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Graduate Conducting Auditions

Graduate Conducting

Master of Music (M.M.) in Music Performance


The following is audition information for entry into the Dana School of Music.

All applicants are automatically considered for a Dana Talent Scholarship and are not required to submit a separate scholarship application. If you choose to apply to the online M.M. in Music Education or the M.M. in Music Performance, your graduate audition for those graduate programs is also your audition for an assistantship. These include tuition remission and a stipend, and you will need to complete a separate application through the YSU Graduate College.


Audition requirements

Those applying for admission to the Master of Music in Music Performance, Choral Conducting track must submit the following materials directly to the Director of Choral Activities prior to completing their audition.

  • A copy of your unofficial academic transcript
  • A Letter of Intent that states your interest in the M.M. Choral Conducting program
  • A repertoire list, including choral conducting and solo vocal performance repertoire
  • Two letters of recommendation

After submitting the above materials, interested students must contact the Director of Choral Activities at least six (6) weeks prior to the intended audition date to schedule an in-person audition. Choral Conducting auditions are held during the month of February on Tuesdays or Thursdays.

Each Choral Conducting audition will include the following:

  • Conducting a 3-5-minute choral work with the Dana Chorale
  • Rehearsal segment with the Dana Chorale (15-20 minutes)
  • Sight-singing
  • Open score reading at the keyboard (Bach chorale)
  • Vocal performance of two or three solo songs; one in English, and one or two in French, Italian, or German

Conducting, sight-singing, and keyboard reading materials will be provided four (4) weeks prior to the audition date. Solo vocal repertoire is to be selected and prepared independently by the applicant.

Prospective students for the Master of Music in Music Performance, Instrumental Conducting track should contact Dr. Michael Butler to schedule a virtual meeting to discuss the program, including the opportunities, experiences, and expectations of the degree.

As part of the audition process, applicants must send video recordings of themselves conducting in both rehearsal and performance settings. These materials will serve as the primary audition component for admission consideration.

Video submission guidelines:

  • Submit 2-3 video excerpts totaling no more than 20 minutes
  • At least one excerpt should demonstrate rehearsal technique (addressing ensemble issues, communication, and musical problem-solving)
  • At least one excerpt should demonstrate performance conducting
  • The conductor's face, hands, and full body should be clearly visible
  • Acceptable formats include unlisted YouTube or Vimeo links
  • Audio and video should be of sufficient quality to allow clear evaluation (professional recording not required)

Final admission decisions will be based on the submitted materials and the initial consultation.

 

Audition registration


Alternative arrangements

If you’re unable to attend one of the dates for on-campus auditions, or if you have other considerations and wish to schedule a virtual or ad hoc audition or submit a recorded audition, contact the Cliffe College Coordinator of Admissions and Recruitment at cliffecollege@ysu.edu or call 330.941.3625 to receive information about the virtual, ad hoc, or recorded audition processes. You should prepare the audition repertoire requirements listed on this page.

 

 

Dana School of Music audition dates*

DateTime
Saturday, January 24, 20268:30 AM
Saturday, February 14, 20268:30 AM
Saturday, February 21, 20268:30 AM (final live audition date)
*If you are unable to attend one of the scheduled audition days, contact the Cliffe College Coordinator of Admissions and Recruitment atcliffecollege@ysu.eduor call330.941.3625for alternative audition arrangements. Admission is on a rolling basis. Auditions may still be scheduled after the listed final audition date. Pending scholarship funding, awards may still be available after the first round is extended.