All Voice major applicants are required to submit materials before being invited to audition. These requirements are different from the full audition requirements listed below, though the same repertoire may be used for both if applicants would like to do so.
Note: There is no pre-screen required for applicants to the Voice Minor.
Filming Guidelines:
Students are encouraged to use standard technology/recording devices that are available to them (smartphones, tablets, etc.)
Your media should start with a slate (introduction). The proper slate is to share your name, the degree for which you are applying, and your song titles.
Please film your media in landscape format, ensuring that at least your upper body is in the frame and that your face is clearly visible.
We do not recommend submitting videos of live productions such as musical theatre shows unless they meet the requirements above and if you are alone on stage.
Voice Audition Requirements
Select the degree you are interested in to review the audition requirements and additional degree information.
Two (2) scores of original works (with sound files, if possible).
Pre-screen Requirements:
Please prepare two (2) selections that contrast in style, language, time period and/or tempo. All pieces should be performed from memory and be accompanied by a live or recorded track.
One selection from the classical Western art music canon (e.g. an art song, opera aria, oratorio aria).
One selection may be any genre or style of your choice
Note: Materials must be accompanied by live collaborator (yourself or others) or recorded track and must be sung from memory.
Audition Requirements:
Please prepare three (3) selections that contrast in style, language, time period and/or tempo. All pieces should be performed from memory. Of these three pieces:
One selection should be from the art song, opera aria, oratorio aria, or pre-1970 musical theater genres.
One selection should be in your primary language in any genre
One selection should be in a language other than your primary language.
You are encouraged to share your personal artistry and love of singing, and showcase works that reflect your individual point of view. You are also encouraged to explore repertoire by historically underrepresented composers.
You may consider using some of the same material from your pre-screen.
Interview Requirements:
Speak with a member of our Composition faculty and ask any specific questions you may have about the Composition degree program.
One (1) song in your primary language that reflects your personal artistry and love of singing.
One (1) memorized ballad, blues selection, or jazz standard with improvisation (suggested list).
Note: Materials must be accompanied by live collaborator (yourself or others) or recorded track and must be sung from memory.
Audition Requirements for Voice Applicants:
Choose one (1) song from each ofthe following categories:
One (1) 12-bar blues, in the key and tempo of your choice, with a melody/head of your choice. Sing the melody, improvise a solo of at least two choruses (using scat syllables), and return to the melody to end.
One (1) jazz standard. Sing the melody, improvise once over the form (using scat syllables), and return to the melody.
One (1) ballad.
One (1) one-octave chromatic scale,ascending and descending, sung on "aah," "nah," or other similar syllable.
Plan the rundown (arrangements) for your tunes so that the total amount of music is no more than 10 minutes.
For song ideas, please see the recommended repertoire below. Another good source for songs is JazzStandards.com. If you have prepared a transcription of an improvised solo (either published or self-transcribed), you are encouraged to perform that as well.
Interview Requirements for All Applicants:
Speak with a member of our Jazz Studies faculty and ask any specific questions you may have about the Jazz Studies degree program. Approximately 10 minutes.
Additional Thoughts:
Try to relax. These things can make us tense. An audition is just a chance for you to meet us and for us to learn about you and your musicianship. We’re excited to hear you!
Please prepare two (2) selections that contrast in style, language, time period and/or tempo. All pieces should be performed from memory and be accompanied by a live or recorded track.
One selection from the classical Western art music canon (e.g. an art song, opera aria, oratorio aria).
One selection may be any genre or style of your choice
Note: Materials must be accompanied by live collaborator (yourself or others) or recorded track and must be sung from memory.
Audition Requirements:
Please prepare three (3) selections that contrast in style, language, time period and/or tempo. All pieces should be performed from memory. Of these three pieces:
One selection should be from the art song, opera aria, oratorio aria, or pre-1970 musical theater genres.
One selection should be in your primary language in any genre
One selection should be in a language other than your primary language.
You are encouraged to share your personal artistry and love of singing, and showcase works that reflect your individual point of view. You are also encouraged to explore repertoire by historically underrepresented composers.
You may consider using some of the same material from your pre-screen.
Please prepare two (2) selections that contrast in style, language, time period and/or tempo. All pieces should be performed from memory and be accompanied by a live or recorded track.
One selection from the classical Western art music canon (e.g. an art song, opera aria, oratorio aria).
One selection may be any genre or style of your choice
Note: Materials must be accompanied by live collaborator (yourself or others) or recorded track and must be sung from memory.
Audition Requirements:
Please prepare three (3) selections that contrast in style, language, time period and/or tempo. All pieces should be performed from memory. Of these three pieces:
One selection should be from the art song, opera aria, oratorio aria, or pre-1970 musical theater genres.
One selection should be in your primary language in any genre
One selection should be in a language other than your primary language.
You are encouraged to share your personal artistry and love of singing, and showcase works that reflect your individual point of view. You are also encouraged to explore repertoire by historically underrepresented composers.
You may consider using some of the same material from your pre-screen.
Please prepare two (2) selections that contrast in style, language, time period and/or tempo. All pieces should be performed from memory and be accompanied by a live or recorded track.
One selection from the classical Western art music canon (e.g. an art song, opera aria, oratorio aria).
One selection may be any genre or style of your choice
Note: Materials must be accompanied by live collaborator (yourself or others) or recorded track and must be sung from memory.
Audition Requirements:
Please prepare three (3) selections that contrast in style, language, time period and/or tempo. All pieces should be performed from memory. Of these three pieces:
One selection should be from the art song, opera aria, or oratorio aria genres.
One selection should be in your primary language (pre-1970 musical theater acceptable).
One selection should be in a language other than your primary language.
You are encouraged to share your personal artistry and love of singing, and showcase works that reflect your individual point of view. You are also encouraged to explore repertoire by historically underrepresented composers.
You may consider using some of the same material from your pre-screen.
Please prepare two (2) selections that contrast in style, language, time period and/or tempo. All pieces should be performed from memory and be accompanied by a live or recorded track.
One selection from the classical Western art music canon (e.g. an art song, opera aria, oratorio aria).
One selection may be any genre or style of your choice
Note: Materials must be accompanied by live collaborator (yourself or others) or recorded track and must be sung from memory.
Audition Requirements:
Please prepare three (3) selections that contrast in style, language, time period and/or tempo. All pieces should be performed from memory. Of these three pieces:
One selection should be from the art song, opera aria, oratorio aria, or pre-1970 musical theater genres.
One selection should be in your primary language in any genre
One selection should be in a language other than your primary language.
You are encouraged to share your personal artistry and love of singing, and showcase works that reflect your individual point of view. You are also encouraged to explore repertoire by historically underrepresented composers.
You may consider using some of the same material from your pre-screen.
Please prepare two (2) selections that contrast in style, language, time period and/or tempo. All pieces should be performed from memory and be accompanied by a live or recorded track.
One selection from the classical Western art music canon (e.g. an art song, opera aria, oratorio aria).
One selection may be any genre or style of your choice
Note: Materials must be accompanied by live collaborator (yourself or others) or recorded track and must be sung from memory.
Audition Requirements:
Please prepare three (3) selections that contrast in style, language, time period and/or tempo. All pieces should be performed from memory. Of these three pieces:
One selection should be from the art song, opera aria, or oratorio aria genres.
One selection should be in your primary language (pre-1970 musical theater acceptable).
One selection should be in a language other than your primary language.
You are encouraged to share your personal artistry and love of singing, and showcase works that reflect your individual point of view. You are also encouraged to explore repertoire by historically underrepresented composers.
You may consider using some of the same material from your pre-screen.
Please prepare two (2) selections that contrast in style, language, time period and/or tempo. All pieces should be performed from memory and be accompanied by a live or recorded track.
One selection from the classical Western art music canon (e.g. an art song, opera aria, oratorio aria).
One selection may be any genre or style of your choice
Note: Materials must be accompanied by live collaborator (yourself or others) or recorded track and must be sung from memory.
Audition Requirements:
Please prepare three (3) selections that contrast in style, language, time period and/or tempo. All pieces should be performed from memory. Of these three pieces:
One selection should be from the art song, opera aria, oratorio aria, or pre-1970 musical theater genres.
One selection should be in your primary language in any genre
One selection should be in a language other than your primary language.
You are encouraged to share your personal artistry and love of singing, and showcase works that reflect your individual point of view. You are also encouraged to explore repertoire by historically underrepresented composers.
You may consider using some of the same material from your pre-screen.
Interview Requirements:
Meet with members of the SRT faculty, practice critical listening skills, and discuss your background in audio engineering thus far. Approximately 20 minutes.
One (1) song in your primary language that reflects your personal artistry and love of singing.
One (1) memorized ballad, blues selection, or jazz standard with improvisation (suggested list).
Note: Materials must be accompanied by live collaborator (yourself or others) or recorded track and must be sung from memory.
Audition Requirements for Voice Applicants:
Choose one (1) song from each ofthe following categories:
One (1) 12-bar blues, in the key and tempo of your choice, with a melody/head of your choice. Sing the melody, improvise a solo of at least two choruses (using scat syllables), and return to the melody to end.
One (1) jazz standard. Sing the melody, improvise once over the form (using scat syllables), and return to the melody.
One (1) ballad.
One (1) one-octave chromatic scale,ascending and descending, sung on "aah," "nah," or other similar syllable.
Plan the rundown (arrangements) for your tunes so that the total amount of music is no more than 10 minutes.
For song ideas, please see the recommended repertoire below. Another good source for songs is JazzStandards.com. If you have prepared a transcription of an improvised solo (either published or self-transcribed), you are encouraged to perform that as well.
Interview Requirements for All Applicants:
Speak with a member of our Jazz Studies faculty and ask any specific questions you may have about the Jazz Studies degree program. Approximately 10 minutes.
Meet with members of the SRT faculty, practice critical listening skills, and discuss your background in audio engineering thus far. Approximately 20 minutes.
Additional Thoughts:
Try to relax. These things can make us tense. An audition is just a chance for you to meet us and for us to learn about you and your musicianship. We’re excited to hear you!
Three (3) contrasting selections, performed from memory.
Selections should contrast in style, language, time period, and/or tempo.
You are encouraged to share your personal artistry and love of singing, and showcase works that reflect your individual point of view. You are also encouraged to explore repertoire by historically underrepresented composers.
NOTE: Auditions for the Music Minor take place once a student is enrolled at Ithaca College. Please reach out to mtd@ithaca.edu to inquire about an audition date.
Recommended Repertoire
Blues Heads can show your knowledge of the blues form and rich bluesy landscape of jazz. Some well-known blues heads are::
Blue Monk
Au Privave
Now’s the Time
Blues for Alice
Tenor Madness
Straight, No Chaser
Centerpiece
Route 66
Standards can show your knowledge of time feel, style and improvisation. Standards can be jazz tunes such as:
Perdido
In Walked Bud
Well, You Needn’t
Epistrophy
Confirmation
Donna Lee
Ornithology
Dolphin Dance
Goodbye Pork Pie Hat
A Night in Tunisia
Standards could also be songs from the Great American Songbook, such as:
All the Things You Are
All of Me
Blue Skies
My Romance
How High the Moon
Take the 'A' Train
What Is This Thing Called Love?
Sweet Georgia Brown
Cherokee
Stompin’ at the Savoy
There Is No Greater Love (a.k.a. No Greater Love)
On the Sunny Side of the Street
Ballads are a chance to show your musicality, phrasing and intonation. Some possible ballads include:
Body and Soul
How Deep Is the Ocean
But Beautiful
Darn That Dream
Round Midnight
Lover Man
Embraceable You
Sophisticated Lady
Prelude to a Kiss
In a Sentimental Mood
Interested in Musical Theatre?
Auditions for the B.F.A. Musical Theatre program are coordinated through the Center for Theatre and Dance.
