical theater 

    repertoire. 

l  Since 1991, the graduates of this program have had a remarkable record of success, whether working in the profession, in academia or in pursuing further conducting study. 

l  When submitting the Graduate Admissions Application, select Music Theatre/Opera Performance (MM) from the degree search list.  

l  There will be an opportunity to designate Music Theatre/Opera Direction as the emphasis on the Music Application.

Prerequisites 

l  Basic knowledge of conducting technique. 

l  Basic knowledge of opera and/or musical theatre repertoire. 

l  Proficiency as an instrumental or vocal performer, including strong keyboard and sight-reading skills. 

l  Those studying operatic repertoire should have demonstrable experience in French, German or Italian.

Prescreening 

l  Video recording of three pieces performed at the piano.  

l  Chosen repertoire should demonstrate as wide a range of repertoire as possible.  

l  10–15 minutes in length total.  

l  Applicants who wish to use the same video in lieu of a live piano audition should be sure the repertoire adheres to the requirements of the recorded piano audition. 

l  Video recording containing excerpts of the candidate leading a rehearsal or performance from either the keyboard or the podium with a small or varied ensemble (may include singers and piano/keyboard, or a small mixed ensemble or larger). 10–15 minutes in length total.

Live Audition 

l  To successfully complete the entrance audition, the applicant must pass both a piano and music theatre/opera audition.  

l  The applicant must also submit a resume reflecting training and performance experience. 

Piano Audition: 

ü  Piano proficiency is important in both the audition process and throughout the course of study, which includes two semesters of master's level piano study.  

ü  Applicants should prepare and perform from memory three piano works of varying periods and styles. 

ü  The piano audition may be performed live for the piano faculty on one of the piano audition dates, or as an uploaded video recording. 

Music Theatre/Opera Audition: 

ü  The music theatre/opera audition must be performed live for the music theatre faculty.  

ü  The audition takes approximately one hour, may not be scheduled on a regular audition date, and is arranged by invitation only (pending review of prescreening and application materials).  

ü  If the applicant is performing a live piano audition, the Music Theatre/Opera audition will be scheduled the day 

    before. 

ü  At the piano, the candidate will:

²  Perform one solo piano piece or movement from memory. Not to exceed 10 minutes. 

²  Play and sing a prepared aria or solo excerpt from an opera or a musical of the applicant's choosing. 

²  Play a prepared excerpt of a complex orchestral section of an opera or a musical such as an overture or dance selection of the candidate's choosing. 

²  Sight-read excerpts from operas or musicals. 

ü  The candidate will conduct a pianist in a previously agreed upon excerpt from an opera or musical to demonstrate proficiency in the basic knowledge of conducting patterns, etc. 

ü  The candidate will be examined verbally by the faculty on her/his basic knowledge and experience in opera and/or musical theatre performance, repertoire, music theory, orchestration, full score familiarity, etc. Applicants on campus for the live audition will have the opportunity on the day of the audition to speak with current students, attend classes and rehearsals, and tour the facility. 

ü  If the candidate's major performance area is not piano, the candidate may also perform one memorized piece or movement in the applicant's major performance area (instrumental or voice). Not to exceed 10 minutes.

Orchestral Conducting (MM & DMA): Audition by invitation 

The prescreening requirements:

l  Applicants are required to submit an initial screening video recording of recent conducting approximately 10 - 15 minutes in length. 

l  It is preferred that the video recording has both performance and rehearsal excerpts of contrasting repertoire and the conducting applicant be facing the camera. 

Wind Conducting (MM & DMA): Audition by invitation

The prescreening requirements 

l  Applicants are required to submit an initial screening video recording of recent conducting approximately 10 - 15 minutes in length.  

l  It is preferred that the video recording has both performance and rehearsal excerpts of contrasting repertoire and the conducting applicant be facing the camera.

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