Performance majors have mock auditions down to a science, but composers? Not so much. If you’re wondering what to bring, what to expect, and how to prepare for your composition audition, you’re in the right place. This guide will help you feel confident, informed, and ready to shine when you walk into that audition room. Let’s dive in!
What Sets a Composition Audition Apart?
Unlike instrumentalists, who showcase their technical skill and interpretation through live performances, composers are evaluated on their creativity, artistic vision, and ability to communicate ideas through their written works. Composition auditions often involve presenting a portfolio of scores, recordings, and occasionally personal statements or interviews, requiring you to articulate not just what you create but why and how. It’s less about technical perfection and more about originality, clarity, and potential.
Research Your Program
Before you even step into the audition room, do your homework. Researching your prospective school helps you determine if it’s the right fit and prepares you to make a strong impression.
Here’s what to look into:
Faculty: Who are they, and what’s their music like? Listen to their work and read their bios.
Program Details: What degrees are offered? What’s the course structure?
Opportunities: Are there chances to get your work performed?
Community: What’s the composition and music community like? What’s the student-to-faculty ratio?
Extras: What’s distinctive about the university beyond the music department? What’s the university itself known for?
Location: Consider living costs and local artistic opportunities.
Prepare for the Interview
Composition auditions are often like interviews. Faculty want to know more about you than what they can see in your portfolio. Prepare answers to these commonly asked questions:
Which composer has influenced you the most, and why?
Prepare a few thoughtful comments about a specific musical work that has influenced you. (Undergraduate applicants at Jacobs are given a list of pieces to choose from before the audition.)
Tell us about your musical background.
How did you begin your journey as a composer?
What inspires you outside of music?
What are your future plans or career goals?
What are you hoping to gain from this program?
What live concerts have you attended recently?
What kind of music have you been listening to lately?
Are there any non-classical genres or artists that excite you?
Have you performed music from the 20th century or later?
What You Might Be Asked to Do During the Interview
While most of a composition audition is conversational, the faculty might ask you to complete additional tasks. Be mentally prepared for these possibilities:
Ear-Training Tests: Identify intervals, chord qualities, and harmonic progressions.
Play Your Own Music: Perform excerpts of your work at the piano.
Keyboard Harmony: Play standard progressions at the piano.
Presentation: Give a brief analysis of one of your submitted works, focusing on areas like:
Form
Harmonic language
Notational considerations
Compositional process
Instrumentation and orchestration
Excerpts: Highlight specific sections of your scores or recordings.
Score Identification: Examine a score and deduce details such as the composer, period, or genre based on observable clues.
Common Questions to Ask at the End of Your Audition
At the end of your audition, faculty members will often ask, “Do you have any questions for us?” This is your chance to show genuine interest in their program. Prepare 1–2 thoughtful questions—avoid asking something that can be easily found on the school’s website.
Here are some examples to inspire you:
What opportunities are unique to composers at your institution?
How often do students have the chance to get their works performed?
What is the music and composition community like here?
Are there local opportunities to engage with other artistic works or organizations?
Where do your graduates typically end up?
What kind of career development resources or support do you offer?
Can I continue to study my instrument and perform in ensembles while focusing on composition?
How does the department interact with other departments within the school?
In what ways does the department engage with the wider music or arts community?
Will I work with one primary instructor, or will I rotate between faculty members? How are teachers assigned?
What is the average class size?
What steps does the department take to promote diversity and inclusion?
What professional opportunities are available to students during the program?
Mindset Matters
Your mindset can make or break your audition experience. Keep these tips in mind:
It’s a Two-Way Street: You’re interviewing the school as much as they’re interviewing you.
Build Connections: Talk to current students, attend receptions, and network.
Think Long-Term: Even if you’re not accepted, your audition could leave a lasting impression on the faculty, opening doors for future opportunities.
Extra Tips for Success
As you plan your trip, check out events/performances you can attend at the school during your visit.
Reach out to current students and connect with them. They can provide valuable insights about the school and the programs.
Stay organized with a checklist so you don’t forget anything crucial. Here are a few items to get your list started:
Printed scores (polished and legible)
Recordings (with time-stamped excerpts if needed)
Sketches or works in progress
A computer for playing audio (just in case)
Pencils and erasers (Some schools may require a written test for composition/theory students or assistant teaching candidates.)
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