Audition and Application
All students wishing to declare a major in Music Performance, Music Merchandising, Music Education, Music Theory/Composition, Jazz and Commercial Music, or Music History/Literature must audition for acceptance into these programs. The following steps should be taken as soon as possible:
1. Request an Audition Packet:
Click the link below and fill out the form to request an audition packet or, if you prefer, you may call the music office at (516) 463-5490.
2. Apply to Hofstra University:
You must complete a formal application to Hofstra University before you may audition. You can apply online now.
3. Schedule an Audition:
Department-wide unified auditions will be held Saturday, January 26 and Saturday, February 9, 2008. When you receive your audition packet, you will find an audition scheduling form among its contents. On this form will be a Web address; you will be able to request an audition date by going to the Web address listed on the form. This will ensure that you have an audition time on the appropriate day. Specific audition requirements are as follows:
- Percussionists should go here for specific audition requirements.
- Pianists should go here for specific audition requirements.
- Jazz Students should be prepared to play jazz scales and modes, as well as a blues for improvisation and two jazz standards of their choice, along with a prepared etude or solo transcription. The auditionee's sight reading ability will also be tested.
- Other Instrumentalists should prepare diatonic and chromatic scales, as well as two solos in contrasting styles displaying their technical and interpretative proficiency. The auditionee's sight reading ability will also be tested.
- Singers should prepare two songs in contrasting, traditional styles. A song from a Broadway show may be included as a third selection. The auditionee's sight reading ability will also be tested. An accompanist will be provided for voice auditions.
All students will also take an entrance examination in ear training, rudiments, and elementary theory on the morning of their audition. Individual auditions will then take place upon completion of the entrance examination. The placement exam is used to allow us to place students in courses appropriate to their level of preparedness; it is not used as a factor in acceptance to the Department of Music.
Scholarship Information:
The Department of Music at Hofstra University provides a number of Grants-in-Aid ranging in value from $5,000 to $20,000 over a maximum of five (5) years to undergraduates who demonstrate exceptional musical ability. While there are no restrictions as to the performance media, priority will be given to performers most needed by departmental organizations. All prospective students wishing to compete for a Grant-in-Aid must be sure to audition before February 28.
Important Dates:
Unified Audition Dates:
Saturday, January 26, 2008
Saturday, February 9, 2008
Saturday, January 26, 2008
Saturday, February 9, 2008
Decision letters mailed:
Early April, 2008
Early April, 2008
National Tuition Deposit Deadline:
May 1, 2008
May 1, 2008