AUDITION POLICY

To audition for admission to the Shorter University BME-instrumental program, you must first be accepted to the university. Follow admission requirements detailed by the admissions department.  After you are accepted to the university, you may audition for admission and scholarship for the BME-instrumental program. The audition consists of the following components:

   A.  Performance audition

            1.  three chromatically adjacent 2-octave major scales (for instance, Eb, E, and F)
            2.  an etude that displays technical ability
            3.  an etude that displays lyrical, expressive playing

    B.  Music theory placement test. This pen-and-paper test covers basic terminology, naming notes of the piano keyboard, naming intervals and triads. This exercise is primarily for placement in the theory sequence, so no stress!

    C.  Sight singing/ear training placement test. This 5-minute exercise covers tonal memory, rhythmic reading, and sight singing. Candidates are not graded on vocal quality and, like the theory test, this is a placement exam, so no stress here either!

We also check your high school grade point average and SAT or ACT scores for indications of your academic ability. Decisions regarding admission and scholarship are based on academic potential, ability on your primary instrument, and needs of the department.

We also offer scholarships for marching band participation for non-music majors. For more information on marching band scholarships or on BME auditions, contact Dr. Sam Baltzer, Director of Instrumental Activities at Shorter University at sbaltzer@shorter.edu.