VanderCook College of Music

Voice Audition Information

Audition Components

Your 20-minute audition will include: 

l  Repertoire - Music you choose to present.  VanderCook does not work from a standard repertoire list so you should select pieces you enjoy, are comfortable playing, and show contrast of tempo/style. 

l  Scales - An important part of any musician's training.  The more confident you are of your major (and minor) scales, the better prepared you are for college work. 

l  Sight-reading - A demonstration of your ability to correctly interpret notated music. 

l  Conversation - To explore your interest in music and commitment to sharing it through teaching.  You may also ask questions about the school and your work here.

How to Prepare 

l  PRACTICE!  Spend time each day learning and getting comfortable with what you will perform. 

l  Two weeks prior to an audition, vocalists should send us three copies of the pieces they plan to perform as a courtesy to the staff accompanists.  Instrumentalists need not send music in advance but should bring 3 copies of the piece(s) they plan to perform on the date of their audition. 

l  Dress for an interview.  From the moment you step in the door, we see you as a future teacher! 

l  Plan to be here from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. on Audition Days. 

l  Auditionees are provided 20-30 minutes prior to their audition to warm up.

Voice (BM) 

l  You may bring your own accompanist, or you may request one two weeks prior to your audition.  (Audition music should be sent immediately following a request for an accompanist.) 

l  Sing two or more short songs that show your vocal range and sense of contrasting styles.  Show off different aspects of your ability to communicate the music. 

l  Demonstrate that you can sing scales in tune. 

l  Sight-read a few short exercises.

                                                                                                                      Updated on 05/18/2019