Guide to Applying to and Auditioning for the DePauw School of Music
Admission Checklist | Audition Dates | Application Deadlines | Audition Repertoire Requirements
Scholarships and Financial Aid | Music Admission Process | Contact Information

 

Admission Information

ADMISSION CHECKLIST for applicants wanting to major in music:

INTERNATIONAL APPLICANTS must also submit:

Please visit Applying as an International Student for more detailed information.

TRANSFER APPLICANTS must also submit:

 

2008-2009 Audition Dates

Please click on audition dates below for the general audition program schedules.

* March 2nd is the last audition day for music scholarship consideration.

On-Campus Audition Days include the audition, sample lesson with a faculty member, music class visit, ensemble rehearsal observation, campus tour, and Q&A session. Please note that the January 19 audition occurs during DePauw's Winter Term: regular classes and ensemble rehearsals will not be taking place at that time.

In addition to the Audition Day visit events listed above, the Overnight Audition Programs will also showcase student and faculty performers as well as include a dinner with current students and faculty members. The February Overnight will highlight DePauw Opera's performance of Puccini's Suor Angelica and Gianni Schicchi. The closing concert of Music of the 21st Century will be showcased during the March Overnight.

Important Audition Reminders

Schedule your audition at least two weeks prior to the audition date through one of the following methods:

If you are unable to attend one of the above music audition dates, contact the Office of Admission. We will work with you to try to schedule an alternate audition date.

Recorded Auditions:
The Admission Committee prefers that you audition in person. If circumstances prevent you from doing so, we will accept a high-quality CD audio recording. Recordings submitted must clearly identify the name of the performer, instrument and audition repertoire. We encourage applicants to send a videotape or DVD in addition to the CD audio recording. Recorded auditions must be received by March 1. Send recordings to: DePauw University Office of Admission, 101 E. Seminary St., P.O. Box 37, Greencastle, IN 46135-0037.

For suggestions on how to perform your best on music auditions, DePauw's Music Admission Counseling Service offers sound advice on auditioning (PDF).


2008-2009 Application Deadlines

Early Decision – All application materials are due by November 1. Students must audition by (or on) December 8. Admission decisions mailed by January 1.

Early Notification – All application materials are due by December 1. Students must audition by (or on) January 19. Admission decisions mailed by February 15.

Regular Notification – All application materials are due by February 1. Students must audition by (or on) March 2. Admission decisions mailed by April 1.

Transfer Admission – All application materials are due by March 1. Students must audition by (or on) March 2. Admission decisions mailed by April 1.

 

Audition Repertoire Requirements

Auditionees may be asked to sight-read; instrumentalists may be asked to demonstrate proficiency in both scales and arpeggios.

WOODWINDS
Flute, Oboe, Clarinet, Saxophone, Bassoon – At least two contrasting works from the standard repertoire, including movements of sonatas, concerti and other solo pieces.

BRASS
Horn, Trumpet, Trombone, Euphonium/Baritone, Tuba – At least two contrasting works from the standard repertoire, including movements of sonatas, concerti and other solo pieces.

PERCUSSION
One selection from each of the following categories: (1) snare drum; (2) marimba, xylophone or vibraphone (demonstrating two and four-mallet technique); (3) timpani (demonstrating tuning ability); optional: drum set or multiple percussion.

PIANO
Three selections (all performed from memory) from each of the following categories: (1) a three-part invention or a prelude and fugue from the Well-Tempered Klavier by J.S. Bach; (2) a movement from a sonata by Mozart (excluding K. 545) or Beethoven (excluding op. 27, no. 2 and op. 49); (3) a work by a representative 19th- or 20th-century composer.

ORGAN
At least two selections: (1) prelude and fugue by J.S. Bach or a work by another Baroque composer; (2) a 19th- or 20th-century composition.

STRINGS
Violin, Viola, Violoncello, Double Bass – At least two contrasting works from the following three choices: (1) a movement from a J.S. Bach solo sonata or partita, or other Baroque work; (2) a movement from a 19th- or 20th-century sonata or concerto; (3) a work of the student’s choice.

HARP
At least two contrasting works from the standard repertoire.

VOICE
Three contrasting selections (all performed from memory) from each of the following categories: (1) an art song or aria in Italian; (2) an art song in French, German or English; (3) a classical or musical theatre selection.

Note: All voice students are required to audition with the professional accompanist that DePauw provides (there is no charge to the auditioning student): no exceptions will be made to this policy. Vocalists will have a short rehearsal with the accompanist immediately prior to the audition. Scores do not need to be provided in advance, but do need to be provided at the rehearsal.

JAZZ STUDIES
College of Liberal Arts students wishing to be considered for a Music Performance Award in Jazz Studies may perform an audition consisting of two or three contrasting jazz études or standards and an optional improvisation on a standard or blues tune.

 

Scholarships and Financial Aid

DePauw grants Music Performance Awards*, up to full tuition, to music majors in high-need areas who demonstrate exceptional talent during an audition for music faculty. The University also gives merit scholarships to qualified students for academic achievement.

Non-music majors who are committed to participating in large ensembles and taking private lessons in areas other than female voice may audition for Music Performance Awards* during their senior year of high school.

* Music Performance Awards will be decided upon in mid-March. Award letters will be sent in late-March. The award is renewable each year for a total of four years contingent upon meeting the following criteria: maintaining a minimum 3.0 cumulative grade point average in all music courses, making satisfactory progress** in your applied music lessons, and performing satisfactorily** in your major ensemble. If you choose to pursue DePauw’s five-year double degree program, this award will apply during your fifth year as well. Award recipients must enroll in applied music lessons and participate in a large ensemble every semester in residence.
**satisfactory progress is defined as earning a grade of "B" or higher

You may schedule your audition through our online registration form or by calling the Office of Admission at 800.447.2495. For more information regarding Music Performance Awards, please contact Corinna Nash-Wnuk.

 

Music Admission Process

1. Submit all application materials (see admission checklist)

Note: The student's academic credentials will be preliminarily reviewed before the audition occurs. Applicants who demonstrate severe academic weaknesses may not be able to participate in the audition process. Applicants should check with Corinna Nash-Wnuk before making final audition travel plans.

2. Reserve audition date online

3. Complete Audition

4. Admission decisions will be sent approximately 3-6 weeks after the audition

Note 1: A student admitted to the School of Music has also been admitted to the College of Liberal Arts: we only have ONE admission decision process.  Students who are not admitted to the School of Music will be considered for admission to the College of Liberal Arts.

Note 2: All admitted music students are automatically considered for a merit (academic) scholarship and a music scholarship.  The admission letter mailing will include information about any merit scholarship award received; however, music scholarship decisions will be made at the end of March (after all auditions have been completed).

5. Students wishing to be considered for need-based financial aid should complete the FAFSA and DePauw University Application for Financial Aid by February 15.

 

Contact Information

For more information regarding admission to the School of Music, please contact:
Corinna Nash-Wnuk, Senior Assistant Director of Admission and Coordinator of Music Admission
Phone: 800.447.2495, ext. 4118
Email: corinnanashwnuk@depauw.edu
Mailing Address:

Office of Admission
101 East Seminary Street
P.O. Box 37
Greencastle, IN 46135