Graduate Applicants
Graduate Applicants for Music Theatre – Master of Music, Advanced Certificate in Vocal Pedagogy, and PhD – do not go through a traditional audition process. We ask that you submit recorded materials that will be reviewed by the faculty. Once that review has been completed we will contact those candidates from whom we require further information. For detailed information on how to submit your recorded materials please go to:
Applicants for the Master of Music
http://steinhardt.nyu.edu/graduate_admissions/guide/muvp/mm/mtp
Applicants for the Advanced Certificate/Dual Degree
http://steinhardt.nyu.edu/graduate_admissions/guide/mvpr/mm/mtp
Undergraduate
Applicants - First Year and Transfers
Auditioning is all too often the most difficult aspect of pursuing a career as a professional singer and actor. As a prospective student, try to think of your audition as a unique opportunity for you to introduce yourself to people who are your advocates and who very much want you to be good at what you do. This "mind set" will serve you well in any audition situation.
Always remember to take your time and to breathe.
Your task is to share your talents - not to impress the auditors!
Professor Brian Gill with audition advice.
Undergraduate Procedures and Requirements
How do I audition for the program?
All prospective students – except those attending the November Open House auditions – must first submit an application for admission to the Steinhardt School at New York University. You can find information on the application process through the appropriate admissions office.
Office of Undergraduate Admissions
212 998 4500
Office of Graduate Admissions
212 998 5030
Send Recorded Materials: Undergraduate and graduate applicants are required to submit a video recording - VHS or DVD - of two complete, contrasting songs. You may also submit an audition video online, instructions here.
Fill out the information sheet for Vocal Performance submission of recorded materials, which you may download here. Include this sheet with your submission. Those submitting an audition online should also include the information sheet in the body of their email to john.simpkins@nyu.edu. Or mail materials to:
John Simpkins
Program in Vocal Performance
The Steinhardt School
35 West 4th Street, Suite 777
New York, NY 10012
All materials must be postmarked by the dates listed below. Materials submitted after these dates may not be accepted.
Early Decision I: November 1
Early Decision II: December 1 (for recorded materials)
Regular Decision: December 1 (updated deadline)
Transfer Applicants: March 1
You will receive an email notification that your materials have been received. After those materials have been reviewed you will be contacted if additional information is required. At that point you will be asked to schedule an in-person audition for which you must prepare materials according to the guidelines below. If you cannot travel to New York you will have the option of recording your audition and submitting it on either DVD or VHS videocassette.
Please note that recorded materials cannot be returned.
Invited Audition Dates for Undergraduates and Transfers Only:
Saturday, December 3, 2011
(last day for Early Decision I candidates to
audition)
Saturday, February 4, 2012
Sunday, February 12, 2012 (last day for Early Decision II
candidates to audition)
Saturday, February 18, 2012
Sunday, February 26,
2012 (last day for freshman auditions)
Saturday,
April 7, 2012 (transfer applicants only)
*The last audition date for undergraduate freshman applicants is February 26. This is also the last date for all talent awards for undergraduate applicants.
What do I prepare for my Undergraduate Audition?
Three (3) Contrasting Songs: You must prepare three contrasting songs that you are able to sing from memory. Select one of the songs to sing first. After your first song the committee will make requests from your list. You will probably not be asked to sing all three songs.
Each selection should be no longer than four minutes, but you are free to sing a short section of a longer song or aria. Pick material from either classical or traditional music theatre repertoire. Avoid rock music, pop music, country music, and jazz.
Note: While some movement may be naturally incorporated into your songs, do not choreograph or over-stage your selections. The first criterion for acceptance into this program is vocal ability and vocal potential. We need to determine how you sing, not how you perform.
One (1) Monologue Performed from Memory: Select a monologue (no more than two minutes in length) that allows you to make strong acting choices. A monologue should take you and your audience on a "journey." Your character should be somehow different at the end than he/she was at the beginning. Pick age-appropriate material, and do not do your monologue with any kind of accent or dialect. We need to hear standard speech with good English diction.
Sight-Reading: Testing your ability to sight-sing music helps us determine your basic musicianship skills. You will be provided with a piece of music and will be expected to sing the melodic line. Sight-singing is a skill that singers develop through a process of ear-training. You can, and should, practice this before your audition. Music theory, music history, and keyboard performance are essential elements in any music curriculum. Study and preparation in these areas will also be a great advantage to you.
What do I prepare for my Undergraduate Transfer Audition?
Four (4) Contrasting Songs: You must prepare four contrasting songs that you are able to sing from memory. Three must be from the music theatre repertoire, and the fourth must be a classical piece. Select which of the songs you wish to sing first. Your classical song must follow that selection. The committee may then make other requests from your list. You will probably not be asked to sing all four songs.
Each selection should be no longer than four minutes, but you are free to sing a short section of a longer song or aria. Pick material from either classical or traditional music theatre repertoire. Avoid rock music, pop music, country music, and jazz.
Note: While some movement may be naturally incorporated into your songs, do not choreograph or over-stage your selections. The first criterion for acceptance into this program is vocal ability and vocal potential. We need to determine how you sing, not how you perform.
One (1) Monologue Performed from Memory: Select a monologue (no more than two minutes in length) that allow you to make strong acting choices. A monologue should take you and your audience on a "journey." Your character should be somehow different at the end than he/she was at the beginning. Pick age-appropriate material, and do not do your monologue with any kind of accent or dialect. We need to hear standard speech with good English diction.
Sight-Reading: Testing your ability to sight-sing music helps us determine your basic musicianship skills. You will be provided with a piece of music and will be expected to sing the melodic line. Sight-singing is a skill that singers develop through a process of ear-training. You can, and should, practice this before your audition. Music theory, music history, and keyboard performance are essential elements in any music curriculum. Study and preparation in these areas will also be a great advantage to you.
Note: If you are accepted as a transfer student there are two factors that determine how long it will take you to complete your degree at NYU. These factors are 1) the number of completed credits that NYU will accept and apply to your curriculum requirements and 2) the number of semesters of private voice the faculty adjudicators decide you must take in order to complete your NYU degree. Completed semesters of private voice at another institution will not necessarily count toward your degree requirements at NYU. Be aware that while the voice study requirement can be provided to you immediately upon your acceptance, it often takes longer for the University and the Program to process and apply your transfer credits.
What do I bring to my audition?
Picture and Résumé – a recent photograph along with a résumé of your educational and performing experience.
Audition Music for the Accompanist – legible copies in the key in which you will sing with all cuts clearly marked. We do not accept “charts” or lead sheets.
Recital Program (Graduate Auditions Only) – a copy of the program from your undergraduate voice recital (or equivalent solo recital). Our graduate curriculum is designed for students who have an undergraduate degree in music. If accepted in the program you must take placement tests in music theory and music history. Your results on these tests will determine if any remedial courses will be required in order for you to complete your graduate degree.
What do I wear to my audition?
Professional performers are often expected to dress with a sense of “the occasion” and an audition is a crucial part of both your education and the professional career you are beginning to pursue. Wear clothing that makes you comfortable, but make certain that you look your best and are dressed in a manner that shows you take both yourself and the audition seriously.
What should I expect at my audition?
An accompanist: We will provide a pianist who will play the music you bring. Copies of your songs must be provided in a legible form and in the key you will sing them with all cuts clearly marked. We will not accept charts or lead sheets.
Note: You must audition with the accompanist, or you may bring your own accompanist if you choose. Singing a cappella or performing to pre-recorded music is not allowed!!
Questions: The auditors may decide to ask you questions about your training, your experience, and your goals. This is done in an attempt to get to know you a bit better.
Coaching & Direction: Once you have performed your selections various members of the panel may ask you to make some adjustments or to repeat part of your song. This is done in order to determine how readily and receptively you work with instruction and direction.