Benjamin T. Rome School of Music - Catholic University

Voice Audition Information

Undergraduate Audition Requirements

Applicants should prepare a 10-minute audition of three contrasting pieces of standard classical repertoire. Please call the Departments of Music if you need a clarification. Audition committees reserve the right to select audition pieces. An accompanist will be provided.

Musical Theater Audition Requirements

Applicants for the undergraduate program in musical theatre should bring a photo and resume of musical/dramatic experience and prepare the following 10-minute voice, acting and dance audition:

• Voice: Two songs from musicals. The songs must be in contrasting styles (ballad, up-tempo); one must be from a musical written before 1960; each should be of a two-minute maximum duration; each must be memorized. Please bring copies of your music. An accompanist will be provided.
• Acting: Two one-minute, contemporary monologues; one dramatic and one comedic. Choice must be appropriate to the candidate’s age and experience; must be memorized; should be performed in the context of the play, which the candidate must be able to discuss.
• Dance: All applicants participate in a dance audition. The audition is used to assess dance class placement as well as potential. Please wear appropriate dance attire and shoes (jazz or character; tap shoes if you tap). Prior dance training, while desirable, is not a requirement for acceptance to the musical theatre program.
• (For taped auditions, please include a one-minute dance routine.)

All applicants, regardless of degree program, who audition are considered for performance-based music scholarship.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the performance opportunities for students?
The voice program produces two major operas a year as well as numerous workshop performances. Many of our voice students also elect to audition for the musicals and occasionally straight plays produced by the drama department. Every voice major is required to perform two solo recitals: one half-hour junior recital and one hour-long senior recital.

Do musical theatre students take classical voice classes? Do classical students take musical theatre classes?
All students are assigned a private voice teacher upon arrival. While your lessons and instruction will be primarily classically based, you and your teacher may select varying styles to work on. If you wish to take a class, such as dance, you are welcome to do so (provided it fits in your schedule).

What is “open-studio”?
Catholic University offers a very unique opportunity referred to as open-studio. While you are assigned a primary private instructor, this gives you the opportunity to take lessons from another member of our voice faculty. This allows you further insight from a perspective other than your primary teacher.

How are students matched with their teachers?
During your first week of classes, our voice faculty will hear you sing again. Based on their assessment of your abilities and development, you will be placed with a teacher the faculty feels most appropriate. Requests for specific teachers are considered.

Is it possible to double major in Music Education and Voice Performance?
It is not possible to double major in Music Education and Voice Performance. If you are interested in music education it is advised you apply for the General Choral Music Education program with voice being your principle instrument. For further information in regards to this program track, please contact Dr. Sharyn Battersby.

Updated on 08/30/2018