The path to an audition at MSM can vary among applicants, while some dates and deadlines are shared by all. Learn about your audition process here.
On-campus auditions for Classical, Contemporary Performance, Jazz Arts, and Orchestral Performance applicants will be held February 28 through March 6. Musical Theatre applicants may audition on-campus January 8-10, at our New York City Regional auditions January 18 and 19, or at our Chicago Regional auditions February 2 and 3. For specific audition dates for your instrument, please refer to the list below.
If you are a Musical Theatre major, we will let you know your prescreen results by November 22. If you are a Classical Piano major interested in auditioning in January, we will let you know your prescreen results by November 22. For all other prescreened instruments, you will receive your prescreen results by December 20.
Specific information about prescreening requirements can be found on the program page to which you are applying. Links to the various program pages are provided here:
Piano
Voice Classical, Opera Studies
Musical Theatre
Orchestral Performance Bassoon, Cello, Clarinet, Double Bass, Flute, French Horn, Harp, Oboe, Percussion, Trumpet, Trombone, Tuba, Viola, Violin
Jazz Arts Composition*, Bass (Acoustic, Electric), Drumset, Guitar, Piano, Saxophone (Alto, Baritone, Tenor), Trumpet, Trombone (Tenor, Bass), Vibraphone, Voice*, Violin/ Viola
Brass Horn, Trumpet, Trombone (Tenor, Bass), Tuba
Composition
Collaborative Piano* Instrumental, Vocal
Conducting* Choral, Orchestral
Contemporary Performance Cello, Clarinet, Double Bass, Flute, Oboe, Percussion, Piano, Viola, Violin, Voice
Guitar
Organ*
Percussion
Strings Cello, Double Bass, Harp, Viola, Violin, Pinchas Zukerman Performance Program
Woodwinds Bassoon, Clarinet, Flute, Oboe, Saxophone
*Graduate studies only
On the day of your audition, you will fill out a repertoire form (provided for you that day) with the pieces that you will present to the faculty. For most auditions, you will choose your first piece, and the faculty will choose the next piece(s). You must be prepared to play all of the pieces you have listed on your repertoire form. Be sure to look at the program page of your intended major for a full list of requirements specific to your audition. Links to the various program pages are provided here, below:
Jazz Arts Composition, Bass (Acoustic, Electric), Drumset, Guitar, Piano, Saxophone (Alto, Baritone, Tenor), Trumpet, Trombone (Tenor, Bass), Vibraphone, Voice, Violin/ Viola
Collaborative Piano
Conducting Choral, Orchestral
Organ
During winter break, you will have an opportunity to share your preferred audition date with the Admissions Team. You will only be able to select dates during which your auditions are taking place. You cannot choose a day that has not been scheduled for your instrument. MSM will only consider date requests that are submitted before January 6. We cannot guarantee that we will be able to accommodate all requests, though we do our best to lessen any conflicts you might have.
Please see below which instruments and programs require an accompanist. If your instrument is not listed, please do not bring an accompanist. If your instrument requires an accompanist, MSM will provide one for you at your audition at no cost. If you prefer to bring your own accompanist, you may do so.
Classical Program: Bassoon, Cello, Clarinet, Flute, Violin, Viola, and Voice Jazz Arts Program: All Jazz majors will have a combo provided Orchestral Performance Program: Bassoon, Cello, Clarinet, Flute, Violin, and Viola
Your accompanist’s contact information will be provided to you in advance. You must inform them of your audition repertoire no later than two weeks before your scheduled audition. You may arrange rehearsal time with your accompanist at your own cost. The accompanists have a very limited amount of rehearsal time and it is necessary to contact them well in advance if you wish to set up a rehearsal. If you choose not to rehearse with your accompanist ahead of time, you must contact your accompanist a minimum of two weeks in advance of the audition so that they may review your music. At your audition, you must bring scores for your accompanist. If you are using photocopies, please make sure to secure them in a binder so that it will be easy for your accompanist to turn pages.
A rhythm section is provided at no cost to you for your audition. You will not meet the rhythm section in advance of your audition. You are required to bring three copies of music for each tune you prepare to perform at your audition.
Recorded Auditions may be an available option dependent on your program of study and permanent residence. If you would like to submit a Recorded Audition, please read the requirements below to make sure that you are eligible to do so. Remember, a live audition is always in your best interest.
You are eligible to submit a recorded audition if you live outside of the continental United States, or if you are applying for Cello, Contemporary Performance, Double Bass, Harp, or Tuba.
A recorded audition does not replace prescreening. If your major requires prescreening, you must submit prescreening videos in order to be considered for an audition.
All applicants to the Barnard/MSM Cross-Registration program are required to submit a recorded audition. Applicants to this program will submit their recorded audition through the application. More information about the Barnard/MSM Cross-Registration Program can be found here.
Applicants for the following majors and degree programs are not eligible for consideration through a Recorded Audition:
If you are eligible for a recorded audition, you will be required to upload your recordings to your application Status Portal. Recorded auditions for Classical and Jazz majors are due on February 15. Recorded auditions for Musical Theatre majors are due on January 6.
A strong audition is the main factor in any successful admission result, but it is not the only factor! The MSM Admissions Committee reviews all required application materials before determining admissibility. To review the required materials for your desired major and intended degree program, please visit the links provided at the top of the page.
Admissions results are available no later than April 1st. Provided that we have received all of your required materials; we will send you an email to let you know when your admission result is available. Admissions results are not available over the phone.
You can find information about accommodations (hotels, practice space, parking) here.
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