Small classes. Big ideas.

A life-changing experience.

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On-Campus Audition Dates

    • Saturday, February 15, 2025
    • Saturday, March 1, 2025

In addition to the official audition dates listed above, in-person auditions are available by appointment. Please note that auditions are subject to faculty availability. Audition day itineraries are sent at least one week before an audition. Please contact musicadmission@depauw.edu with any scheduling questions.


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Virtual Audition Recordings

Students may submit an audition recording if an on-campus audition is not feasible. Recordings should contain all audition requirements and not exceed 20 minutes.

All audition recordings and on-campus auditions are due by April 1, 2025, for admission and scholarship consideration.


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Music Scholarships and Awards

â¹û77¸£Àû grants music scholarships and lesson fee waivers to auditionees who demonstrate exceptional talent during an audition for music faculty. Music scholarships vary in amount, may be combined with University Merit Awards, and are limited to tuition expenses only.

Audition Information and Required Repertoire

In-person auditions will last approximately 20 minutes and will include your prepared performance, sight reading and a brief conversation with the audition committee.

Virtual auditions should meet all audition and repertoire requirements, but will not require sight reading and scale performance. Students auditioning virtually may be asked to have a virtual meeting with the applied faculty of their instrument.

At least two contrasting works from the standard repertoire, including movements of sonatas, concerti and other solo pieces. You will be asked to sight-read and demonstrate proficiency in both scales and arpeggios.

Two contrasting pieces from the standard repertoire, plus one orchestral excerpt.

  1. Select one solo piece or etude from each of the following categories
    • Snare drum: solo snare drum or etude from Peters, Cirone, Delecluse that demonstrates buzz rolls, flams, and different articulation strokes;Ìý
    • Marimba xylophone or vibraphone: solo piece or etude that demonstrates two and four-mallet technique;
    • Timpani: solo piece or etude that demonstrates fundamental strokes tuning ability;
    • Optional: piece that demonstrates skills on drum set or multiple percussion.
  2. Sight-reading on snare drum and marimba
  3. Two Octave Major Scales (quarter note = 80 bpm) with Arpeggio from memory

Students auditioning for theÌýBachelor of Musical ArtsÌý(B.M.A.)

Three selections, one from each of the following categories:

  1. a prelude and fugue from the Well-Tempered Klavier by J.S. Bach
  2. a movement from a sonata by Haydn, Mozart or Beethoven
  3. a Romantic, Impressionist or Contemporary solo work of choice

In rare circumstances, exceptions to the above may be accepted — e.g. another contrapuntal work in lieu of Bach, an original composition as a contemporary work, etc. Please consult with and seek the approval of the piano faculty (mphang@depauw.edu)Ìýbefore the audition.Ìý


Students auditioning for theÌýBachelor of ArtsÌýwith a Major in Music (B.A.) or the Music Minor

Two stylistically contrasting pianoÌýpieces. Memorization is not required.


Students auditioning for music scholarship and lesson fee waivers who do not intend to major or minor in Music:

One or two piano pieces of applicant's choice, to best demonstrate their skills and interests. Memorization is not required.

  1. Two contrasting movements from a J. S. Bach solo Sonata, Partita, or Suite or other unaccompanied Baroque work - memorized
  2. A movement of a concerto or like concert work - memorization encouraged
  3. A show piece, caprice, or similar workÌý - memorization not required

The presentation of an array of repertoire is encouraged; for example, works of Black, Indigenous, and other creators and Color, as well as works by female and gender non-conforming artists. Repertoire selection is another opportunity for our faculty to get to know you and we are eager to craft a performance tradition together that more equitably represents music makers in our time. Links to resources are provided below.

In addition to repertoire, the audition includes sight-reading and performing three-octave scales in a key of your choice. Working with a collaborative pianist is not required for audition

Repertoire Expansion Resource Databases: ,Ìý,Ìý,Ìý,Ìý

Vocalists will be required to perform two pieces of contrasting style: a classical or musical theatre piece in English and an art song or aria in Italian, French, or German. Both selections should be performed from memory and with piano accompaniment.

At least two contrasting works from the standard repertoire, including movements of sonatas, concerti and other solo pieces. You will be asked to sight-read and demonstrate proficiency in both scales and arpeggios.

Gerard Pannekoek

At â¹û77¸£Àû, I got to try a whole bunch of stuff. I was able to follow my creative passions.

-Gerard Pannekoek

Contact Us

The Institute of Music

Students walking around campus with East College in the background
  • Aaron Sandel

  • Music Admission Liaison
  • musicadmission@depauw.edu
  • (765) 658-4540
  • Office of Admission
    204 East Seminary Street
    Greencastle, IN 46135