How to Audition

Application Deadlines

• Early Decision I: November 1
• Early Decision II: January 1
• Regular Decision: January 5
• Transfer Applicants: March 15

Prescreen Video Submission Deadlines

All prospective students applying for early decision, regular decision, and transfer applications are required to submit prescreen materials prior to being invited to an on-campus audition. If you have attended the Steinhardt Summer Contemporary Voice Workshop in the past five (5) years, please indicate this on your application. After you submit your Common Application, you will receive within a couple of business days a link to log into your Artistic Review Portal, where you can submit your prescreen materials.

All prescreening submissions must be uploaded by the dates below. Materials submitted after these dates may not be accepted.

• Early Decision I: November 1, 2024
• Early Decision II and Regular Decision preferred deadline: January 1, 2025
• Early Decision II final deadline: January 1, 2025
• Regular Decision final deadline: January 5, 2025
• Transfer Applicants preferred deadline: April 1, 2025
• Transfer Applicants final deadline: April 1, 2025

Prescreen Details and Requirements

Rather than a single long video, we would like three separate clips: the introduction, the first song, and the second song. It's easier for us to review and easier for you to shoot. We will not be influenced by the professional quality of the video. Please do not worry about any elaborate lighting or studio conditions.

If you have attended the NYU Steinhardt Summer Contempoary Voice Workshop within the past five (5) years, you will not be required to submit any singing videos. Please indicate on your application that you have attended the Summer Workshop and submit an introduction video along with your headshot and resume.

Below are the requirements and suggestions for your material:

• Introduction
  • Please clearly say your name, the city you are from, and the pieces that you are going to perform.
  • Include the specialization for which you are auditioning (contemporary voice) and the degree level you would be entering (first-year undergrad, transfer).
• Two songs
  • Your two selections should be complete and contrasting songs.
  • Each selection should be no longer than four minutes.
  • Selections can include any genres you'd like: pop, rock, country, classical, jazz, musical theatre, R&B, etc.
  • Pick material that allows you to showcase your vocal versatility and your ability to sing across your vocal range. Please be sure to demonstrate proficiency in lighter vocalism using legato lines.
  • You may either have a live accompanist or use a recorded accompaniment track. If you play an accompanying instrument (keyboard, guitar), you may accompany yourself on one of the two songs. (no a cappella singing)
  • Please make sure your voice can be heard above the accompaniment – try different distances from the sound source until you find the right balance between accompaniment and voice.

Please upload a resume and a headshot or photograph along with your prescreen videos.

Please note: 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!

Scheduling an Audition

After uploading the prescreening submission, your materials will be reviewed by our faculty. If, following the review, we require an audition, you will be sent an email invitation, with several choices of dates on which to appear. If you are invited to an audition, you must prepare materials according to the guidelines below. Auditions will be held on campus and a live pianist will be provided. 

Please be aware that auditions are only requested if the faculty would like more information on an applicant that would warrant an audition. Not being asked to submit an audition does not mean that you have been rejected. 

Please know that while prescreen auditions will be reviewed by the faculty on a rolling basis and while every attempt will be made to schedule an audition in a timely manner after the submission of prescreen materials, the possibility exists that an applicant may not receive an invitation until after the final deadline. All invitations will be sent no later than one week following the deadline for prescreen submissions.

Audition Dates

Note for prospective transfer students: Though NYU's deadline for Spring transfer admission is November 1 and our deadline for Summer/Fall transfer admission is April 1, we suggest that you submit your Common Application one month in advance. Submitting your Common Application early will leave you more time to schedule an audition by our deadlines above.

Audition Details and Requirements

Undergraduate Repertoire

• Three 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.
  • Selections can include any genres you'd like: pop, rock, country, classical, jazz, musical theatre, R&B, etc.
  • A pianist will be provided for the on-campus audition: please bring sheet music in a binder, double-sided, in the correct key and with any cuts or changes clearly marked. If you play an accompanying instrument (keyboard, guitar), you may ask to accompany yourself on one of the songs. (no a cappella singing)
  • Pick material that allows you to showcase your vocal versatility and your ability to sing across your vocal range. Please be sure to demonstrate proficiency in lighter vocalism using legato lines.
  • 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, so please focus on communicating the text during your performance in the most grounded and effective manner possible.
• 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.

Undergraduate Transfer Repertoire

• Four contrasting songs
  • You must prepare four contrasting songs that you are able to sing from memory. Selections can include any genres you'd like: pop, rock, country, classical, jazz, musical theatre, R&B, etc.
  • Select which of the songs you wish to sing first. After your first song the committee will make 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.
  • 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, so please focus on communicating the text during your performance in the most grounded and effective manner possible.
• 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 to Wear for Your 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 to Expect at Your Audition

• 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 and 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.