Music Scholarships at ÈÕ±¾avÊÓƵ
Live, In-Person Auditions – Brookings campus
- Saturday, Feb. 21, 2026 (all audition areas)
- Sunday, Feb. 22, 2026 (vocal/instrumental only)
- Feb. 27-28, 2026 (instrumental only for those selected to Honor Band)
Recorded Submission Auditions
Any student may submit a video recording of their performance by uploading a file to the application. The deadline for recorded submissions is 5 p.m. on Monday, Mar. 2, 2026.
Application Form
Anyone applying for a music scholarship needs to complete an application form.
Who should submit an audition?
Any entering freshmen or transfer student planning to participate in a music ensemble, regardless of his or her intended academic major, is encouraged to audition. All students entering ÈÕ±¾avÊÓƵ with the intention of pursuing music as a major must perform an audition.
Who conducts the auditions?
Both in person and online auditions are conducted by members of the Music Scholarship Committee.
What type of repertoire should I prepare?
We do not have a required repertoire. You can select one to two pieces that best represent who you are as a musician. Please choose repertoire that is soloistic in nature and not from an ensemble piece. At the bottom of this webpage is more in depth information about repertoire selection.
How long should my audition be?
Live Audition
Live auditions are scheduled in 10-minute increments. Please prepare at least five minutes worth of audition material.
Recorded Audition
Recordings need to be at least five minutes in length and not exceed 10 minutes.
What do I need to prepare for my audition application?
- Audition materials
- References
- Education information (school, GPA, test scores)
- ¸éé²õ³Ü³¾Ã©²õ/experience
- Accompaniment music (vocal in-person auditions only)
*If you are submitting an online recording, your recording must be done prior to filling out the application form.
Do I need to bring an accompanist to my in-person audition?
Students are encouraged to bring their own accompanists to live, in-person auditions. If students are unable to provide their own, one may be provided by SDState. Students should email their accompaniment two weeks prior to the audition to Sam Gowen. Priority for SDState accompanists will go to vocal auditions.
Instrumentalist are not required to bring or request an accompanist.
When are online auditions due?
Online auditions are due by 5 p.m. on Monday, March 2, 2026.
When will I know if I have received a music scholarship?
Students are notified in writing the results of the audition within one month of the audition.
Can I audition for multiple instruments?
Yes! The audition form allows you to audition in three different interests, including vocal.
Can I audition for both a vocal and instrumental scholarship?
Yes! The audition form allows you to audition in up to three different interests that include all instruments and vocal.
Can I do both an in person and online audition?
If it is for the same interest, no. If you are auditioning for multiple interests, you can submit multiple forms to best suit your needs.
Can I also audition for a theatre and dance scholarship?
Yes! You may audition for and receive both a music and a theatre and dance scholarship. Please visit this page for more information about the theatre and dance scholarship process.
The following information is intended to serve as a guide to selecting appropriate materials for an audition. Students are encouraged to speak to either a school music teacher or private instructor for guidance. Contact the School of Performing Arts if there are additional questions regarding repertoire selection.
Instrumentalists should be prepared to perform a work which best exhibits their musicianship, such as contest solo pieces, etudes or other appropriate selection. Students interested in jazz may present an additional performance demonstrating their jazz performance skills. Questions may be sent to Jacob Wallace.
Vocalists should be prepared to perform a vocal solo they are comfortable singing. A song performed at solo and ensemble contest is encouraged. Foreign language repertoire is not required. The use of musical theatre repertoire is welcome. Questions about repertoire selection or how to record a video or audio audition may be sent to Laura Diddle.
Pianists should prepare one piece from the standard classical repertoire which represents the student's musical achievement. Performing by memory is preferred but not required. You may also play recently learned recital or festival pieces. Pop music, movie themes and other contemporary styles are not suitable repertoire for this audition.
Pianists should prepare to demonstrate their current level of technique by playing a scale and arpeggio. Students interested in jazz may present an additional performance demonstrating their jazz performance skills and improvisation.
Playing by memory is desirable, but not required. Playing by memory demonstrates an additional and important piano skill, which is helpful in evaluating a student's potential.
If you have any questions about your audition piece, please contact Mark Stevens.
