Classical Voice and Opera Studies Audition

Auditioning is all too often the most difficult aspect of pursuing a career as a professional singer and actor. As a prospective student, try to think of your audition as a unique opportunity for you to introduce yourself to people who are your advocates and who very much want you to be good at what you do. This "mind set" will serve you well in any audition situation.

Always remember to take your time and to breathe.

Your task is to share your talents ─ not to impress the auditors!

Professor Brian Gill with audition advice.

Procedures and Requirements

How do I audition for the program?

All prospective students – except those attending the November Open House auditions – must first submit an application for admission to the Steinhardt School at New York University. You can find information on the application process through the appropriate admissions office.

Office of Undergraduate Admissions

(212) 998-4500

http://admissions.nyu.edu/

Office of Graduate Admissions

(212) 998-5030

http://steinhardt.nyu.edu/graduate_admissions/

Send Recorded Materials: Undergraduate applicants are required to submit a recording - audio cassette, CD, VHS, or DVD - of two contrasting songs. (Graduate applicants are not required to send a recording.)

Fill out the information sheet for Vocal Performance submission of recorded materials, which you may download here. Include this sheet with your submission. Mail materials to:

William Wesbrooks, Director
Program in Vocal Performance
The Steinhardt School
35 West 4th Street, Suite 777
New York, NY 10012

All materials must be postmarked by the dates listed below. Materials submitted after these dates may not be accepted.

Early Decision: November 1
Regular Decision: January 1 (Updated Deadline)
Transfer Applicants: April 1

You will receive an e-mail notification that your materials have been received. After those materials have been reviewed you will be contacted if additional information is required. At that point you will be asked to schedule an in-person audition for which you must prepare materials according to the guidelines below. If you cannot travel to New York you will have the option of recording your audition and submitting it on either DVD or VHS videocassette.

Please note that recorded materials cannot be returned.

What do I prepare for my Undergraduate Audition?

Three (3) Songs: At least one of your songs must be in English and one must be in a foreign language – Italian, German, or French. Your songs must be sung from memory, and each selection should be no longer than four minutes.

Sight-Reading: Testing your ability to sight-sing music helps us determine your basic musicianship skills. You will be provided with a piece of music and will be expected to sing the melodic line. Sight-singing is a skill that singers develop through a process of ear-training. You can, and should, practice this before your audition. Music theory, music history, and keyboard performance are essential elements in any music curriculum. Study and preparation in these areas will also be a great advantage to you.

What do I prepare for my Undergraduate Transfer Audition?

Four (4) Songs: One of your four songs must be in English and each of the others in a differing foreign language – Italian, German, or French. Your songs must be sung from memory, and each selection should be no longer than four minutes.

Note: If you are accepted as a transfer student there are two factors that determine how long it will take you to complete your degree at NYU. These factors are 1) the number of completed credits that NYU will accept and apply to your curriculum requirements and 2) the number of semesters of private voice the faculty adjudicators decide you must take in order to complete your NYU degree. Completed semesters of private voice at another institution will not necessarily count toward your degree requirements at NYU. Be aware that while the voice study requirement can be provided to you immediately upon your acceptance, it often takes longer for the University and the Program to process and apply your transfer credits.

What do I prepare for my Graduate Audition?

Four (4) Songs: You must prepare four songs in different styles that you are able to sing from memory. Each song must be in a different language – English, Italian, German, and French. Of the four songs only one operatic aria and one oratorio aria will be permitted. One of your songs must have been written within the past fifty years.

Sight-Reading: Testing your ability to sight-sing helps us determine your basic musicianship skills. You will be provided with a piece of music and will be expected to sing the melodic line. Sight-singing is a skill that singers develop through a process of ear-training. You can, and should, practice this before your audition. Music theory, music history, and keyboard performance are essential elements in any music curriculum. Any study and preparation in these areas will also be a great advantage to you.

What do I bring to my audition?

Picture and Résumé – a recent photograph along with a résumé of your educational and performing experience.

Repertoire List – a list of the songs that you have learned in the course of your voice studies.

Audition Music for the Accompanist – legible copies in the key in which you will sing with all cuts clearly marked. No “charts” or lead sheets.

Recital Program (Graduate Applicants Only) – a copy of the program from your undergraduate voice recital (or equivalent solo recital).

What do I wear to my audition?

Professional performers are often expected to dress with a sense of “the occasion” and an audition is a crucial part of both your education and the professional career you are beginning to pursue. Wear clothing that makes you comfortable, but make certain that you look your best and are dressed in a manner that shows you take both yourself and the audition seriously.

What should I expect at my audition?

An accompanist: We will provide a pianist who will play the music you bring. Copies of your songs must be provided in a legible form and in the key in which you will sing them with all cuts clearly marked. We will not accept charts or lead sheets.

Note: You must audition with the accompanist, or you may bring your own accompanist if you choose. Singing a cappella or performing to pre-recorded music is not allowed!!

Questions: The auditors may decide to ask you questions about your training, your experience, and your goals. This is done in an attempt to get to know you a bit better.

Coaching & Direction: Once you have performed your selections various members of the panel may ask you to make some adjustments or to repeat part of your song. This is done in order to determine how readily and receptively you work with instruction and direction.

Department of Music and Performing Arts Professions - 35 W. 4th Street, Suite 777 - New York, NY 10012 - (212) 998-5424