The music program requires that all students applying to study music at Lindenwood University schedule an audition and interview. This is your opportunity to meet the faculty, visit our facilities, and spend time with current Lindenwood students. In addition to determining admittance to the music program, your audition is a prime factor in determining your scholarship award. Many of our music students have been awarded scholarship money, and an audition is the only way to guarantee your consideration. We welcome all interested students to contact us to schedule an audition.

Non-majors may also audition and interview for scholarship consideration.

We typically strive to have everyone audition during our planned audition days in February. However, due to the ongoing pandemic, online auditions are preferred and can be scheduled after completing the audition application found at the bottom of this page.

Once a prospective student has been accepted to Lindenwood University and submitted their FAFSA we can begin the process to recommend additional scholarship support.

Audition Guidelines

Please follow the audition guidelines and contact us if you have any questions.

Music Audition Requirements

Regardless of degree program, ALL students must have the following items at your audition:

• Statement of Purpose - Why do you want to study music at the collegiate level? What are your career aspirations? How will your education and experience at Lindenwood University positively affect your future?
• Résumé - A comprehensive list of your accomplishments, honors, awards, and skills. Any relevant history should be included in your résumé.
• Letter of Recommendation - A letter from a person who can speak to your character, integrity, and potential. This letter should be from a teacher, supervisor, or religious leader, not from family members, friends, or casual acquaintances.

Instrumental / Vocal
Music Performance (BA)

A performance on your primary instrument demonstrating your musical ability. An audition is REQUIRED for admission into the Music Performance degree program. Please consider the following requirements:

• Vocal
  • 2 art songs of contrasting style; one song must be in a foreign language. Bring printed music for accompanist.
• Instrumental
  • 2 pieces of music of contrasting style. Bring printed music for accompanist if desired.
  • Be prepared to play major & minor scales and arpeggios.
  • Sight-reading may be asked.
• You may also perform on a secondary instrument/voice type if you like. This is especially encouraged if you plan on participating in a variety of ensembles.

An interview with the faculty, focusing primarily on your interest in music performance. The following are examples of potential topics of discussion:

• Why does Music Performance speak to you as opposed to other degree programs?
• Your ideal career and how you hope to achieve it.
• How dedicated you are to this career path, and your awareness of the steps and personal characteristics necessary for success.

How you hope to contribute to the Lindenwood music department and make the most of your time here.

Instrumental / Vocal
Music Education (BA)

A performance on your primary instrument demonstrating your musical ability, considering the following requirements:

• Vocal
  • 2 art songs of contrasting style; foreign language is not required. Bring printed music for accompanist.
• Instrumental
  • 1-2 pieces of music of contrasting style. Bring printed music for accompanist if desired.
• You may also perform on a secondary instrument/voice type if you like. This is especially encouraged if you plan on participating in a variety of ensembles.

An interview with the faculty, focusing primarily on your interest in music education. The following are examples of potential topics of discussion:

• Any educational experience you have, and why a career as a music educator speaks to you.
• Your ideal career and how you hope to achieve it.
• A specific event in your life that made you consider music education as a career.
• How you hope to contribute to the Lindenwood music department and make the most of your time here.

Jazz and Contemporary Music (Minor)

In conjunction with the Music Business & Entrepreneurship (BA) or Music (BA) degree programs.

A performance on your primary instrument is a requirement for entrance into the JCM Minor. The music you perform should show your musical ability and represent either the jazz or contemporary music genres, which includes all commercially-relevant styles.

Music (BA)

A performance on your primary instrument demonstrating your musical ability, considering the following requirements:

• Vocal
  • 1 - 2 songs of contrasting style. Art song is recommended, but musical theatre or jazz is also acceptable. Bring printed music for accompanist.
• Instrumental
  • 1-2 pieces of music of contrasting style. Bring printed music for accompanist if desired.
• You may also perform on a secondary instrument/voice type if you like. This is especially encouraged if you plan on participating in a variety of ensembles.

An interview with the faculty, focusing primarily on your interest in a music degree. The following are examples of potential topics of discussion:

• Your thoughts about potential careers, and how a music degree makes that possible.
• Rationale for earning a BA in Music rather than a more specific music degree program.
• How you hope to contribute to the Lindenwood music department and make the most of your time here.

Music Business
& Entrepreneurship (BA)

Please prepare at least one of the following options:

• A performance on your primary instrument demonstrating your musical ability.
• A recorded example of your work that you have produced/edited/mixed.
• A composition (either arranged or original) that demonstrates both your musical and technical skill (using a music notation program).

An interview with the faculty, focusing primarily on your interest in the music industry. The following are examples of potential topics of discussion:

• Your current musical interests and how they’re relevant to a career in the music industry.
• Your ideal career and how you hope to achieve it.
• Demonstrating an awareness of the current music industry, and the ability to mention specific people or topics of special interest to you.
• How you hope to contribute to the Lindenwood music department and make the most of your time here.

Audition Registration Form