Voice

Candidates are expected to have a voice with professional potential and some experience in solo singing in the classical genre.  Note that the Vocal Performance program in the School of Music is separate from the Musical Theater program in the School of Drama, and application to one program does not provide consideration in the other.  The voice audition consists of two parts, the first of which involves review of a CD recording which meets the following requirements.

CD Requirements

All candidates must submit a high quality CD recording by December 1, 2009 that meets the following requirements:

    1. Three selections, separated by tracks, on a CD recording.  No other recorded media type will be accepted.
      • one selection must be performed in English
      • one selection must be performed in Italian
      • The third selection may be performed in any language of choice
    2. All selections must be in the Classical style.  Musical Theater selections will not be accepted
    3. Before singing your first selection, please say/record your first name, your voice type, and your degree program
    4. Both the CD and the CD case must be labeled with your name, your degree program, your voice, and a track listing of your selected repertoire
    5. CD recordings must be received in the School of Music Office by December 1. Please note that this is not a post-mark deadline
    6. CD’s should not be sent to the Undergraduate Admission office.  CDs sent to the Office of Undergraduate Admission may not be forwarded to the School of Music.  To prevent your recording from being misdirected, please forwarded directly to the School of Music at the exact address listed below:

The voice faculty will convene during the start of December to review the CDs.  Results of the review will be forwarded in writing at  the end of December.  If the results of this first audition are favorable, the candidate’s live audition reservation will be confirmed.  Applicants who do not achieve a favorable result following the first audition, and applicants who do not submit an audition recording by December 1 will not be considered for a live audition.  Those continuing to the live audition phase should expect a minor adjustment in the audition appointment time.  Candidates will be notified well in advance, and the adjusted time will be confirmed before being finalized

Live Audition Requirements

Candidates have the option of changing the audition pieces between the recorded audition and the live audition.  Changes in audition repertoire must be note on the “pieces prepared for audition’ section of the on-line music application prior to January 10.  Some sight-singing may be required at the live audition..  Those who will require the services of a School of Music accompanist must forward copies of the music to the above address by January 10.  Music must be double-sided, non-stapled, separated by paperclip, labeled with the applicant’s name, in the desired key, and with clearly designated marks for cuts, etc.  An accompanist is provided only in the Pittsburgh audition venue.