Audition Information
All prospective music majors must audition to be considered for entrance into the bachelor of arts in music degree program. An in-person audition is strongly recommended, and will be recorded by the music and dance department. Any alternative audition arrangement will be the exception, and must first be approved by the music and dance department chairperson. The alternative audition will require a DVD of solo music performance and an application letter that details the applicant’s music background and experience: this will be followed up by a telephone interview with a music and dance department faculty member.
The requirements of the audition are as follows:
- The applicant will perform two musical selections of contrasting style that display technical proficiency and musicality.
- The applicant will be asked to perform scales and sight-read.
- The applicant will be required to complete a music theory placement exam.
- A brief personal interview will be conducted.
All applicants will receive written notification of their rating. A successful audition will demonstrate the applicant’s capacity for college music study. A successful audition does not guarantee admission to Salem State University: the University’s admission requirements must be satisfied.
Music applicants will be rated as approved, provisional, or not approved. Pending successful admission to the university, approved applicants are eligible to become music majors. Those who are deemed provisional are eligible to become music majors and will be required to complete a successful second audition during the second semester of study. Applicants who are not approved may take applied lessons at their own expense and may take a second audition in the next semester if they so choose.
Applicants to the program may audition up to two times. Applicants who are not approved by an initial audition may take a second audition in the next semester. A final decision on acceptance is made at that second audition. This entire audition process will apply to all new students, external transfers, and internal transfers.
At the beginning of each academic year, the music and dance department will announce and publicize the schedule of audition dates. Some circumstances may require external transfer students to make special arrangements for an audition date and time, which will be scheduled with the music and dance department chairperson on a case-by-case basis.
Applicants are encouraged to reserve an audition time at least two weeks before their desired audition date. Please call the music and dance office at 978.542.6503 or send an email to schedule an audition appointment.
Upcoming Audition Dates
Music applicants are required to audition. Applications will not be considered complete until all required credentials are submitted. Music auditions are being held in person on the dates below; please contact Professor Mary-Jo Grenfell for more information.
Audition Dates for 2023-2024
- Saturday, November 18, 2023
- Saturday, February 3, 2024
- Saturday, February 24, 2024
- Saturday, April 20, 2024
- Saturday, August 24, 2024