For aspiring musicians dreaming of a world-class education that balances rigorous academic pursuit with profound artistic development, Emory University stands as a beacon. Nestled in the vibrant city of Atlanta, Emory is renowned for its exceptional liberal arts curriculum, and its Department of Music is no exception. It offers a unique environment where students can hone their musical craft, delve into music history and theory, and explore the vast interdisciplinary connections that enrich a comprehensive university experience.
Unlike a dedicated conservatory, Emory’s music department operates within the framework of a top-tier research university. This distinction is crucial and shapes every aspect of its admissions process, particularly the audition. It signals that while musical talent is paramount, it is viewed within the context of a student’s overall academic profile, intellectual curiosity, and potential to contribute to a diverse campus community. Gaining admission to Emory’s music program is a competitive endeavor, demanding meticulous preparation, a deep understanding of the department’s philosophy, and a polished presentation of one’s musical abilities.
This comprehensive guide aims to demystify the audition requirements for Emory University’s Department of Music, offering insights into the various stages, what the faculty seeks, and invaluable advice for prospective students striving to hit all the right notes in their application.
The Emory Musician: Beyond Technical Prowess
Before diving into the specifics of the audition, it’s essential to grasp what kind of musician thrives at Emory. The Department of Music is not solely focused on producing professional performers, though many alumni certainly pursue such paths. Instead, it cultivates well-rounded individuals who possess:
- Exceptional Musical Talent: Demonstrated proficiency on their primary instrument or voice, including technical skill, musicality, and interpretive depth.
- Strong Academic Aptitude: A proven track record of academic excellence, as admission to the university itself is highly competitive.
- Intellectual Curiosity: A genuine interest in music beyond performance – its history, theory, cultural contexts, and interdisciplinary connections.
- Collaborative Spirit: A willingness to engage with peers, faculty, and the broader university community in various musical and academic endeavors.
- Potential for Growth: A desire to learn, experiment, and push their boundaries, both musically and intellectually.
Emory offers a Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Music, with opportunities to concentrate in areas such as performance, composition, musicology, or ethnomusicology. There is also a robust music minor. The audition serves as a critical component in assessing a candidate’s suitability for this unique blend of artistic and academic rigor.
The Holistic Application Journey: More Than Just the Audition
It bears repeating: Admission to Emory University is a holistic process, and the music audition is one significant piece of a larger puzzle. Prospective music majors and minors must first gain admission to Emory University itself. This means excelling in all aspects of the general university application, which typically includes:
- Strong Academic Record: High GPA, challenging coursework (AP/IB), and competitive standardized test scores (if submitted).
- Compelling Essays: Demonstrating clear writing, critical thinking, and a genuine interest in Emory.
- Letters of Recommendation: From teachers who can speak to your academic abilities and character.
- Extracurricular Activities: Showcasing leadership, commitment, and diverse interests.
Only after a student has been admitted to the university will their music department application and audition be fully considered for placement within the music program and for potential music scholarships. This integrated approach ensures that Emory students are not only talented musicians but also academically prepared to thrive in a demanding university environment.
The Audition Process: A Step-by-Step Breakdown
The audition process for Emory’s Department of Music typically involves two primary stages for most instrumentalists and vocalists: a pre-screening submission and an invited live (or virtual) audition. Composers have a distinct portfolio submission process.
Stage 1: The Pre-Screening Submission
For most applicants, the journey begins with a pre-screening video submission. This initial stage serves as a crucial filter, allowing the faculty to assess a large pool of applicants and identify those who possess the foundational skills and musicality required for the live audition.
Purpose:
- To gauge a candidate’s current technical proficiency and musical maturity.
- To ensure the applicant meets the department’s baseline performance standards.
- To manage the volume of live auditions, inviting only the most promising candidates.
Content Requirements (General Guidelines – Always consult the official Emory Music Department website for the most current and specific requirements for your instrument/voice):
- Video Quality: High-quality audio and video are essential. Ensure good lighting, clear sound, and a stable camera angle that shows your full body or instrument. It’s advisable to use an external microphone if possible, rather than just the device’s built-in mic.
- Introduction: A brief, clear introduction stating your name, instrument/voice, and the pieces you will be performing.
- Repertoire: Typically requires two to three contrasting pieces that showcase different aspects of your musical ability.
- Contrasting Styles/Periods: Select pieces from different historical periods (e.g., Baroque, Classical, Romantic, 20th/21st Century) or contrasting musical styles to demonstrate versatility.
- Technical Showcase: At least one piece should highlight your technical prowess (e.g., an etude, a fast movement).
- Musicality/Interpretive Depth: At least one piece should allow you to demonstrate your expressive capabilities and understanding of musical phrasing.
- Memorization: For most instruments and voice, memorization of repertoire is highly recommended, if not required.
- Unaccompanied: Many departments prefer or require the pre-screening to be unaccompanied, especially for instruments like piano, strings, and winds, to better assess individual skill. Vocalists may require accompaniment.
- No Editing: The video should ideally be unedited takes of each piece. Some departments allow separate takes for each piece, but significant editing or splicing within a piece is generally discouraged.
Tips for Pre-Screening:
- Start Early: Give yourself ample time to record and review your videos.
- Practice Recording: Record yourself multiple times and critically evaluate your performance from the perspective of an admissions committee.
- Seek Feedback: Share your recordings with your private teacher or other mentors for constructive criticism.
- Adhere Strictly to Guidelines: Missing a specific requirement (e.g., number of pieces, length limits) can lead to your submission being disqualified.
- Professionalism: Dress appropriately, just as you would for a live audition.
Stage 2: The Live (or Virtual) Audition
Candidates who successfully pass the pre-screening round will receive an invitation to a live audition on campus, or in some cases, a virtual live audition via video conferencing. This stage is a more in-depth assessment and provides an opportunity for faculty to interact directly with applicants.
Purpose:
- To confirm the abilities demonstrated in the pre-screening.
- To assess technical facility, sight-reading skills, and musical understanding in real-time.
- To conduct an interview, gauging the applicant’s personality, goals, and fit with the department.
- To allow the applicant to experience the department’s facilities and meet faculty.
Components of the Live Audition (General Guidelines):
Repertoire Performance:
- Prepared Pieces: You will typically be asked to perform the same (or similar) repertoire as your pre-screening, but with a higher level of polish and stage presence. Be prepared to perform all requested pieces, but also be ready if the faculty only wishes to hear portions or specific movements.
- Variety: Ensure your selected pieces continue to showcase both your technical prowess and your musical artistry.
- Memorization: Again, memorization is generally expected for most instruments and voice.
- Accompaniment: For instruments requiring accompaniment (e.g., voice, certain strings or wind pieces), Emory may provide an accompanist. Be prepared to send your music to them in advance. Arrive early for a brief rehearsal with the accompanist.
Technical Requirements:
- Scales and Arpeggios: Be prepared to play various scales (major, minor – natural, harmonic, melodic) and arpeggios over multiple octaves, in different keys, and at specified tempos. Specific requirements will vary by instrument (e.g., violinists may be asked for three-octave scales, pianists for scales in parallel and contrary motion).
- Etudes/Technical Exercises: Some instruments may require a specific etude or technical exercise to demonstrate fundamental skills.
Sight-Reading:
- This is a critical component for most instruments and voice. You will be given a piece of music you have never seen before and asked to perform it with minimal preparation time (e.g., 30-60 seconds).
- What they’re looking for: Not necessarily a perfect performance, but rather your ability to quickly grasp rhythm, pitch, dynamics, and articulations, and to maintain a steady tempo. It assesses your overall musicianship and adaptability.
Interview:
- This informal conversation with faculty members is your chance to shine beyond your performance.
- Common Questions:
- "Why do you want to study music at Emory?"
- "What are your musical goals?"
- "Who are your musical influences?"
- "What other academic interests do you have?"
- "Do you have any questions for us?"
- Tips: Be articulate, enthusiastic, and genuine. Show your intellectual curiosity and how you envision integrating music with your broader academic pursuits at Emory. Prepare a few thoughtful questions to ask the faculty.
Instrument-Specific Nuances (Illustrative Examples):
While the general framework remains consistent, specific repertoire and technical requirements will vary significantly by instrument or voice type.
- Piano: Typically requires works from contrasting periods (e.g., a Bach Prelude and Fugue, a Beethoven Sonata movement, a Chopin Etude, and a 20th/21st-century work). Be prepared for major/minor scales and arpeggios.
- Strings (Violin, Viola, Cello, Bass): May include a three-octave scale, a movement from an unaccompanied Bach suite/sonata/partita, and a movement from a concerto or sonata.
- Voice: Usually requires two or three contrasting art songs or arias, preferably in different languages (e.g., English, Italian, German, French). Scales, arpeggios, and vocalizations will also be assessed.
- Woodwinds & Brass: Often includes major/minor scales, a lyrical solo piece, and a technical solo piece or etude. Orchestral excerpts may also be requested.
- Percussion: Requires demonstration on multiple instruments: snare drum (rudimental and orchestral), mallets (two-mallet and four-mallet pieces), and timpani (tuning and repertoire).
- Composition: Instead of an audition, composition applicants submit a portfolio of original scores and recordings (MIDI realizations are often acceptable if live recordings are unavailable). They may also have an interview to discuss their creative process and influences.
Preparing for Success: Beyond the Notes
The journey to an Emory music audition is a marathon, not a sprint. Here are key strategies for comprehensive preparation:
- Start Early: Select your repertoire well in advance. This allows ample time for memorization, refinement, and addressing technical challenges.
- Work with a Qualified Teacher: Your private instructor is your most valuable resource. They can guide your repertoire selection, refine your technique, and provide mock audition experiences.
- Record Yourself: Regularly recording your practice sessions and mock auditions offers an objective perspective on your playing and helps identify areas for improvement.
- Perform Often: Seek out opportunities to perform for friends, family, or in studio classes. This builds confidence and helps manage performance anxiety.
- Research the Faculty: Familiarize yourself with the music faculty members in your instrument area. Understanding their specialties can help you tailor your interview responses and demonstrate genuine interest.
- Dress Professionally: Present yourself in a manner that shows respect for the faculty and the institution. Business casual is generally appropriate.
- Manage Nerves: It’s natural to be nervous. Practice mindfulness techniques, deep breathing, and positive visualization. Remember that the faculty wants to see you succeed.
- Be Yourself: Let your passion for music shine through. The audition is not just about perfection; it’s about showcasing your potential and your unique musical voice.
- Prepare Questions: Having thoughtful questions for the faculty demonstrates engagement and genuine interest in the program.
Conclusion: A Symphony of Opportunity
Auditioning for Emory University’s Department of Music is a rigorous but rewarding process. It’s an opportunity to showcase your dedication, talent, and intellectual curiosity to a faculty that is deeply invested in fostering the next generation of musical leaders and scholars. By understanding the department’s philosophy, meticulously preparing for each stage of the audition, and presenting a holistic application that highlights both your academic prowess and your artistic passion, you significantly increase your chances of harmonizing your ambitions with Emory’s vibrant musical community.
Remember to always consult the official Emory University Department of Music website for the most up-to-date and specific audition requirements, deadlines, and application procedures. Your musical journey awaits!
