Audition FAQ

We always encourage on campus auditions because you get to meet the faculty that you may be studying with during your time at college. They will get to ask you questions but more importantly, you get to ask them questions.

Regional auditions may be convenient if we are close to where you live. A member of our conservatory admissions team will record your audition and you have a chance to talk with Lawrence staff members. Typically auditions last around 30 minutes.

Submitting a recording is acceptable as long as you provide the best quality possible. We would continue to encourage you to visit campus and take a lesson with our faculty whenever it works in your schedule.
 

No, Lawrence does not require a prescreening.
 

Instrumentalists:
Not required (regardless of on campus, regional or recorded auditions). 

Vocalists: 
On Campus: Vocalists auditioning on campus will be provided an accompanist. No need to send music ahead of time. As you prepare your music for your accompanist - please read carefully this document put together by our vocal department Preparing Music for Your Accompanist

Regional: Vocalists must arrange for their own accompanists. 
 

We will send you an email with a link to the audition day schedule approximately 3-4 days before your intended audition date.  PLEASE NOTE: For on-campus auditions, all students must plan to arrive at the conservatory by 8:30 am for check-in.  For regional auditions, this email will also provide you with the location of the auditions in your city.
 

Yes. We will schedule your auditions so that you have plenty of warm-up time for both instruments (or voice part).
 

The audition is slightly different. The full jazz repertoire requirements may be found under Audition Guidelines.
On-campus jazz auditions are heard in a group setting with Lawrence jazz students providing accompaniment (Jazz Jam). Regional jazz auditions are recorded separately for review by the jazz faculty and it is highly recommended that students bring and improvise to a pre-recorded accompaniment, such as the Aebersold Play-Along series.
The full jazz repertoire requirements may be found under Audition Guidelines.
 

Email musicadmissions@lawrence.edu to cancel/reschedule your audition.
 

You do not need to bring your music resume to your audition as your music resume should be uploaded with your application.

Each studio has different requirement for the number and types of scales - see the audition guidelines. Scales should be memorized.

Auditions are approximately 20 minutes in length (but may vary depending on voice type). For on-campus auditions of piano, strings, and voice, several faculty members may be present.
 

Regional Auditions: videotaped for evaluation by faculty.
On-campus Auditions: may be recorded for further review by faculty.
 

On Campus Auditions: All practice rooms are unlocked and available for as much time as you need to feel comfortable. 
Regional Auditions: A room will be provided to you a few minutes prior to your regional audition.
 

Think something between khakis and formal wear. No need to sport a tuxedo, but maybe dress like you're off to perform at a concert.
 

Yes. We will schedule your auditions so that you have plenty of warm-up time for both instruments (or voice part).
 

The jazz audition is slightly different. The full jazz repertoire requirements may be found under Audition Guidelines.
On-campus jazz auditions are heard in a group setting with Lawrence jazz students providing accompaniment. Regional jazz auditions are recorded separately for review by the jazz faculty and it is highly recommended that students bring and improvise to a pre-recorded accompaniment, such as the Aebersold Play-Along series.
 

Lawrence University does not provide verbal or written critiques of audition performances.
 

Typically the on campus audition days wrap up after the lunch hour unless you are staying for our music education workshop which wraps up around 4:00 p.m. Our audition days are set up for you to audition, meet current students, attend sessions, eat on campus, and hear live music.

Candidates for the scholarship must complete a standard conservatory audition, either here in Appleton or at one of the regional sites around the country.  The audition requirements are the same for a music major.  You may only audition for an Ensemble Award during your application timeline in your senior year of high school; that is, you cannot audition for an Ensemble Award later during your time at Lawrence.
 

Yes! Auditions for ensembles happen in the fall after you move to campus. Come audition!
 

To be awarded an ensemble award, you must complete a regular audition either on campus, at a regional audition location, or by submitting a recording during your senior year of high school. It is awarded to encourage students to continue private lessons and participate in our ensembles. While we can’t say a simple yes or no, you must be at a proficient level to complete a successful ensemble award audition. Once you get to college, we encourage you to explore learning new instruments if you are interested.
 

While music majors are required to submit a music resume (which includes music festivals attended, names of private teachers, repertoire they have been working on) and a music teacher evaluation (from an ensemble director or a private teacher), students auditioning for an Ensemble Award are not required to submit those extra materials.

However, those materials do help our faculty get to know your musical interests and background. While not required, we would encourage you to either submit those optional materials or fill out a music interest form which asks for a bit more specific music information than the application. It's a great way for us to learn more about you (and takes a bit of pressure off the audition itself).
 

Email us your questions at musicadmissions@lawrence.edu.