Audition In Person or with Online Video

All music programs require an audition. All students who audition are automatically considered for Music Department scholarships.

In-Person Audition Dates

Audition Dates

November 16, 2024 (for Spring 2024 admission) >

January 25, 2025 >

February 8, 2025 >

March 1, 2025 >

April 5. 2025 >

*Auditions begin at 1 p.m.

Online Video Audition Deadlines

Auditions are ongoing throughout the 2024-2025 school year.

Deadline for Spring 2025 admission: December 31, 2024

Deadline for Fall 2025 admission: April 15, 2025

Register and upload your audition video 

Audition Repertoire Guidelines

Audition Repertoire Guidelines >

Steps to Your Audition

1

Apply to Buffalo State (early!)

The Music Department receives many more applications than we are able to admit. 

2

Practice, Practice, Practice!

Take a look at the audition requirements and select pieces to perform at your audition. We suggest selecting pieces with your music teacher’s help. Practice your pieces until they are performance ready. You may also be asked to sight-read during your audition.

View Audition Repertoire Guidelines

3

Audition

Choice 1: Submit an Online Video Audition

See Online Video Audition Guidelines

Submit Your Online Audition

or

Choice 2: Register for Your In-Person Audition (coming soon!)

*Auditions begin at 1 p.m.

4

Interview

Interview: All students will be interviewed by members of the music department faculty for admission to the department.  Interviews will happen at the time of the live virtual audition, or will be scheduled individually with students who submit an online auditin video.

5

Prepare for Theory and Ear Training Diagnostic Exams

Students will be given diagnostic tests in Music Theory and Ear Training during their incoming student orientation. These exams are meant to help us place you in the appropriate level of each course. Your admission to the music department will not be affected by your performance on the diagnostic exams; however, the results of the exams may impact degree-completion time. All incoming students are encouraged to review the Music Theory Study Guide and the Aural Perceptions Study Guide prior to taking the diagnostic exams.

Your Audition

Audition Day

After your arrival, you will be directed to a practice room. At audition time, you will be led to your audition room by a current student.  Following your audition, you will be taken to your interview. After completing both your audition and interview, you are done for the day. 

Accompanist Requirements

Instrumentalists are not required to perform with an accompanist. 

Vocalists should perform with their own live accompanist, or with a recorded accompaniment for online video auditions. Vocalists will be provided an accompanist for on-campus auditions. Please contact Dr. Holly Bewlay.

Online Video Audition Guidelines

1. Please read the Brass Repertoire Suggestions for their instrument before recording their audition. Choose either two contrasting movements (fast and slow) or a solo and a contrasting etude. 

  • Recordings should be no longer than 10 minutes and should feature video and audio. 
  • A recording from a smart phone or computer is sufficient.

2. All brass (trumpets, trombones, euphoniums, tubas, and horns) should be prepared play the concert B flat, F, and E flat scales two octave. You should also be prepared to play the chromatic scale starting on concert b flat two octaves.

3. For recordings: the camera should be set up with an angle that shows your both your embouchure and hand positions. Do not play directly into the microphone.

4. Announce your name and the title/composer of your piece along with the movements that you are going to play.

5. Please generate a “Sharable Link” to your videos. Make sure that settings allow us to view the video using the link. (best to post them on YouTube as an “unlisted” link)

6. Complete the Online Audition Application (LINK) and submit the link to your videos.

7. You will receive a response from the Music Department within 1-2 weeks.
 

Guitar Audition Information:
 
The guitar audition for the Music Department at Buffalo State focuses on assessing both technical skill and creative expression through a combination of a live audition and/or digital portfolio submissions. Applicants are requested to perform and/or submit at least two contrasting pieces—such as a fast and slow movement, or a solo and etude—demonstrating their musical versatility in any style or genre.
 
Guitarists may audition on a classical guitar, steel-string acoustic, electric, or nylon-string acoustic guitar, in whichever genre or style they feel most comfortable. However, students will be expected to use a nylon-string guitar upon entering the program to focus on reading, healthy hand technique, and other fundamental aspects of musicianship. In the guitar program, candidates will also be expected to build and maintain a semester-by-semester portfolio of their work.
Additionally, candidates are welcome to submit other relevant materials, including audio files, video files, or weblinks (such as social media accounts) that highlight their broader musical endeavors. For the industry major, all applicants are encouraged to treat their audition recordings as part of their professional digital portfolio, with a focus on production quality and presentation.
Audition Requirements:
 
Repertoire Selection:
  • Choose two contrasting works, songs, or movements (fast and slow). The recordings should be no longer than 15 minutes, featuring clear video and audio. 
Guitar Types:
  • You may use a Steel-String Acoustic, Electric, or Nylon-Stringed guitar, but will be required to enter the academic year with a Nylon String guitar for coursework.
For Online Auditions:
  • Camera Setup: Ensure your video clearly shows both your instrument and hands. Avoid placing the instrument too close to the microphone to ensure the best sound quality.
  • Introduction: Announce your name, the piece/etude/study/scale, and the composer. Provide all relevant details. 
Submission Process:
  • Generate a sharable link (YouTube “unlisted” preferred) for each of your audition videos.
  • Consider also uploading portions of your audition to social media platforms to begin building your professional presence (optional). Email to drummoee@buffalostate.edu.
Complete Online Application:
Department Response:
  • Expect a response from the Music Department within 1-2 weeks.

1. Students should read the Percussion Repertoire Suggestions for their instrument before recording their audition. Recordings should be no longer than 10 minutes.

2. Percussion Requirements: (please contact Dr. Furby if you do not have access to instruments upon which to record)
• Snare Drum: Solo or etude of choice
• Mallets: Two or four mallet solo of choice on marimba, vibraphone or xylophone.
**Play 3 octaves ascending and descending of the D Major and minor scales and arpeggios of the tonic major and minor triad.
• Timpani: Solo or etude of choice

3. Video recordings:
The camera should be set up with an angle that shows your both your posture and hand positions. Please do not play directly into the microphone. All videos should have no editing, however, percussionists may record a video of
each instrument separately.

4. Announce your name and the title/composer of your piece along with the movements that you are going to play.

5. Please generate a “Sharable Link” to your videos. Make sure that settings allow us to view the video using the link. (best to post them on YouTube as an “unlisted” link)

6. Complete the Online Audition Application (LINK) and submit the link to your videos.

7. You will receive a response from the Music Department within 1-2 weeks.

1. Review the Piano Audition Repertoire Requirements or contact Dr. Boyce if you have any questions about your audition repertoire.
Note: No scales are required for the piano audition. Regardless of your experience with scales, all piano students complete a 4-8 semester sequence of scales and arpeggios depending on your degree program.

2. Set up your camera (the camera on your phone, tablet, or computer is fine to use) so that we can see your sitting position and your hands. A profile view is best.

3. When you start the recording, please announce your name and your pieces.

4. Once you’re done recording your pieces, upload them to YouTube, Google Drive, or a video platform from which you can share your video.

5. Generate a “Sharable Link” to your videos. Make sure that settings allow us to view the video using the link.

6. Complete the Online Audition Application (LINK) and submit the link to your
videos.

7. You will receive a response from the Music Department within 1-2 weeks. 

1. Students should read the String Repertoire Suggestions for their instrument before recording their audition. Choose either two contrasting movements (fast and slow) or a solo and a contrasting etude. Recordings should be no
longer than 10 minutes.

2. Violin, viola, and cello students should prepare either one 3-octave major scale or two 2-octave major scales, one of which should show a shift above 1st position (such as C or D major) Double bass students should prepare one octave of the following three major scales: G, D, Eb

3. For recordings, the camera angle should show both the left hand and the entire length of the bow stroke.

4. Announce your name and the title/composer of your piece along with the movements that you are going to play.

5. Please generate a “Sharable Link” to your videos. Make sure that settings allow us to view the video using the link. (best to post them on YouTube as an “unlisted” link)

6. Complete the Online Audition Application (LINK) and submit the link to your videos.

7. You will receive a response from the Music Department within 1-2 weeks.
 

Voice Audition Requirements for BM in Music Education and BA in Music (except Music Industry Concentration, please see below for different requirements)

1. Students should read the Voice Repertoire Suggestions before recording their audition. Auditions may be in person or submitted online. Submitted online recordings should be no longer than 10-15 minutes.

2. If you do not have access to live accompaniment please contact Dr. Holly Bewlay at bewlayhe@buffalostate.edu and she will work with you to secure access to recordings for the accompaniment for your selections.

3. Video recordings:
The camera should be set up with an angle that shows your both your posture and clearly shows your face. Please do not sing directly into the microphone. All videos should have no editing, and students should move from piece to
piece without turning off the camera.

4. Announce your name and the title/composer of each piece prior to beginning each piece.

5. Please generate a “Sharable Link” to your videos. Make sure that settings allow us to view the video using the link. (best to post them on YouTube as an “unlisted” link)

6. Complete the Online Audition Application (LINK) and submit the link to your videos.

7. You will receive a response from the Music Department within 1-2 weeks.

Voice Audition Requirements for BA in Music, Music Industry Concentration

Applicants are required to perform in a live or online audition at least two contrasting pieces—such as a fast and slow movement—demonstrating their musical versatility in any style or genre; classical, jazz, commercial music, folk, singer-songwriter, and musical theater. 
 
Audition Requirements (auditions may be in person or online):
 
Repertoire Selection:
  • Choose two contrasting works. Submitted online recordings should be no longer than 10-15 minutes.
For Online Auditions:
  • Camera Setup: Ensure your video clearly shows your entire body.  
  • Introduction: Announce your name, the piece/etude/study/scale, and the composer. Provide all relevant details.
  • Accompaniment: Choose any of the following options: 
    • accompanied by a live pianist
    • accompanied by a pre-recorded track
    • accompanied by a live band
    • accompanied by self
Submission Process:
  • Generate a sharable link (YouTube “unlisted” preferred) for each of your audition videos.
  • Optional: Consider also uploading portions of your audition to social media platforms to begin building your professional presence. Please send to Dr. Holly Bewlay at bewlayhe@buffalostate.edu. 
Complete Online Application:
Department Response:
  • Expect a response from the Music Department within 1-2 weeks.

1. Students should read the Woodwind Repertoire Suggestions for their instrument before recording their audition. Choose either two contrasting movements (fast and slow) or a solo and a contrasting etude. Recordings should be no longer than 10 minutes.

2. Woodwinds should all perform scales for your instruments below:
Flute, Chromatic scale C 2 octaves (3 even better) and 2 octave A major and Eb major scales. Oboe, E-flat and F major scales 2 octaves Clarinet, F major (three octaves) and C minor (melodic minor, two octaves) and a 3-octave chromatic scale from E-E Bassoon, 3 octave chromatic scale, low B-flat to high b-flat, 2 octave scales: F and A major Saxophone- 2 octave B-flat chromatic scale, 2 octave E-flat and B major scales

3. For recordings, the camera should be set up with an angle that shows your both your embouchure and hand positions. 

4. Announce your name and the title/composer of your piece along with the movements that you are going to play.

5. Please generate a “Sharable Link” to your videos. Make sure that settings allow us to view the video using the link. (best to post them on YouTube as an “unlisted” link)

6. Complete the Online Audition Application (LINK) and submit the link to your videos.

7. You will receive a response from the Music Department within 1-2 weeks.
 

Frequently Asked Questions

What dates are available for on-campus auditions?

We offer several audition dates each year. Students may audition by submitting an video, or by participating in a live in-person audition. 

Where are auditions held?

Auditions are held on the basement floor of Rockwell Hall. Information about how to find this space will be included in your audition information letter. 

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What will the audition day be like?

Students will arrive and be directed to a practice room.   When it is your time to audition, you will be led to your audition room by a current student.  Following your performance audition you will be moved to a different room to participate in your interview. Once you have completed both your audition and interview, you are done for the day. 

Do I need an accompanist for my audition?

Instrumentalists are not required to perform with an accompanist. Vocalists should perform with their own live accompanist, or with a recorded accompaniment for online video auditions. Vocalists will be provided an accompanist for on campus auditions.  Please reach out to Dr. Holly Bewlay. 

What do I need to bring to the audition?

Your self, your music, and a good attitude!

What music should I prepare for the audition?

Audition requirements vary by instrument. Please review these as soon as possible. Please email the Music Department or the appropriate Applied Faculty with any questions. 

When should I arrive for my audition?

Please plan to arrive at the time indicated on your audition information email. 

How do I sign up for an audition?

You can submit or register for an audition by completing STEP 3 on our audition page. 

Do I need to apply to the College?

You should apply to SUNY Buffalo State as soon as possible. This is easy to do online and you can submit your application to multiple institutions within and outside of SUNY. 

Will I be eligible for Music Department Scholarships?

All First-Year and Transfer students are eligible for Music Department Scholarships. Decisions regarding these scholarships are based on your performance audition. You will be notified of any scholarship offers when you are accepted to the Music Department. 

What other scholarships am I eligible for?

Applicants are eligible for other financial assistance. We encourage all students to be in touch with the Financial Aid Office at Buffalo State for questions regarding academic scholarships and Federal Financial Aid.

Are Music Theory and Ear-Training skills considered as part of admission?

 Music Theory and Ear-Training will be assessed during orientation/advisement. Students are encouraged to review the Music Theory Study Guide.

When will I take Music Theory and Ear-Training Diagnostic Exams?

Students will take Music Theory and Ear-Training diagnostic exams during orientation. For First-Year students, this happens during the week prior to the start of classes. Transfer Students will be tested when they come for advisement during the summer. All students are encouraged to review the Music Theory Study Guide.