Showcase Your Talent: Audition for the Music Program
Calling all aspiring musicians: the music program is now accepting applications for Fall 2025 auditions! Whether you’re declaring a music major or minor, transferring, or seeking a performance scholarship, prepare to share your passion.
Mark Your Calendar: Key Audition Dates
Several dates are set aside for showcasing your musical talents:
Monday, November 4, 2024
Music Career Day
Scholarship consideration and school admission
Saturday, January 11, 2025
Scholarship consideration and school admission
Friday-Saturday, January 24-25, 2025
All-Star Band Weekend
*Scholarship consideration and school admission*
Monday, February 17, 2025 (President’s Day)
*Scholarship consideration and school admission*
Saturday, March 1, 2025
*Scholarship consideration and school admission*
Monday, March 3, 2025
*Scholarship consideration and school admission*
Monday auditions begin at 4pm (tours may be possible upon request). Saturday auditions take place from mid-morning to mid-afternoon (tours/presentations included).
Applying is Easy!
Please fill out the School of Music Application to schedule your audition day and time.
Want to explore options outside of these official audition dates? Contact the School of Music office at [email protected]. We’re happy to help coordinate a visit, and virtual auditions are available if necessary.
Over $275,000 in Music Scholarships Available
Each year, the School of Music awards over $275,000 in scholarships to deserving incoming students. All music scholarships are performance based; if you’re interested in being considered, read the Undergraduate Music Scholarship section below for detailed information.
Prepare to Impress: The Audition Process
The audition process assesses more than just musical talent.
“An entering music major is expected to have developed music reading skills and to have achieved considerable performing skill on an instrument or in voice.
These skills are demonstrated to the music faculty through an audition.” Those students who wish to pursue a degree in musical performance are expected to display greater proficiency and aptitude than those who are entering other degree programs.
Auditions determine your:
- Admission to a music curriculum
- Level of placement in applied music study
- Eligibility for a music scholarship
Instrument/Voice Specific Audition Requirements
Be prepared to showcase your skills:
Woodwind and Brass Instruments
- A solo
- Scales: Demonstrate your range and styles of articulation through the performance of major scales.
- Sight reading
Piano
Piano auditions are less focused on the specific preparation of particular pieces and more on demonstrating technical skills, musicality, and sight-reading ability.
Strings
- Two solos of contrasting styles
- Major scales in three octaves
- Sight reading
Percussion
- Snare Drum
- Mallets (Marimba, Xylophone, Vibraphone)
- Demonstrate proficiency in one of the following:
- Timpani
- Multiple Percussion
- Drum Set
- Sight reading
Voice
- A classical solo performed from memory on the level of Group 1 (Indiana State Solo Contest List)
- A brief examination in rhythmic and melodic sight reading as well as music theory (major and minor key signatures)
">
What are the specific requirements for each instrument or vocal area for the music auditions?
## Calling all Music Stars! MSU Music Program Opens Auditions for Fall 2025
**Interviewer:** Welcome to the show! Today we’re speaking with Alex Reed, a representative from the Music Department at Mississippi State University, about exciting opportunities for aspiring musicians. Alex Reed, thank you for joining us!
**Alex Reed:** Thanks for having me! It’s a pleasure to be here.
**Interviewer:** Tell us, what’s the big news surrounding the Music Department right now?
**Alex Reed:** We’re thrilled to announce that auditions for the Fall 2025 semester are officially open! Whether you’re dreaming of a music major, minor, want to transfer, or are vying for a performance scholarship, we encourage all talented musicians to apply. [[1](https://www.music.msstate.edu/future-students/undergraduate/auditions-and-scholarships)]
**Interviewer:** That’s fantastic news! Can you tell us a bit about the audition process and deadlines?
**Alex Reed:** Absolutely! The process ensures that each applicant is carefully assessed for their musical ability and suitability for our program. Detailed information regarding specific requirements for each instrument or vocal area can be found on our website. As for deadlines, we have several audition dates scheduled throughout the fall and winter, giving everyone ample opportunity to showcase their talents.
**Interviewer:** Sounds like there’s a lot of flexibility! What kind of scholarships are available to potential music students?
**Alex Reed:** We are committed to supporting our students’ aspirations. The Music Department awards scholarships based on talent and performance. We encourage everyone to explore the scholarship opportunities available on our website and apply.
**Interviewer:** That’s fantastic! For our listeners who might be interested in learning more, how can they find out more information and apply?
**Alex Reed:** Everything you need to know about the audition process, scholarships, and how to apply can be found on our website at [website address – insert from search result]. We also encourage interested students to contact the Music Department directly. Our team is always happy to answer questions and help navigate the application process.
**Interviewer:** Thank you for sharing this exciting news with us, Alex Reed! We wish all aspiring musicians the best of luck in their audition journey.
**Alex Reed:** Thank you for having me! We look forward to welcoming new talent to the MSU Music Program!
