How to Register and What to Submit

The goal of the audition process is to provide faculty evaluators with a clear picture of your performance ability and level of artistry. We also want to give you the opportunity to showcase your best performances and musical achievements. At the Mary Pappert School of Music, we use a two-part approach that combines a live audition experience (in-person or online) with the ability to share an Audition Portfolio containing pre-recorded music media.

Regardless of audition format (in-person or online), all applicants must submit the Audition Portfolio in advance of their scheduled audition. All audition portfolio materials must meet the audition guidelines.

Part 1: Submit your Audition Portfolio
Audition Portfolios contain compiled media links of pre-recorded audition material submitted at least 1 week in advance of the audition using your applicant portal.

Part 2: Complete your Live Audition (in-person or online) 
You will choose an audition date and register for your live audition using your applicant portal. In-person auditions occur on campus at designated times in front of faculty evaluators. Similarly, online auditions occur at designated times via Zoom to allow for real-time interaction with faculty evaluators.

Applicant Portal Login

Audition Dates

Full Calendar

All dates for the current admission cycle are listed below. You can choose between online or in-person format. When you're ready, register to audition on your applicant portal.
  • December 6, 2024
  • January 17, 2025
  • January 31, 2025
  • February 14, 2025
  • February 28, 2025

  • Online and in-person audition appointments beyond 2/28/25 are not guaranteed, but can be requested by contacting the%20office%20of%20music%20admissions.

Your audition day experience will include multiple components based on your degree, instrument, and level of study. We will provide a detailed and personalized audition schedule to help you navigate the day.
guitarist performing

Audition Format

Log in to your applicant portal to pick an audition date and choose your format (online or in-person).

Register to Audition

Audition Overview

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Select your degree program and instrument

This tool will tell you exactly what is required for the audition portfolio and the live audition (online or in person).

What is the Audition Portfolio and why is it so important?

Audition Portfolios contain media links of pre-recorded audition material. They are application checklist items and must be submitted at least 1 week in advance of the audition using the applicant portal. Faculty evaluators will have the opportunity to review portfolios in advance of the live audition. We look at the portfolios prior to meeting with you on audition day to take some of the pressure off of the performance and put focus on the personal interactions.  We also use audition portfolios as a point of reference as we conduct our cumulative review and consider accepted students for scholarships.

How do I assemble my Audition Portfolio?

You'll record high-quality videos that accurately demonstrate your musical ability and fulfill the audition requirements. You'll then upload your media to a cloud-based online platform and compile a single portfolio document that contains public links to all of your music media.

Audition Portfolio Details

Your Audition Day Experience Depends on Your Major

In addition to the Audition Portfolio, there are also live performances, degree interviews, and supplemental assessments required of each applicant. Please refer to the chart below for additional information:

 

Program Audition Portfolio Performance Audition Jazz Audition Degree Interview Musicianship Exam
BA in Music Required Required   Required Required
BM in Music Ministry Required Required   Required Required

BM in Music Performance

 Required Required     Required
BM in Music Technology  Required Required   Required Required
BS in Music Education Required Required   Required Required
BS in Music Therapy Required Required   Required Required
AD in Music Performance* Required Required      
MM in Music Performance* Required Required      
MMT Music Therapy* Required     Required  
MMT Music Therapy Equivalency*  Required     Required  

*graduate-level program

NOTE: The table above lists audition day components for all music majors. Those applying for the "Discover Music - Undecided" are not required to complete a formal audition. Learn more about Discover Music - Undecided.

Take a Lesson and Prepare

A student takes a guitar lesson with a teacher.

All applicants qualify for a free lesson with our faculty to help them prepare for the live audition and submit a quality portfolio. Use the time to connect with a teacher and experience our top-rate private instruction for yourself. 

Sign up for a Lesson

Audition FAQs

When you're searching for additional details about the audition day experience and what to expect, check out our tips in response to some of these frequently asked questions. If you don't see what you're looking for, you can always connect with us to request additional information.

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Yes! We structure our audition days carefully to allow for an enjoyable audition experience. Approximately 1 week prior to your scheduled audition, you will receive a personalized schedule with exact times and locations of all your required audition day components. In addition to your scheduled components, we will also have student panel presentations, live music, and guided tours available throughout the day.
Typically within 7 days of your audition. Our faculty evaluators submit electronic review forms the day of the audition and our team begins processing the decisions immediately after. We will notify you via email as soon as we have a result to share!
No, you must choose one primary instrument for consideration of admission to the school of music. However, you are welcome and encouraged to include recorded material in your Audition Portfolio that reflects your ability to perform on multiple instruments.

Check out the Path to Admission

Learn more about your music admission timeline, when to take action, and how to submit materials. All applicants submit a university application and complete a formal music audition. Fully accepted students are automatically considered for scholarships and awards.

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UGUndergraduate Applicants

These are the steps you will take to submit your application, complete your audition, and secure your award package. The Mary Pappert School of Music offers scholarships in phases that reflect academic merit and musical talent.

UG Details

GRGraduate Applicants

Graduate applicants that pass the audition receive a performance award based on their evaluation scores and have the opportunity to apply for an assistantship to help cover tuition. Review the steps to take in order to maximize your award potential.

GR Details

INTLInternational Applicants

Starting early is the smartest part of any strategy. It takes extra time and energy for international applicants to complete the admission process. Follow these steps to make sure all of the requirements are met in time to begin your studies on time.

INTL Details

Contact Us

Do you need help preparing for your audition? Our Music Admissions team is a great place to start!

Music Admissions

600 Forbes Avenue | Pittsburgh, PA 15282