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Saginaw Valley State University

Auditions

Incoming music majors need to apply both to SVSU and to the department. Audition dates and information are below along with specific information related to auditions for select ensembles. Minors do not need to audition. Non-music degree students may participate in ensembles at SVSU.

Audition Information

Auditioning for Entrance into the Department of Music (BA in Music or BA in Music Education)

________________

Audition dates for entrance in Fall 2025 will be held on the following dates:

January 31, 2025
February 21, 2025
March 21, 2025
April 5, 2025 (auditions to be held at Mott Community College, Flint, MI)
Please call Kelly McQuarter at 989-964-4159 to set your audition date.
 
What to Prepare
Everyone
In addition to the specific requirements outlined below, everyone should be prepared to do sight reading.  You will also take a short music theory and aural skills assessment and music education majors will do a writing sample.  At the conclusion of the playing portion of the audition, there will be a short interview with the music faculty where you will have the opportunity to ask questions about the music program.  
Woodwinds and Brass
You should prepare 2 contrasting solos or etudes that show off your lyrical and technical playing.  You do not need to have an accompanist for the audition.  Scales are not required.
Percussion
You should prepare a solo or etude on 2 different instruments, including 1 keyboard instrument.  Drum set is not required, but can be added if you desire.  For drum set, be prepared to demonstrate several different beats and feels, for example medium swing, funk, or rock.
Piano
You should prepare 2 contrasting solos or etudes that show off your lyrical and technical playing.  Scales are not required.
Voice
You should prepare 2 contrasting songs, to be performed from memory.  One song in a language other than English is encouraged, but not required.  An accompanist will be provided for you on the day of your audition.  Have your music prepared for the accompanist.  You will be scheduled a rehearsal time prior to your audition.

Adding Music as a Minor

Adding a music minor does not require an audition or admission to the music department.  Be sure you see the list of required classes under the "Program Requirements" tab.

Ensembles (available to all students on campus)

  • Wind Ensemble*
  • Concert Band
  • Marching Band
  • Concert Choir
  • Cardinal Singers*
  • Jazz Ensemble*
  • Percussion Ensemble
  • Jazz Combo*
  • Guitar Ensemble
  • Pit Orchestra

*Auditioned

Though not all groups are auditioned for entrance, directors may ask to hear you play individually to ensure that you are placed properly in the ensemble.

Additional Advice

If you would like to be a major or minor but cannot read music (or pass the theory assessment) you should take MUS 117D in the Winter (or alternate Spring) semester, then re-audition or take the theory test late in that Winter semester.  Music 117D is Musical Experience: The Piano, which includes learning to read music and some music theory, and at the same time meets a gen. ed. requirement for category 2.

Be A Music Major For A Day

 

If you are interested in becoming a music major at SVSU, please consider coming to campus and visiting a class, sitting in on a rehearsal, observing a private lesson, taking a private lesson, meeting with a music student, and/or visiting with faculty. Please contact Dr. Norman Wika at (989) 964-4389 or nwika@svusu.edu for more information.

Contact Us

music@svsu.edu
(989) 964-4159(989) 964-4159

Department Chair

Norman Wika
nwika@svsu.edu

Office

Arbury Fine Arts Center 226