Voice Pre-Screen and Audition Requirements

Pre-Screen Requirements

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.

Degree Page: Composition (B.M.)

Additional Application Requirements:

  1. 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.

  1. One selection from the classical Western art music canon (e.g. an art song, opera aria, oratorio aria).
  2. 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:

  1. One selection should be from the art song, opera aria, oratorio aria, or pre-1970 musical theater genres.
  2. One selection should be in your primary language in any genre
  3. 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:

  1. Speak with a member of our Composition faculty and ask any specific questions you may have about the Composition degree program.

Degree Page: B.M. Jazz Studies

Pre-screen Requirements:

  1. One (1) song in your primary language that reflects your personal artistry and love of singing.
  2. 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:

  1. Choose one (1) song from each ofthe following categories:
    1. 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.
    2. One (1) jazz standard. Sing the melody, improvise once over the form (using scat syllables), and return to the melody.
    3. One (1) ballad.
  2. 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:

  1. 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!

Degree Page: Music (B.A.)

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.

  1. One selection from the classical Western art music canon (e.g. an art song, opera aria, oratorio aria).
  2. 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:

  1. One selection should be from the art song, opera aria, oratorio aria, or pre-1970 musical theater genres.
  2. One selection should be in your primary language in any genre
  3. 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.

Degree Page: Music Education (B.M.)

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.

  1. One selection from the classical Western art music canon (e.g. an art song, opera aria, oratorio aria).
  2. 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:

  1. One selection should be from the art song, opera aria, oratorio aria, or pre-1970 musical theater genres.
  2. One selection should be in your primary language in any genre
  3. 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.

Degree Page: Music Education and Performance (B.M.)

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.

  1. One selection from the classical Western art music canon (e.g. an art song, opera aria, oratorio aria).
  2. 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:

  1. One selection should be from the art song, opera aria, or oratorio aria genres.
  2. One selection should be in your primary language (pre-1970 musical theater acceptable).
  3. 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.

Degree Page: Music in Combination with an Outside Field (B.M.)

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.

  1. One selection from the classical Western art music canon (e.g. an art song, opera aria, oratorio aria).
  2. 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:

  1. One selection should be from the art song, opera aria, oratorio aria, or pre-1970 musical theater genres.
  2. One selection should be in your primary language in any genre
  3. 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.

Degree Page: Performance (B.M.)

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.

  1. One selection from the classical Western art music canon (e.g. an art song, opera aria, oratorio aria).
  2. 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:

  1. One selection should be from the art song, opera aria, or oratorio aria genres.
  2. One selection should be in your primary language (pre-1970 musical theater acceptable).
  3.  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.

Degree Page: Sound Recording Technology (B.M.)

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.

  1. One selection from the classical Western art music canon (e.g. an art song, opera aria, oratorio aria).
  2. 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:

  1. One selection should be from the art song, opera aria, oratorio aria, or pre-1970 musical theater genres.
  2. One selection should be in your primary language in any genre
  3. 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:

  1. Meet with members of the SRT faculty, practice critical listening skills, and discuss your background in audio engineering thus far. Approximately 20 minutes.

Degree Page: Sound Recording Technology (B.M.)

Pre-screen Requirements:

  1. One (1) song in your primary language that reflects your personal artistry and love of singing.
  2. 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:

  1. Choose one (1) song from each ofthe following categories:
    1. 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.
    2. One (1) jazz standard. Sing the melody, improvise once over the form (using scat syllables), and return to the melody.
    3. One (1) ballad.
  2. 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:

  1. 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.
  2. 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!

Program Page: Music Minor

Audition Requirements:

  1. 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.

Please visit the Center for Theatre and Dance Admissions and the Audition and Interview Requirements for the B.F.A. Musical Theatre Program.

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