Any student at SDSU may apply for a scholarship for participation in SDSU’s music program. In 2023, over $220,000 in talent-based awards were accepted by entering freshmen and returning students.
Prepare for your application by gathering these items:
- Audition Materials
- References
- Education Info (school, GPA, test scores)
- Resume/Experience
- Accompaniment Music (vocal in person auditions only)
Who should audition?
Any entering freshmen or transfer student planning to participate in a music ensemble, regardless of his or her intended academic major, is encouraged to audition. All students entering SDSU with the intention of pursuing music as a major must perform an audition.
Scholarships are conducted by members of the Music Scholarship Committee. Students are notified in writing the results of the audition within one month of the audition.
When are auditions?
Live, In-Person Auditions - Brookings Campus
Sunday, Feb. 9, 2025 (Instrumental/Vocal)
Saturday, Feb. 22, 2025 (Theatre/Vocal)
Sunday, Feb. 23, 2025 (Instrumental Only)
Recorded Submission Auditions
Any student may submit a video recording of his or her performance by uploading a file to the application. The deadline for recorded submissions is 5 p.m. Monday, Feb. 24, 2025
Music Audition Requirements
The Live Audition
All auditions are scheduled in ten-minute increments. Any student auditioning in more than one performance area will have two different appointments on the same day. Students are encouraged to bring their own accompanists to live, in-person auditions. If students are unable to provide their own, one may be provided by SDSU. Students should email their accompaniment two weeks prior to the audition to Sam Gowen.
The Recorded Audition
The recorded audition should be high-quality and unedited. The audition recording should be at least five minutes and a maximum of 10minutes in length.
Repertoire
The following information is intended to serve as a guide to selecting appropriate materials for an audition. Students are encouraged to speak to either a school music teacher or private instructor for guidance. Contact the School of Performing Arts if there are additional questions regarding repertoire selection.
Wind, Brass, String and Percussion Instrumentalists
Instrumentalists should be prepared to perform a work which best exhibits their musicianship, such as contest solo pieces, etudes or other appropriate selection. Students interested in jazz may present an additional performance demonstrating their jazz performance skills. Questions may be sent to Jacob Wallace.
Vocalists
Vocalists should be prepared to perform a vocal solo they are comfortable singing. A song performed at solo and ensemble contest is encouraged. Foreign language repertoire is not required. The use of musical theatre repertoire is welcome. Questions about repertoire selection or how to record a video or audio audition may be sent to Laura Diddle.
Pianists
Pianists should prepare one piece from the standard classical repertoire which represents the student's musical achievement. Performing by memory is preferred but not required. Pianists should prepare to demonstrate their current level of technique by playing a scale and arpeggio. Students interested in jazz may present an additional performance demonstrating their jazz performance skills. More information on suggested piano audition repertoire. Questions may be sent to Mark Stevens.