Frequently Asked Questions

Application and Pre-Screen Questions

You can find information about deadlines here.

Given the amount of applications we receive for Sound Recording Technology, and Voice, it is unfortunately not possible to see every applicant for an audition. A pre-screen is the best way to determine if an applicant may be a good fit for our program. By providing that determination as soon as possible, we hope to alleviate the emotional and financial cost of auditioning.

All technical support for your pre-screen Application is provided by Acceptd. You can visit the Acceptd Help Desk here, and there is a green help button on the lower right-hand side of every Acceptd page. 

All Center for Music programs have a $30 application fee.

These applications fees are paid directly to Acceptd. Fee waivers are available to applicants who meet the fee waiver requirements. Please follow the instruction here to request a fee waiver before submitting your application. 

If you are interested in being considered for another Center for Music major you will need to complete a second application. Instructions for the second application will follow after your initial submission. You will not be charged a second application fee.

If you are a current Ithaca College student interested in transferring into the School of Music, Theatre, and Dance, or a current School of Music, Theatre, and Dance student interested in changing your instrument and/or degree program please contact the School of Music, Theatre, and Dance at mtd@ithaca.edu for more information.

Audition Questions

Your audition material will depend on the specific program you are applying to. You can find out more information about audition requirements here.

Applicants to Composition (B.M.) and Sound Recording Technology (B.M.) will have a 20 minute interview as part of their audition day.

We hold auditions and interviews on campus. If you cannot make any of our in-person audition dates, please reach out to mtd@ithaca.edu about submitting a recorded audition.

For a complete list of dates, times, and schedules, please visit our location and schedule page.

Pre-Screen SUBMISSIONS

Pre-screen materials for voice applicants should be accompanied. Pre-screen materials for instrumental applicants should be unaccompanied.

Our faculty encourage live accompaniment, however we understand not all applicants have the resources to arrange for a live accompaniment for your recorded pre-screen. Therefore, we accept pre-screen submissions with recorded accompaniment. Please ensure that the accompaniment is audible in your final recording.

AUDITION DAY

Instrumental applicants should perform unaccompanied.

Voice applicants may provide their own accompanist or use an Ithaca College staff accompanist.

If you wish to use pre-recorded accompaniment for your live audition, you must provide your own A/V playback equipment.

FEES

There is no fee for applicants who wish to use an Ithaca College accompanist. 

Resources for Accompaniment Tracks

  • Reach out to your teacher or local pianist and ask them to make a recording of your accompaniment.
  • Apps such as Appcompanist (has a large library of piano accompaniments to well-known classical and musical theater songs) and Sheet Music Scanner or digitalScore (upload a PDF and it will create a MIDI file of the accompaniment).
  • Pre-recorded tracks available with your music score.
  • Professional YouTube/Spotify karaoke tracks. Please vet these carefully, however, for accuracy and appropriateness.

Issues to Consider When Procuring a Recorded Accompaniment and Singing With One

  • Tempo: Make sure you communicate your desired tempo to any pianist that may be recording an accompaniment for you. Figure out your preferred metronome marking and share that with them. Also communicate any tempo changes (rit. or accel.), fermatas, and dynamics in advance.
  • Key: Ensure that the accompaniment is in the same key as you wish to sing in (especially for pre-recorded tracks).
  • Playback: If possible, play the recording through a good speaker rather than through a computer or phone to get the best audio quality.
  • Balance: When recording, experiment with placement of the speaker to make sure the recording picks up both you and the accompaniment in a balanced way.
  • Listen and Practice: It can be disorienting to sing with a recorded accompaniment that allows for zero flexibility. Listen to the recording a lot to get to know its nuances and practice with it before recording.