2 Application and Audition Policies

2. Application and Audition Policies

2.1 Preparation for the Music Major

Admission into any music degree is not automatic. Students who intend to major in music typically have considerable performance experience in:

  • Instrumental and/or vocal ensembles
  • Solo performance contexts

Entering students are expected to:

  • Understand music notation
  • Read music with some fluency
  • Demonstrate accomplishment in basic musicianship and performance

Admission is based on:

  • Familiarity with notation
  • Demonstrated performance ability and potential
  • Work ethic

Students may be required to complete prerequisite coursework prior to or after formal admission into a degree program.

2.2 Entrance Audition Requirements

Overview:
Instrumental students must audition for acceptance into the Challey School of Music prior to their first semester of enrollment as a music major.

Application Procedure:

  1. Apply for admission to NDSU
  2. Schedule a visit with Challey School of Music faculty
  3. Audition for admission into the Challey School of Music

Auditions should occur before the start of your first semester as a music major. To schedule an audition, contact:

  • ==Dr. Mike Weber at m.weber@ndsu.edu==, or
  • The applied instructor for your instrument

2.3 Instrumental Entrance and Scholarship Audition Requirements

Specific repertoire guidelines are listed on the NDSU Challey School of Music website:
🔗 https://www.ndsu.edu/performingarts/music/prospective-students/

General Notes:

  • Prepare each piece in its entirety unless otherwise specified
  • The audition panel will typically hear only 2–5 minutes of music
  • Piano accompaniment is not required
  • You are responsible for your own pianist and sheet music if needed
  • Auditions completed before March 1 will be considered for scholarship eligibility

Initial Audition Outcomes:

  • Acceptance into the general music degree and pre-professional tracks
  • Additional audition required later to enter the Music Education or Performance tracks

Audition Requirements: Performance Track

After the first year of music study (two semesters), students seeking to pursue the Performance Track must complete a specialized audition.

Note: Because of extensive screening, students should sign up for two jury slots.

Requirements:

  • Scales: All major and minor scales (single form), arpeggios, and any additional requirements from the studio syllabus; from memory
  • Rudiments (Percussion): Snare drum rudiments and two-octave keyboard scales
  • Repertoire: One or two major works with accompaniment (if applicable). If the work is multi-movement, one long or two short movements may be performed.

Successful auditionees may enroll in:

  • *68 lessons (primary applied lessons)
  • *73 supplemental lessons, allowing for hour-long instruction

Audition Requirements: Music Education Track

Students are considered pre-education until they complete:

  • The Sophomore Screening Jury
  • Formal acceptance into the School of Education

(See Section on Jury Expectations for further details.)

2.4 Scholarship Obligations

Many Challey School of Music students receive scholarship-based financial assistance in recognition of:

  • Musical talent
  • Academic and artistic commitment
  • Service to the School of Music

Scholarship Disbursement:

  • Funds are distributed in two equal installments at the start of the fall and spring semesters
  • Scholarships are automatically applied toward tuition

Academic Requirements:

  • 2.5 minimum cumulative GPA
  • 3.0 minimum music course GPA
  • Continued academic progress and ensemble participation
  • Active membership in the applied studio

Scholarship awards are reviewed each semester by:

  • Your advisor
  • The music faculty

Adjustments to award amounts may occur based on:

  • Academic achievement
  • Musical development
  • Commitment to the program
  • Participation in required/recommended activities

Note: Scholarship recipients are considered leaders in the Challey School of Music community.

2.4.1 Returning Student Scholarships

Returning students must reapply for scholarships each spring:

  • Applications typically due late February
  • Special audition-based awards (if applicable) are held by mid-March

🔗 Application link: https://www.ndsu.edu/onestop/finaid/scholarships/

The Theodore Presser Award requires a separate application and is available to music majors who have achieved senior standing.