Entrance Audition Information
Once you have been admitted to Bellarmine University, you will need to audition for us. We typically do not deny anyone the opportunity to enter our program. 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 degree and degree track.
Audition Process Options
Option one is to audition 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. You may also set up your 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 should they come with you. 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 two is to audition on one of our set aside auditions days, usually during February and March. To attend one of these Saturday sessions, contact Dr. Mark Kano, audition day coordinator, at mkano@bellarmine.edu.
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 three is to send a video, MP3 or other digital media in lieu of a personal audition. The materials will be be reviewed by a panel of music department faculty members and you will receive notice of our decision within two weeks.
The audition can 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 Dr. Timothy Glasscock, Music Department Chair at 1.502.272.8449 or email sglasscock@bellarmine.edu.
More about the Music Theory Assessment
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
Additional money is available for music majors only and are determined by level of performing or creative ability and the department's needs. These scholarships range up to $2000.00 and 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.
Entrance Audition Requirements - Instrumental Performance
- Meet with the music department visit and audition coordinator, and/or faculty member from the Instrumental area
- A brief, oral assessment of theory and musicianship
- 2 contrasting pieces or etudes that display both technique and lyrical playing.
- An accompanist is not necessary however we will provide one upon request. It is not necessary to send copies of the music in advance.
- A short lesson with an instructor of the same instrument
Students auditioning on percussion should strive to present a picture of their best musical qualities at the audition, and may elect to prepare any or all of the following:
- a snare drum etude
- a mallet etude
- a timpani etude
- Students may also be asked to sight read on snare drum, mallets or timpani.
Students auditioning on drum set should strive to present a picture of their best musical qualities at the audition, and may elect to prepare any or all of the following:
- play a rock beat/groove with fills
- play a swing jazz beat with fills
- play any Latin beats/grooves (Bossa nova, mambo, etc.) that you know with fills playing swing jazz with brushes
- Students may also be asked to sight read on snare drum and drum set.
Entrance Audition Requirements - Piano Pedagogy and Accompanying
- Meet with the music department visit and audition coordinator, and/or faculty member from the Piano area
- A brief, oral assessment of theory and musicianship
- 2 contrasting pieces or etudes that display both technique and lyrical playing.
- A short lesson with an instructor of the same instrument
For more information about the Piano Pedagogy and Accompanying Degree click here.
Entrance Audition Requirements - Jazz Studies
- Meet with the music department visit and audition coordinator, and/or faculty member from the Jazz area
- A brief, oral assessment of theory and musicianship
- 2 contrasting pieces that display you technical playing and improvisation abilities
- We will provide an accompanist. It is not necessary to send copies of the music in advance.
- A short lesson with an instructor of the same instrument
Find more information about the Jazz Studies Degree.
Entrance Audition Requirements - Music Technology
- Interview with the program director.
- A music portfolio and/or audio CD.
- An audition on an instrument or voice.
- A brief, oral assessment of theory and musicianship
For more information about the Music Technology Degree click here.