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Auditions

Auditioning for the Music Major or Minor 

Incoming First-Year Students or Transfers

To apply to LMU Music as a major or minor:

  1. Apply to LMU here, either selecting Music as your primary major or, if you plan to double major or minor in Music, selecting it as your “secondary major.” Within 24 hours of submitting your LMU application, you will receive a link to the Applicant Status Portal.
  2. Download and save the Music Audition Form 2026-2027.
  3. Complete the form.
  4. Make video recordings of yourself performing two pieces or songs, with each in a separate video, following the specifications by instrument listed below.
  5. Click on the Applicant Status Portal link you received after completing your application to LMU and choose “Upload Materials.”
  6. Select “Music Audition Request Form Upload” from the dropdown menu and attach your completed form.
  7. Under the “Portfolio” section, click “Edit Portfolio” and upload your videos and any optional supplemental materials, such as a résumé, composition scores, or original songs.

Notes on Audition Videos

  • The instrument-specific directions below are preferred guidelines; if you have not worked on pieces that meet the guidelines, you can still audition with two pieces or songs that you are comfortable with and best show your skills, though please do not perform self-composed works in your videos.
  • Students in the LMU Music major follow a similar path in their first two years, building a foundation in theory, history, and performance, then select a concentration that governs their coursework in their final two years. Even if you plan to pursue a Contemporary Styles and Practices, Composition, Ethnomusicology, or Musicology concentration, be sure to submit performance audition videos. If you plan to pursue one of these four concentrations, you can supplement your audition videos with original songs, scores, or essays in the Portfolio section of the Applicant Status Portal.
  • When recording your videos, make sure we can clearly see you from at least the torso up. Be careful not to cut your arms and hands out of the frame, especially if they are involved in your playing or singing, such as with piano or violin.
  • While videos are our primary means of evaluating Music applicants for admission and scholarship consideration, the Audition Form provides applicants with an option for an additional in-person audition or an optional individual online meeting with LMU Music faculty.

  • Guitar
    Two pieces, preferably in contrasting styles, demonstrating classical or fingerstyle technique.

    Percussion
    At least two published works (solos or études) performed on at least two of the following: drum set, marimba, snare drum, timpani.

    Piano
    Two pieces from different historical periods, preferably in contrasting styles.

    Strings (violin, viola, cello, double bass)
    Two pieces from different historical periods, preferably in contrasting styles.

    Voice
    Two selections: classical art song, opera or operetta aria, or traditional folk songs. At least one selection should be in a language other than English.

    Selected Woodwinds and Brass - Minor Only (flute, oboe, clarinet, trumpet, French horn, trombone, saxophone)
    Two pieces from different historical periods, preferably in contrasting styles.

    In all cases do not use original works for your audition. Please feel free to submit original works in addition to your audition works, particularly if you are interested in declaring a composition concentration, but original works will not be considered as an audition for admittance.

    Be sure to submit your pieces in two separate video files and include the form above. Complete all information requested. When recording your videos, make sure we can clearly see you from at least the torso up. Be careful not to cut your arms/hands out of the frame, especially if they are involved in your playing or singing, such as with piano or violin.

    Should you have any questions about the audition process or the music program in general, please contact us.

Early Action/Decision Auditions

  • Submit your audition form and videos by Tuesday, November 3, 2026.
  • In-Person Audition Day: Saturday, November 14, 2026. To do an optional in-person audition, make sure you submit your form and videos by the November 2nd deadline, indicating on the form that you would like to also do an in-person audition. We will contact you by e-mail to schedule a time.

Regular Decision Auditions

  • Submit your audition form and videos by Tuesday, January 19, 2027.
  • In-Person Audition Day: Saturday, January 30, 2027. To do an optional in-person audition, make sure you submit your form and videos by the January 15th deadline, indicating on the form that you would like to also do an in-person audition. We will contact you by e-mail to schedule a time.

Current LMU Students Seeking to Add the Music Major or Minor

  1. Download and save the Music Audition Form 2026-2027.
  2. Complete the form.
  3. Make video recordings of yourself performing two pieces or songs, with each in a separate video, following the specifications by instrument listed above.
  4. E-mail Music Senior Administrative Coordinator Tashi Cardinali Bateman at tashi.cardinali@lmu.edu and let her know you are ready to submit your form and videos. She will provide instructions for doing so.

Music Opportunities for Students Not Majoring or Minoring

  • Our ensembles are open to all! If you are interested in participating one of our vocal or instrumental ensembles, click below to view descriptions and audition processes:
  • Individual lessons with voice or an instrument are also available to students who are neither majors or minors for a fee of $595 per semester.

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