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Music Auditions
To enroll as a Music major or Music minor, each applicant must apply and be admitted to Ashland University and successfully complete an audition with the Music Department.
Auditions for prospective Music majors and minors are available in person (preferred) or by video upload. Music Education majors must also interview with the faculty. Auditioning students should contact the Music Department directly to set up a date and time.
Auditions may be scheduled throughout the year but preference for scholarship awards will be given to students auditioning by April.
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Audition Dates for 2027
Monday, Feb. 15
Saturday, April 3
Saturday, April 17
Schedule an audition by selecting one of the audition dates above or contacting the music department at music@ashland.edu.
Music auditions consist of three parts:
Performance Audition
Prepare selections on your major instrument(s). Vocalists must mail or email the accompaniment at least one week before the audition. Sight-reading and scales will be included for instrumentalists.
Submit accompaniments by email to music@ashland.edu or mail to:
Ashland University Department of Music
401 College Ave.
Ashland, OH 44805
Musicianship Screening
Students will be asked to perform simple music reading exercises, match pitch with their voice, sing simple melodic patterns and execute basic rhythms. To successfully complete the audition, you must demonstrate the ability to read music in any one clef and with understanding of rhythms.
Interview
The faculty will ask each student questions about their training, background and goals. You will also have an opportunity to ask questions.
Audition Requirements
For MUSIC MAJORS
- Prepare two contrasting songs in any language, preferably from these categories:
- Art song
- Oratorio or operatic aria
- A composition from the OMEA High School Solo and Ensemble List
- Prepare scales and arpeggios of your choice.
- Prepare two contrasting solo selections from the OMEA High School Contest List or another comparable list.
- Prepare all major scales.
- Prepare chromatic scale demonstrating your range.
- Perform two contrasting solo selections (A cappella or accompanied). Acceptable solos can be selected from reputable repertoire lists (such as the OMEA Adjudicated Solo list, or similar) and/or etude series.
- Perform three octave major scales.
- Prepare a solo selection from the OMEA High School Contest List or another comparable list (no accompaniment required).
- Perform an etude demonstrating technical facility.
- Snare drum: Perform rudiments and a solo piece.
- Select any mallet instrument to perform major scales and a solo piece.
- Optional: Select pieces for drum set, timpani or other instruments.
- Perform a hymn in four-part harmony.
- Prepare one of the following:
- German Chorale Prelude of the pre-Bach period
- A work by J. S. Bach
- Select and prepare a composition of your choice.
For MUSIC MINORS & SCHOLARSHIP-ONLY AUDITIONS
- Prepare 2 or more major scales.
- Prepare chromatic scale demonstrating your range.
- Perform one or more solo selections (A cappella or accompanied). Acceptable solos can be selected from reputable repertoire lists (such as the OMEA Adjudicated Solo list, or similar) and/or etude series.
- Perform two contrasting songs of your choice with accompaniment (do not use choral music).
Ensemble Auditions
All music ensembles are open to all Ashland University students. The following ensembles require a separate audition for admission:
Symphonic Band
An audition is required for admittance into the ensemble and take place in October/November during Fall semesters and in January during Spring semesters. Enrollment in Symphonic Band (MUSIC*010B/010C) is required to be notified of audition dates and times. Students may audition on more than one instrument.
Audition Packets
University Choir
You may sing a prepared song in full or part, such as a contest solo, show tune or folk song. Please bring the sheet music to your audition.
Most auditions consist of vocal warm-ups, rhythmic and melodic echoes and sight-singing. Students may use solfege, numbers or no system at all.
Placement Testing Information
Music placement testing typically takes place during the summer after admission to the program, but before the start of classes. These placement tests do not affect admission decisions.
- Music Theory
- Piano
- Aural Skills
- Classroom Music Skills (contact the Music department in advance)
To schedule a placement exam or inquire about testing out of a course not listed above, contact the Music Department at music@ashland.edu or 419-289-5132.