Undergraduate Contemporary Audition Requirements

• A video prescreening is required for all Contemporary applicants
• The prescreening must be uploaded with your Frost supplemental application 
• An invitation to audition live will be extended to applicants approved by faculty after a review of their prescreening

• A live audition is by invitation only on the Frost School of Music campus
• Auditions take about 15 minutes to complete
• Applicants should come prepared to perform the selections submitted on the prescreen videos and/or different selections of similar styles
• Please note that at times, the faculty may ask for partial selections
• The faculty may also vary the audition format at any time in response to each individual applicant's skill and abilities
• Accompanists will not be provided. Applicants may self-accompany, bring others to accompany them, or perform with accompaniment tracks
• All applicants will be asked to demonstrate an understanding of the rudiments of music theory commensurate with that of entering freshmen in the Frost School of Music

• Piano
• Keyboard
• Microphone
• Audio mixer/PA with auxiliary inputs (no CDs please)
• Amplifiers for electric guitar and bass
• Drum kit
• Ableton Push Controller
• Music stands

• Applicant will perform three selections (original or covers) from one or more contemporary musical genres such as pop, rock, R&B, folk, gospel, country, etc., demonstrating appropriate stylistic elements. (Please note: Original songs and material are required for CAM minor*).
  
• Each selection must be submitted separately in a video format.
  
  
• Applicant must show a strong aptitude and sense of originality in various stylistic areas of contemporary performance.
  
  
• Selections should be in contrasting styles and performed with a live band or backing track.
  
  
• Additional studio recordings can be submitted for consideration, but cannot substitute for the video requirements.
  
  
• Bassists must also include the following: 4 two-octave major scales (C major, G Major, E major, and Bb major) and 4 two-octave natural minor scales (C minor, G minor, E minor, and Bb minor). Scales should be played in 8th notes at 70 bpm, with the goal of playing legato, even, and clear.

• In addition to any of the above, applicant may be asked to read music in both notation and chord-chart formats, demonstrate his/her ability to improvise, perform major, minor, and pentatonic scales in various positions, and show technical facility through typical routines and exercises.
• Applicant must demonstrate ability to play with a good sound and a strong time feel- both as a soloist and with a rhythm section.

• The applicant must show a strong aptitude and sense of originality in various stylistic areas of contemporary performance.
• The applicant must submit three video selections from one or more contemporary musical genres such as pop, rock, R&B, folk, gospel, country, etc., demonstrating appropriate stylistic elements.  Here are the criteria:
  • One strong groove or “pocket” selection between 90 and 110 bpm.
  • One up-tempo selection between 125 and 160 bpm.  (Suggestions: prog rock, fusion, metal, drum and bass, etc.)
  • One selection in a compound or odd meter at any tempo.
• Selections must be performed with a live group, click track or backing track and should not be longer than 3 minutes each.
• Additional short studio recordings can be submitted for consideration, but cannot substitute for the video requirements.

• In addition to any of the above, the applicant will be asked to perform with recorded tracks in a variety of contemporary styles, including shuffles and Latin selections.
• The applicant will be asked to solo over an ostinato figure at approximately 115 bpm.
• The applicant will be asked to read basic drum charts and rhythms.

• Applicant will perform three selections (original or covers) from one or more contemporary musical genres such as pop, rock, R&B, folk, gospel, country, etc., demonstrating appropriate stylistic elements and originality. (Please note: Original songs and material are highly encouraged for each selection, but they are not required–except for CAM minor*.)
• Each selection must be submitted separately in a video format
• Song selections (3) should include:
  • Blues
  • Up-tempo
  • Your choice (medium tempo, solo piece, ballad, etc.)
• At least one selection should demonstrate solo improvisation.
• Selections should demonstrate applicant's technical facility and expressive abilities.
• Performances should be presented with a live band or backing track.
• Additional studio recordings can be submitted for consideration, but cannot substitute for the video requirements.

• In addition to demonstration of any of the above selections, students are encouraged to prepare different selections that meet the same requirements.
• Students will be asked to demonstrate skills and application of knowledge, to their instrument. Students may be asked to demonstrate abilities/knowledge in the following areas:
  • Sight-reading
  • Scales
  • Chords (spelling/voicings)
  • Typical comping patterns showing technical facility

• Applicant will perform three selections (original or covers) from one or more contemporary musical genres such as pop, rock, R&B, folk, gospel, country, etc., demonstrating appropriate stylistic elements. (Please note: Original songs and material are highly encouraged for each selection, but they are not required–except for CAM minor*.)
• Each selection must be submitted separately in a video format.
• One selection must be performed on a synthesizer or electronic keyboard with a sound other than piano.
• One selection should demonstrate an improvised solo.
• Selections should be in contrasting styles, performed either solo, with a live band or backing track
• Additional studio recordings can be submitted for consideration, but cannot substitute for the video requirements.

• In addition to demonstration of any of the above selections, students are encouraged to prepare different selections that meet the same requirements.
• Students will be asked to sight-read music in both notation and chord-chart formats, demonstrate his/her ability to improvise, perform major and minor scales in various keys, demonstrate chord spelling/voicings/progressions, and show technical facility through typical comping patterns/routines and improvisation.

Applicants auditioning for the Contemporary Electronic Instrument Studio must demonstrate proficiency, technique, and originality in using a computer alongside electronic hardware or controllers, as an instrument, regardless of their prospective major.

• Applicants must demonstrate a strong aptitude and originality in any stylistic area of contemporary music that incorporates electronic tools and techniques. This includes showing competence with performance-based music software such as Ableton Live, along with MIDI controllers, and/or hardware such as modular synths, sequencers, and alternative electronic controllers.
• Applicants are required to submit three original compositions.
  At least two of these must be presented as live video performances. The videos must clearly show the applicant performing their original work in real time—not programming or pressing play. These performances should highlight expressive interaction, creative control and balanced structure and sound quality in a live context.
  
  
• Additional studio recordings may be submitted for context or supplemental review, but will not substitute for the required live performance videos.
  
  
• Traditional instruments (such as electronic piano’s, Guitars etc.) and sung/spoken vocals may be performed live to enhance the performance in the video submissions, but they will not substitute for the required use of electronic elements such as a computer, controllers, or electronic hardware in performance.

Applicants to the Contemporary Electronic Instrument Studio must demonstrate their performance abilities, technical proficiency, and creative skills during the live audition.

• Applicants must bring their own instrument setup- computer, controller(s), Synths, and any connector or power cords or required hardware for performance.
• If needed, Push, basic MIDI controllers and keyboard controllers can be provided upon request.
• We will provide an audio interface, stereo speaker system and a dongle with HDMI cord connected to an external monitor. (Driver for Focusrite 18i20: https://downloads.focusrite.com/focusrite/scarlett-3rd-gen/scarlett-18i20-3rd-gen)

Audition and Performance Requirements:

1. Live Original Performance (required)*:
   • Perform at least two original compositions live. Demonstrate expressive interaction and creative control.
   • This performance should showcase your proficiency, originality and artistry with your instrument.

2. Improvisation Demonstration (may be requested):
   • Be prepared to improvise in real-time across various musical scenarios, such as:
     • Creating rhythms or basslines using controllers
     • Manipulating sound parameters in response to given prompts
     • Integrating multiple controllers or instruments simultaneously

3. Sound Design Skills (may be requested):
   • Demonstrate your ability to create and manipulate sounds using synthesis techniques.
   • Show how you use controllers to modify elements in real-time.

4. Technical Setup (will be observed):
   • Demonstrate competence in configuring your equipment efficiently.
   • Show your understanding of signal flow and troubleshooting capabilities.

*Note: The audition will assess your technical proficiency, sound design abilities, musicality, live performance skills, and production quality as outlined in our assessment rubric. Prepare accordingly to showcase your strengths in these areas.

• Applicant will perform three selections (original or covers) from one or more contemporary musical genres such as pop, rock, R&B, fusion, bluegrass, old-time, electronic, world, etc., demonstrating appropriate stylistic elements. Please note: Original songs and material are highly encouraged for each selection, but they are not required–except for CAM minor*).
• Each selection must be submitted separately in a video format.
• Applicant can perform on any type of bowed string instrument, including traditional acoustic, electric, 5 (or more) strings, fretted, midi, etc.
• Applicant must show a strong aptitude and sense of originality in his/her dominant area of contemporary performance.
• Selections should be in contrasting styles, performed either solo, with a live band or track.
• At least one selection should include an improvised solo.
• Additional studio recordings can be submitted for consideration, but cannot substitute for the video requirements.

• In addition to any of the above, applicant may be asked to read music in both notation and chord-chart formats, demonstrate his/her ability to improvise, perform major, minor, and pentatonic scales in various positions, and show technical facility through typical routines and exercises.
• Applicant must demonstrate ability to play with a good sound and a strong time feel- both as a soloist and with a rhythm section. 

• Applicant will perform three selections (original or covers) from one or more contemporary musical genres such as pop, rock, R&B, folk, gospel, country, etc., that the applicant feels best represents their unique artistic voice. (Please note: Original songs are not required–except for CAM minor*).
  
  
• Each selection must be submitted separately in a video format with the applicant visible and clearly heard.
  
  
• Selections can be performed with or without a microphone.
  
  
• All selections may be self-accompanied, accompanied by others (accompanist or band), or performed with accompaniment tracks.
  
  
• We encourage you to show us your unique artistry (reinterpret covers in a creative way, perform your originals, bring out your own stage presence).
  
  
• If original music is submitted, selection must include one lyric sheet in PDF format containing the lyrics to that song and clearly identifying any additional co-writers and their contributions.
  
  
• Additional studio recordings can be submitted for consideration but cannot be substituted for the video requirements.
  
  
• Applicants should upload a headshot and resume with their application.

• Applicant will perform up to three selections.
  
  
• These songs can come from the pre-screen or be completely different.
  
  
• Please bring one printed lyric sheet for each original song.
  
  
• In addition to the above, applicant will speak about their goals within their musical career path.
  
  

*For Contemporary Vocalist - MADE is the program choice that correlates to a contemporary voice performance degree.

• Applicant will submit three original songs (music and lyrics) in any genre that best demonstrate their unique originality and style.
• Applicant must show a strong aptitude and originality as a songwriter and performer or producer.
• Each selection must be submitted separately in a video format.
• All selections must be performed using a microphone and self-accompanied on guitar, piano, keyboard, other chordal instruments, or with an original, self-produced beat or backing track. Additional musicians and/or a live band is acceptable alongside.
• Please include one lyric sheet in PDF format containing the lyrics to all three songs and clearly identifying any additional co-writers and their contributions.
• Additional studio recordings can be submitted for consideration but cannot substitute for the video requirements.
• While not required, Performing Songwriter applicants are strongly encouraged to submit all music-related social media, as well as links to any commercial releases on streaming platforms

• Applicant will perform up to three original songs (can be same as the prescreen), self-accompanied (or with track) in any genre that best demonstrates his/her originality and style.
• In addition, applicant may be asked to demonstrate his/her ability to read music in both notation and chord-chart formats, harmonize, embellish, improvise, perform major and minor chords and scales in various keys and show his/her range and technical facility through typical practice routines and exercises.
• Please bring printed one printed lyric sheet for each song to the audition.