Submitting Your Audition

Options for auditioning in person or by mail are outlined below. Auditions may be completed before or after you submit your application but should meet all University deadlines. Please note that students applying to the Bandier Program for Music and the Entertainment Industries are not required to audition.

IN PERSON

It is to your advantage to audition in person. It is an excellent opportunity for the faculty to share with you an analysis of your professional music preparation to date and your potential success in music.

Students are responsible for scheduling an in-person audition. We highly recommend that you audition on one of our scheduled audition days on campus or in New York City. Individual appointments are available on campus if necessary. For information about these opportunities, visit Meet Us. Please remember to bring the required written material as described in our section on Audition Requirements.

Students may audition with or without accompaniment. Taped accompaniment is not acceptable. An accompanist will be provided only for voice auditions; please bring a legal copy of your sheet music in the key in which you will sing to your audition.

Please note that sight-reading will be included in the in-person audition.

BY MAIL

If auditioning by mail, you must submit a hi-fi VHS videocassette or DVD recording of your audition. CD recordings are not acceptable. All recordings are expected to meet the same standards for quality and repertoire required in an in-person audition. When at all possible, it is best to audition in person as only those students will be considered for Setnor School of Music Scholarship Awards. Please also note the following requirements:

  • The recording must be on a high quality videocassette on the standard VHS format or a high quality DVD.
  • The recording must be clearly labeled on the outside with your name (including middle name), e-mail address, primary instrument, and intended major.
  • The recording must be free of background noise with appropriate balance between solos and accompaniment.
  • Digital or artificial accompaniment is not acceptable.
  • Each recording must begin with a statement giving your full name (including middle name), phone number, date of recording, freshman or transfer status, desired major, instrument, and titles and composers of works presented.
  • Limit recordings to a maximum of 20 minutes.
  • Along with your recording, submit all required written materials (including resume) as described in our section on Audition Requirements. Transfer students must attach copies of their transcripts. Recordings will not be auditioned unless all required information is included and the requested paperwork is attached.
  • Do not send your audition materials with your application. Send your audition materials to the Office of Recruitment and Admissions, College of Visual and Performing Arts, 200 Crouse College, Syracuse University, Syracuse NY 13244-1010. If you wish your recording returned, you must include a stamped, self-addressed envelope.

Please note that students submitting a recorded audition will be required to re-audition for placement after arriving at Syracuse University. Students are expected to perform at the level indicated on their recorded audition or they may be advised to change their major at the end of the semester.