Auditions and Scholarships

Undergraduate music majors and exceptionally talented non-music majors are eligible to audition for North Park University Honors Music Scholarships, which range from $1,500 to $4,000. Prospective students interested in majoring or minoring in music are required to audition. All music scholarships are renewable annually for students who:

• Maintain appropriate academic standing
• Are recommended for renewal by the music faculty
• Enroll in private music lessons from North Park faculty
• Participate in designated music ensembles each semester

Presidential Music Scholarships

Open to music majors only, these scholarships can have a maximum award of up to full tuition (which may include applicable federal and state grant aid). They are reserved for the most outstanding young musicians; preference will be given to areas of need and to students with demonstrated academic and performance ability.

Audition Requirements

In addition to the general North Park University application, the School of Music requires the following materials by February 1, 2012.

• Complete an audition request form
• Recordings are acceptable although a live audition is preferred. Recordings can be emailed to rolthafer@northpark.edu or mailed to: Attn: Rebecca Olthafer, Box 19, North Park University, 3225 W. Foster Ave., Chicago, IL 60625
• Resumé listing previous musical study, musical activities, and goals for further music study (emailed to rolthafer@northpark.edu)

Audition Dates

• Saturday, February 11
• Saturday, February 25

2011-2012 Repertoire Requirements

Strings, Winds, and Brass Candidates

Select two pieces demonstrating lyrical playing, and technical agility. Sight reading may be requested.

Guitar Candidates

Choose one of the following options:

Option A: Select two pieces; one demonstrating your ability to comp chords and play an instrumental accompaniment while singing, and the second, a solo instrumental piece, demonstrating your ability to play a melodic line with or without an accompaniment. In addition, prepare two, two-octave major scales and the I, IV, V7 chord progression in 4 different keys. Sight reading will be required. A sight reading example will be provided at the audition.

Option B: Select two contrasting solo pieces or movements demonstrating lyrical playing and technical agility at your current level of achievement. For example, if you are more classical oriented, a Baroque and Contemporary piece, a Classical Etude and a Renaissance composition, or if you are more comfortable with jazz; a Ballad and a Blues, a Bossa Nova and a Beebop Tune, etc. If you are proficient in both Classical and Jazz, please perform one selection from each genre. In addition, please prepare two, two-octave major scales. Sight reading will be required. A sight reading example will be provided at the audition.

Keyboard Candidates

Select three pieces (at least one by should be by J.S. Bach), all major scales and arpeggios (2-4 octaves).

Vocal Candidates

Select two contrasting pieces, one in English and, if previously studied, one in a foreign language. At least one piece must be classical (art song or aria) from the Baroque, Classical, or Romantic period. One piece may be a musical theater piece or, if the student is anticipating work in the Bachelor of Music in Music in Worship degree program, a contemporary sacred song. Repertoire chosen should demonstrate the student's highest level of vocal technique and musical understanding achieved up to this point. Sight singing will be required.

Composition Candidates

Submit a portfolio consisting of two or three compositions. Recordings are optional, but recommended. An on campus interview is required and should be scheduled individually.

Percussion Candidates

Set players: Demonstrate conservancy with various styles such as swing, Latin, ballad and rock.

Non-set players: A snare etude is required. Prepared pieces for a mallet instrument and/or timpani are strongly encouraged.

Timeline

Award decisions will be announced by April 15.

Questions? Contact our music admission counselor, Rebecca Olthafer, by email or by phone at (773) 244–5623.