All prospective music majors and minors are required to audition for admission to the Ball State School of Music, as well as for scholarship consideration. Students must audition on a primary instrument with appropriate faculty from that area.
We prefer that the audition be in person on a regular designated audition day on campus, since you'll be able to meet several faculty on these days. Videotape or audiotape auditions will be accepted if long-distance travel is a burden. Students planning to audition should have completed all arrangements with the School of Music no later than three weeks before the date on which they intend to audition. If you use the online application you can choose any program in music as a major. You will then be given the opportunity to fill out a supplemental music application. If you are using the paper application, the supplemental music application is included as part of the university application. If you have already completed and submitted your application, you can
download our music application.
To prepare for your audition, review our
undergraduate audition guidelines.
Theory and Piano ExamsAt the audition, you'll take a music theory exam in order to determine your readiness for college-level music theory. You'll also take a piano diagnostic exam for placement, and an aural skills exam. Transfer students must be tested individually in both sight-singing and written theory before they can be placed. Learn more about
undergraduate placement exams.
More InformationFor more information on auditions, contact the
Coordinator of Undergraduate Admissions and Scholarships. Students also must apply to and be accepted by
Ball State University.
Audition information for master's programs, the doctoral program, and the Artist Diploma in Music Performance is provided here:
Graduate Auditions.
There are no specific audition days for graduate applicants; auditions and interviews are arranged individually in consultation with
Dr. Linda Pohly, Graduate Music Coordinator, or
Linda Elliott, secretary.