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Audition & Admission Procedures
Hayes School of Music
Appalachian State University
813 Rivers Street
Boone, NC 28608
Phone: (828)262-3020
Fax: (828)262-6446
Email: music@appstate.edu
How do I apply to Appalachian State University?
Application for admission to Appalachian State University should be made in the fall of the senior year in high school. To obtain the appropriate application forms, contact the Director of Admissions, Mr. Paul Hiatt, at (828) 262-2120 or write to:
Mr. Paul Hiatt
Director of Admissions
Appalachian State University
Boone, NC 28608
Appalachian State University does not have an admission deadline. Completed applications are reviewed as they arrive and acceptance letters for the next year's fall admission are sent as early as November 15. An applicant's file must be complete and contain the following information before he/she can be granted admission:
Application and $45 application fee
Resident Hall Application (if desired)
Official High School Transcript (through junior year with class rank)
Official Standardized Test Score (SAT)
If I am accepted to the University, am I automatically accepted into the School of Music?
No. Acceptance by the University is a requirement for each student, regardless of the major. The Hayes School of Music requires that all students desiring to pursue a degree in music audition before members of the appropriate applied music faculty for acceptance into the music degree program.
You can schedule an audition in advance by sending an audition form to the School of Music or calling Janet Seatz at (828) 262-3020. Each year a number of Audition Days are scheduled, and you are encouraged to audition on one of those occasions.
The on-campus audition and interview provide an opportunity for students to demonstrate their abilities and meet the faculty. The audition/interview day also provides an opportunity to have questions answered concerning the Hayes School of Music, the admissions process, student financial aid, housing, campus life and other aspects of being a music student at Appalachian State University.
Am I required to audition to play in the bands or orchestra, or to sing in a choir as a non-music major?
The Hayes School of Music auditions are not required if you desire to perform in the bands or orchestras, or choirs, or if you wish to register for chamber music, applied instruction, or classroom courses as a non-music major. However, the band, orchestra and choir directors do audition students for acceptance into those organizations.
What do I do if I cannot attend a scheduled audition day?
If necessary, auditions may be scheduled on other days. In the event that distance prohibits a personal audition, a prospective student may request permission to submit a tape recording. Permission must be granted by the appropriate applied music faculty member. Students who receive permission to submit a recorded audition should complete the Request to Audition and mail us the recorded audition. Please use a new tape/CD and clearly indicate your name, instrument and selections performed (titles and composers) on the tape/CD container.
What do I perform for the audition?
The audition in your major performance area is the most important factor in determining whether or not you will be accepted as a music major. It will normally last about ten minutes. The audition committee consists of faculty members from your area of concentration. Except for vocal auditions, an accompanist is not required. Please select your applied area from the following list to see specific audition requirements:WOODWINDS, BRASS, PERCUSSION, VOICE, STRING/GUITAR, and KEYBOARD.
Is there a music theory placement examination?
Yes. All incoming freshmen are required to take the On-line Music Theory Placement Test. Only students who pass the test may take MUS1001: Music Theory I and MUS1007: Aural Skills I, which is offered every semester. Those who do not pass must first complete MUS1000: Elements of Music Theory.
If you have little or no music theory background, we recommend that you consult an introductory music text, such as the ones listed below, before taking the test. The Hayes School of Music requires the second text for its music theory courses:
The one-hour test is administered on-line and includes both written and aural identification of simple music elements, including:
Students who have received a score of 4 or higher on the Music Theory Advanced Placement Test are not required to take the theory placement test. See ASU Admissions for details regarding acceptance of AP credit. Transfer students are placed on an individual basis, according to proficiency with music theory and aural skills.
What will it be like to be a music major at Appalachian?
As a music major in the Appalchian State University Hayes School of Music, you will be taught by full-time faculty in your major, as well as in other areas of the music program. Our full-time resident performing faculty shares a common commitment to dedicated teaching and concern for each student's individual progress. Individual attention, detailed musical and technical development, and the encouragement of each student's artistic potential in performance serve as the foundation of the program. Trained at leading universities and conservatories, Appalachian professors serve as mentors and role models in their teaching and performance.
May I audition to perform in major ensembles?
Yes, you may audition for membership in our major performing ensembles. These ensembles tour throughout the region and perform at music conferences and professional meetings.
Are solo performance opportunities are encouraged?
Yes. Opportunities for solo performance include weekly studio classes and area recitals which provide a format for students to present single works. The weekly music seminar showcases superior student performers and is attended by the entire Hayes School of Music student body. In their Junior and Senior Recitals, performance majors present partial and entire concert programs, respectively. Special recitals are often presented by ambitious students in addition to the degree requirement recitals. Master Classes with noted guest artists are held every year as well.
Will I have easy access to faculty members who can assist me in my professional development?
From the time you enter the Appalachian State University Hayes School of Music, you will be able to confer with full-time faculty members. The faculty will help you develop a plan for each semester during an advisement period that precedes pre-registration for each. Members of the faculty also are available by appointment to counsel and advise you when you have questions.
