Music Supplement & Audition Guidelines
Everything you need to know about preparing your Music Supplement materials and what to expect at your live audition.
Music Supplement Application Materials
Your Music Supplement introduces the faculty to your musical abilities and strengthens your overall profile in the applicant pool. It consists of the following components:
1. Pre-Screening Video
Submit a 3–5 minute unedited solo performance for each area of participation or scholarship consideration. Videos may be submitted as an upload link (set to “unlisted,” not private) or as an MP4 file.
2. Music Résumé
List your training, ensembles, and solo repertoire. A template is available upon request. Please submit in PDF format.
3. Letter of Recommendation
One to two letters, preferably from a music teacher or ensemble director. The letter should address your music experience, skills, aptitude, and character. Ask your reference to include a form of contact. Please submit in PDF format.
4. Personal Statement
Share something about your life in music — what inspires you, your goals, and what music means to you. Optional.
Pre-Screening Video: What to Perform
For most areas, perform a 3–5 minute solo, excerpts, etudes, or scales representing your current ability level. For best results, perform repertoire that is comparable to the audition requirements for your instrument.
Some areas have specific video requirements: Check the Audition Requirements by Instrument page for special prescreening notes for your area. For example, vocalists must include accompaniment, and Jazz applicants should include an additional excerpt in Jazz or pop style.
Recording & Uploading Tips:
- Professional recording equipment is not necessary. Phone recordings are acceptable.
- Make sure your entire instrument and all limbs involved in the performance are visible.
- Accompaniment is required for voice and optional for all other areas.
- If sharing a video via upload link, set the visibility to “unlisted” (not private). Alternatively, upload your video directly as an MP4 file.
- We suggest titling your video file: [NAME — INSTRUMENT — HILLSDALE MUSIC APPLICATION]
Frequently Asked Questions
Most auditions are 15–30 minutes in length, with the option to conclude with a mini sample lesson. Auditions are interpersonal, with time to get to know your future private instructor and for Q&A.
You will perform the repertoire specified in the audition requirements for your instrument. Depending on your area, you may also complete a sight-reading assessment, scales, or other exercises.
Yes! Applying in two areas is not uncommon. Participation obligations are assigned for each scholarship, so we recommend a limit of two areas for most freshmen.
You will submit one encompassing music résumé, and separate letters of recommendation and pre-screening videos for each area of interest. There is a field in the application to select additional audition areas.
The general responsibilities are:
- Maintain successful participation in your primary instrument each semester.
- Maintain successful participation in assigned ensemble(s) each semester. Specific ensemble assignments are provided in the Audition Requirements for each area.
- Maintain acceptable academic standing.
Pianists, vocalists, and guitarists interested in private study should plan to submit the Music Supplement by May 1 prior to fall entry for placement into the appropriate level of study. Applicants who have not submitted a supplement are automatically placed into class instruction.
When you register for an individual audition day, you will be contacted via email by the music department to begin scheduling. Because individual audition dates and times vary by faculty availability, you are welcome to make contact ahead of registration to confirm your anticipated dates are possible.
Contact: Stacey Jones-Garrison, [email protected]
Those hoping to participate in the Jazz area should include an additional excerpt in the Jazz or pop style. Sending an excerpt soloing with your school big band is an ideal option. Jazz performance is open to all instrumentalists and vocalists.
See the Audition Requirements for specific Jazz audition requirements by instrument.
Audition Requirements by Instrument Scholarship Auditions
Questions? Contact Music Admissions Coordinator, Stacey Jones-Garrison, [email protected].