Frequently Asked Questions About Music Auditions
Things to Know Before the Audition
Why am I asked to choose a Primary Instrument in my audition form?
The primary instrument is the main instrument (or voice) that the student will be most successful in their audition and will want to take the most amount of applied lessons on while at DBU. This primary instrument selection will be the primary instrument in their degree (for applied lessons and ensemble placement/requirements). Students may not have more than one primary instrument, but will have secondary instruments in their degrees for applied lessons; often, this secondary instrument is piano. This is a typical selection that a student will make at any accredited music departments/schools. After starting as a student, changing to a different primary instrument will require the student to re-audition on that instrument; note that there is no guarantee that the faculty panel will offer the same scholarship amount for a different primary instrument.
What should I perform for my solo portion of my audition?
Depending on which music degree/Area of Study within the Music Department you intend to study and what your primary instrument will be, your solo performance will vary. Requirements for the solo performance are available in the Music Audition & Application Information packet on the Auditions for Music Majors page
What are the possible outcomes of the audition?
The possible outcomes of the audition may be admission with a scholarship, admission without a scholarship, or denial (only for BM, BMA, BME). Students denied for the BM, BMA, and BME degrees may still study without a scholarship in one of the BA/BS Music degrees.
Is the audition conducted as a group or individually?
Each student will audition individually in front of a panel of full-time DBU Music Faculty members.
Who evaluates my audition?
A panel consisting of at least three music faculty members will evaluate each audition.
What do I need to prepare for my Music Audition?
To prepare for the Music Audition, read the Music Audition & Application Information packet on the Auditions for Music Majors page for audition requirements for specific degrees. We do recommend preparing a classical piece, if possible, or any piece that shows your range and musicality.
Why is DBU Chapel Worship not listed among the COFA ensemble options?
DBU Chapel Worship has its own separate audition process. Many of our music majors who are on music scholarships are part of Chapel Worship – particularly those in our Worship Studies concentrations.
Can my family/friends listen to my audition?
No, family and friends may not listen to the audition. Only students auditioning may be in the room during the audition. If you bring your own accompanist, they may play for you for part of your audition.
Can I bring my own collaborative pianist?
Yes, you may bring your own collaborative pianist, but you may also use a DBU collaborative pianist for no charge if you prefer. Those auditioning on an instrument may not need accompaniment.
What should I wear to my audition?
Please see the specific attire expectations in the Music Audition & Application Information packet on the Auditions for Music Majors page.
May I practice at DBU before my audition May I practice with the DBU collaborative pianist?
You may head to Blackaby Hall, 1st floor (located under the Bookstore), and rehearse in one of the practice rooms. When you check in at the audition location 30 minutes before your audition time, you will have a very brief time to run your piece with the DBU collaborative pianist (if needed).
Dates and Times
What are the official dates for the Music Audition?
Visit the Auditions for Music Majors page for the specific audition dates.
I see that the music auditions are scheduled on Patriot Preview days. Can I do both on the same day?
Absolutely, in fact, we encourage you to do both. The Patriot Previews are usually done by 2:30 pm, and our auditions begin after that point.
Can I schedule an audition date outside the official dates?
If you are within driving distance, please start by trying to attend one of our in-person, scheduled dates. If you cannot attend any of those, you can request a virtual audition or another specific date by emailing musicauditions@dbu.edu. We will do our best to accommodate your requests. If you are an international student or live a long distance away and wish to audition virtually, please email musicauditions@dbu.edu for instructions.
When will I find out my audition time?
We will give you an assigned audition time approximately two weeks prior to the audition date. Please plan to arrive at the audition room 30 minutes early in case we are running ahead.
What happens if I need to reschedule/cancel my audition?
To reschedule or cancel an audition, please mail musicauditions@dbu.edu as soon as possible.
How long will my audition last?
Audition time periods may last no longer than 30 minutes. The audition itself will take around 10 minutes.
When will I hear the results of my audition?
We aim to provide audition results within two weeks of audition completion. If it is beyond 2 weeks, feel free to reach out to musicauditions@dbu.edu.
General Questions About the Scholarships
What is the maximum scholarship amount?
Our music scholarships vary based on talent and musicianship scores from the audition, and they are adjusted annually to allow us to remain competitive.
I auditioned at multiple institutions and have received several scholarships offers. How do I know if DBU’s offer is competitive with other schools?
It is always wise to figure out two things.
1) What percentage of the cost of attendance do your combined offers cover at each institution?
2) What are you left with having to pay or get loans to cover?
If DBU is close to other offers you receive and you really want to attend DBU, you should share that with your DBU admissions counselor and the Department of Music. If you want to be at DBU, we want to help make that possible.
Does DBU offer a full-ride in music?
Although DBU’s Music Department does not offer a full-ride in music, once the music scholarship is bundled with other DBU Institutional Aid (Christian Leadership, Academic, and Ministerial scholarships), we are often very competitive.
How long is the scholarship valid if an applicant is awarded one?
For incoming freshmen, the scholarship may last 4 years with the possibility of a 1-year renewal. For transfers/current DBU students, the scholarship may last for the remainder of your course of study. Students must continue to meet all of the scholarship requirements stated in your contract.
Do I have to sign a music scholarship agreement?
Yes! Just like student-athletes who commit to a program & institution, musicians at accredited institutions sign an agreement stating their intention to study music and agreeing to the requirements of that scholarship. Make sure that you electronically sign your agreement by the deadline!
Once I start at DBU, Is there any way that I can be considered for a Music Scholarship increase?
Although students are not allowed to re-audition for increased scholarships, the Music Faculty annually considers every music major on scholarship for a one-year Merit-Based Scholarship Increase. These are based on a variety of factors, including (but not limited to) class/ensemble/applied lesson engagement and performance, GPA, and contributions to the Music Department/university at large. For more information about Merit-Based Scholarship Increases and our Music Department Scholarship requirements, read your Music Scholarship Agreement and/or visit the Music Student Handbook and Forms page and click on Ensemble Scholarship requirements.
Scholarship Eligibility
Is the audition only for those seeking a music scholarship, or is it mandatory for all who want to enroll in a music program?
The audition serves as both an admission and a scholarship audition. Students interested in the BA/BS Music or Commercial Music degrees are highly encouraged to audition so that they can be considered for music scholarships, but are NOT required to audition for admission to the BA/BS Music or Commercial Music degree programs. Students interested in the BM, BMA, or BME degree programs are REQUIRED to audition for admission to those degree programs within the Department of Music while also being considered for music scholarships. If you are considering majoring in Music or Commercial Music, we would love for you to audition! Sign up today!
Are international students eligible for this scholarship?
Yes, they follow the same music admission and scholarship audition process as other students.
Are current DBU students or transfer students eligible for this scholarship?
Yes, they follow the same music admission and scholarship audition process as other students.
Are there music scholarships for students who are non-music majors OR music minors?
We offer scholarships to both non-music majors and minors who participate in our ensembles! Visit the Ensembles and Private Lessons page for more information!
Requirements to Keep the Scholarship
What are the requirements to maintain the scholarship?
The requirements to maintain the scholarship are clearly stated in your Music Scholarship Agreement. They include GPA requirements, ensemble requirements, as well as other academic and ethical expectations. This is the standard for any agreement you will sign with any music school accredited by the National Association of Schools of Music (NASM).
What are the ensemble requirements of my music scholarship?
The ensemble requirements are available on the Music Handbook page. These requirements may be updated at any point during a student’s course of study. DBU Music Department offers a diverse array of music ensembles (choral, rock, worship, jazz, and more).
If I change my major, may I keep my music scholarship?
If you change majors within the music department and remain on the primary instrument you auditioned on, you may keep your music scholarship. If you change your major to a non-music degree, you will not be able to keep your music scholarship. Changing to a different primary instrument will require the student to re-audition on that instrument; note that there is no guarantee that the faculty panel will offer the same scholarship amount on a different primary instrument.
For further questions, please email musicauditions@dbu.edu. We look forward to hearing from you!