At the Mary Pappert School of Music, we use a two-part approach when evaluating potential
music majors that combines a live audition experience (in-person or online) with the
submission of an Audition Portfolio containing pre-recorded music media. The goal of our audition process is to provide
faculty evaluators with a clear picture of your performance ability, program fitness,
and level of artistry. We also want to give you the opportunity to showcase your best
performances and share any musical achievements or highlights.
Part 1: Submit your Audition Portfolio Audition Portfolios contain compiled media links of pre-recorded audition material.
Regardless of your intended degree, all applicants pursuing a music major must submit
an Audition Portfolio in advance of their scheduled audition. All portfolio materials
must meet the audition guidelines.
Part 2: Complete your Scheduled Audition (in-person or online) You will choose an audition date and schedule your audition on 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.
Take a free lesson with one of our teachers to help you prepare.
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.
What is the Audition Portfolio and why is it so important?
Audition Portfolios contain media links of pre-recorded audition material. They are
required application checklist items and must be submitted at least 1 week in advance
of the audition using your 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 andfulfill the audition requirements for your primary instrument and chosen major. 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.
Can I include additional content that is not required?
Yes, of course! While it is essential to include the content that meets the specified
audition guidelines, all applicants are welcome to include supplemental media and/or
to list accomplishments, accolades, and awards that support their overall artistry
and musicianship . Use the Audition Portfolio to tell us all about who you are and
share your goals and interest as a prospective student.
Your audition day experience is shaped by your intended major.
In addition to the portfolio submission, scheduling a music audition is also a required
checklist item. Each applicant will choose a date to audition and then complete a
series of evaluations on their scheduled day.
Audition Day Components
Depending on your chosen major, primary instrument, and level of study, your audition
day experience may include any combination of the following components:
Instrumental Audition This is the most common component and a widely shared experience among prospective
students on audition day. This is your opportunity to demonstrate your ability to
meet the audition requirements and showcase your instrumental identity as a vocalist,
as a cellist, as a wind or brass player etc.
Degree Interview These interviews are designed with flexibility in mind and they feel like a conversation
rather than a high-pressure event. Applicants are encouraged to share their musical
knowledge and experiences honestly so that all parties can determine whether the intended
major is a good fit.
Musicianship Placement Exam This online diagnostic exam does not require any preparation and takes about 1 hour
to complete. All undergraduates scheduled to audition will receive a link to take
the online exam prior to audition day. You are welcome to complete the exam at any
time from home or school, but it must be completed by the end of your scheduled audition
day to avoid decision delays.
GA Interview All graduate performance majors are eligible to serve as a Graduate Assistant (GA).
On audition day, prospective graduates will meet with the Assistant Dean of Music
Admissions to review application progress and estimate award potential. This interview
functions as a vital checkpoint for prospective graduate performance majors and is
an essential step in financial planning.
Major/Program
Instrumental Audition
Degree Interview
Musicianship Placement Exam
GA Interview
BA in Music
Required
Required
Required
BM in Music Performance
Required
Required
BM in Music Technology
Required
Required
Required
BS in Music Education
Required
Required
Required
BS in Music Therapy
Required
Required
Required
AD in Music Performance*
Required
Required
MM in Music Performance*
Required
Required
MMT Music Therapy*
Required
MMT Music Therapy Equivalency*
Required
*graduate-level program
NOTE: The table above lists audition day components for all music majors. Prospective
undergraduates applying for the "Discover Music - Undecided" are not required to schedule
and complete a formal music audition. Learn more about Discover Music - Undecided.
How do the various audition day components influence decision-making?
Faculty evaluators work together in teams to assess different aspects of each applicant.
Some evaluators are professional performers with a particular instrumental expertise
while others are actively participating in and contributing to a specific musical
discipline or industry. All are submitting official feedback as auditions and interviews
are taking place. In the days that follow an audition event, all feedback is compiled
for each applicant, and an admission decision is made based on the collective assessment.
Feedback provides clarity, perspective, and flexibility.
Feedback from faculty evaluators is essential not only for determining admission,
but for determining program fitness and resonance as well. In some cases, we may recommend
a change of program as a condition prior to issuing an admission decision if concerns
arise during the process. For all instrumental auditions and degree interviews, at
least two faculty evaluators are present in each instance to ensure fairness, equity,
and consistency within instrumental areas and degree programs.
Audition Dates
Full Calendar
All dates for the current admission cycle are listed below. You can choose between
online or in-person format for select dates. When you're ready, register to audition
on your applicant portal.
December 4, 2026 (campus & online)
January 22, 2027 (online only)
February 5, 2027 (campus only)
February 19, 2027 (campus only)
April 2, 2027 (online only)
Post-season audition appointments are available, but not guaranteed. Learn more by contacting the office of music admissions musicadmissionsFREEDUQUESNE.
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.
Audition Format
Log in to your applicant portal to pick an audition date and choose your
format (online or in-person).
I had prepared, and it went well so there was really no need to be nervous. It
felt like they were not grilling me and asking questions, but we were just talking
about this thing that we all just love and have in common.
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.
Yes! 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. We structure our audition days carefully to allow
for an enjoyable audition experience. 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.
Yes! Music majors are automatically considered for awards based on academic merit and musical talent. While the process can unfold differently
across majors and levels of study, there are strategies in place to ensure resources
are distributed proportionately, fairly, and responsibly.
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.
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.
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.
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.
