Auditioning for the Department of Music
Photographer: Meredith Forrest Kulwicki
The University at Buffalo’s Department of Music welcomes talented musicians to audition for our undergraduate programs (MusB and BA), performance minors and Master of Music (MM) in Performance. Auditions are held throughout the academic year for both fall and spring semester enrollments.
Prospective students:
Auditions are offered later in the fall and spring semester for prosepective students like:
- High schoolers
- Transfer students applying to UB
Audition date: Friday, November 7, from 3–5 p.m.
Current UB students
Auditions are held during the first week of fall and spring semesters for students who want to:
- Declare a music major or performance minor
- Take studio lessons for credit (non-major)
Audition date: Friday, August 29, from 2–5 p.m.
We want to hear your best, so review our suggested repertoire (audition requirements see below) to guide your preparation.
- Voice auditions will be accompanied. Please contact Michael Serio before your scheduled time to coordinate.
- Instrumental auditions do not require accompaniment.
- Video auditions are accepted for prospective music majors and MM applicants. Just include a link to your performance when submitting your department or graduate application.
🎥 Note: Video submissions are for prospective majors only—not for studio lessons or minor auditions.
Apply for a Music Major or Performance Minor!
Follow these steps to begin your undergraduate musical journey at UB:
Step 1: Apply to UB
- Complete the Undergraduate Application.
- Indicate your intended major or minor in music.
- Review deadlines and criteria on the Undergraduate Admissions page.
Step 2: Submit music application
- Complete the Department of Music application form.
- Request your preferred audition date.
Step 3: Audition
- Auditions are required for MusB in Performance, BA in Music and Music Performance minor.
- Choose an audition date during the academic year.
- Prepare repertoire based on the specific instrument or voice requirements.
Department of Music Scholarships
The Department of Music awards merit-based scholarships ranging from $1,000 to $3,000 to outstanding undergraduate music majors. No extra steps—your audition for the degree program automatically puts you in the running. It's one more reason to bring your best.
Undergraduate Audition Requirements
Violin
- A movement from Bach's “Unaccompanied Sonatas and Partitas.”
- A movement from a standard concerto (e.g., Bruch, Mozart, Mendelssohn).
- An etude, showpiece, or contemporary work.
Viola
- Major and minor scales/arpeggios in 3 octaves.
- An etude by Kreutzer, Campagnoli, Fuchs, or equivalent.
- A movement from a Bach Gamba Sonata or equivalent baroque piece.
- A classical, romantic, or contemporary work.
Cello
- Major/minor scales and arpeggios in 3 octaves.
- An etude (Duport Volume II, Franchomme, etc.).
- A work by Faure, Bruch, Saint-Saens, or similar.
- Sight-reading.
Double Bass
- Major/minor scales and arpeggios in 2 octaves.
- An etude (Simandl Book II or equivalent).
- Two movements from a sonata (Marcello or Vivaldi).
- A classical, romantic, or contemporary piece.
- Sight-reading.
- Prepare three memorized vocal pieces:
- A 17th/18th-century Italian aria.
- An art song in German or French.
- A 20th-century English song (classical or musical theater).
- An accompanist will be provided; bring your music scores.
- All major scales (2 octaves) and chromatic scales (2 octaves).
- One of the following:
- An etude or characteristic study.
- One movement from a concerto or sonata.
- Sight-reading.
Snare Drum
- Basic rudiments and one intermediate/advanced solo or etude.
- Sight-reading.
Keyboard Percussion
- Scales (2 octaves) and one solo or etude on marimba or xylophone.
Timpani
- Ear tests (matching pitches, interval identification).
- One etude or solo.
Contact Thomas Kolor for assistance with substitute repertoire.
- Prepare three memorized pieces:
- A work by J.S. Bach.
- One movement from a classical sonata.
- A 19th/20th-century piece.
- Scales and sight-reading.
- A prelude and fugue by Bach.
- A choral prelude by Bach.
- A romantic or 20th-century work.
- Sight-reading.
- Two to three contrasting works.
- Knowledge of all major and minor scales and arpeggios is recommended.
- Contact Sungmin Shin for more details.
For information on auditioning for large ensembles or chamber ensembles (open to UB students and Buffalo community members), visit the specific ensemble pages. Popular ensembles include:
The Chamber Singers.
- Non-majors, including graduate students, can request lessons with UB faculty.
- Beginners are encouraged to take group beginner courses in piano or guitar.
The Department of Music gladly accepts video auditions, though in-person auditions are preferred when possible.
Steps to submit a video audition
- Select an Audition Date: When scheduling your audition, choose a date even if you intend to submit a video.
- Record Your Audition: Follow the guidelines provided for your specific instrument or voice.
- Submit Your Video: Send the completed audition video to Mary McCarthy by the audition date you selected.
Video audition recording tips
- Equipment: Use a smartphone or tablet for high-quality recording.
- Framing: Film horizontally, ensuring full visibility of the performer.
- Lighting: Place a light source in front of you.
- Sound: Position the microphone unobstructed in a central location.
- File Sharing: Large files can be uploaded to the UBbox, Google Drive or Dropbox.
