AUDITIONS
Everything you need to know for your audition to be considered for admission for Fall 2025.
About Auditions
Auditions are required for all instrumental and vocal areas of performance, undergraduate music education and undergraduate composition majors. There are no pre-screening requirements for any of our undergraduate programs. Auditions are performed live or by video recording.
Graduate level conducting, collaborative piano, solo piano, flute, opera, solo voice and vocal pedagogy applicants must submit pre-screening and may be invited to campus for a live audition.
Admission to other programs is determined by application only.
Live and Recorded Auditions
Live auditions are encouraged for all applicants. To submit a recorded audition, please indicate your choice on your School of Music application and upload your audition video by the required deadline. All recorded auditions will be given full consideration for admission and funding.
It is strongly recommended that all applicants create a video recording of their audition repertoire in advance of their scheduled audition date. In the event of an emergency, recorded auditions may be required of applicants in place of previously scheduled live auditions.
Audition Dates for Fall 2025 Admission
Undergraduate - Early Action
All early action auditions will be held on Saturday, December 7, 2024
All other Undergraduate and Graduate Programs
Auditions will be held on President's Day weekend, February 2025
Last updated: August 8, 2024
Audition Repertoire and Program-Specific Requirements
Undergraduate
Learn what you need to prepare for your music audition to be considered for admission.
Undergraduate Auditions
Graduate
Learn what you need to prepare for your music audition or program-specific application requirements.
Graduate Auditions and RequirementsGetting Here and Planning Your Stay
If you are planning to drive, you can review these driving/parking directions and this campus map. You can also find instructions for getting here by air or rail and a list of local hotels.
Frequently Asked Questions
How will auditions be conducted for Fall 2025 admission?
Auditions for Fall 2025 will be held in person. Students who elect not to come to campus for personal reasons may submit a recorded audition on the application status page by December 1 for Early Action or February 1 for all others.
What should I wear for my audition?
We recommend wearing a nice shirt and pants/skirt or a dress. You should look professional but be comfortable. Formal or concert dress is not necessary.
What about an accompanist for my audition?
Accompaniment is required for voice and jazz auditions, and may be pre-recorded for jazz auditions. An accompanist is provided for voice auditions, however applicants are required to provide the score for the accompanist. Applicants must provide a physical and legible score to the accompanist at the time of the audition. See the specific audition requirements for more information.
When will I find out if I was accepted?
For early action freshman applicants, notification of your decision will be sent no later than February 1.
For most other applicants, notification of your decision will be sent in March.
If you have further questions, please contact us at musicadmissions@umd.edu.
Where should I park?
Click here for information about parking at The Clarice Smith Performing Arts Center.
What time should I arrive prior to my audition?
This is totally up to you! Practice rooms are available for you to warm up. 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 10-20 minutes, and graduate auditions range from 15-30 minutes.
What else is there to do besides my audition?
We have several events planned to give you a glimpse into daily life at the School of Music: mini recitals, meet and greets with our faculty, and more! You will receive a schedule when you arrive.
Do I need to sign up for the School of Music information session?
We offer a School of Music information session every day during our auditions at 10:30 am and tours at 1:00 and 2:00 pm. There is no need to sign up. Students and their guests are invited to attend.
Is there somewhere to eat on campus?
The University of Maryland Stamp Student Union: Click here for options.
There are a number of restaurants in College Park, most of which are a short drive from The Clarice Smith Performing Arts Center. Click here for further information.
Inclement Weather Policy
Maryland is in the Mid-Atlantic region, and winter brings the possibility of snow and ice.
The School of Music follows the University of Maryland campus closing procedures, and you will be able to find closure information and instructions on our website at music.umd.edu. We also suggest having an audition video on hand in case your schedule is not flexible enough for us to accommodate. If we are open but you are unable to get to us, make sure to call 301.405.8435 or email musicadmissions@umd.edu so that we can discuss alternatives.
What to Expect After the Audition
If you have not already, make sure to submit the FAFSA by the priority deadline of January 1 if you are eligible.
The majority of the undergraduate decisions will be released on or around February 1. Graduate decisions for most programs are released in March.
Follow-up with scholarship awards is sent in mid-March to undergraduate applicants.