What will my audition be like?

In addition to the actual audition/performance for acceptance into the Department of Music, the audition day is an opportunity to meet the music faculty, to learn more about what it means to be a music major at Wright State University and to hear of the many exciting opportunities that are available for WSU music students.

• When you arrive at the Creative Arts Center you will check in with Ms. Victoria Chadbourne, the Promotions & Outreach Coordinator, and she will give you a schedule of activities for your audition day. Your parents or a friend are welcome to accompany you to the audition day, however, the audition itself and the diagnostic tests are closed to everyone except you and the faculty hearing your audition and administering the tests.
• All auditionees, parents, and guests will be invited into the Concert Hall for the start of the Audition Day schedule which will begin with a welcome by Dr. Herbert Dregalla, the chair of the Department of Music. He will go over the schedule for the day and answer any questions you might have for him.
• While you are here, you will be given a piano placement test and a music theory test. These tests are diagnostic and the results will only be used to place you in the appropriate section of the keyboarding/piano class and a music theory class in the fall along with other students of a similar skill level. While we want you to do your best on these examinations, your results on these tests will not affect in any way your acceptance as a music major.
• You will be able to take a tour of the department to show you our facilities and where you will be spending much of your time while at Wright State.
• If you have not already had a tour of the WSU campus, there will be a chance to do this with a member of the University Admissions staff
• Several of the music faculty members will give short talks on various aspects of the department, your studies in the department, and potential careers for music graduates.
• The audition itself will take approximately 30 minutes and includes performing the pieces on your audition repertoire card as well as scales, sight reading and a short interview with the faculty hearing your audition.
• You will have time to warm-up in one of out practice rooms before your audition and, if you are using our accompanist, he or she will have time to work with you before the audition.

As with any type of audition/performance there will undoubtedly be some stress involved. As much as possible, however, the faculty, staff, and students of the Department of Music want you to relax while you are here. We want you not only to perform at your best level, but also to meet us, to learn about our department and university, and to see and hear why we are excited about Wright State University.