Entrance Audition Information
The Music Department does not deny anyone the opportunity to enter our programs. All music majors and minors will be accepted upon successful completion of an audition. The audition is designed to allow the faculty members of the music department the opportunity to assess your musical skills and background so that we may better advise you to the most suitable courses and degree track.
Auditions will be scheduled only if your application to Bellarmine University has been received.
The Audition Process -We have four different audition options.
Option number one is to audition on the same day that you visit our campus. You'll take a campus tour, meet with an Admissions Counselor and Financial Aid then visit the Music Department. This option can be scheduled any time during the academic year at a time that fits your schedule and the schedule of your parents. We also encourage you to sit in on a music class during your visit. For audition information specific to your area of music study, please scroll down to the bottom of this page.
Option number two is to audition on a day after you've visited our campus. This option can also be scheduled any time during the academic year at a time that fits your schedule and the schedule of your parents. We also encourage you to sit in on a music class during your visit. For audition information specific to your area of music study, please scroll down to the bottom of this page.
For options number one and two, the audition process includes:
An interview
Performing for select music department faculty members
A short lesson with faculty member of the same instrument
A brief, oral assessment of music theory and musicianship
A discussion about the student's academic and career goals. Parents are welcome to be present during this part
Option number three is to send a video or audio CDs, MP3s, or other digital media may be submitted in lieu of personal audition only with advanced permission from the Music Department Chair. The materials will be be reviewed by a panel of music department faculty members and you will receive notice of our decision within two - three weeks.
Option number four is to audition during one of our spring audition days which are posted in the fall semester. Auditions are arranged in 20-minute intervals and are scheduled from 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM and 1:00PM – 3:00 PM. You should check in at the Norton Music Building at least 30 minutes prior to your scheduled audition time.
The audition will consist of:
Performing for select music department faculty members
A brief, oral assessment of music theory and musicianship
A discussion about the student's academic and career goals
Students auditioning on an instrument or voice may have to sight read a short passage
To schedule an audition time please call Richard Burchard, Music Department Chairat
This is the part of the audition process that makes a lot of students nervous. Our advice: don't be nervous! We're aware that many incoming students haven't had the luxury of a music theory class or years of private lessons. That's why we designed an introductory theory course for students with little to no background in music theory. By completing this course you will be prepared to enter and successfully complete the required music theory sequence of courses.
Music Scholarship Information
Music Scholarships are granted to music majors only. These scholarships range from $500.00 - $2,500.00 are added to the student's comprehensive financial award package once that has been completed by the Financial Aid Office. In order to be considered for a music scholarship, students must audition following the Entrance Audition Requirements outlined below.
There are a limited number of Pep Band Stipends that are available for music majors and non music majors. Those are awarded once the basketball season begins. To qualify students must audition for the Pep Band Director during the first week of the fall semester.
