Music Scholarship Auditions

General Information

Qualified students may audition for scholarships on all wind, brass, percussion, woodwind, string and keyboard instruments, and voice. Music scholarship amounts are determined by the faculty of the area in which the student auditions. 

PSU students (regardless of major) are also eligible to receive additional assistance in the form of Band Participation Awards, which are available for participation in the Marching and Pep Bands. Currently the awards are $400-winds; $500 drumline/colorguard; and $250-pep band. These athletic band awards are in addition to any scholarships awarded by the Department of Music to PSU students. 

Download the 2023-2024 Scholarship Auditions Brochure (PDF) - Coming Soon!

Audition Guidelines 

Audition Guidelines are listed below. They have been designed to assist you with your preparation for your scholarship audition. We hope that this outline will answer these questions for you and help you to better prepare for your audition. If you have further questions, please contact us. 

If you have any questions that have not been answered in this material, please do not hesitate to call the Pittsburg State University Music Office at 620-235-4466 or email music@pittstate.edu 

2023-2024 Audition Dates

When classes are in session at PSU, scholarship auditions are offered by appointment on any Friday throughout the semester. 1:00 p.m. is reserved for Vocal Auditions, and 2:00 p.m. is reserved for Instrumental Auditions on any Friday. Please use the Comment box on the audition application, to indicate what date(s) you would like to propose for this option.

Friday, February 16, 2024 - Music Scholarship Audition Day 

By Appointment - If you need to schedule an appointment at a time other than these, please call the Music Department at 620-235-4466.

International or Long-Distance Auditions - The PSU Department of Music does accept video auditions. Please communicate this request to the music office staff in your application.  

 

Schedule for Friday, February 16, 2024

9:00-9:15 AM - Check-in and refreshments in McCray Hall lobby.

9:15-9:30 AM - General Meeting with music faculty.

9:30-10:00 AM - Meeting with Student Advisory Council

10:00 AM - AUDITIONS BEGIN

  • Keyboard
  • Percussion
  • Strings
  • Voice
  • Woodwinds and Brass

Keyboard

  • Perform two works from two different periods.
  • For pianists, at least one of these pieces must be played from memory.
  • Be prepared to play at least one major scale.
  • You may be asked to sight-read music.

All percussion players should be prepared to play in at least two of the following areas. In addition, sight-reading will be requested if desired by the audition committee.

  • Snare Drum - A rudimental or concert solo or etude. Appropriate examples include: Portraits in Rhythm by Anthony Cirone, The Solo Snare Drummer by Vic Firth, The Rudimental Cookbook by Edward Freytag, or Modern Contest Solos by John Pratt. Comparable solos are also accepted. 
  • Keyboards - (xylophone, marimba or vibraphone; 2, 3 or 4 mallets): chromatic scale, a few major scales in up to 3 sharps or 3 flats; a solo or etude that showcases 2, 3 or 4 mallet technique.
  • Timpani - (2, 3, or 4 drums): basic tuning (fourths, fifths and octaves), a solo or etude

All State/All Region music is appropriate, as is a solo or etude from Regional or State solo contests. 

We typically do not listen to auditions on drum set. Drum-set auditions will occur when auditioning for the jazz ensembles and/or pep bands.

If you're unsure, just email Dr. Clanton at jclanton@pittstate.edu 

Strings

  • Perform any major or minor scale up to three sharps and three flats.
  • Perform examples of two contrasting styles drawn from etudes or solos - an accompanist is not necessary for your audition.
  • You may be asked to sight-read as desired by the audition committee.
  • Memorization is not required for the audition.

Voice

  • Perform two songs/arias in contrasting styles and tempi.
  • One of the two songs/arias should be performed in a second language (required of performance majors only).
  • Memorization is required.
  • You may be asked to sight-read and perform simple vocalises.
  • An accompanist will be provided if you do not wish to provide your
    own. Please provide copies of your repertoire for the accompanist.

Woodwinds and Brass

All woodwind and brass players should be prepared to play:

  • Perform several major scales up through 3 sharps and 3 flats.
  • Perform a full range chromatic scale ascending and descending.
  • Perform a couple of short excerpts from a solo or etude (an accompanist is not necessary for your audition).
  • You may be asked to sight-read as desired by the audition committee.

** It is suggested that you ask your band director or private teacher for help in deciding what solos or etudes would be appropriate for this process.