Auditions Guidelines

Admission

• Students must be admitted to Longwood University through the Office of Admissions
• All students who wish to major in music at Longwood University are accepted into degree programs through an audition and interview with members of the Music Faculty.  All accepted students are initially enrolled in the Bachelor of Arts program.  Students who so desire may then qualify for acceptance into a Bachelor of Music program.  The Bachelor of Music in Education requires a Virginia passing score on either the Praxis I or SAT exam.  The Bachelor of Music in Performance requires a second, specialized audition.  The Bachelor of Music in piano Pedagogy requires a follow-up interview.  These declarations are normally made at the end of the first year of study at Longwood.

Contact

To schedule an audition, please call the Music Office at 434.395.2504 or e-mail [email protected]. We will set up an audition date for you and answer any questions you may have.

Audition and Interview

• The audition and interview serve two purposes; first, an evaluation of the student's talent and potential for admission, and second, an evaluation for scholarship purposes.
• Arrive early. Allow time to find your way around, relax and warm up. 
• Make sure your instrument is working properly and that you have everything you need. 
• Bring a typed copy of your resume. Include the name of your high school, names of high school music teachers and private instructors and a list of your participation in musical activities.
• Plan what you will say and perform.
• Present a professional image. You want to make a positive first impression. This is the beginning of your professional career.
• Dress professionally
• Maintain a positive appearance and attitude even if the audition does not go as well as you had expected.

What to Perform

• Two selections from the standard solo repertoire. The selections should vary in style, tempo and time periods. Ask your private teacher or school/church ensemble director for suggestions as to what to prepare. If you have further questions regarding the repertoire requirement, contact the Department of Music for advice.
  • List of suggested pieces (pdf)  
• Introduce yourself and the selections you will perform, including title and composer.
• Vocalists and pianists should perform from memory.
• Instrumentalists should bring their own instruments with the exception of large instruments such as timpani, mallet percussion, drum set, tuba or double bass. The Department of Music will provide these instruments for your use. Please let us know in advance if you plan to use a Longwood University instrument.
• Accompaniment: If your audition selections require piano accompaniment, they should be performed with piano, not a tape. You may bring your accompanist or request a Longwood staff accompanist when you set your audition date. If you request a staff accompanist, you must provide original music no later than ten days prior to your audition. Photo copies of music will not be accepted. If you choose a Longwood University accompanist, you will have a 10-15 minute rehearsal time before your audition.

Interview

After your performance you will have a short informal interview with the Music Faculty. During this interview you will be asked about your degree program choices and career goals. This is the time for you to ask any questions you may have.

Evaluation Exams

After the audition and interview you will be given a placement exam in theory.