The performance audition is the primary criterion for admission to the School of Music. All applicants for music degree programs, including music technology and music management, must audition before a panel of faculty members (minimum of 2) to be considered for acceptance.

Purpose of the Audition

All students in the School of Music must participate in music performance as part of their programs. The audition provides an opportunity for the applicant to demonstrate his or her performance ability and achievement and to meet faculty members. The audition is also a way for faculty to ascertain whether the applicant is likely to be successful meeting the requirements for success in the School of Music. Applicants may use the audition time to ask questions about the performance area(s) in which they are interested. An audition generally lasts about 10-20 minutes.

Audition Requirements

Please see the Audition Requirements page.

Scheduling an Audition

At least three audition days are scheduled each year - one in November and two during winter and spring. Indicate your preferred audition day on the School of Music Undergraduate Admission Application. After your application to the School of Music is complete, you will be contacted regarding the scheduling of your audition. Applicants are urged to schedule auditions on the earliest available date in order to ensure full consideration for scholarships.

Applicants living a distance of 300 or more miles from the university may submit a recorded audition . Applicants should follow the repertoire and technique guidelines for their respective performance areas, and the recording should be clearly labeled with a copy of the undergraduate application form as well as a typed program listing the works performed in the order they appear on the recording. Students wishing to submit a recording should consult with a faculty member in their performance area prior to submitting the recording. Submission deadlines are generally the same as the regularly scheduled audition days.

Requests for individual appointments for auditions on days other than regularly scheduled audition days are considered on a case-by-case basis. In general, such requests are considered only in the case of extenuating circumstances that prevent attendance on an audition day. Based on information provided in the application and the applicant's recommendations regarding his/her musical background, faculty may or may not approve an individual audition appointment.

Audition Day Schedules

Audition days provide an opportunity to learn about the School of Music and Georgia State University. The program generally begins at 8:30 a.m. and concludes by 4:30 p.m. In addition to the performance audition, applicants also take a theory placement test, an aural skills placement test, and a piano placement test (for those having piano background who do not have piano as their primary instrument). Additional Audition Day activities include a parents' meeting, visits to classes, Always-on-Friday at noon in Recital Hall, and tours of the School of Music and the university.

Because of the complexities associated with scheduling auditions, applicants will receive their specific audition times during the 8:30 a.m. meeting on Audition Day. In general, times are not provided in advance due to possible last-minute schedule changes.

Theory/Aural Skills and Piano Placement Tests

During Audition Day, all applicants are required to take the theory and aural skills placement tests. Though results of these tests may be considered in admission decisions, they are primarily used to ensure proper placement of incoming students in classes.

Transfer students with previous theory/aural skills courses who are admitted to the School of Music will have a subsequent opportunity to take the "transfer placement test" for possible exemption from courses. Transfer credit is not automatic for prior courses but is dependent on the Georgia State placement test.

The "transfer test" is generally given the week prior to the start of classes for each semester, including summer. As with prior collegiate courses, the School of Music does not automatically award academic credit for the Advanced Placement (AP) test in music theory. Students who have had AP theory in high school may take the "transfer test." If they exempt theory or aural skills courses, the AP classes may then be used toward degree credit.

The piano placement test is elective. Students who have piano background and do not have piano as their principal instrument may wish to take the piano placement test for possible proficiency exemption from piano classes.