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Interested in Studying Here?

Read our Undergraduate Application Guide.

Students wishing to declare a major or minor in Music, or to be eligible for scholarships in Music, must audition.

A successful audition is required to declare following degree programs:

  • Bachelor of Music (all concentrations)
  • Master of Music with a concentration in Performance
  • Music Minor
  • Interdisciplinary Certificate in Musical Theatre

UWG students majoring in disciplines outside of Music must also audition for scholarship and ensemble opportunities.

If you wish to be considered for a scholarship, it is highly recommended that you audition during our Destination: Music event held on Presidents' Day each February.

Review the audition dates and requirements

Audition Dates 

Students are encouraged to audition for the music program during our Destination: Music event in February each Presidents' Day. Please submit your audition application, and you will be contacted to arrange an audition specifically for you, either in person or via distance technology. Other audition dates can be arranged as needed. Students may audition during the spring and summer semesters until early August.

Additional On Campus Audition Dates

For additional dates, please contact Dr. Dawn Neely (dneely@westga.edu) to sign up for vocal auditions and  Dr. Josh Bryd (jbyrd@westga.edu) to sign up for instrumental auditions.

Undergraduate Music Admission Requirements

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Perform from memory two contrasting solos of art music in Italian (as published in the 24- or 28- Italian Songs and Arias listed below) and English.

Keyboard accompaniments are required. You may bring your own accompanist or one will be provided upon request.

Books for Italian Songs

  • 24 Italian Songs and Arias of the 17th and 18th Centuries (in Medium High and Medium Low voice) G. Schirmer, Inc.
  • 28 Italian Songs and Arias of the 17th and 18th Centuries (in High, Medium High, Medium, Medium Low and Low voice) G. Schirmer, Inc.

Please avoid using the Italian songs and aria versions used for the GMEA All-State Chorus auditions.

Examples of Books with appropriate English songs

  • 15 American Art Songs (Low and High voice). G. Schirmer, Inc.
  • Folk Songs for Solo Singers. Ed. Jay Althouse. Alfred Music.
    • 15 Easy Folk Songs.(High and Low voice). Hal Leonard
  • English songs in:
    • First/Second Book Series (such as First Book of Soprano Solos). Compiled by Joan Frey Boytim, G. Schirmer, Inc.
    • Easy Songs for Beginning (Soprano, Mezzo, Tenor, Baritone), G. Schirmer, Inc.
    • Standard Vocal Literature (Soprano, Mezzo, Tenor, Baritone/Bass) Hal Leonard

Please contact Dr. Dawn Neely (dneely@westga.edu) with further questions about appropriate repertoire.

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Perform a published solo (preferred) or étude such as those required for solo festival. Accompaniments are not required.

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Perform a published solo or étude for snare drum, timpani and keyboard percussion.

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Perform from memory two contrasting standard repertoire pieces.

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Perform a published solo or étude written or transcribed for classical guitar.

Additional requirements for Music Composition

In addition to the performance audition, students who intend to major in Music Composition must submit an audio portfolio of at least two original compositions totaling a minimum of five minutes in length to music@westga.edu. Submission of scores is strongly encouraged.

Letter of Recommendation

If you are a high school senior (or recent high school graduate), you will need a letter of recommendation from a music teacher who is familiar with your performance skills. A letter of recommendation is simply a brief letter written by a professional (i.e. your music teacher) explaining why you are qualified to study music at the collegiate level.

Have your music teacher submit their letter via email to music@westga.edu.

Apply to UWG

You may audition before you are admitted to the university. However, scholarships and admission to UWG Music are contingent upon admission to the university.

Undergraduate Application

Graduate Admissions are made through the UWG Graduate school:

Graduate Application

Audition Application

Be sure you have the following items ready before beginning the audition application:

  1. Personal and contact information
  2. Your ACT and/or SAT scores, if available
  3. Information of your GPA from High School and/or college
  4. Information regarding your audition music

Complete and submit the application no later than one week prior to your audition.

Begin Application

After we receive your application we will notify you of your audition time.

Audition PreparationWhat You Need to Know

Your audition day is coming up! Here's what you need to know to be ready.

Preparation

You've had years of music experience and are about to make the next step in your musical journey. Prior to the audition, you will want to review the exact requirements located on our apply page for specific requirements for your instrument or voice type. Ask your music teacher about what they think will make a successful audition; chances are they've done it before you. You will want to practice in front of a mirror - or a friend - to have a "dry run" before your actual audition (remember to dress up as if you were at the actual audition!). On the subject of dressing up, remember that the audition is a both a presentation of your skills as well as our first time formally meeting you - be sure to present yourself as the professional you aspire to be!

Arriving at UWG

Parking is easy once you are prepared. Visit the UWG Parking Services page for more specific information about parking.

What else is there to do besides my audition?

We have several events planned to give you a glimpse into daily life at the UWG Music Department: mini recitals, meet & greets with our faculty, sample class lectures and more!

Is there somewhere to eat on campus?

There are a number of restaurants a short drive from campus. Even better though, we have multiple fantastic dining locations on campus. Visit our Dining Services page for further information.

Finally, on each audition day we will have a lounge with coffee, tea and water along with a few snacks available for auditioning students and their parents.

What time should I arrive prior to my audition?

This is totally up to you! Practice rooms are available for you to warm up prior to your audition. Allow enough time for parking and checking in, and then however much time you need to warm up and be prepared to play your audition.

How long will my audition be?

Most auditions are 15 minutes long. Undergraduate auditions range from 10 to 20 minutes, and graduate auditions range from 15-30 minutes.

What should I wear for my audition?

We recommend wearing nice pants and shirt for men, and a dress/skirt or nice pants for women. You should look professional, but be comfortable.

What about an accompanist for my audition?

We provide accompanists for voice auditions. For undergraduate vocalists, you will have a chance to speak with your accompanist a few minutes prior to your audition to discuss tempos, entrances, etc. For graduate vocalists, we have assigned an accompanist to you. You should have heard from them by now. If not, please contact us at music@westga.edu. For all others, we do not require accompanists for your audition. If you would like an accompanist, however, please contact us, and we can send you a list of some of our graduate collaborative piano students who you may contact directly about accompanying your audition.