Auditions
Whether you're seeking a music scholarship, a place in one of our ensembles or a degree in one of our programs, you'll need to audition. Our scholarship and degree track auditions are open to high school seniors and college transfers, and will include a faculty interview, performance audition, music aptitude evaluation and, for music majors, music theory placement tests. A limited number of non-major participation scholarships are awarded based on these auditions.
Our three scholarship audition weekends offer you and your family the opportunity to meet our faculty, tour our facilities and campus, and attend a unique performance showcasing students and faculty. Saturday is the recommended day though a limited number of auditions can be heard on the Friday afternoon prior.
Register for an audition date by completing the on-line music audition application. Choose your intended area of study from the options below to learn more about audition requirements and key dates. You may audition in more than one area.
Scholarship auditions for Fall Entry 2013 are complete, but yes, we can still hear your audition if planning to be a music major and need approval to begin study in the music degree. Complete the audition form as linked below and select the CD/DVD option. Then email or postal mail your recording before June 1.
Ensemble placement and seating assignment auditions are held at the start of each school term and are open to all musically-skilled Furman students. Majors and scholarship recipients are expected to participate. Skilled non-majors are welcome and encouraged to audition. Details and excerpts are posted prior to each term on the Current Students page.
Audition application questions? Contact audition coordinator Marcella Frese at 864-294-2118 or email furmanmusic@furman.edu.
Areas of Study
For brass and woodwinds auditions, please prepare and perform two contrasting works from the standard solo or etude literature. Total time limit of eight minutes. Excerpts, like those used in all-state auditions, are acceptable. The use of an accompanist is optional and not supplied by the university. The faculty prefer a cappella performances at the auditions. If you bring your own accompanist, please prepare and practice interlude cuts.
Additional criteria:
- You will be asked to sight-read a brief selection
- The faculty will check your ear training and pitch-matching skills with brief aural aptitude exercises
- Memorization is optional
- Jazz player? If you are interested in also playing jazz on your audition, please prepare a jazz etude, solo transcription, or plan to play and improvise on a standard tune of your choice. If you require a play-along recording for your jazz performance, please bring a CD that contains the play-along with you to your audition.
Audition Dates
Application
|
University application deadline
|
Audition application deadline |
Audition weekend
|
Early decision
|
November 1
|
November 15 |
Nov. 30-Dec. 1
|
Early action
|
November 15
|
December 15 |
January 18-19
|
Regular decision
|
January 15
|
January 20 |
February 15-16
|
Recorded Auditions
We strongly encourage you to audition in person since preference in given to live performers. However, if distance or an unavoidable conflict prevents you from joining us for an audition, you may submit a video or audio recording. Video recordings should be copied to a DVD, while audio recordings may be submitted through a CD or MP3 file. All recordings should meet the audition criteria.
Keep in mind that accepted students who satisfy the audition portion of our application with a recording will be asked to take a placement test in the fall.
Request an Audition
Request an audition by completing our audition application and having your instructor submit a teacher recommendation [PDF]. Be sure to submit these applications before the appropriate deadline of the desired audition weekend. We will send you an e-mail to confirm your audition time. Keep in mind that we will not be able to schedule you for an audition until you have completed your application to the university.
Teacher recommendations can be mailed, faxed, or submitted via email to:
Music Auditions
Furman Music Department
3300 Poinsett Highway
Greenville, SC 29613
Fax: 864.294.3035
furmanmusic@furman.edu
Contact
Leslie W. Hicken
Director of Bands
Phone: 864.294.3193
View our faculty section for a listing of all brass and woodwind teachers.
Furman awards funds each year to an intended composition major. A composition portfolio is required to be considered for this potential four-year scholarship. On the day of your audition, you will be scheduled for a Composition interview in addition to your performance audition and theory placement testing. The faculty will review your information and discuss with you your composition experience to this point, your future goals and opportunities for composition majors.
How to Apply
Submit the audition application to register for an audition.
Prepare and submit your composition portfolio at least two weeks prior to the audition date.
Portfolio Requirements:
- A brief cover-letter introducing yourself. Include a brief composition-related resume describing your composition experience to date, music theory knowledge and performing experience.
- Include print-outs of two or three of your original composition scores, preferably computerized (1 copy each)
- Include a CD or DVD recording (or sound/video files if emailing) of live performances of the above selections
Audition Dates
Application
|
University application deadline
|
Audition application deadline |
Audition weekend
|
Early decision
|
November 1
|
November 15 |
Nov. 30-Dec. 1
|
Early action
|
November 15
|
December 15 |
January 18-19
|
Regular decision
|
January 15
|
January 20 |
February 15-16
|
Request an Audition
Request an audition by completing our audition application and having your instructor submit a music teacher recommendation [PDF]. Be sure to submit these applications before the appropriate deadline of the desired audition weekend. We will send you an e-mail to confirm your audition time. Keep in mind that we will not be able to schedule you for an audition until you have completed your application to the university.
Teacher recommendations can be mailed, faxed, or submitted via email to:
Music Auditions
Furman Music Department
3300 Poinsett Highway
Greenville, SC 29613
Fax: 864.294.3035
furmanmusic@furman.edu
Contact
Mark Kilstofte
Composition Area Coordinator
Phone: 864.294.2229
For classical guitar auditions, please prepare two full or excerpted contrasting works from the standard solo or etude literature. The faculty will check your ear training and pitch-matching skills with brief aural aptitude exercises.
Additional criteria:
- Performance time limit: 10 minutes
- You will be asked to sight-read a brief section
- Memorization is optional
Audition Dates
Application
|
University application deadline
|
Audition application deadline |
Audition weekend
|
Early decision
|
November 1
|
November 15 |
Nov. 30-Dec. 1
|
Early action
|
November 15
|
December 15 |
January 18-19
|
Regular decision
|
January 15
|
January 20 |
February 15-16
|
Recorded Auditions
We strongly encourage you to audition in person since preference in given to live performers. However, if distance or an unavoidable conflict prevents you from joining us for an audition, you may submit a video or audio recording. Video recordings should be copied to a DVD, while audio recordings may be submitted through a CD or MP3 file. All recordings should meet the audition criteria.
Keep in mind that accepted students who satisfy the audition portion of our application with a recording will need to take the theory placement test in the fall.
Request an Audition
Request an audition by completing our audition application and having your instructor submit a teacher recommendation [PDF]. Be sure to submit these applications before the appropriate deadline of the desired audition weekend. We will send you an e-mail to confirm your audition time. Keep in mind that we will not be able to schedule you for an audition until you have completed your application to the university.
Teacher recommendations can be mailed, faxed, or submitted via email to:
Music Auditions
Furman Music Department
3300 Poinsett Highway
Greenville, SC 29613
Fax: 864.294.3035
furmanmusic@furman.edu
Contact
Steven Walter
Classical Guitar
Phone: 864.294.2275
For jazz guitar auditions, we require you to prepare three brief jazz standards of varying styles. The styles may include blues, ballad, Latin, fusion, or funk, among others. Be prepared to play chords for these tunes as well as improvise a solo within them.
Additional criteria:
- Jazz chart sight-reading and comping will be included
- The faculty will check your ear training and pitch-matching skills with brief aural aptitude exercises
Audition Dates
Application
|
University application deadline
|
Audition application deadline |
Audition weekend
|
Early decision
|
November 1
|
November 15 |
Nov. 30-Dec. 1
|
Early action
|
November 15
|
December 15 |
January 18-19
|
Regular decision
|
January 15
|
January 20 |
February 15-16
|
Recorded Auditions
We strongly encourage you to audition in person since preference in given to live performers. However, if distance or an unavoidable conflict prevents you from joining us for an audition, you may submit a video or audio recording. Video recordings should be copied to a DVD, while audio recordings may be submitted through a CD or MP3 file. All recordings should meet the audition criteria.
Keep in mind that accepted students who satisfy the audition portion of our application with a recording will be asked to take a placement test in the fall.
Request an Audition
Request an audition by completing our audition application and having your instructor submit a teacher recommendation [PDF]. Be sure to submit these applications before the appropriate deadline of the desired audition weekend. We will send you an e-mail to confirm your audition time. Keep in mind that we will not be able to schedule you for an audition until you have completed your application to the university.
Teacher recommendations can be mailed, faxed, or submitted via email to:
Music Auditions
Furman Music Department
3300 Poinsett Highway
Greenville, SC 29613
Fax: 864.294.3035
furmanmusic@furman.edu
Contact
Matt Olson
Coordinator of Jazz Studies
Phone: 864.294.3284
Steve Watson
Jazz Guitar
For harp, please prepare and perform two full or excerpted contrasting works from the standard solo or etude literature. The faculty will check your ear training and pitch-matching skills with brief aural aptitude exercises. Be sure to arrive for climate acclamation and tuning. If needed, a university harp is available. Harp auditions are heard by the orchestral string faculty.
Additional criteria:
- Performance time limit: 10 minutes
- You will be asked to sight-read a brief section
- Memorization is optional
Audition Dates
Application
|
University application deadline
|
Audition application deadline |
Audition weekend
|
Early decision
|
November 1
|
November 15 |
Nov. 30-Dec. 1
|
Early action
|
November 15
|
December 15 |
January 18-19
|
Regular decision
|
January 15
|
January 20 |
February 15-16
|
Recorded Auditions
We strongly encourage you to audition in person since preference in given to live performers. However, if distance or an unavoidable conflict prevents you from joining us for an audition, you may submit a video or audio recording. Video recordings should be copied to a DVD, while audio recordings may be submitted through a CD or MP3 file. All recordings should meet the audition criteria.
Keep in mind that accepted students who satisfy the audition portion of our application with a recording will need to take the theory placement test in the fall.
Request an Audition
Request an audition by completing our audition application and having your instructor submit a teacher recommendation [PDF]. Be sure to submit these applications before the appropriate deadline of the desired audition weekend. We will send you an e-mail to confirm your audition time. Keep in mind that we will not be able to schedule you for an audition until you have completed your application to the university.
Teacher recommendations can be mailed, faxed, or submitted via email to:
Music Auditions
Furman Music Department
3300 Poinsett Highway
Greenville, SC 29613
Fax: 864.294.3035
furmanmusic@furman.edu
Contact
Anita Burroughs-Price
Harp
Phone: 864.294.2086
For organ auditions, please prepare and perform two contrasting organ solo works with a total time limit of 12 minutes. You will also be asked to sight-read a brief organ selection. Please bring appropriate organ shoes for your audition. Extended time will be scheduled prior to the audition for registration set-up and warm-up on the audition organ.
Additional criteria:
- One solo composition on piano with a perfomance time limit of five minutes (Haydn, Mozart or Beethoven)
- The faculty will check your ear training and pitch-matching skills with brief aural aptitude exercises
- Memorization is optional but preferred
Audition Dates
Application
|
University application deadline
|
Audition application deadline |
Audition weekend
|
Early decision
|
November 1
|
November 15 |
Nov. 30-Dec. 1
|
Early action
|
November 15
|
December 15 |
January 18-19
|
Regular decision
|
January 15
|
January 20 |
February 15-16
|
Recorded Auditions
We strongly encourage you to audition in person since preference in given to live performers. However, if distance or an unavoidable conflict prevents you from joining us for an audition, you may submit a video (DVD) recording. Recordings should meet the audition criteria.
Keep in mind that accepted students who satisfy the audition portion of our application with a recording will be asked to take a placement test in the fall.
Request an Audition
Request an audition by completing our audition application and having your instructor submit a teacher recommendation [PDF]. Be sure to submit these applications before the appropriate deadline of the desired audition weekend. We will send you an e-mail to confirm your audition time. Keep in mind that we will not be able to schedule you for an audition until you have completed your application to the university.
Teacher recommendations can be mailed, faxed, or submitted via email to:
Music Auditions
Furman Music Department
3300 Poinsett Highway
Greenville, SC 29613
Fax: 864.294.3035
furmanmusic@furman.edu
Contact
Charles Tompkins
Organ, Church Music, Keyboard Area Coordinator
Phone: 864.294.2969
For percussion auditions, please prepare and perform one solo selection in each performance area: keyboard, snare, and timpani. Drum set is optional. Be sure to bring your own sticks or mallets. We will have a snare drum available at the audition, along with four symphonic timpani, a marimba, a vibe and a xylophone. You are welcome to bring your own snare drum. An accompanist is not necessary.
Additional criteria:
- You will be asked to sight-read
- The faculty will check your ear training and pitch-matching skills with brief aural aptitude exercises
- Memorization is optional
- Interested in Jazz? Prepare a 2 minute solo containing four varying styles (moderate swing + shuffle, Latin, fusion, funk, etc.). We will supply a 3-tom 2-cymbal jazz kit.
Audition Dates
Application
|
University application deadline
|
Audition application deadline |
Audition weekend
|
Early decision
|
November 1
|
November 15 |
Nov. 30-Dec. 1
|
Early action
|
November 15
|
December 15 |
January 18-19
|
Regular decision
|
January 15
|
January 20 |
February 15-16
|
Recorded Auditions
We strongly encourage you to audition in person since preference in given to live performers. However, if distance or an unavoidable conflict prevents you from joining us for an audition, you may submit a video or audio recording. Video recordings should be copied to a DVD, while audio recordings may be submitted through a CD or MP3 file. All recordings should meet the audition criteria.
Keep in mind that accepted students who satisfy the audition portion of our application with a recording will be asked to take a placement test in the fall.
Request an Audition
Request an audition by completing our audition application and having your instructor submit a teacher recommendation [PDF]. Be sure to submit these applications before the appropriate deadline of the desired audition weekend. We will send you an e-mail to confirm your audition time. Keep in mind that we will not be able to schedule you for an audition until you have completed your application to the university.
Teacher recommendations can be mailed, faxed, or submitted via email to:
Music Auditions
Furman Music Department
3300 Poinsett Highway
Greenville, SC 29613
Fax: 864.294.3035
furmanmusic@furman.edu
Contact
Omar Carmenates
Percussion
Phone: 864.294.2406
For piano auditions, please prepare and perform one Sonata movement by Haydn, Mozart or Beethoven, and one full or excerpted composition from the Romantic or Contemporary period. An additional Baroque composition would be appreciated, but is not required.
Additional criteria:
- Performance total time limit: 15 minutes
- Memorization expected
- You will be asked to sight-read a brief selection
- The faculty will check your ear training and pitch-matching skills with brief aural aptitude exercises
Audition Dates
Application
|
University application deadline
|
Audition application deadline |
Audition weekend
|
Early decision
|
November 1
|
November 15 |
Nov. 30-Dec. 1
|
Early action
|
November 15
|
December 15 |
January 18-19
|
Regular decision
|
January 15
|
January 20 |
February 15-16
|
Recorded Auditions
We strongly encourage you to audition in person since preference in given to live performers. However, if distance or an unavoidable conflict prevents you from joining us for an audition, you may submit a video or audio recording. Video recordings should be copied to a DVD, while audio recordings may be submitted through a CD or MP3 file. All recordings should meet the audition criteria.
Keep in mind that accepted students who satisfy the audition portion of our application with a recording will be asked to take a placement test in the fall.
Request an Audition
Request an audition by completing our audition application and having your instructor submit a teacher recommendation [PDF]. Be sure to submit these applications before the appropriate deadline of the desired audition weekend. We will send you an e-mail to confirm your audition time. Keep in mind that we will not be able to schedule you for an audition until you have completed your application to the university.
Teacher recommendations can be mailed, faxed, or submitted via email to:
Music Auditions
Furman Music Department
3300 Poinsett Highway
Greenville, SC 29613
Fax: 864.294.3035
furmanmusic@furman.edu
Contact
Derek Parsons
Piano
Phone: 864.294.2099
Candidates for the BM and BME programs should prepare:
1. One movement from a standard concerto or comparable composition
2. One movement from an unaccompanied Bach sonata, partita or suite
3. An etude or caprice
4. At least one of these pieces should be memorized.
Candidates for the BA and non-major programs should prepare two contrasting works from the standard solo literature. Memorization is optional.
Performance time limit:
BM/BME: 15 minutes
BA/Non-Major: 10 minutes
Jazz player? If you are interested in also playing jazz on your audition, please prepare a jazz etude, solo transcription, or plan to play and improvise on a standard tune of your choice. If you require a play-along recording for your jazz performance, please bring a CD that contains the music with you to your audition.
Audition Dates
Application
|
University application deadline
|
Audition application deadline |
Audition weekend
|
Early decision
|
November 1
|
November 15 |
Nov. 30-Dec. 1
|
Early action
|
November 15
|
December 15 |
January 18-19
|
Regular decision
|
January 15
|
January 20 |
February 15-16
|
Recorded Auditions
We strongly encourage you to audition in person since preference in given to live performers. However, if distance or an unavoidable conflict prevents you from joining us for an audition, you may submit a video or audio recording. Video recordings should be copied to a DVD, while audio recordings may be submitted through a CD or MP3 file. All recordings should meet the audition criteria.
Keep in mind that accepted students who satisfy the audition portion of our application with a recording will be asked to take a placement test in the fall.
Request an Audition
Request an audition by completing our audition application and having your instructor submit a teacher recommendation [PDF]. Be sure to submit these applications before the appropriate deadline of the desired audition weekend. We will send you an e-mail to confirm your audition time. Keep in mind that we will not be able to schedule you for an audition until you have completed your application to the university.
Teacher recommendations can be mailed, faxed, or submitted via email to:
Music Auditions
Furman Music Department
3300 Poinsett Highway
Greenville, SC 29613
Fax: 864.294.3035
furmanmusic@furman.edu
Contact
Thomas Joiner
Violin, Area Coordinator
Phone: 864.294.2219
Anna Joiner
Viola
Phone: 864.294.3199
Christopher Hutton
Cello, Bass
Phone: 864.294.2019
For voice auditions, please prepare and perform two contrasting songs from the art song, oratorio or operatic repertoire. We require vocalists to perform with a piano accompanist. Musical theater songs are not appropriate for this audition. If your accompanist is unable to travel with you, be sure to request our staff accompanist on the audition application. Our staff accompanist will rehearse with you for 15 minutes and then walk with you to the vocal audition room. There is no charge for the services of our staff accompanist. A recorded accompaniment is not appropriate.
Additional criteria:
- Performance time limit: Six minutes.
- Memorization expected.
- You will be asked to sight-read a brief selection
- The faculty will check your ear training and pitch-matching skills with brief aural aptitude exercises.
Audition Dates
Application
|
University application deadline
|
Audition application deadline |
Audition weekend
|
Early decision
|
November 1
|
November 15 |
Nov. 30-Dec. 1
|
Early action
|
November 15
|
December 15 |
January 18-19
|
Regular decision
|
January 15
|
January 20 |
February 15-16
|
Recorded Auditions
We strongly encourage you to audition in person since preference in given to live performers. However, if distance or an unavoidable conflict prevents you from joining us for an audition, you may submit a video or audio recording. Video recordings should be copied to a DVD, while audio recordings may be submitted through a CD or MP3 file. All recordings should meet the audition criteria.
Keep in mind that accepted students who satisfy the audition portion of our application with a recording will be asked to take a placement test in the fall.
Request an Audition
Request an audition by completing our audition application and having your instructor submit a teacher recommendation [PDF]. Be sure to submit these applications before the appropriate deadline of the desired audition weekend. We will send you an e-mail to confirm your audition time. Keep in mind that we will not be able to schedule you for an audition until you have completed your application to the university.
Teacher recommendations can be mailed, faxed, or submitted via email to:
Music Auditions
Furman Music Department
3300 Poinsett Highway
Greenville, SC 29613
Fax: 864.294.3035
furmanmusic@furman.edu
Contact
Trudy Fuller
Vocal Studies Coordinator
Phone: 864.294.3034
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