Application and audition materials: November 15, 2023
Note: The Early Decision in-person audition date is November 13. If you are planning to attend, it is recommended that you apply and complete the Music Requirements Form at least 72 hours prior to this date.
Early Decision II (First-year students only):
Application and virtual audition materials: January 5, 2024
Regular Decision (Fall):
Application and audition materials: January 5, 2024
Listed below are specific Setnor School of Music audition requirements for each instrument. Each category also includes a list of recommended audition literature.
Complete the Music Requirements Form within the applicant portal. Composition applicants will be directed to upload their scores/recordings after completing this form.
Complete online theory test.
Schedule your in-person audition or upload your recorded audition materials.
You may upload video files (.mov, .wmv, .flv) and PDF documents as appropriate to the requirements for your major of interest.
Audition Requirements Preparation
Prepare audition requirements for your primary instrument as described below.
Students may choose between the classical style or jazz/commercial style for their primary instrument audition.
Students interested in auditioning for the jazz/commercial style can do so for all majors except the B.M. in performance.
Students applying to the B.M. in composition are required to audition on an instrument or voice AND submit a composition portfolio. See below for requirement details.
For students completing a virtual audition only:
Please note that follow-up interviews are only requested if the faculty would like more information following the review of an online audition. Not being asked to interview does not mean that you have been rejected from the Setnor School of Music.
Composition Requirements
Students applying to the B.M. in composition are required to audition on an instrument or voice AND submit a composition portfolio.
Composition
Composition portfolios should include three representative works (scores to original compositions with recordings if possible).
Scores should be fully notated for a variety of instrumental combinations (for example, do not submit three choral works or three solo piano pieces).
No lead sheet scores.
One score in a jazz or commercial field is allowable, but your portfolio should show your skills as a composer beyond pop and jazz media.
Types of scores you should include in your portfolio might include works for the following instrumental and voice combinations: solo instrument or voice, chamber music (duets, trios, quartets, quintets, etc.), song (voice and piano), chorus (SATB, SSAATTBB, etc.), and large ensemble (orchestra, wind ensemble).
Classical Music Audition Requirements
Woodwinds and Brass
Be prepared to play all major scales and a chromatic scale in two (or three where possible) octaves.
Sight-reading may be included as part of the audition.
Prepare two contrasting works. If either of the two works is a multi-movement work, prepare only two movements per multi-movement work. Solo repertoire may be supplemented with (but not replaced by) etude or orchestral excerpt literature. View a list of recommended woodwinds [PDF 142KB] and brass [PDF 68KB] literature.
Percussion
The audition requires demonstrating proficiency in three areas of percussion: snare drum, timpani, and mallet keyboards. Prepare at least one solo, etude, or concerto from each area. You are also encouraged to demonstrate basic techniques on the following accessory instruments: cymbals, tambourine, triangle, and bass drum. View a list of recommended percussion [PDF 73KB] literature.
Please be advised that we offer drum set as a primary instrument in all music programs except for the B.M. in performance. For more information on the drum set audition requirements, see the “Jazz and Commercial Music Audition Requirements” section below.
Strings
Violin
First movement of a standard concerto
TWO movements of a BACH solo sonata or partita OR the Chaconne
One etude or caprice (such as KREUTZER, RODE, DONT, PAGANINI or equivalent)
Three octave scales and arpeggios
Viola
Two contrasting movements of a BACH Cello Suite (or one of the Preludes) OR
One movement of a BACH unaccompanied violin sonata or partita
First movement of a concerto (J.C. BACH, STAMITZ, HOFFMEISTER, HANDEL, WALTON)
One etude (KREUTZER, CAMPAGNOLI, GAVINIES)
Three octave scales and arpeggios
Cello
Two contrasting movements from J.S. BACH's Six Suites for Solo Cello
First movement of a standard concerto
One etude from DAVID POPPER: High School of Cello Playing
Three Octave Scales and Arpeggios in the following keys:
Major: C, D, Eb, E, F, G
Three Octave Melodic Minor Scales: A, D, E
Possible Sightreading from standard orchestral repertoire
Double Bass
A solo of your choice. (Examples: Concerto, Sonata, Bach, etc.)
An etude. (Simandl, Storch, Slama, etc.)
A two or three-octave scale and arpeggio of your choice.
Optional standard orchestral excerpts of your choice.
Harp
Be prepared to play all major scales and a chromatic scale in two (or three where possible) octaves.
Prepare two contrasting works. In the case of multi-movement works, prepare only two movements per multi-movement work. Solo repertoire may be supplemented with (but not replaced by) etude or orchestral excerpt literature. View a list of recommended harp literature [PDF 67KB].
Guitar
In addition to all the diatonic major and minor scales edited by Andres Segovia, undergraduate candidates auditioning on the classical guitar should prepare three selections from the five categories listed below.
One movement from a Lute Suite, Cello Suite or Unaccompanied Solo Violin Sonata/Partita of Johann Sebastian Bach.
One etude by Carcassi, Sor, Giuliani, Sagreras or Legnani.
Emphasis will be placed on a solid technical foundation that allows for ease of execution and control over musical elements such as tone quality, dynamics, rhythm, vibrato, and phrasing. Sight-reading will also be required.
Classical Keyboard
Be prepared to play all major and minor scales and arpeggios. Sight-reading will be required at all auditions.
Piano
Prepare from memory three contrasting works. One of the three works must be a Prelude and Fugue from the Well - Tempered Clavier by J.S. Bach. In lieu of this, you may present three movements from a French Suite, English Suite, or Partita; one Three-Part Sinfonia, or two Two-Part Inventions.
Your remaining repertoire should come from two of the following three categories:
One movement of a sonata by HAYDN, MOZART, or BEETHOVEN
A work from the Romantic period
A work composed after 1900, contrasting in style to the other works chosen.
Contact Professor Ida Tili-Trebicka at with specific repertoire questions.
Organ
Prepare three contrasting works from the categories below, together with a hymn. Contact Annie Laver, assistant professor and University Organist, at with specific repertoire questions.
Categories:
A work by J.S. BACH or a work by another Baroque period composer
A work from the Romantic period
A work composed after 1900, contrasting in style to the other works chosen
Classical Voice
Four songs of contrasting styles and historical periods should be prepared and memorized. View a list of recommended voice [PDF 67KB] literature.
A minimum of one song must be in English, and there should be at least one song in a foreign language. Please select classical vocal repertoire from a broad cross-section of historical periods. Musical theater repertoire is not acceptable for your English selection.
An accompanist will be provided for voice auditions held both on and off-campus. Taped accompaniment is not acceptable. Please bring original piano scores for your music in the key in which you will sing. *Due to the pandemic, pre-recorded taped accompaniment is acceptable during the 2020-21 application season. An accompanist will not be provided for recorded auditions uploaded to Acceptd.
If you have not studied privately, please bring a letter of recommendation from your high school music teacher or someone who has observed your musical progress and potential in a sealed envelope to your audition date.
Jazz and Commercial Music Audition Requirements
Trumpet
Perform major and minor scales and chords.
Prepare two contrasting works or etudes. If either of the two works is a multi-movement work, prepare only two movements per multi-movement work.
Applicant must demonstrate ability to play with a good sound and strong time feel as a soloist.
“Blues Progressions” (standard 12 bar blues, selected by applicant) *
Your Choice (original or cover) in a contrasting musical genre such as pop, rock, R&B, jazz, folk, gospel, country, electronic, etc., demonstrating appropriate stylistic elements. This selection can be performed solo, self-accompanied, or with a backing track provided by the applicant. This selection should showcase what you believe is your strength, originality, and personal style.
*For selections 1-3 the original melody must be performed in the first chorus of indicated selections. One of the indicated selections must be prepared using the slow tempo version and at least two selections must have improvised solos.
Applicants will be asked to sight-read in notation and chord-chart formats as appropriate.
“Blues Progressions” (standard 12 bar blues, selected by applicant) *
Your Choice (original or cover) in a contrasting musical genre such as pop, rock, R&B, jazz, folk, gospel, country, electronic, etc., demonstrating appropriate stylistic elements. This selection can be performed solo, self-accompanied, or with a backing track provided by the applicant. This selection should showcase what you believe is your strength, originality, and personal style.
*For selections 1-3 the original melody must be performed in the first chorus of indicated selections. One of the indicated selections must be prepared using the slow tempo version and at least two selections must have improvised solos.
Applicants will be asked to sight-read in notation and chord-chart formats as appropriate.
“Blues Progressions” (standard 12 bar blues, selected by applicant) *
Your Choice (original or cover) in a contrasting musical genre such as pop, rock, R&B, jazz, folk, gospel, country, electronic, etc., demonstrating appropriate stylistic elements. This selection can be performed solo, self-accompanied, or with a backing track provided by the applicant. This selection should showcase what you believe is your strength, originality, and personal style.
*For selections 1-3 the original melody must be performed in the first chorus of indicated selections. One of the indicated selections must be prepared using the slow tempo version and at least two selections must have improvised solos.
Applicants will be asked to sight-read in notation and chord-chart formats as appropriate.
“Blues Progressions” (standard 12 bar blues, selected by applicant) *
Your Choice (original or cover) in a contrasting musical genre such as pop, rock, R&B, jazz, folk, gospel, country, electronic, etc., demonstrating appropriate stylistic elements. This selection can be performed solo, self-accompanied, or with a backing track provided by the applicant. This selection should showcase what you believe is your strength, originality, and personal style.
*For selections 1-3 the original melody must be performed in the first chorus of indicated selections. One of the indicated selections must be prepared using the slow tempo version and at least two selections must have improvised solos.
Applicants will be asked to sight-read in notation and chord-chart formats as appropriate.
“Blues Progressions” (standard 12 bar blues, selected by applicant) *
Your Choice (original or cover) in a contrasting musical genre such as pop, rock, R&B, jazz, folk, gospel, country, electronic, etc., demonstrating appropriate stylistic elements. This selection can be performed solo, self-accompanied, or with a backing track provided by the applicant. This selection should showcase what you believe is your strength, originality, and personal style.
*For selections 1-3 the original melody must be performed in the first chorus of indicated selections. One of the indicated selections must be prepared using the slow tempo version and at least two selections must have improvised solos.
Applicants will be asked to sight-read in notation and chord-chart formats as appropriate.
Applicant will be asked to solo in various settings with brushes and sticks: trading fours, filling, and improvising over an ostinato figure provided at the audition.
Applicant will be asked to sight-read drum charts and rhythms.
It is recommended that applicants demonstrate their ability on other concert percussion instruments.
A standard drum set will be provided for auditions held on campus.
Applicants are also required to prepare the following selections by downloading the pre-recorded backing tracks provided. Using sticks and brushes please demonstrate comping/time playing along with the track as well as soloing over the entire form or in 4 bar or 8 bar segments.
“Summertime Changes” (based on "Summertime”) *
“Rhythm Changes” (based on "I Got Rhythm") *
“Blues Progressions” (standard 12 bar blues, selected by applicant) *
Your Choice (original or cover) in a contrasting musical genre such as pop, rock, R&B, jazz, folk, gospel, country, electronic, etc., demonstrating appropriate stylistic elements. This selection can be performed solo, self-accompanied, or with a backing track provided by the applicant. This selection should showcase what you believe is your strength, originality, and personal style.
*For selections 1-3 the original melody must be performed in first chorus of indicated selections. One of the indicated selections must be prepared using the slow tempo version and at least two selections must have improvised solos.
Applicants will be asked to sight-read in notation and chord-chart formats as appropriate.
Perform from memory two contrasting works or etudes. If either of the two works is a multi-movement work, prepare only two movements per multi-movement work.
Selections may be performed on an acoustic piano or synthesizer keyboard with sounds other than acoustic piano. An acoustic grand piano and a synthesizer keyboard will be provided for auditions held on campus.
Applicant may be asked to demonstrate his/her ability to perform major and minor chords and scales in various keys and show technical facility through typical routines and exercises.
“Blues Progressions” (standard 12 bar blues, selected by applicant) *
Your Choice (original or cover) in a contrasting musical genre such as pop, rock, R&B, jazz, folk, gospel, country, electronic, etc., demonstrating appropriate stylistic elements. This selection can be performed solo, self-accompanied, or with a backing track provided by the applicant. This selection should showcase what you believe is your strength, originality, and personal style.
*For selections 1-3 the original melody must be performed in the first chorus of indicated selections. One of the indicated selections must be prepared using the slow tempo version and at least two selections must have improvised solos.
Applicants will be asked to sight-read in notation and chord-chart formats as appropriate.
It is recommended that applicants select one traditional selection that should be prepared and performed for the audition. This selection should be a classical art song, preferably a selection from the G. Schirmer edition of Twenty-Four Italian Songs and Arias of the Seventeenth and Eighteenth Centuries (book with CD accompaniment), but if not available, applicants may also select a patriotic song or sacred hymn to perform.
“Blues Progressions” (standard 12 bar blues, selected by applicant) *
Your Choice (original or cover) in a contrasting musical genre such as pop, rock, R&B, jazz, folk, gospel, country, electronic, etc., demonstrating appropriate stylistic elements. This selection can be performed solo, self-accompanied, or with a backing track provided by the applicant. This selection should showcase what you believe is your strength, originality, and personal style.
*For selections 1-3 the original melody/lyrics must be performed in the first chorus of indicated selections. One of the indicated selections must be prepared using the slow tempo version and at least two selections must have improvised solos.
Applicants will be asked to sight-read in notation and chord-chart formats as appropriate.
An accompanist will be provided for voice auditions held on campus. Please bring original piano scores for your two musical selections in the key in which you will sing. *Due to the pandemic, pre-recorded taped accompaniment is acceptable during the 2021-22 application season. An accompanist will not be provided for recorded auditions uploaded to Acceptd.
Applicant may be asked to demonstrate his/her ability to harmonize, embellish, improvise, and show his/her range and technical facility through typical practice routines and exercises.
If you have not studied privately, please bring a letter of recommendation from your high school music teacher or someone who has observed your musical progress and potential in a sealed envelope to your audition date.
Transfer Students
Transfer students are encouraged to complete the application and transcript review as soon as possible as space is limited in some programs. It is strongly recommended that transfer applicants to the Setnor School of Music follow the first-year application deadlines.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I have to audition if I’m applying to another major at Syracuse University but have listed music as a second choice?
If you do not get into your first-choice program, you will need to have an audition on file to be considered for any of the music majors. You should complete either an in-person or virtual audition according to the requirements above.
I want to major in B.M. music industry or B.M. sound recording technology. Do I have to audition?
An audition is required on a primary instrument for all majors in the Setnor School of Music, including music industry and sound recording technology. Audition requirements are the same for all majors.
Do I have to audition if I want to pursue a music minor?
You do not need to audition if you are interested in minoring in music.
Do I have to be a music major to participate in an ensemble?
Students from any major across campus are welcome to audition for ensembles!
Do I have to audition to participate in an ensemble?
Auditions for ensembles are a separate process from the auditions to major in the Setnor School of Music, and usually take place the first week of classes. View our list of ensembles and audition information.
How can I be considered for a music scholarship?
All students applying to major in music are considered for music scholarships when they present their audition either in-person or virtually. Please make sure to have all application, audition, and financial aid materials completed by the appropriate deadlines.
Students not majoring in music are not eligible for music scholarships.
