For high school musicians dreaming of a spot in a college music program, auditions can seem mysterious and intimidating. Most students rely on word-of-mouth advice and last-minute preparation — and that’s exactly where they go wrong. If you want to stand out, you need to get ahead early.
Here’s the winning game plan to give you a real advantage long before your senior year.

Step 1: Know the Process Early — Start in the Fall of Your Sophomore Year

Don’t wait until senior year to start preparing. If you want a real advantage, begin researching audition processes in the fall of your sophomore year.

Colleges don’t hide their audition requirements — you just have to look. Every music program posts detailed instructions online. Start there.

What you’ll find:

• Specific solos or repertoire requirements.
• Whether memorization is required.
• How scales and technical exercises should be demonstrated.
• Whether there will be sightreading.
• If there will be a separate interview outside of the audition panel questions.
• If there will be a music theory placement test.
• Who to contact if you have questions.

Music programs want you to succeed. They’re not looking to trick you — they want prepared, confident students. Take the time to read their audition pages carefully.

Important things to check about the event itself:

• Is it a one-day or multi-day audition event?
• Are reservations needed for you and your family to attend events like recitals or campus tours?
• How do you schedule your audition?
  • Do you need to be accepted into the university before you can audition?
  • Do you have to complete a separate application for the School of Music?
  • Can you schedule an audition time online, or do you need to request a time by email or phone?
• Are there audition application fees separate from the general university application?

The earlier you gather this information, the better you can plan your timeline — and the less intimidating the audition process will seem.

Step 2: Sophomore Year — Observe Like a Pro

In the late fall of sophomore year (November is ideal), email five schools you’re seriously considering requesting permission to visit and observe an audition day or weekend. Don’t panic if you don’t hear back immediately — if no reply by early January, follow up politely.

Pro Tip: Never show up uninvited. Always request permission first and wait for a formal invitation before making travel plans. Showing up without approval can leave a negative impression that may hurt your chances later.

Another Pro Tip: Expect that two out of five schools will respond positively. It’s a numbers game — so cast a wide net.

If a school says yes:

• Reply with a thank-you email immediately — ideally within 24 hours.
• Politely request the details or schedule for the day.

If a school says no:

• Reply anyway with a thank-you note for their consideration and express your understanding.

Goal: Attend as many different audition days or weekends as possible. Each one gives you priceless experience.

Who Should You Contact? (For Sophomore Observers)

Before sending your request to visit and observe, make sure you’re writing to the right person:

• At smaller colleges and universities, address your email to the Dean of the School of Music or the Chair of the Music Department.
• At larger universities, it’s a good idea to write to both the Dean of the School of Music and the Recruiter — whose title might be Assistant Dean of Enrollment Management or Director of Music Admissions.

Tip: Their contact information can usually be found on their bio page under the Faculty and Staff section of the School of Music website.

Always: Copy their Administrative Assistant on your email. The assistant often manages scheduling, and this ensures your request doesn’t get lost.

Sample Email: How Sophomores Can Request to Observe an Audition Day

Subject: Audition Observation Request — [Your Name], Sophomore Music Student

Dear Dr. [Last Name],

My name is [Your Name], and I’m a sophomore at [High School Name]. I play [instrument/voice part] and am involved in [band/choir/orchestra] at my school.

I am beginning to research colleges where I might continue my music studies, and [University Name] is high on my list. I would love to learn more about the audition process and was wondering if it might be possible to visit campus during one of your audition days this year to observe and get a better understanding of what to expect in the future.

I would be honored to observe any aspect of the audition day you feel would be appropriate and non-intrusive. I will be highly respectful of the auditioners, the adjudication panel, and your facilities.

Thank you for considering my request. I have copied your administrative assistant in case there are any procedures I should follow.

Sincerely,
[Your Name]
[Phone Number]
[Email Address]
  

Sample Thank-You Notes for Sophomores

If the School Says Yes (to Observe):

Subject: Thank You for the Opportunity to Visit

Dear Dr. [Last Name],

Thank you so much for giving me the opportunity to observe the upcoming audition day at [University Name]. I truly appreciate your time and consideration.

I am looking forward to visiting campus and learning more about your program. If possible, could you please send me the schedule or any additional details about the event?

Thank you again for your support. I am excited to experience what [University Name] has to offer.

Sincerely,
[Your Name]
[Phone Number]
[Email Address]
  

If the School Says No (to Observe):

Subject: Thank You for Your Consideration

Dear Dr. [Last Name],

Thank you for considering my request to observe the audition day at [University Name]. While I understand that it is not possible at this time, I appreciate your thoughtful response and the time you took to review my inquiry.

[University Name] remains high on my list as I continue to research programs, and I hope to have the opportunity to connect again in the future.

Thank you again for your time and consideration.

Sincerely,
[Your Name]
[Phone Number]
[Email Address]
  

Step 3: Junior Year — Practice the Real Thing

In the fall of junior year, repeat the same process: select five schools, send out requests in late fall, follow up in early January if needed.

Pro Tip: Don’t audition with your future senior-year audition solo if it’s not ready. Instead, perform a solo you’ve already mastered — preferably one you performed successfully at a Solo and Ensemble Festival or a juried competition. Play something polished and confident.

Another Pro Tip: Whether the answer is yes or no, always send a thank-you email immediately — within 24 hours. Gratitude and professionalism will set you apart — and keep doors open for your real senior-year auditions.

If a school says yes:

• Ask for the schedule of the day or weekend so you know what to expect and can plan ahead.

Bonus: It’s absolutely okay to observe at one school and audition at another. The more real experience(s) you get, the stronger you’ll be when the stakes are high your senior year.

Who Should You Contact for a Junior Year Audition Request?

• At smaller colleges, write to the Dean of the School of Music or the Chair of the Music Department.
• At larger universities, send your request to both the Dean of the School of Music and the Recruiter (often titled Assistant Dean of Enrollment Management or Director of Music Admissions).

Tip: You can usually find their email addresses on the Faculty and Staff section of the School of Music’s website.

Always: Copy their Administrative Assistant on your email. Administrative Assistants are key contacts who often coordinate visits, auditions, and paperwork.

Sample Email: How Juniors Can Request to Participate in an Audition Weekend

Subject: Audition Process Inquiry — [Your Name], Junior Music Student

Dear Dr. [Last Name],

My name is LaShandra Jones, and I’m currently a junior at Junction City High School in Kansas. I serve as first-chair bassoonist in the All-Region Band, play mallets in our marching band, and am first chair in our concert band as well.

I am planning to major in music education, and [University Name] is one of the schools I am seriously considering. While I’m still in the process of researching and visiting schools, I want to be upfront — I am a bit intimidated by the college audition process.

I know this is an unconventional request, but I was wondering if it might be possible to go through your audition day (or weekend) process this year, even though I am still a junior. I believe that by experiencing the process firsthand, I can better prepare for my senior-year audition.

Thank you for considering my request. I have copied your administrative assistant on this email in case there are forms or procedures I should complete in advance.

Sincerely,
LaShandra Jones
[Phone Number]
[Email Address]
  

Sample Thank-You Notes for Juniors

If the School Says Yes (to Audition):

Subject: Thank You for the Opportunity to Audition

Dear Dr. [Last Name],

Thank you very much for giving me the opportunity to audition at [University Name]. I am truly grateful for the chance to experience the audition process and to meet members of your faculty. Could you please send me the schedule or any other important details I should know before the audition?

Thank you again for your support. I am looking forward to this valuable experience.

Sincerely,
[Your Name]
[Phone Number]
[Email Address]
  

If the School Says No (to Audition):

Subject: Thank You for Your Consideration

Dear Dr. [Last Name],

Thank you for considering my request to audition at [University Name]. While I understand that it may not be possible at this time, I sincerely appreciate the time you took to review my inquiry.
[University Name] continues to be one of the schools I am very interested in, and I hope to have the opportunity to audition officially during my senior year.

Thank you again for your time and consideration.

Sincerely,
[Your Name]
[Phone Number]
[Email Address]
  

What a Real Audition Day or Weekend Looks Like

Not every school offers a full weekend audition experience. Some offer one-day audition events, while others offer multi-day audition weekends. Here's what you can typically expect:

Sample One-Day Audition Schedule (Most Common for Smaller Schools)

• Early Morning:
  • Orientation (often with breakfast, and parents are usually invited)
    • Welcoming remarks from the Dean.
    • Schedules are distributed — often splitting the group into two to rotate activities.
• Morning Sessions:
  • Meeting with Accompanist (5–7 minutes) — run through your piece.
  • Warm-Up Time — in designated practice rooms.
  • Waiting in Lobby — stay quiet and focused.
  • In-Person Audition (Approximately 30 minutes).
• Lunch Break: sometimes on your own, sometimes in a cafeteria setting.
• Afternoon Sessions:
  • Written Music Theory and Music History Test (About 1 hour).
  • Private Pitch Matching, Ear Training, and Oral Dictation Exam (About 20 minutes).
  • Interview (Usually 20 minutes) — a one-on-one or small faculty panel discussion.
• End of Day: Participation Comment Sheet — Complete this carefully before leaving. It’s another opportunity to make a positive final impression.

Sample Multi-Day Audition Weekend Schedule (Common for Larger Schools)

• Thursday Evening:
  • Faculty recital open to auditioning students and families.
• Friday Morning:
  • Brunch with studio faculty and campus tours.
  • Opportunity to listen in on ensemble rehearsals.
• Friday Afternoon:
  • Lunch with studio instructor (your instrument or voice professor).
  • Music theory placement exam (1 hour).
  • Ear-training test (individual, 20 minutes).
  • Basic music history exam (30 minutes).
  • Rhythm studies (clapping/speaking rhythms for faculty jury).
• Friday Night: Attend a concert performed by one of the university’s top ensembles.
• Saturday:
  • Individual Auditions — usually 30 minutes per student.
  • Interviews — often immediately before or after the audition.
  • Some auditions are open (in a recital hall) — you can request to observe others.
• Sunday (Optional): Scholarship and placement announcements (at a closing brunch or event).

Reality Check: Why the Interview Matters — It’s Not Just About Talent

Think it’s all about how well you play or sing? Think again. Music schools aren’t just accepting a sound — they’re accepting a person. The interview gives faculty a glimpse of:

• Your communication skills.
• Your passion for music and education.
• How well you’ll fit into their program culture.

Show up unprepared, and you might come off as unsure or disinterested — even if you play brilliantly. Better plan: Be ready to talk about your musical journey, your goals, and why you want to pursue music at their school. A strong interview can tip the scales between you and another equally talented applicant.

Budgeting Reality

Why It’s Worth It

This process may seem unconventional — but it works. The Real Payoff: Students who observe and audition early build real confidence and reduce nerves. They learn what the process feels like, what college music faculty expect, and how to prepare better for their senior year.

A high school in Utah partnered with a nearby university to give their sophomores and juniors access to the audition weekend. The result? A 98% acceptance rate and larger scholarship offers for those students.

Consider this: attending a top-tier music school can cost $65,000 a year — over $260,000 for a four-year degree. A full or partial scholarship can reduce this dramatically. The few hundred dollars you spend now on application fees, travel, and hotels could save you tens of thousands later.

Parents, think of it as investing in rehearsal — not the actual performance. Early practice is what leads to winning scholarship offers and smoother senior-year admissions.

Why Parents Should Support This Journey

• Reduces Anxiety: Students who have observed and practiced auditioning are calmer and more confident during senior-year auditions.
• Builds Professional Skills: Students learn how to communicate with faculty, write professional emails, and manage appointments — life skills that last.
• Sharpens Preparation: Early exposure shows students exactly what’s expected musically and academically, leading to stronger performances.
• Saves Money: Early preparation can lead to higher scholarships — a few hundred dollars spent now could save tens of thousands later.
• Improves College Choices: Students get a real feel for different programs and can make smarter decisions about where to apply and audition.
• Strengthens Independence: Traveling, following schedules, and meeting new people builds real-world readiness for college life.
• Makes the Senior Year Less Stressful: Students walk into senior-year auditions with experience on their side — no guessing, no surprises.

Parent Tip: Think of this as a dress rehearsal for one of the biggest performances of their life — and one that can pay off in both confidence and scholarships.

Final Thoughts

The audition process can feel overwhelming — but it doesn’t have to be. With the right preparation, the fear disappears and what remains is an incredible opportunity: to step into your future with confidence, clarity, and joy.

Start early. Be professional. Be grateful. Treat every opportunity like it matters — because it does. Every step you take now lays the foundation for your success later.

Remember: the audition is not just a test of skill — it’s a celebration of the hard work and passion that have brought you this far. It’s the opening note of your next great adventure.

Believe in the work you’ve done. Trust the journey you’re on. And know that with preparation and perseverance, you are closer than ever to making your dreams real.