Auditions - FSU College of Music - Florida State University

Voice Audition Information

Undergraduate Classical Voice

Four memorized selections representing contrasting styles chosen from early Italian, 19th and 20th century art songs, and folk songs. The singing of difficult, vocally demanding, dramatic literature is discouraged. Folk songs, especially those arranged for piano and voice by composers such as Britten, Copland, and Quilter are acceptable. Audition will include a short sight-reading selection.

An accompanist will be provided. Students must provide the accompanist with the music for all pieces in the proper keys. Original songs, pieces in jazz or popular styles, or music theatre selections are not acceptable for this audition. Auditionees may be disqualified for inappropriate or insufficient selections.

Applicants who have questions about appropriate audition repertoire please contact Professor Valerie Trujillo.

Language Requirement

At least one of the four pieces must be sung in English

At least one of the four pieces must be sung in a foreign language (Italian, German, or French)

All applicants are strongly encouraged to audition on campus. Those who audition live are generally more successful in their audition and, in most cases, receive higher priority for scholarships. If a recorded audition is your only option, please ensure that your recordings are of the highest quality possible, you sing with accompaniment, and you upload all four required selections. Otherwise, your audition will be disqualified.

Undergraduate Musical Theater

Prescreen

All Music Theatre applicants must submit a Prescreening Application, to include:

Unofficial transcript and ACT/SAT scores

Headshot and theatrical resume

Videos of two contrasting musical selections (approx. 16 bars each; one up-tempo and one ballad)

Prescreening submissions will be accepted from September 1 through December 31; however, applicants are strongly encouraged to submit by November 1 for best consideration. Submissions will be reviewed on a rolling basis. Candidates should not make travel plans until they have been notified of the result of their prescreening submission.

Live Audition

After the prescreening round, a number of qualified applicants will be invited to campus for the live audition. The audition should demonstrate that the student has a strong potential for developing the skills and artistry necessary for a professional career. Enrollment is small and highly selective.

Auditions are divided into two sections:

A group dance audition involving ballet, contemporary, and jazz techniques.

A ten-minute private audition consisting of two musical theatre songs, a monologue, and a brief interview.

Dance:

You will participate, with other candidates, in a dance class. Combinations in varying degrees of difficulty will be given. Appropriate dance-wear is required.

Singing:

Songs must be memorized. For your songs, pick two contrasting selections with which you are comfortable and which demonstrate your voice at its best. One selection should be ballad style and the other more rhythmic or "up-tempo." It is not necessary that the selections be from a musical, although it is recommended. An accompanist will be provided.

Acting:

You should select a character that is within your commercial range. Select a piece that you like and enjoy performing. Any dramatic or comic monologue is suitable. The piece must not exceed 90 seconds in length. Be sure that it is timed carefully and does not exceed this limit.

Interview:

Provide a copy of a resume of your academic and performance experience, and be prepared to discuss your long-range goals and your reasons for wishing to be in a Music Theatre program. Include with your resume an 8x10 headshot.

Updated on 08/30/2018