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At Wheaton, we understand that each prospective student has unique circumstances, and we’re committed to providing flexible options for auditioning to accommodate your needs. In addition to this page addressing some of the more common audition-related questions, the Music Recruitment Manager is available and able to assist you as you prepare to showcase your musical talents.
Wheaton offers three Audition Days for Conservatory applicants yearly. These events include auditions, interviews, parent sessions, campus & music facility tours, lunch with current music students, a Q&A panel, and complimentary admission to a concert. The dates for the upcoming audition days are:
Applicants who apply for Early Action I, or cannot come to a scheduled Audition Day, can request an alternate, individual audition. Our ability to accommodate requests is based on faculty and facility availability. Please only make final travel plans once the request is approved and confirmed. In-person auditions can be requested through the Conservatory Audition Form within your Application Portal (Conservatory tab).
While in-person auditions are strongly recommended and applicants who cannot complete an in-person audition may submit a recorded audition.
Applicants should submit a video recording of the best possible sound quality, presenting themselves as professionally as possible. We understand some students may have difficulty procuring instruments or recording equipment, and we are committed to equitable review.
Create individual videos of all audition pieces, scales, and arpeggios if required, and upload them to YouTube, Vimeo, or a similar video-hosting service, creating a playlist with a single link. Send the link using the Conservatory Audition Form under the Conservatory tab in your Application Portal.
Some faculty prefer to schedule a virtual follow-up meeting. You may be asked to sight-read and/or further demonstrate technique. If this is required, the Music Recruitment Manager will facilitate this meeting.
Audition Instructions by Instrument can be found here.
Applicants should dress professionally.
Memorization is required for all vocal and piano auditions and recommended for all other instruments.
Instrumental auditions are generally unaccompanied. For in-person voice auditions, Wheaton will provide an expert accompanist.
For vocalists, recording your audition with a pianist is ideal. However, voice auditions with recorded or no accompaniment are accepted.
Fundamental knowledge of notes, key & time signatures is required for any BA Music, BM or BME student prior to beginning Wheaton's Music Theory and Aural Skills class sequence. Please use this study guide to ensure you are prepared.
If you have taken AP Music Theory and received a 4 or 5 on the test; or if you have taken college-level Music Theory, you qualify to try to test into a higher level of Music Theory. Testing is offered in August on campus. Enrolled students may contact music@wheaton.edu prior to August 10 to explain their qualifications and request this test.
Yes. Please email us at music@wheaton.edu with your full name, high school graduation date, primary instrument, and email and/or cell phone, and we will connect you with a currently enrolled Conservatory student.
Following submission of a recorded audition, applicants may have an interview with one or more Conservatory faculty to further evaluate applicants for admission, and allow time to get to know faculty and learn more about Wheaton. The interview may include sight-reading/singing, and further demonstration of technique may also be requested.
Applicants should bring their instruments or plan to set up where they can perform. Interviews will last between ten and twenty minutes and will allow time for the applicant to ask questions.
Do you have other questions or need clarification on a finer point in the application process? Want to talk with someone? We'd love to hear from you.