Audition Requirements: Voice
Undergraduate
Students must successfully complete an audition before being admitted into a degree program. Those wishing to apply for the Bachelor of Arts, Bachelor of Science, Bachelor of Music Education - Vocal, and the Bachelor of Music Therapy degree programs will be expected to:
- Sing two contrasting selections from memory that demonstrate technical facility and musicianship;
- Demonstrate the ability to sing pitches that are played randomly on the piano to sight read music.
Students wishing to audition for a Bachelor of Music voice major are expected to:
- Sing three contrasting solo compositions prepared from memory. One of these selections should be in a foreign language; i.e., French, German, or Italian. Another selection should be a 20th century composition in English.
- Match pitches that are played on the piano and sight-sing.
Students wanting to study voice at Eastern Michigan University as a voice minor or for elective credit must also present an audition for the vocal area faculty. The audition should include two solo compositions, selected by the applicant, that demonstrate technical facility and musicianship. All students auditioning are expected to bring their own accompanist. An accompanist may be provided upon request at least one week prior to the audition. Contact the music office to insure the availability of an accompanist.
Graduate
The student applying for the Master of Music in Vocal Performance must have an undergraduate degree with a major in voice or its equivalent. The student should be prepared to sing an audition that would demonstrate his or her performance potential, technical proficiency, and musicianship as acquired through the experiences of prior study and performance. The graduate audition requirements consist of:
- Six selections from memory:
- One operatic aria;
- One oratorio aria:
- One selection in each of the following languages: French, German, and Italian;
- One 20th century English selection.
- The student should submit a comprehensive list of solo repertoire previously studied.
Students applying for the Master of Music in Music Education should have at least the equivalent of an undergraduate voice major at the upper level (or eight semesters of private voice). The audition should consist of:
- The following selections from memory:
- Two songs in English (one of which must be 20th century);
- Two songs in a foreign language;
- One oratorio or operatic aria.
- Each student should submit comprehensive list of solo repertoire previously studied.
Students wishing to study voice on the graduate level as an elective should demonstrate sufficient vocal instruction. This level may be enrichment without aspirations beyond the semester. Each student should:
- Provide a comprehensive list of solo repertoire previously studied;
- Sing two songs from the standard repertoire:
- One song in English;
- One song in a foreign language (optional)
Vocal Music Ensembles
Participation in a performance ensemble at EMU is required in every degree program. The vocalist at EMU has a variety of ensembles in which he or she may elect to join. These vocal ensembles include: University Choir, Chamber Choir, Collegium Musicum, Women's Chorus, and Opera Workshop. Auditions are required for participation in University and Chamber Choir. Singers may be required to audition for Opera Workshop during the Winter semester only, depending upon work(s) selected by the director.
Financial Assistance
The following vocal scholarships and departmental service awards are available to students upon recommendation of the vocal area faculty. These include the Gilbert Award, Ballard Award, Lindegren Award, Elwell Award, and various service awards. There are also a number of University scholarships and graduate assistantships for which you may apply. Contact the Office of Financial Aid for information at 734.487.0455.
Voice Studio Faculty
Ernest Brandon, Tenor
Glenda Kirkland, Soprano
Kathleen Segar, Mezzo Soprano
Emery Stephens, Baritone
Peiyi Wang, Mezzo Soprano
If you have questions regarding auditions for voice, please contact contact Professor Glenda Kirkland.
