Music at Illinois - University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign

Conducting Audition Information

Choral Conducting

1. Submit a repertory list to the "Program-Specific Questions" section of the University Application.
2. Submit a prescreening video recording of approximately 15 minutes of a recent choral rehearsal or performance, with the camera focused on the conductor. Excerpts should include contrasting repertoire.  

A limited number of applicants are invited to campus. The live audition typically consists of an interview and a conducting audition.  The interview includes a conversation about the candidate’s background and aspirations, as well as his or her philosophy of teaching and knowledge of choral repertoire.  As part of the interview, candidates will demonstrate proficiency as both a singer (by performing a short art song or aria) and keyboardist (playing a piano work of at least the difficulty of a Bach two-part invention).  There will also be an evaluation of the applicant’s aural skills. For the conducting audition, the applicant will work with one of the choral ensembles, conducting a "performance" of a work the choir knows well, and teaching a new work.  Both pieces will be assigned.

The Music Admissions Office will send prescreening results around December 15.

Orchestral Conducting

1. Submit a repertory list to the "Program-Specific Questions" section of the University Application.
2. Submit a pre-screening recording with approximately 15 minutes of material. Excerpts should include contrasting repertoire that demonstrates a variety of styles and tempi. The camera should be placed at the back of the ensemble with the focus on the front of the conductor. A full-size ensemble is not required; for example, a string quintet plus piano will suffice.  

A limited number of applicants are invited to campus. The live audition may consist of an interview, conducting audition, and additional testing. The Music Admissions Office will send prescreening results around December 15.

Wind Band Conducting

1. Submit a pre-screening video of approximately 20 minutes which includes conducting in both rehearsal and performance. For both, the camera should be placed at the back of the ensemble with the focus on the front of the conductor. Include the date(s) and name of the performing ensemble(s).  Both small and large ensemble excerpts are acceptable. Rehearsal segments must be conducted in English. Please take one minute at the beginning of your video to introduce yourself and briefly describe your goals in pursuing a graduate degree in conducting. 
2. Upload a repertory list of conducted wind band works performed to the "Program-Specific Questions" in the University Application.  A limited number of applicants will be invited to audition. Invited applicants will be contacted soon after January 1 to arrange an on-campus audition. Interviews and additional testing will take place at the live auditions.

On the basis of the admissions dossier and materials listed above, a limited number of applicants will be invited to the University of Illinois for a live audition/interview. All expenses for the audition/interview, which is required for admission, must be borne by the applicant. The audition/interview will consist of the following:

1. Conducting experience with one of the University of Illinois bands that will include live coaching with the ensemble.
2. Interview with the band faculty.
3. Basic demonstration of aural skills, transposition skills, and simple piano proficiency using a selected score.
4. Score identification (standard wind band repertoire) - DMA only.

Please see the Illinois Bands website for more information.

Updated on 09/07/2018