Music Audition
Prior to admission, each candidate should perform before the music faculty, or program director, selections of vocal or instrumental music representative of the student's higher level of proficiency. The following minimum criteria are suggested:
Voice: two selections from art songs, musical theater, and/or hymn selections.
Organ: two contrasting selections and a four-part hymn are required. The level of literature should be in keeping with the Bach Little Preludes and Fugues.
Piano: two contrasting selections, preferably memorized.
Guitar: two contrasting pieces.
Band instruments: one prepared piece, two scales of the students choosing, and sight-reading.
Strings: Please view the Strings Audition Requirements here.
In certain cases, a student may be admitted as a music major who has not had the formal training necessary to perform the suggested literature but who demonstrates exceptional talent. In such cases, the student will enroll in applied music at the secondary level until promoted to the concentration level by the music faculty.
If you are not able to attend one of our audition days, you may submit an online audition. Click here for more information on our online scholarship audition.
Music Theory Placement
All music majors take a theory placement test the Thursday before school starts in August. Based on the results of this exam, freshmen music majors either take MUT 100-Introduction to Music Theory in the Fall, or they wait to enroll in MUT 161-Freshmen Music Theory in the Winter. MUT 100-Introduction to Music Theory is a 1 credit hour course that does count towards a music degree.
Transfer music majors theory credits are validated based on the results of the Music Theory Placement test.
Upper-Level Examinations
To determine eligibility for upper-level study, all students should take an examination in the area of applied concentration at the end of the sophomore year. The exam will consist of a ten-minute program. For all piano and voice concentrations, the program must be performed from memory, other majors and concentrations may perform from the score.
Students must register for applied music at the sophomore level until the upper-level exam is successfully completed. Transfer students with two previous years of college credit in applied concentration will be allowed to register for upper-level study, but must pass the exam by the end of their first trimester at Carey to receive advanced course credit. With faculty approval, transfer students performing an upper-level exam by the end of the second week of the first trimester enrolled may perform a program from previous study.
