Audition Requirements
Those planning to enroll in any degree program (major, interdisciplinary major or minor) in music, theatre, or dance are required to arrange for an audition/interview. Prospective majors are asked both to apply to Undergraduate Admissions and to sign up for an audition by clicking on this link:
Online Audition
Please Note: Due to COVID-19, we are unable to offer live auditions/interviews at this time. Instead we are asking you to submit links to your video recorded auditions to psu-mtd@plymouth.edu no later than July 31, 2020. You will still need to sign up for the audition as noted above.
Please review the information of how to proceed with your video submissions here. For specific requirements regarding your degree option and/or performing medium, please see below.
If you have any questions regarding your music audition, please contact:
Dr. Jonathan Santore
Discipline Coordinator for Music
(603) 535-2232
jsantore@plymouth.edu
Talent Grants
All incoming first-year students in Music, Theatre and Dance will be considered for a limited number of Talent Grants to qualified first-year students in the performing arts. These awards, ranging in amounts up to $4500, are divided in two and credited toward fall and spring semesters, and are renewable annually. Please note that the earlier you audition for the department, the more competitive you will be for one of these grants.
BA, Music ALL OPTIONS Audition Requirements:
Contract Option
Please see the requirements for your specific performing medium listed below.
Music Technology Option
Please see the requirements for your specific performing medium listed below; in addition to those stated requirements, auditioners in Music Technology must also interview with:
Richard Pfenninger
Silver Center Rm 328
(603) 535-2311
rikp@plymouth.edu
BS, Music Education Audition Requirements:
Please see the requirements for your specific performing medium listed below.
Vocalists
• Two solos of contrasting styles, memorized (total of five minutes or less)
• Brief test of basic music theory
Note: Vocal auditioners must submit their accompaniments to Dr. Adam Mayon two weeks before scheduled auditions through email at: apmayon@plymouth.edu
or by mail to the following address:
Plymouth State University
Attn: Adam Mayon
17 High St., MSC 37
Plymouth, NH 03264.
Pianists
• Two solos of contrasting styles, memorized (total of 10 minutes or less)
• Scales and sight-reading
• Brief test of basic music theory
Guitarists
Classical
• Performance of a required composition (PSU-Required-Guitar-Audition)
• Performance of one other solo
• Major and natural minor scales, 1–2 octaves
• Single note sight-reading
• Brief test of basic music theory
Jazz
• Performance of a required composition (PSU-Required-Jazz-Guitar-Audition)
• Prepared jazz standard: melody and chords
• Major and natural minor scales, 1–2 octaves
• Major scale mode
• Chord symbol sight-reading
• Improvisation over a Bb blues
• Brief test of basic music theory
Bass guitarists
• Prepared jazz standard: melody and bass line
• Major and natural minor scales, 1–2 octaves
• Major scale mode
• Chord symbol sight-reading
• Improvisation over a Bb blues
• Brief test of basic music theory
Percussionists
• Prepared solos in two of the following three areas: timpani, mallets, and snare drum/set
• Rudiments and sight-reading
• Brief test of basic music theory
Saxophonists
Classical
• Two solos of contrasting styles (total of five minutes or less)
• All major scales and sight-reading
• Brief test of basic music theory
Jazz
• Prepared improv of a jazz standard, memorized (provide your own play-along CD)
• Prepared jazz etude
• Major and modal scales, 1–2 octaves, and sight-reading
• Brief test of basic music theory
• Two solos of contrasting styles (total of five minutes or less)
• Scales and sight-reading
Other Instrumentalists
• Two solos of contrasting styles (total of five minutes or less
• Scales and sight-reading
• Brief test of basic music theory
