School of Music

Audition Information

If you're planning to major or minor in music, you'll be required to audition for participation in most ensembles and for consideration for music scholarships. You must have completed an audition and been accepted into the music program before you can register as a music major or minor.

To learn about upcoming audition dates or to schedule an audition, contact the School of Music at 303-963-3135. Please return the music audition form to the Music Office in advance of your audition. If you are not able to come to campus, a videotaped audition may be submitted. Please call the School of Music for details.

Music Ensemble Participation Scholarships are available to non-music majors for the following ensembles: University Choir, University Women's Choir, University Wind Ensemble, University Men's Ensemble, String Quartet, CCU Drumline, and University Handbell Ensemble. You must audition by August 15th to be considered. Please contact music@ccu.edu if you are interested.

General Guidelines for Music Auditions

  1. CCU has a unique program in music, integrating varied aspects of classical, jazz, folk, popular, contemporary Christian, and world music. All students who sing or play a musical instrument are encouraged to audition for any ensemble.
  2. Auditions are required for acceptance as a music major or minor, for participation in any ensemble, and for scholarship consideration. Prospective music students should contact the School of Music at 303-963-3135 to schedule an audition.
  3. Students must complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and be accepted by CCU in order to be eligible for any institutional financial aid, including music scholarships.
  4. Students should download and completed a Music Audition Form (PDF) prior to the scheduled audition date. A list of studied repertoire and at least one recommendation from the private teacher of record or the high school music teacher should be submitted at the time of the audition.
  5. Students who plan on pursuing a major or minor in music should prepare a minimum of two selections in varied styles (e.g. two classical pieces of contrasting styles, one classical and one popular selection, or one classical and one jazz, etc.). It is strongly recommended that pianists have at least one of their selections memorized. It is required that vocalists have both of their pieces memorized. Non-music majors auditioning for ensemble scholarships may substitute music from their current choir, band, or orchestra.
  6. Students will be requested to demonstrate technical skills including sight-singing and vocalizing for vocalists, sight reading and scales for instrumentalists, sight reading, scales/arpeggios/chords/cadences, and reading chord charts for pianists, and keyboard skills as appropriate.
  7. For a live audition, please provide your own accompanist and/or tape.
  8. If a student is not able to audition in person, he or she may submit a high-quality videotape or DVD. See specific guidelines for vocal, instrumental and piano auditions.
  9. To be considered for a Music Scholarship award, all live auditions must be completed by March 1st, and all videotape submissions must be received by March 1st of the current academic year.

See the additional guidelines below for: