Auditions for all Music Degree programs, including Music Minors

The UMSL Department of Music strives to create a nurturing learning environment while constantly assessing the needs of its students, the community, and the music profession. A Music Degree from the University of Missouri-St Louis means being part of a family of talented students and faculty. A successful audition is required for enrollment in all Music Degree programs (including Music Minors). Audition requirements for each instrument are listed below.  The following steps outline the University Admissions and Audition process:
  1. Complete your free application to the University of Missouri-St. Louis
Our 2026 Audition Days have passed, but we are still accepting applications for Fall 2026.  To arrange an audition, please contact our Auditions Coordinator, Prof. Corinne Stillwell (cstillwell@umsl.edu).
2027 Audition Days
Scholarships are available for Music Majors and Music Minors.  Priority consideration will be given to applicants who:
Please contact our Auditions Coordinator, Prof. Corinne Stillwell (cstillwell@umsl.edu) with any questions.

Percussion Audition Requirements:

  • Prepare an etude or solo on keyboard percussion, snare drum, and timpani.
  • Your audition repertoire is up to you. Choose pieces that you can play well and are comfortable with, rather than those that are pushing your technical limits. Musicality is more important than flashiness.
  • Being a well-rounded musician is the ultimate goal, so don’t worry if some of your selections are lower level than others. Focus on your strengths, but don’t be shy about the instruments on which you would like to improve your skills, or are a work in progress.
  • Memorization is not required.
  • Drum set and world percussion demonstrations are also welcome parts of your audition, but are optional.

All instruments are provided, but feel free to bring smaller instruments you are comfortable with if you like.

 

Piano Audition Requirements:

  • The potential music major is requested to perform two contrasting selections of choice (OR) perform one selection from the MSHSAA (Missouri State High School Association) solo contest list or a similar approved list 
  • perform selected major and minor scales and arpeggios 
  • demonstrate sight reading ability 
  • if requested offer letter(s) of recommendation to support the student’s musical background and potential
  • see below for information regarding Music Education details

Organ and Harpsichord Audition Requirements:

  • The potential music major is requested to perform two contrasting selections of choice
  • perform selected major and minor scales and arpeggios on both manuals and pedal for organ, and manuals only for harpsichord
  • demonstrate sight reading ability
  • if requested, offer letter(s) of recommendation to support the student’s musical background and potential

Note: Piano students seeking entry to the BM: Music Education program will be asked, upon acceptance by the Department of Music, to audition for and enroll in an approved large ensemble compatible with the teaching certification they are pursuing: University Singers [for those seeking vocal/choral certification]; or, Symphonic Band, Wind Ensemble or Orchestra [for those seeking instrumental certification]. This does not impact the other BM or BA in Music degrees.

 

Violin, Viola, Cello, and String Bass Audition Requirements:

Classical Guitar Audition Requirements:

 

 

Vocal Audition Requirements:

  • Prepare 2 songs in contrasting styles. It is preferred but not mandatory that at least one of the selections be an art song in a foreign (i.e. non-English) language. Other options may include an art song in a different language (including English) or in another style such as Broadway, jazz, folk, or gospel.
  • Sing back a few lines of notes we play for you on the piano at the time of the audition.
  • Sight sing 2-4 lines of music that will be given to you at the time of the audition.
  • Participate in a short interview.
  • Email 2 reference letters to Dr. James Henry (henryjam@umsl.edu) and Dr. Bethany Worrell (worrellb@umsl.edu) 

The audition will determine acceptance into the program and into our University Singers ensemble as well as Scholarship consideration.

 

Woodwinds & Brass Audition Requirements:

  • The potential music major is requested to perform two contrasting selections of choice (OR) perform one selection from the MSHSAA (Missouri State High School Association) solo contest list or a similar approved list 
  • perform selected major and minor scales and arpeggios as requested
  • demonstrate sight reading ability
  • if requested, offer letter(s) of recommendation to support the student’s musical background and potential