Admissions and Auditions

To participate in the University of Missouri - St. Louis Music Department, students must meet the requirements of admissions into the university. University admissions information can be reached at 314-516-5461 or through the applying link to the left.
University of Missouri St. Louis Music Department Auditions

The University of Missouri - St. Louis Department of Music offers three auditions formats:
1. entrance auditions for potential music majors,
2. music ensemble scholarship auditions for music and non-music majors, and
3. ensemble membership auditions.

Entrance Auditions:
To be admitted into the University of Missouri - St. Louis Department of Music, the potential music major is required to audition on their primary music instrument. Audition times can be reserved by calling 314-516-5980.

Voice, Instrumental
For Voice Auditions, please contact Dr. Henry at (314) 516-6607

Voice, Instrumental & String
UMSL Touhill, Performing Arts Center, Lee Theater

Wind and Brass Instrumental Auditions,
please contact Dr. Brandes at (314) 516-2263 (BAND)

Percussion:
Call Matt Henry at (314)516-7970 regarding percussion auditions.
Percussion Entrance Audition Requirements and Options:

1. Rudiments – Demonstrate at least 6 rudiments. Rudiments should be played from open (slow) to closed (fast) and back to open demonstrating control, endurance, and proper sticking.
Required Rudiments:
a. Double stroke roll
b. Multiple bounce roll
c. Flam tap
2. One solo or etude on snare drum (rudimental or concert style) demonstrating technique and musicality.
3. Scales -- major scales and one form of minor scales (natural, harmonic, melodic) two octaves in eighth notes at quarter note = 100
4. One solo or etude on a keyboard percussion instrument (xylophone, vibraphone, or marimba) or timpani demonstrating technique and musicality.
5. Demonstrate basic ostinato patterns on the following small percussion instruments:
a. Claves
b. Maracas
c. Guiro

6. Sight-reading (snare and mallets)
7. Encouraged Additional Options: demonstrate knowledge of other percussion instruments including but not limited to:
a. Drum set
b. Congas
c. Keyboard Improvisation

For Piano, String and Guitar auditions,
please call (314) 516-5980 or any other information.

Entrance Audition Requirements , Vocal:
•The potential music major is requested to . . .
sing two songs, contrasting in nature.
One selection should come from the classical literature sung in English, Italian, German, French and the other a Broadway or Jazz selection
• demonstrate sight singing ability
•participate in a personal interview
•offer letter(s) of recommendation in support the student's musical background and potential

Entrance Audition Requirements, Woodwinds, Brass, Strings, and Keyboard:
The potential music major is requested to. . .

1. perform two contrasting selections of choice. (OR) perform one selection from the Missouri Music Educators Association solo contest list or some approved like list.
2. perform selected major and minor scales and arpeggios.
3. demonstrate sight reading ability, if requested.
4. offer letter(s) of recommendation in support of the student's musical background and potential

Music Ensemble Scholarship Audition:
The results of this audition are used to determine the amount of a student's ensemble scholarship. For music majors, the results of the entrance audition are used to determine scholarships. For non-music majors the requirements of the music ensemble scholarship audition are somewhat less formal.

Ensemble Scholarship Audition:
The student is requested to. . .
1. perform a selection of choice that demonstrates the student's performance level on their chosen instrument.
2. demonstrate level of sight reading
3. offer any letter(s) of recommendation in support of the student's musical background and potential.
4. participate in a personal interview.

Ensemble Membership Audition:
The results of this audition are used to determine the student's placement within an auditioned music ensemble. The results of either the entrance audition or the ensemble scholarship audition can be used for ensemble membership placement. For non-music majors not requesting an entrance audition or a scholarship audition, the ensemble membership audition is less stringent.

Ensemble Membership Audition, Vocal:
The student is requested to . . .
1. sing a selection of choice
OR sing My Country Tis of Thee
OR vocalize from low to high.
2. demonstrate the level of music reading ability.
3. demonstrate level of tonal memory.
4. participate in a personal interview.

Ensemble Membership Audition, Jazz:
The student is requested to . . .
1. scales -- play all major, dominant, dorian, and locrian scales two octaves in eighth notes at quarter note = 100.
2. perform two jazz standards of contrasting tempo (ballad and up tempo) and styles (swing, latin, etc…) for jazz combo and one jazz standard for the jazz ensemble.
3. sight-reading will be required based upon jazz ensemble and/or combo literature (w/ style interpretation).
4. improvisation (required for combo and solo chairs in jazz ensemble).
5. play a jazz blues progression on piano (combo audition only).