Camille playing trombone

Camille Stevens '22 playing trombone

All applicants to the B.A. in Music or the B.S. in Music Education (except concentrators in Music Technology and Business -- see below) must pass an Entrance Audition to be accepted as a music major at UVM.

 

Step 1 - Apply to the University

Visit the UVM Admissions page for more information.

Current UVM students may audition at the beginning or end of each semester. Please contact us for more information.

Step 2A - Audition live on campus

Aerial view of the UVM campus

Live auditions are preferred, and are strongly recommended for students wishing to be considered for program scholarships. Prospective students should schedule an in-person entrance audition on one of our on-campus audition dates (see box at the top right of this page.) If you cannot make any of the scheduled audition dates, please contact us to discuss alternate date possibilities.

Submit an Audition Request. Additional documents such as music resumes, lists of representative repertoire, or letters of recommendation from your music teacher should be e-mailed to music@uvm.edu.

Students should be prepared to perform at least two classical or jazz solo pieces, etudes, sonatas, jazz standards, or other technical exercises that demonstrate their level of technical ability and musicality (see Entrance Audition requirements by instrument).

Auditions usually take place in 15-minute timeslots between 10:00 AM and noon. We will send you a confirmation of your request once it has been received. About a week before your audition, we will send you an email with your final timeslot. Plan to arrive, warm up, and get settled 30 to 45 minutes before your assigned audition time.

You will perform your audition for a small panel of our full-time faculty. After you play, the faculty will chat with you and you'll have a chance to ask them any questions you have about the music program. When you're finished with your audition, you may join our music student volunteers for a tour of the music facilities or take a campus tour through the Admissions office. We will send audition results to you and to the UVM Admissions Office on the Monday after your audition. Please see our FAQ for more information on auditions.

Step 2B - Send a pre-recorded audition

 student playing guitar

Prospective students may submit a video or audio recording of their Entrance Audition. Here's how:

  • Prepare the video or audio recording using the specific Entrance Audition requirements for your instrument/voice.
    • Your audition pieces must be played on the instrument which you intend to be your primary instrument in your music studies.
    • You may submit pieces recorded separately, or all in one audio/video file.
    • Please use MP3, MP4 or AAC for audio; or MOV, MP4, or MPG for video.
    • Original compositions and digitally produced pieces are not acceptable for this audition.
  • Submit an Audition Application Form with links to your recordings.

Deadlines for sending recordings:

  • November 1: Early Action, Early Decision and Spring applicants
  • February 1: Regular Decision applicants
  • May 1: Transfer applicants for Fall semester

Music Technology & Business majors

 headphones

Unlike other concentrations in the B.A. Music, students in Music Technology and Business are not required to take the Entrance Audition as a prerequisite, but must pass the audition as part of their requirements for completing the degree. Students are encouraged to take this audition as soon as they and their teachers think they are prepared, but in any event must pass this audition before undertaking their Senior Project or Internship. 

If you declare the major in Technology/Business, and decide to transfer to another concentration such as Jazz Studies or Theory/Composition, you must pass the Entrance Audition before declaring that change in concentration.

You must choose a primary instrument and repertoire from the classical or jazz genre -- consult the repertoire requirements. Original compositions and digitally produced pieces are not acceptable for this audition.

Your faculty advisor and private lesson instructor can answer any questions you have about preparing for the audition. You may also contact the music office at any time.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where will auditions take place?
Auditions are held at the Music Building, 384 South Prospect St. in Burlington. Check in with us in the Music Building Recital Hall lobby when you arrive. Parking is free on weekends.

If you plan to stay overnight in Burlington, see this list of recommended hotels close to campus, and note the ones which offer discounted rates to prospective students and families.

What if I cannot make any of the scheduled audition dates?
Please email us at music@uvm.edu and we will do our best to find an audition date that works for you and our faculty.

Can I still be considered for a scholarship if I don't do an on-campus audition?
We strongly encourage an on-campus audition so that you can tour the facility and the rest of campus, and speak with faculty and students about our program. However, we know that distance and weather sometimes make a live audition impossible. In these cases, we will consider outstanding audio/video auditions for scholarships.

I will need accompaniment during my live audition - how does that work?
Students performing classical or musical theatre repertoire:
We will provide a faculty accompanist for vocalists on designated On-Campus Audition Days.
Instrumentalists (and vocalists performing on dates other than Audition Days) may bring their own accompanist, hire a local accompanist, or play unaccompanied.
Students performing jazz repertoire:
We provide a faculty accompanist on our designated on-campus Entrance Audition Days. E-mail PDFs of your music/charts to music@uvm.edu. You may also use a recorded accompaniment track on your device. Notify us in advance if you will be using one.

Are there more in-depth visit options during my time in Burlington?
In addition to the tours offered by our students on Audition Days, and the meeting you will have with our faculty, we are happy to facilitate additional activities.

If you are in town on a weekday, you may wish to sit in on a class, ensemble rehearsal, or concert.

Some of our faculty offer trial lessons; please contact them and inquire about their policies.

You can schedule a campus tour through Admissions.

How do I audition if I am already a UVM student?
Current UVM students may schedule an Entrance Audition at the beginning or end of the semester. Please email music@uvm.edu for more information or visit the office.

Is an audition required for music minors?
No, music minors are NOT required to audition. Learn more about the music minor.

What does "primary instrument" mean?
While music majors are encouraged to study and play multiple instruments at UVM, you must choose one primary instrument. This will be the one on which you do your Entrance Audition, end-of-semester playing exams, annual performances, and Senior Recital.

What should I wear?
Dress for an interview. Business casual (no sneakers or jeans) or all black concert attire.

What if I don't pass the audition?
If you don't pass the Entrance Audition, you will not be able to declare the music major at this time, but you may attempt the audition multiple times! Students who do not pass the audition on their first attempt will often take applied lessons with our faculty for one or two semesters to prepare for their next audition attempt.

Prospective students who do not pass the Entrance Audition may still be admitted to UVM in another major, or undeclared, and may retake the audition during their first or second year at UVM.

I have waived the right to view my teacher's letter of recommendation, or I submitted it as part of my Common App. Do I need to submit it again?
No; we can retrieve the letter from Admissions. Teachers may also email letters of recommendation directly to music@uvm.edu.

Can I double major with music?
Yes! Many of our students choose to double major. The B.A. in Music offers flexibility to accommodate another field of study.

Prospective UVM applicants are admitted under a single major, or undeclared. Which major to indicate on your UVM application is up to you. In any case, you must pass the Entrance Audition before you can declare the music major.

UVM students in CAS can declare a double major in music after passing the Entrance Audition – usually after completing their first semester. UVM students in other colleges should apply for the music major using the change of college form. Discuss with your college advisor if you have questions.

If you have any other questions, please contact us: music@uvm.edu or (802) 656-2295.

The music program is located in Southwick Hall

Schedule your audition

On-campus live audition dates for Fall 2023 applicants:

  • Saturday, October 21, 2023 (Early Action/Early Decision)
  • Saturday, January 20, 2024 (Regular Decision)
  • Saturday, Saturday, February 3, 2024 (Regular Decision)
  • Transfer applicant auditions are accepted on a rolling basis.

Deadlines to send recorded audition materials:

  • November 1: Early Action, Early Decision and Spring Applicants
  • February 1: Regular applicants
  • May 1: Transfer applicants for Fall semester