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Frequently Asked Questions

What criteria are used in evaluating prospective students?

All students are required to audition on their primary instrument or voice. All students must also complete a Music Theory Written Examination and the Aural Assessment. Students entering the Music Education and Music Industry programs are required to complete an interview in their respective fields.

Does a successful audition mean admittance to Millersville University?

No. Admission is contingent upon acceptance by both the Department of Music and the University Office of Admissions.

What are the academic requirements to be admitted to the Department of Music?

Academic eligibility is evaluated by the Office of Admissions through a review of a student’s transcripts and SAT scores. These considerations are paired with the audition results and a recommendation by the Department of Music.

What are the audition requirements?

All audition requirements can be found here.

What should the student wear to the audition/interview?

Professional attire is expected.

When will I be notified of my audition results?

All students who audition will be notified of their audition results within two weeks of the audition.

Whom do I contact regarding financial aid and academic scholarships?

For questions concerning financial aid (including loans, work-study, grants-in-aid, etc.), please contact the Office of Financial Aid directly, at 717-872-3026. For questions concerning academic scholarships, please contact the Office of Admissions directly, at 717-872-3371.

What types of music scholarships are available to incoming students?

A limited number of music scholarships are available for the most qualified students. All students who have completed a University application are considered for a music scholarship(s) upon auditioning. Please visit the Scholarships page for more information.

Dr. Renfroe's Recipe For A Successful Audition

  1. Dress for the occasion. (No jeans, sneakers, flip-flops)
  2. Be rested. Have a good night’s sleep the night before.
  3. Have someone else drive you to the audition if you live an hour or more away. For pianists or any instrumentalists, gripping the steering wheel for an extended period prior to    performing is not advisable. Keep your hands warm and supple.
  4. Be armed with questions for your interview. (scholarships)
  5. Know as much as possible about the music faculty/department.
  6. Have a mock audition in your private teacher’s studio. Video the session. Critique your verbal communication, physical presence and musical performance (including technique).
  7. Play what you have prepared.  If you do not normally practice arpeggios, don’t attempt them at the audition!
  8. Be ready to play 2-3 contrasting works.  One of those may be your own composition or improvisation.
  9. Bring a repertoire list of upper-intermediate and advanced works you have studied.  Indicate which works were memorized and  performed in recital, festival, competition or audition.
  10. (for Pianists) Bring a list of accompaniments and chamber works you have performed.  Include solo vocal & instrumental, sacred choral, Broadway, etc.
  11. Make eye contact during your audition and in the interview. First impressions are important.
  12. Be prepared to talk about your goals, dreams, and even your 5 and 10 year plans.