Voice

Audition Guidelines

In order to qualify both for admission to the Department of Music and for a music scholarship, all prospective students must audition by March 1 and should prepare two pieces in contrasting styles, one in English and the other in another language.

You may want to choose from the following suggestions:

• Italian songs from the 17th and 18th centuries (such as those found in the Twenty-four Italian Songs and Arias) 
• German lieder (such as those of Schubert, Schumann, Mendelssohn, Brahms) 
• Arts songs by American or British composers (such as those of Copland, Barber, Ives, Quilter, Britten, etc.) 
• Operatic/oratorio arias 

Pieces selected for audition should be contrasting in style and performed from memory. We prefer a live audition, although an audio or video tape is acceptable.

We will provide an accompanist for you unless you wish to bring your own pianist. Music scholarships are available to qualified students, regardless of their major, in all areas of our department.

Visit Us

We encourage you to spend the entire day of your audition on campus and would be happy to provide you with the opportunity to observe a music class, take a lesson with one of the voice faculty (or observe a Drake student taking a lesson, if you prefer), and sit in on an ensemble rehearsal.

Singers may choose from among the following degree programs:

• Bachelor of Applied Music in Vocal Performance
• Bachelor in Music Education
• Bachelor of Music with Elective Studies in Business
• Bachelor of Arts in Music

For further information concerning the vocal/choral area, please contact Dr. Eric Barnum, Dr. Ann Cravero or Leanne Freeman-Miller or call 1-800-44-DRAKE.