School of Music | Washington State University

Voice Audition Information

Voice (BM & MA)  

l  Students who wish to take voice lessons must complete a voice audition. 

l  Audition material should demonstrate the applicant’s musical and technical ability and be representative of his or her present stage of development.  

l  Two contrasting songs should be presented. We recommend that one of these songs be sung in a foreign language, if possible. 

l  The voice faculty is much more interested in musicianship, quality, and evenness of tone production than in excessively difficult literature. 

l  Repertoire should be as assigned by your voice teacher or choral director. Appropriate examples may be found in the following collections: 

l  Art Songs, Pathways of Song, 55 Art Songs, and 24 Italian Art Songs and Arias. 

l  For the best impression, every attempt should be made to perform your songs memorized. 

l  Any student who does not qualify for Studio Voice will be given the opportunity to join a voice class and may audition again for private lessons after a semester. 

l  Although a live audition is required for private vocal instruction, you may prefer to submit an audio or video recording when applying for a 

   scholarship. 

l  Scholarships are available to students majoring in music, taking music as a minor, and those enrolled in ensembles.  Scholarships are based on talent, 

   achievement, and need. 

l  Scholarship auditions are held prior to March 1. Please contact the School of Music for information.

Audition Procedure 

l  The audition for admission to studio voice will include:  

ü  Undergraduate students: Two prepared songs (pianist will be provided by WSU) 

ü  Graduate students: Five prepared songs representing varied styles and languages (pianist will be provided by WSU) 

l  A pitch memory test  

l  A sight-singing test  

l  A demonstration of basic keyboard skills  

l  A short interview with the voice faculty  

l  Plan 30 minutes for the audition 

Or, you may schedule your audition by contacting: Dr. Lori Wiest

                                                                                                                     Updated on 05/10/2019