Frequently Asked Questions About Music Auditions
Things to Know Before the Audition
What are the possible outcomes of the audition?
The possible outcomes of the audition may be admission with a scholarship, admission without a scholarship, transitional admission, or denial.
What is transitional admission?
Transitional admission is designed for those students who show high potential for success in music despite their audition performance or academic credentials. The audition committee makes these decisions on a case-by-case basis. Students who are admitted transitionally can only take a limited number of music courses. Following a semester of study, the student may re-audition for full admission and scholarship or change to a different course of study at DBU.
Is the audition conducted as a group or individually?
Auditions are conducted individually.
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 at www.dbu.edu/audition 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 scholarship are part of Chapel Worship – particularly those in our Worship Studies concentrations (BMA and BA/BS Music Business degrees).
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 accompanist?
Yes, you may bring your own accompanist, but you also may use a DBU accompanist for no charge if you prefer. Those auditioning on an instrument may not need an accompanist.
What should I wear to my audition?
Please wear professional attire that you would wear to an important job interview, but free enough that you can breathe and perform.
May I practice at DBU before my audition? May I practice with the DBU accompanist?
You may head to Blackaby 1st floor and rehearse in one of the practice rooms. When you arrive 30 minutes prior to your audition time, you will have a very brief time to run your piece with the DBU accompanist (if you are using a DBU accompanist).
Dates and Times
What are the official dates for the Music Audition?
See dbu.edu/audition 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 want you to do both. The Patriot Previews usually are done by noon and our auditions begin in the afternoon.
Can I schedule an audition date outside the official dates?
You should start by trying to attend one of our scheduled dates. If you cannot attend any of the dates, you can submit a date or two that work for you through the online form, and we can see if we can schedule you. There are no guarantees that we will be able to accommodate your request.
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 often are 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 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 contract?
Yes! Just like student-athletes who commit to a program & institution, musicians at accredited institutions sign a contract/agreement stating their intention to study music and agreeing to the requirements of that scholarship. Make sure that you electronically sign your contract by the deadline!
If I don't achieve the desired scholarship amount initially, can I try a new audition in the future to potentially receive a higher scholarship?
You are allowed to re-audition for additional scholarship funds after one full semester at DBU.
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 scholarship audition. Any student wishing to be a music major must complete the audition process.
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 the music scholarships for students in the music department who are music minors?
Currently, there are no scholarships for those with a music minor.
Requirements to Keep the Scholarship
What are the requirements to maintain the scholarship?
The requirements to maintain the scholarship are clearly stated in your contract. They include GPA requirements, ensemble requirements as well as other academic and ethical expectations. This is the standard of 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 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. If you change to a different instrument, you will likely have to re-audition on that instrument.
For further questions, please email musicauditions@dbu.edu. We look forward to hearing from you!