Audition Information

Percussion Audition Requirements:

• One snare drum piece
• One mallet piece using two or four mallets
• One timpani piece using two or four drums

Note: All three areas are desired, but consideration will still be given to those who are weak in one of the aforementioned instruments.

• Drumset performance demonstrating proficiency in three or more of the following styles: swing, latin, funk, rock

If you are interested in playing in Jazz Ensemble, please be prepared to audition on drum set as well, demonstrating various styles and grooves (Swing, Rock and Latin).

Drumset Audition Requirements:

• Drumset performance demonstrating proficiency in three or more of the following styles: swing, latin, funk, rock

If you are interested in playing in Jazz Ensemble, please be prepared to audition on drum set as well, demonstrating various styles and grooves (Swing, Rock and Latin).

Note: All drumset students will also be expected to learn some basic percussion skills that will help them be versatile and prepared for today's music business. In order to accomplish this, two semesters of private lessons are required in the percussion area.

Keyboard Audition Requirements:

• One classical selection
• One contemporary selection
• Sight-reading, scales and arpeggios may be requested

Organ Audition Requirements:

• One of each of the following pieces. Up to two of these pieces may be played on the piano.
  • Baroque Composition
  • Romantic Composition
  • Contemporary Composition

Note: Please be prepared for sight-reading and ear tests.

Electric Bass Audition Requirements:

Guitar Audition Requirements:

• One piece that demonstrates their chord knowledge & right hand strumming technique.
• One piece that demonstrates ability to finger pick or play fingerstyle/classical.
• Knowledge of open-voiced and barre chords and sight-reading will also be assessed.

Note: Studies by Carcassi, Sor, Sargeras, and Guilani are acceptable.

Voice Audition Requirements:

• Two songs from any of the following genres:
  • Modern worship
  • Pop
  • Musical theatre
  • Jazz
  • Classical

These pieces should be contrasting in style and demonstrate your musical and technical abilities in the voice.

Note: An accompanist will be provided for your classical piece. However, we ask that you accompany yourself on guitar or piano for your contemporary piece (guitar not provided).

While we prefer students to audition in person, we also recognize that not everyone will be able to do so, specifically with regards to students who live across the country or internationally. In cases like these, we accept recorded auditions via YouTube, due March 1. Simply upload a video recording (meeting the following requirements) and email the link to music@biola.edu. Those planning to audition via recording must adhere to the following guidelines:

• Performance of each piece should be continuous with no editing; this includes video cuts or audio editing (ie autotune, reverb, effects).
• Include the date of the performance, which should be no more than 6 months old.
• Include a typed copy of the entire performance program. There should be no talking or explanation on the recording itself. Any additional comments should be typed and submitted with the recording.
• All recorded audition submissions must be of highest quality sound and visual recordings.