Audition Requirements

Auditions are required for all students participating in an ensemble or applied lesson.

Vocal auditions

• Candidates should prepare and perform two contrasting selections, preferably from memory. The first selection should be a work in a foreign language and the second selection may be of the student’s choosing.
• An accompanist will be provided.
• Please provide an original copy of both selections for your accompanist.
• Pre-recorded accompaniment or background performance tracks are not acceptable for the audition.
• Candidates will be asked to sight-read and vocalize.

Instrumental auditions: Woodwinds, Brass, and Strings

• Candidates should prepare two movements from different compositions from the standard repertoire of their respective major instrument. The audition selections should be of contrasting style, one fast and the other slow and lyrical. Two single movement works are also acceptable.
• Accompaniment is not required.
• Major scales should be prepared.
• Candidates may be asked to sight-read a small excerpt.

Instrumental auditions: Percussion

• Candidates should prepare an etude or solo for snare and keyboard percussion (Marimba or Xylophone).
• Selections from the candidate’s state solo and ensemble list would be acceptable.
• Accompaniment is not required.
• Major scales should be prepared
• Candidates may be asked to sight-read a small excerpt.

Piano auditions

• Candidates should prepare two contrasting selections sufficiently demonstrating technical and musical achievement, preferably from memory.
• Please provide an original copy of both selections.
• Candidates may be asked to perform selected major scales, two octaves, hands together.

Auditions are conducted on campus in the Etherredge Center, Room 125. See directions to USC Aiken and campus map.

Audition Forms & Process for Degree Seeking Students

Applying is a simple, two-step process for all students:

1. Complete an application to the university. Simply click Apply Now to submit your application to UofSC Aiken!
   
   
2. Complete an application for USC Aiken Music. After providing the required information on the application, either save the document and send the completed application to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or print and mail it to:

University of South Carolina Aiken
c/o Dr. Hayes Bunch
Etherredge Center
471 University Parkway
Aiken, South Carolina 29801