Auditions
Auditions are required for students seeking an undergraduate degree in music or a graduate degree in music.
Be a part of the music
You may schedule an audition in person or you may submit a high-quality, unedited video. If you’re a transfer student, please also include a cumulative repertoire list.
If you’d like to submit a video, please email the link to music@olemiss.edu with your full name and phone number. You may be contacted for further evaluation.
Start your video by stating your full name and the title of each selection you will perform.
- The video should be one take, no editing or stopping mid-recording, as if it were a live performance.
- Use the highest quality audio and video recording equipment possible (iPhone or Android recordings are absolutely acceptable).
- Upload your video to YouTube or the video sharing platform of your choice. Make sure to select the settings that give us access to the file. In YouTube, this means selecting Unlisted, not Private.
Get ready for your audition
The audition process is made up of three sections: prepared music, sight-reading, and scales.
1. Prepare approximately 4 minutes of music
- High school seniors: solo literature, excerpts, audition music from honor bands or all-state band are all acceptable materials.
- Transfer students: solo literature is recommended but not required.
Suggestion: choose different pieces or excerpts to show technical skills as well as lyrical skills.
2. Sight-reading
Short sight-reading piece provided during the audition3. Scales
High school seniors: 3-4 major scales (assigned during the audition) and the chromatic scale.
Transfer students: 3-4 major and minor scales (assigned during the audition), and the chromatic scale (at least two octaves of each)
*These guidelines will satisfy audition requirements for the band area, other ensembles, and the music department.
The audition process is made up of three sections: prepared music, sight-reading, and scales and rudiments.
1. Prepare approximately 4 minutes of music of your choice
- High school seniors: solo literature, excerpts, audition music from honor bands or all-state band are all acceptable materials.
Transfer students: solo literature is recommended but not required.
Playing on multiple instruments is expected, but not required. You may audition on concert and/or marching equipment.
2. Sight-reading
Short sight-reading piece on a concert snare drum (assigned during the audition)3. Scales and Rudiments
High school seniors: 3-4 major scales (assigned during the audition) and the chromatic scale
High school seniors: 3-4 rudiments (assigned during the audition)
Transfer students: 3-4 major and minor scales (assigned during the audition) and the chromatic scale — at least two octaves of each
Transfer students: 3-4 rudiments (assigned during the audition)
These guidelines will satisfy audition requirements for the band area, other ensembles, and the music department.
Transfer students: 10-15 minutes of music (solo literature is recommended)
*These guidelines will satisfy audition requirements for both the orchestra and the music department.
Prepared music of the student’s choice (same for all incoming undergraduate students)
Baroque compositions such as a J.S. Bach Invention or Prelude & Fugue; a Handel Suite, or Scarlatti Sonata
Classical Sonata (first movement) by Haydn, Clementi, Mozart, Beethoven, or Schubert. Moonlight Sonata is not acceptable.
Composition from a different classical style period: Romantic, Impressionist, or Contemporary.
Undergraduate Students
High-school seniors Prepare two solo vocal selections of contrasting character/style.
*Note: While selections with accompaniment (piano or track) are encouraged, a cappella submissions will be accepted.
Transfer students Prepare two solo vocal selections of contrasting character/style with one in a language other than English.
*Note: While selections with accompaniment (piano or track) are encouraged, a cappella submissions will be accepted.
Graduate Students
Students wishing to pursue a Master of Music must prepare a memorized audition program consisting of four to five pieces. Repertoire should include selections from opera, oratorio, and art song, representing three to four historical periods, in at least four languages, e.g., Italian, German, French, English, Spanish, and Russian. A cumulative repertoire list, senior recital program, and transcript should be presented at the audition to determine entrance standing.NOTE: The GRE is not required for the Master of Music in Vocal Performance.
These guidelines will satisfy audition requirements for both the choirs and the music department.