All students are responsible for meeting our deadlines. Prospective students must also complete the Syracuse University application.
Setnor School of Music Admission Requirements
Music Deadlines
| Early Decision (First-year students only) | Application and audition materials: November 15* | ||
| Early Decision II (First-year students only) | Application and virtual audition materials: January 5 | ||
| Regular Decision (Fall) | Application and audition materials: January 5 | ||
| Spring Enrollment | Spring enrollment into VPA programs is very limited. Please call the Office of Recruitment and Admissions to discuss availability and timeline. | ||
* The Early Decision in-person audition date is November 11. 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. |
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Application Requirements and Process
Listed below are specific Setnor School of Music audition requirements for each instrument. Each category also includes a list of recommended audition literature.
Requirements for All Applicants
- Submit your application to Syracuse University. Please see our website for all important deadlines. Within 72 hours of submitting your application, you will receive email instructions to set up your applicant portal.
- Complete the Music Requirements Form within the applicant portal. Composition applicants will be directed to upload their scores/recordings after completing this form.
- Schedule your in-person audition, in-person interview, virtual interview 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.
Do I Need to Submit an Instrumental or Vocal Music Audition?
Whether you need to submit an audition depends on the major you’re applying to.
Audition Required
If you are applying to any of the following majors, you must submit an instrumental or vocal audition for review:
- Music Education
- Performance
- Music Industry
- Sound Recording Technology
Audition Optional (But Encouraged)
If you are applying to one of the following majors, an audition is not required, but strongly encouraged:
- Composition
- Music B.S.
Important: If you choose not to submit an audition for composition or music B.S., please carefully review the required application materials for these programs below to ensure your submission is complete.
Audition and Program Requirements
If you are completing an audition, you will find specific audition requirements for each instrument and suggested repertoire below.
Important: If you choose not to submit an audition for composition or music B.S., please carefully review the required application materials to ensure your submission is complete.
- 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 composition B.M. are required to submit a portfolio of representative works and will be asked to complete an interview with the composition faculty so we can learn more about your musical background. While an audition on an instrument or voice is encouraged, it is not required for this degree path. See below for portfolio requirement details.
- Students applying to the B.S. in music can choose to either complete an audition or complete an interview with the faculty. See below for 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.
- In order to be considered for music merit scholarship, students must complete an audition. Those who do not audition will still be considered for academic merit scholarship.
Composition Requirements
Students applying to the bachelor of music in composition must submit the following materials:
Required Materials
- A portfolio of 2–3 representative original works
- Each work should include a score and/or recording/video
- At least one work must be presented in traditional score format using music notation software
- The faculty would love to see the full range of what you can do and encourage you to submit music for a diversity of instruments, ensembles, and/or styles, if possible.
- An interview with the composition faculty to discuss your musical background and goals
Optional but Encouraged
- An instrumental or vocal audition is encouraged, but not required for this degree path. Students may choose between the classical style or jazz/commercial style for their primary instrument audition.
Music B.S. Requirements
Students applying to the music B.S. program can choose to either complete an audition or a submission for the non-audition pathway.
- If you choose to audition, you may follow either the classical or jazz/commercial audition guidelines provided below.
- 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
Classical Music Audition Requirements
- 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.
- Prepare all major scales in two (or three where possible) octaves.
- Prepare a chromatic scale in the largest range possible.
- Sight-read.
Recommended Literature
View a list of recommended woodwinds [PDF] and brass [PDF] literature.
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] 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.
Violin
- Two contrasting works
- Three octave scale and arpeggio cycle of choice
Viola
- Two contrasting works
- Three octave scales in D, Eb, E, F or G
- Three octave arpeggios in C, D or Eb
Cello
- Two contrasting works
- Three octave scales in D, Eb, E, F or G
- Three octave arpeggios in C, D or Eb
Double Bass
- Two contrasting works
- Two octave scales and arpeggios
Harp
- Two contrasting works
- 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
- Two contrasting works
- 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
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 Joseph Haydn, Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart or Ludwig van 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 (ttrebick@syr.edu) with specific repertoire questions.
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:
- 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
Four songs of contrasting styles and historical periods should be prepared and memorized. View a list of recommended voice literature [PDF].
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.
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
- 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.
- Applicants are also required to prepare the following selections using the pre-recorded backing tracks provided:
- “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 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.
Download chord charts and backing tracks- 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.
- Applicants are also required to prepare the following selections using the pre-recorded backing tracks provided:
- “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 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.
Download chord charts and backing tracks- 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.
- Applicants are also required to prepare the following selections using the pre-recorded backing tracks provided:
- “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 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.
Download chord charts and backing tracks- Perform major and minor chords and scales in various positions.
- Show technical facility through typical routines and exercises.
- Show technical facility with pick and finger-style techniques.
- An electric guitar amp 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:
- “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 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.
Download chord charts and backing tracks- Perform major, minor and pentatonic scales in various positions.
- Show technical facility through typical routines and exercises.
- Applicant must demonstrate ability to play with a good sound and a strong time feel both as a soloist and with a rhythm section.
- An electric bass amp will be provided for auditions held on campus.
- Applicants are also required to prepare the following selections using the pre-recorded backing tracks provided:
- “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 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.
Download chord charts and backing tracks- 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.
Download chord charts and backing tracks- 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 their ability to perform major and minor chords and scales in various keys and show technical facility through typical routines and exercises.
- Applicants are also required to prepare the following selections using the pre-recorded backing tracks provided:
- “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 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.
Download chord charts and backing tracks- 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.
- Applicants are also required to prepare the following selections using the pre-recorded backing tracks provided:
- “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/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.
- Applicant may be asked to demonstrate their ability to harmonize, embellish, improvise, and show their 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.
How to Audition
View a video on how to audition for the Jazz and Commercial Music Area for instrumentalists or vocalists.
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
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.
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.
Scholarship & Financial Aid Information for Music Applicants
Music Scholarships
- All students who audition, whether in-person or virtually, will be automatically considered for music scholarships.
- To be eligible, make sure all application, audition and financial aid materials are submitted by the appropriate deadlines.
- Note: Students who are not majoring in music are not eligible for music scholarships.
Academic Merit Scholarships
- All applicants to music degree programs are considered for academic merit scholarships.
- For details about merit-based awards and other financial aid options, please visit the Syracuse University Financial Aid website.