In the exciting journey of applying and auditioning for college music programs, meticulous planning is the key to success. As you embark on this exhilarating yet challenging path, remember that each step you take brings you closer to your dreams. From thorough research on audition requirements to mastering your repertoire, every effort counts towards your ultimate goal. Embrace the journey with enthusiasm and determination, knowing that with careful preparation, you are well-equipped to navigate through the process. This comprehensive plan, spanning from June to November, serves as a six-month roadmap that can be emulated to achieve your aspirations.

June Following Junior Year:

It’s June and it's time to streamline your college choices. Narrow down your selection to seven institutions. Dive into research mode, scrutinizing the audition requirements of all seven. Take note of the similarities and differences between these institutions. Next, select three solos that align with these audition requirements. Chart out the scales and etudes required for each audition. Additionally, be on the lookout for any music theory or history exams. Create a plan to master the required theory concepts and familiarize yourself with the dates of different musical style concepts and familiarize yourself with the dates of different musical style periods and the major composers associated with each period.

July Before Senior Year:

For July, the overarching theme is the importance of diligent preparation. Dedicate ample time to practicing scales and etudes, focusing especially on the patterns outlined in the audition requirements. This month is crucial for mastering your scales, ensuring they are audition ready. Additionally, delve into researching the composers of each selected solo. Gain comprehensive creation. Challenge yourself to articulate this information in under two minutes with confidence. Explore the musical structure of each solo, whether it's a concerto, sonata, rondo, or aria, and understand how it's reflected in your selections. Familiarize yourself with basic musical terms denoted throughout your solos, grasping their definitions. Furthermore, be prepared to explain the title of your solo succinctly in three sentences. Maintain consistent practice on your solos while also incorporating daily sightreading exercises into your routine.

August Before Senior Year:

In August maintain focus on your audition preparation. Keep refining the three selected solos, considering a private lesson from a studio professor at three of your chosen institutions for further guidance. Utilize this opportunity to polish your audition repertoire. Additionally, compile a repertoire list of all solos performed since seventh grade, ensuring each is performance ready. Continuously review scales and etudes to ensure they meet audition standards. Dedicate time to writing required essays for general and music school applications, seeking feedback from professionals for clarity and creativity. Develop a comprehensive resume highlighting honors and awards. Expand your musical knowledge by mastering all key signatures in major and natural minor keys. Finally, integrate daily sightreading practice into your routine to further enhance your skills.

September of Senior Year:

In September, prioritize your audition preparation. Continue refining the three audition solos, focusing on memorization if required. Utilize a reverse memorization technique, starting from the end of each section and working your way backward to enhance command of your material. Even if memorization isn't mandatory, this exercise will bolster your performance skills. Additionally, ensure thorough review of scales and etudes to maintain audition readiness. Complete general applications for all seven schools and formally request audition opportunities. Prepare a request letter detailing your bio, honors, awards, audition repertoire, and future aspirations. Fulfill federal and state financial assistance applications. Expand your musical knowledge by mastering all minor key formats and work on rhythmic patterns in changing-meter and mixed-meter. Familiarize yourself with the progression of dynamic markings from pianississimo to fortississimo. Lastly, maintain daily sightreading practice to hone your skills further.

October of Senior Year:

Again, the focus remains on audition preparation for October. Continue refining your three audition solos, with a focus on enhancing their overall performance. Listen to recordings of the solos accompanied by both full orchestra and piano accompaniment. Identify two proficient pianists, preferably in your locality who are known for their strong sightreading abilities and arrange individual sessions with each. Prior to the sessions, write interpretive notes on the accompaniment scores to aid the pianists in understanding your musical interpretation. When you arrive at the session allow them five minutes to review the accompaniment before beginning the performance. Move through all three compositions in this same manner. Take music theory tests to identify areas of improvement and focus on correcting deficiencies. Practice responding to interview questions, ensuring your answers are thoughtful and concise. Have someone ask the questions verbally and consider videoing the exchange on your phone for review with trusted mentors. Common questions in audition interviews include: 1) Why do you want to study here? 2) How do you envision contributing to the music program? 3) What are your career aspirations and how will our school prepare you for them? Additionally, explore literature on managing nerves in high-pressure situations. Maintain regular review of scales and etudes for audition readiness. Compile a list of 100 musical terms encountered throughout your education and ensure comprehension of each definition. Finally, in addition to your regular sightreading exercise, incorporate daily sight-singing practice by identifying and singing three short melodies using solfege syllables.

November of Senior Year:

It’s now November and it's time to narrow down your college choices from seven to four and schedule auditions at each location. Ensure all paperwork is meticulously organized and current for each institution and inform the remaining three of your narrowed focus. If there are ensemble concerts or faculty recitals aligning with your collegiate performance plans on the campuses of your four chosen school, attend them and introduce yourself to conductors and/or recitalists. Plan and acquire appropriate audition attire if needed. In addition, thoroughly research the bios of faculty members who may sit on your audition panel. Conduct a mock audition, dressing suitably and performing scales, required etudes, and two solos with accompaniment for a panel of friends or family. Take interview questions and respond thoughtfully and concisely. Maintain your review of music theory/history and daily sightreading exercises to stay prepared.

As you reflect on the journey you've undertaken from June to November, remember the dedication and perseverance that have brought you to this point. Each step, from narrowing down your college choices to mastering your audition repertoire, has been a testament to your passion and commitment to your musical aspirations. As you prepare to embark on the next chapter of your musical journey, take pride in how far you've come and the skills you've developed along the way. With the foundation you've laid through meticulous planning and diligent practice, you are poised to shine brightly in your auditions and pursue your dreams with confidence. So, stand tall, embrace the opportunities that lie ahead, and let your passion for music continue to guide you towards success.