When applying to the BYU-Idaho music program, you are required to complete an audition. This can be done both in person and online.
For each instrument, there are different skills and songs that you are asked to present. It’s important for your specific instrument to know everything you can about what’s required.
Those requirements can be found on the Auditions Requirements page. This article will focus on general guidelines and requirements.
General Skllls and Guidelines
Each instrument will have a specific music faculty member you can contact to schedule your audition. They will be listed on each individual instrument's instructions. Make sure you understand everything they want you to do; it's smart to double-check.
Classic and Famous Songs
Many of the instruments you can choose require you to know and be able to play certain classics. Depending on the instrument, they will be from different time periods. Check the specific songs on the Auditions Requirements Page and with the faculty member in question.
Depending on the instrument, you may also be asked to play songs from differing or contrasting genres.
Sight-reading
Some auditions require you to demonstrate specific skills. Sight-reading is an essential skill for some genres and instruments. It shows your ability to be able to comprehend and learn music quickly.
Memorization
Memorization demonstrates that you can master and present music to an audience. Most faculty members will likely require you to play music from memory. It also demonstrates that you’re able to go beyond playing the notes by adding depth through dynamics and rhythm.
Scales
Scales demonstrate your ability to play the full range of notes on an instrument. It also shows your ability to have a consistent speed.
Other
Some instruments have unique skills or techniques that you may be required to show. For example, drums would require you to be able to play with brushes and to trade fours (soloing back and forth with another musician). Find these specific skills and techniques on the Auditions Requirements Page.
In-Person vs Online
These are the two ways to submit your audition: a live, in-person performance or an online video submission. There are a few ways a video can be submitted:
- Unlisted YouTube
- Dropbox
- Google Drive link
Final Thoughts
The most important thing to remember is to check all the requirements with the faculty member conducting your audition. This will help you prepare all the necessary skills and techniques for your audition. Apply to the Music Program today!
Sources
The Ohio State University: “Audition Tips for Students Preparing for College Auditions” .
Chicago Musical Pathways Initiative: “Choosing Your College Audition Repertoire”.
Chorus America: “Improve Your Sight-Singing before Your next Audition”.
Majoring in Music: “Sight-Reading for Music Majors".
The University of Chicago: “Strategies for Successful Sight-Reading!”.
Von Baron: “How to Trade Fours in Jazz Drumming Made Easy”.
The Juilliard School: “Audition Tips from Hannah | Student Blog” .
Micah Issitt: “Jazz” .
Henry Martin: “The Evolution of Improvisation in Early Jazz Piano Pedagogy.”
James Melton: “5 Reasons Why Sight Reading Music Makes You a Better Jazz Musician”.
Eric O’Donnell: “Developing Musicality for Improvisers: Scales vs. Language”.
Bill Plake: “This Is Probably the Most Useful Scale in Jazz Improvisation” .
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics: "Careers for Music Lovers”.
Gideon Waxman:. “How to Play Drums with Brushes: Jazz Brush Drumming”.