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The Music Audition (scroll down for Musical Theatre Concentration)

Students who wish to be music majors at the University of Southern Maine must formally apply to the University and must audition before the music faculty. The music audition includes a brief performance, a written test of musical ability, and an aural test of musical ability.

For more information about applying to the University, go to the Admissions web site.
To submit an online Audition Registration Form, click here.

A Brief Performance

You will be expected to perform on your principal instrument or vocally.  The performance should include music that you know well and may include a variety of styles.  Memorization is optional and is recommended for singers and pianists.

You should prepare 7 - 10 minutes of music that demonstrates the full range of your technical and musical accomplishments. For those auditioning for the Music Performance Jazz Studies Concentration, you should prepare a performance in both the jazz and classical styles; the jazz performance should demonstrate your ability to improvise.

An accompanist for the auditions is optional. You may bring your own accompanist or perform solo.

A Written Exam

The written exam measures the ability to understand basic melodic, harmonic, and rhythmic elements of music. It includes notes, intervals, scales, and chords.

Aural Demonstration

The aural demonstration includes an assessment of your ability to match pitch, to sing an octave above or below a given pitch in your range, and to sing the highest and lowest note in a chord. The sight singing assessment includes both a melodic and a rhythmic example. Below is an example of the voice and ear test.

Music Performance Major with a Concentration in Musical Theatre

Students who wish to be Music Performance majors with a concentration in Musical Theatre at the University of Southern Maine must formally apply to the University and must audition before the Music and Theatre Faculty. The Music audition includes a brief audition and a test of musical and dramatic ability.

Musical Theatre Concentration: The written exam and aural demonstration

The written exam measures the ability to understand basic melodic, harmonic, and rhythmic elements of music.  It includes notes, intervals, scales, and chords.

The aural demonstration includes an assessment of your ability to match pitch, to sing an octave above or below a given pitch in your range, and to sing the highest and lowest note in a chord.  The sight-singing assessment includes both a melodic and a rhythmic example (see the graphic example above).

Musical Theatre Concentration: A Brief Performance

All prospective musical theatre majors must be prepared to sing two pieces from standard Musical Theatre literature; one ballad and one up-tempo piece.  The performance should be both musically sound and portray the character.  Also be prepared to sing one classical or traditional piece.

Musical Theatre Concentration: The Theatre Audition

The audition requires prospective students to present a two to three minute memorized monologue.  The day of the audition, you will learn and perform a brief dance sequence.  You may be asked to improvise and/or cold read from scripts provided, possibly with a partner.

If you require an accompanist, you must notify the School of Music and furnish copies of your selections at least one week in advance.

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