Should I try to get a music scholarship?
The music department has many positions to fill in its major ensembles. If you have musical ability, please apply. Many students pass the opportunity and miss out on financial aid despite being very qualified. This year, 94 students receive music scholarships averaging over $3,300 per scholarship. The maximum is $5000. Many students audition in more than one area to earn a larger scholarship package.
What commitment am I making by accepting a scholarship?
You are committing to full participation in the ensemble(s) for which you are scholarshipped. In some cases, this includes a requirement for taking applied lessons (private study) until the 100 level is passed. Often, the applied study is included in the scholarship package.
I don't want to major in music, do I have a chance for a scholarship?
The vast majority of our scholarships go to non-majors. Non-majors are eligible to the same degree as music majors. The music scholarship is in place to fill ensembles with quality musicians - they can come out of any degree program.
Are music scholarships renewable each year?
Yes. As long as you fulfill your contracted responsibilities, your scholarship will renew annually.
What are you looking for in my audition?
Professor Held recently wrote about this - read it on his blog.
The scholarship priority deadline is February 14, 2009
Audition Day: Sat. Feb. 14 (alternate dates are available on an individual basis if this date is inconvenient)
2. Secure 2 letters of recommendation (please get at least one from a music teacher) and mail those to the music office or have them emailed to jeff.held@cui.edu.
4. Audition.
Choir - Prepare 2-3 solo selections that demonstrate your vocal ability. These solos may be of any style (classical, musical theatre, pop, contemporary Christian), but if you have studied classical art song literature please include at least one of these. The audition will also consist of some sightreading exercises and conclude with a brief interview.
Instrument - Prepare a 4 minute solo (preferably accompanied) or a concert etude (unaccompanied). Wind, Percussion, and String Bass students will be required to prepare excerpts as well. These will be available in the music lobby on the day of your audition. Come early enough to prepare the excerpts during your warm up.
Worship Bands - Prepare a song that demonstrates your instrumental ability. This can be a favorite worship song or a special performance piece that you know well. You are welcome to accompany yourself singing or just play as an instrumentalist. The audition will also include reading one or two other music selections that demonstrate your chord knowledge and/or note reading skills. Lead guitarists will be asked to improvise over changes, and note-readers will be asked to sight-read a short exerpt. Please bring your own electric bass or guitar (we will provide the amplifier). A piano, keyboard or drum kit will also be provided if needed.
If you cannot audition in person...
We prefer that you come to campus - in person auditions always seem to leave the best impression. However, if you cannot visit campus before the audition deadline, please record your audition according to the guidelines above and send a video (preferred) or audio recording. Or, if you prefer, send us a link to a file of your recording for viewing/listening over the internet.
