Setnor School of Music Admission Requirements

Students applying to the music B.S. or music industry B.M. program can choose to either complete an audition or a submission for the non-audition pathway.

1. If you choose to audition, you may follow either the classical or jazz/commercial audition guidelines provided below.
2. If you choose the non-audition pathway, you must:

• Submit a resume of your musical activities
• Participate in an interview with faculty to discuss your musical background and goals
• Are strongly encouraged to upload 1-3 video recordings of your engagement in music-making; multiple examples are welcomed. Examples of music-making videos may include, but are not limited to:
  • Singing or playing an instrument in an ensemble (e.g., choir, band, orchestra, jazz combo)
  • Performing as a soloist (instrumental, vocal or both)
  • Composing or producing original music
  • DJing

1. Perform two contrasting selections — single movement pieces or single movements from a larger work representing different periods of music that best represent your tone, technique, rhythm and musicianship.
2. Prepare all major scales in two (or three where possible) octaves.
3. Prepare a chromatic scale in the largest range possible.
4. Sight-read.

Prepare a solo, etude or concerto from at least two of these three areas: snare drum, timpani and mallet keyboards. You will be asked to sight-read in the areas in which you choose to perform.

Violin

1. Two contrasting works
2. Three octave scale and arpeggio cycle of choice

Viola

1. Two contrasting works
2. Three octave scales in D, Eb, E, F or G
3. Three octave arpeggios in C, D or Eb

Cello

1. Two contrasting works
2. Three octave scales in D, Eb, E, F or G
3. Three octave arpeggios in C, D or Eb

Double Bass

1. Two contrasting works
2. Two octave scales and arpeggios

Harp

1. Two contrasting works
2. Two octave scale with two octave eight-note arpeggio (adding the third on top for turn around). Arpeggios should be double time to the scales.

Guitar

1. Two contrasting works
2. Two or three octave scale and corresponding arpeggio

Be prepared to play all major and minor scales and arpeggios. Sight-reading will be required at all auditions.

Piano

Piano area at Setnor is a very vibrant unit. Our faculty, comprised of Jun Cho, Scott Cuellar and Ida Tili-Trebicka, and students are involved in solo and ensemble performances nationally, in the University and in the greater Syracuse area. A bi-annual Carnegie Hall showcase highlights performances by our student pianists in solo, ensemble and collaborative capacity. Almost all pianists participate in the annual Setnor Soloist Concerto Competition, which provides winners the opportunity to perform a concerto with the Syracuse University Symphony Orchestra (SUSO).

Please contact the keyboard area coordinator, Professor Ida Tili-Trebicka, at ttrebick@syr.edu with any questions.

Piano Audition

Be prepared to play all major and minor scales and arpeggios.

Prepare at least two contrasting pieces from different historical time periods. B.M. performance applicants will be encouraged to present three contrasting works and to present some or all of their offerings from memory.

A short sight-reading sample will be provided.

Organ

Prepare three contrasting works from the categories below, together with a hymn. Contact Associate Professor Annie Laver (alaver@syr.edu) with specific repertoire questions.

Categories:

1. A work by J.S. Bach or a work by another Baroque period composer
2. A work from the Romantic period
3. A work composed after 1900, contrasting in style to the other works chosen

Two songs should be performed from memory: one song or aria in a language other than English and one in English, either from the classical repertoire or the musical theater repertoire.

A pianist will be provided for in-person auditions. Please bring original piano scores for your music in the key in which you will sing.

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.

Applicants must prepare a total of three songs for live in-person or recorded virtual auditions:

• Traditional/Classical/Hymn: One selection in the traditional/classical style (i.e. art song, aria, hymn or patriotic song).
• Jazz Standard (Medium Swing): One jazz standard performed in a medium swing feel. Performance must include an intro, melody (head in), improvised solo over the song’s form and a head out (return of the melody).
• Song of Choice (Any Jazz or Commercial Music Genre): One selection in the genre of your choice (i.e. pop, rock, rhythm and blues, gospel, folk, country, electronic, funk, etc.). This selection should showcase your strengths, originality and personal style.

What We Are Looking For

• Healthy vocal technique
• Even natural tone quality
• Understanding of forward placement and resonance
• Ability to hear harmony and connect it to melodic ideas
• Strong rhythmic feel across all styles
• Musical expressiveness and creativity

Additional Notes

• An accompanist will be provided for in-person auditions. Please bring original piano scores in your key.
• All applicants will be asked to sight-read, harmonize, embellish, improvise, and demonstrate range and technical facility during their in-person audition or online interview.
• For recorded submissions/virtual auditions: Your accompaniment may use a recording of a full band, accompanist (piano or guitar) or a high-quality backing track(s). Ensure backing track(s) are in your key and provide for an intro, melody (head in), improvised solo over the song’s form and a head out (return of the melody).
• If you have not studied privately, please bring a letter of recommendation from your high school music teacher or musical mentor who has observed your musical progress and potential in a sealed envelope to your audition date.

Applicants must prepare a total of three songs for live in-person or recorded virtual auditions:

• Traditional/Classical: One selection in the traditional/classical style (i.e. etude, a single movement piece or one movement from a multi-movement work).
• Jazz Standard (Medium Swing): One jazz standard performed in a medium swing feel. Performance must include the melody (head in), an improvised solo over the song’s form and a head out (return of the melody).
• Song of Choice (Any Jazz or Commercial Music Genre): One selection in the genre of your choice (i.e. blues, pop, rock, Latin, rhythm and blues, swing, gospel, folk, country, electronic, funk, etc.). This selection should showcase your strengths, originality and personal style.

Additional Notes

• All applicants will be asked to sight-read, perform major and chromatic scales (two octaves when possible), and demonstrate range and technical facility during their in-person/virtual audition or online interview.
• For live in-person or recorded virtual auditions: Your accompaniments may use a recording of a full band, accompanist (piano or guitar) or high-quality backing tracks. Ensure backing tracks are in your key and provide for the performance of the melody (head in), an improvised solo over the song’s form and a head out (return of the melody).
• If you have not studied privately, please bring (or submit online) a letter of recommendation from your high school music teacher or musical mentor (who has observed your musical progress and potential) in a sealed envelope to your audition date.

Applicants must prepare a total of three songs for live in-person or recorded virtual auditions:

• Traditional/Classical: One selection in the traditional/classical style (i.e. etude, a single movement piece or one movement from a multi-movement work).
• Jazz Standard (Medium Swing): One jazz standard performed in a medium swing feel. Performance must include the melody (head in), an improvised solo over the song’s form and a head out (return of the melody).
• Song of Choice (Any Jazz or Commercial Music Genre): One selection in the genre of your choice (i.e. blues, pop, rock, Latin, rhythm and blues, swing, gospel, folk, country, electronic, funk, etc.). This selection should showcase your strengths, originality and personal style.

Additional Notes

• All applicants will be asked to sight-read, perform major and chromatic scales (two octaves when possible), and demonstrate range and technical facility during their in-person/virtual audition or online interview.
• For live in-person or recorded virtual auditions: Your accompaniments may use a recording of a full band, accompanist (piano or guitar) or high-quality backing tracks. Ensure backing tracks are in your key and provide for the performance of the melody (head in), an improvised solo over the song’s form and a head out (return of the melody).
• If you have not studied privately, please bring (or submit online) a letter of recommendation from your high school music teacher or musical mentor (who has observed your musical progress and potential) in a sealed envelope to your audition date.

Applicants must prepare a total of three songs for live in-person or recorded virtual auditions:

• Traditional/Classical: One selection in the traditional/classical style (i.e. etude, a single movement piece or one movement from a multi-movement work).
• Jazz Standard (Medium Swing): One jazz standard performed in a medium swing feel. Performance must include the melody (head in), an improvised solo over the song’s form and a head out (return of the melody).
• Song of Choice (Any Jazz or Commercial Music Genre): One selection in the genre of your choice (i.e. blues, pop, rock, Latin, rhythm and blues, swing, gospel, folk, country, electronic, funk, etc.). This selection should showcase your strengths, originality and personal style.

Additional Notes

• All applicants will be asked to sight-read, perform major and chromatic scales (two or three octaves when possible), and demonstrate range and technical facility during their in-person/virtual audition or online interview.
• For live in-person or recorded virtual auditions: Your accompaniments may use a recording of a full band, accompanist (piano or guitar) or high-quality backing tracks. Ensure backing tracks are in your key and provide for the performance of the melody (head in), an improvised solo over the song’s form and a head out (return of the melody).
• If you have not studied privately, please bring (or submit online) a letter of recommendation from your high school music teacher or musical mentor (who has observed your musical progress and potential) in a sealed envelope to your audition date.

Applicants must prepare a total of three songs for live in-person or recorded virtual auditions:

• Blues: One selection following the standard 12-bar blues progression (melody/key selected by applicant). Performance must include: first chorus—melody (head in); second chorus—chord comping; third chorus—an improvised solo over the song’s form; and fourth chorus—head out (return of the melody).
• Jazz Standard (Medium Swing): One jazz standard performed in a medium swing feel. Performance must include: first chorus—melody (head in); second chorus—chord comping; third chorus—an improvised solo over the song’s form; and fourth chorus—head out (return of the melody).
• Song of Choice (Any Jazz or Commercial Music Genre): One selection in the genre of your choice (i.e. blues, pop, rock, Latin, rhythm and blues, swing, gospel, folk, country, electronic, funk, etc.). This selection should showcase your strengths, originality and personal style.

Additional Notes

• All applicants will be asked to sight-read in notation and chord chart formats as appropriate, perform major and minor chords and scales in various positions, and demonstrate facility with pick and finger-style techniques through typical routines during their in-person/virtual audition or online interview.
• For live in-person or recorded virtual auditions: Your accompaniments may use a recording of a full band or high-quality backing tracks (without guitar). Ensure backing tracks are in your key and provide for the performance of the melody (head in), comping of the chord changes, an improvised solo over the song’s form and a head out (return of the melody).
• If you have not studied privately, please bring (or submit online) a letter of recommendation from your high school music teacher or musical mentor (who has observed your musical progress and potential) in a sealed envelope to your audition date.
• An electric guitar amp will be provided for on-campus auditions.

Applicants must prepare a total of three songs for live in-person or recorded virtual auditions:

• Blues: One selection following the standard 12-bar blues progression (melody/key selected by applicant). Performance must include: first chorus—melody (head in); second chorus—chord comping; third chorus—an improvised solo over the song’s form; and fourth chorus—head out (return of the melody).
• “Rhythm Changes” (Medium Swing): Select a melody/progression such as “I Got Rhythm,” “Oleo,” “Rhythm-A-Ning,” etc. to perform in a medium swing feel. Performance must include: first chorus—melody (head in); second chorus—chord comping; third chorus—an improvised solo over the song’s form; and fourth chorus—head out (return of the melody).
• Song of Choice (Any Jazz or Commercial Music Genre): One selection in the genre of your choice (i.e. blues, pop, rock, Latin, rhythm and blues, swing, gospel, folk, country, electronic, funk, etc.). This selection should showcase your strengths, originality and personal style.

Additional Notes

• All applicants will be asked to sight-read in notation and chord chart formats as appropriate, perform major and minor chords and scales in various positions, and demonstrate facility through typical routines during their in-person/virtual audition or online interview.
• For live in-person or recorded virtual auditions: Your accompaniments may use a recording of a full band or high-quality backing tracks (without piano). Ensure backing tracks are in your key and provide for the performance of the melody (head in), comping of the chord changes, an improvised solo over the song’s form and a head out (return of the melody).
• If you have not studied privately, please bring (or submit online) a letter of recommendation from your high school music teacher or musical mentor (who has observed your musical progress and potential) in a sealed envelope to your audition date.
• An acoustic piano and electronic keyboard will be provided for on-campus auditions.

Applicants must prepare a total of three songs for live in-person or recorded virtual auditions:

• Blues: One selection following the standard 12-bar blues progression (melody/key selected by applicant). Performance must include: first chorus—melody (head in); second chorus—bass line; third chorus—an improvised solo over the song’s form; and fourth chorus—head out (return of the melody).
• Jazz Standard (Medium Swing): One jazz standard performed in a medium swing feel. Performance must include: first chorus—melody (head in); second chorus—bass line; third chorus—an improvised solo over the song’s form; and fourth chorus—head out (return of the melody).
• Song of Choice (Any Jazz or Commercial Music Genre): One selection in the genre of your choice (i.e. blues, pop, rock, Latin, rhythm and blues, swing, gospel, folk, country, electronic, funk, etc.). This selection should showcase your strengths, originality and personal style.

Additional Notes

• All applicants will be asked to sight-read in notation and chord chart formats as appropriate, perform major and minor chords and scales in various positions, and demonstrate facility through typical routines during their in-person/virtual audition or online interview.
• For live in-person or recorded virtual auditions: Your accompaniments may use a recording of a full band or high-quality backing tracks (without bass). Ensure backing tracks are in your key and provide for the performance of the melody (head in), bass line over the chord changes, an improvised solo over the song’s form and a head out (return of the melody).
• If you have not studied privately, please bring (or submit online) a letter of recommendation from your high school music teacher or musical mentor (who has observed your musical progress and potential) in a sealed envelope to your audition date.
• An electric bass amp will be provided for on-campus auditions.

Applicants must prepare a total of three different rhythmic grooves for live in-person or recorded virtual auditions:

• Applicants should choose three contrasting grooves/time feels in any jazz or commercial music genre (i.e. swing, blues, funk, pop, rock, Latin, Afro-Cuban, Brazilian, rhythm and blues, gospel, folk, country, etc.). These selections should showcase your strengths, musicality, originality and personal style.
• Applicants can perform each of the three selected grooves with a quality backing track (no drums) for a selected song or over a three-minute drum solo.
• Each performance must demonstrate applicant’s ability to display time feel(s) and play an improvised solo over the selected song form or groove. Each performance should allow the applicant to show creativity with their favorite rhythms.
• Applicants should use both sticks and brushes in the performance of all three selections if possible.

Additional Notes

• All applicants will be asked to sight-read and demonstrate technical facility during their in-person/virtual audition or online interview.
• If you have not studied privately, please bring (or submit online) a letter of recommendation from your high school music teacher or musical mentor (who has observed your musical progress and potential) in a sealed envelope to your audition date.
• A complete drum set will be provided for on-campus auditions.

If you do not get into your first-choice program, you will need to complete the music-specific requirements listed above to be considered for other music majors.

You do not need to audition if you are interested in minoring in music.

Students from any major across campus are welcome to audition for ensembles!

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.