Mansfield University Home Page > Music Home Page > Auditions
Greetings! We are delighted that you may be interested in auditioning for one of our four undergraduate or four graduate music programs at Mansfield University. Each year, we receive approximately 300 inquiries to our programs. Our undergraduate enrollment is approximately 240 students, with a freshmen class of about 70 students. Admission to our music degree programs is highly competitive, therefore it is essential that you be well prepared for your audition. We have created this page to help you better prepare for your audition at Mansfield University. If after reading this information, you have any questions, do not hesitate to contact us at (570) 662-4710 or e-mail the Music Department Chair, Dr. Shellie Gregorich ( sgregori@mansfield.edu).
Prospective music majors apply to Mansfield University through the Admissions Office and need to be accepted by Mansfield University as well as the Department of Music. Applications for admission may be obtained by writing or calling the Admissions Office, Mansfield University, Mansfield, PA. 16933, (570) 662-4243, or you may apply online. Acceptance at Mansfield is granted on a modified rolling admission plan. Early application is recommended for maximum enrollment opportunity. To set up an audition time, click here.
Auditions include the following components:
Principal Instrument/Voice - Piano Placement Examination - Basic Musicianship Test
Prepare two or three pieces in contrasting style that best show your technical and musical potential. Performing from memory is recommended but only required for piano performance majors. Scales, arpeggios and sight reading are requested at the audition in all studios. Percussionists should prepare in three areas, including snare drum or multi-percussion, mallet percussion and timpani. Drum set is not required but may be heard if time allows. Accompanists are not used for instrumental auditions. Audition expectations are higher for performance majors.
Students are accepted at Mansfield University in the following performing areas: piano, violin, viola, violoncello, bass, guitar, flute, oboe, bassoon, clarinet, saxophone, trumpet or cornet, French horn, trombone, baritone or euphonium, tuba, and percussion.
Prepare two pieces in contrasting style that best demonstrate your musical and technical potential. Vocalists may bring an accompanist but this is not required. Our staff will gladly serve as your accompanist. Vocalists are encouraged to sing one song in a foreign language (required of performance majors). NOTE: Vocal performance majors are required to sing three songs from memory, in at least two languages, and the overall expectations of the audition are higher.
During the primary area audition, prospective students will be evaluated for aural skills (ear training) aptitude. In addition, students will be asked to sing a simple folk song, carol, hymn or patriotic song to demonstration effective vocal intonation.
Prospective students with one or more years of recent piano study are encouraged to take the piano placement exam. Please be prepared to perform a piano piece that demonstrates your level of skill. Also be prepared to play scales, arpeggios, cadences and sight read an easy selection.
Both the Aural Skills Evaluation and Piano Placement Examination have a bearing on acceptance into the program since vocal ability is considered an essential function in the music field and since piano skills are required for all degrees in music. Given the competitive nature of our music admissions, demonstration of these skills can be a factor in determining the difference between one applicant and another in any given studio.
This diagnostic test helps us determine your music theory background and aids in your placement in theory courses. It includes the following components:
Set up an Audition Time
* Indicates last day for scholarship consideration
Mansfield University’s Music Department welcomes transfer applications for students interested in any of our degree programs. You must be accepted by both the university and the music department to gain admission to any music program. Be aware that 50% of your major requirements must come from Mansfield University in order to graduate with a degree from MU.
Undergraduate general education credits will be evaluated by the University Transfer Office in Admissions. Music transfer courses are evaluated by the chair of the music department at both the undergraduate and graduate level. At the graduate level, only 6 graduate credits may be accepted in transfer.
All transfer credits in music must have earned a grade of C or better and come from an accredited NASM institution. Transfer credits in studio lessons will be awarded based on the level of performance demonstrated at the audition. Some music courses may be accepted in degree areas, elective areas or they may not be accepted at all.
We recommend all transfer students apply to MU prior to their music audition and send transcripts to both the music department and the university for evaluation in advance of their live audition.
All other aspects of the audition are the same for transfer students. Please refer to audition requirements for further information.
Primary Instrument/Voice - Students are admitted to the Department of Music with the understanding that they will be given private studio instruction on one principal performance medium. While many students may have ability on more than one instrument, it is imperative that they develop excellence on one primary medium. It is our strongest recommendation therefore, that students audition on just one instrument, placing their best effort into one area where their passion is best exemplified.
Taped auditions - In exceptional cases where distance prohibits a live audition, taped auditions are acceptable for provisional acceptance. In these cases, the recording must be unedited and include a minimum of two works of contrasting style and a minimum of all major and natural minor scales. A timed theory test will be made available to you on-line as part of your application process. Students accepted provisionally under these circumstances must pass a live audition when they arrive on campus and must complete the sight reading element of the audition process. For additional information write to the chairperson of the Music Department.
Letter of Recommendation - The music department requests that all applicants have a minimum of two letters of recommendation. Print out the form and have your recommenders mail the completed form to:
MU Music Department – Audition Committee
110 Butler Music Center
Mansfield, PA 16933.
These may also be brought to the audition in sealed envelopes with the author’s signature across the seal.
Personal Interview - If you wish to speak with the department chairperson or a designee at the audition please request this before the audition and we will schedule this for you. Much information will be shared at the general department meeting and with the auditioning faculty, but we are happy to speak with you personally should the need arise.
Audition Results Notification – Prospective students who audition in November or December will be notified concerning their audition status by January 31. Students who audition in January, February, or March will be notified of their audition status by March 31. Any student who auditions after March 31 will be contacted within 2 weeks of their audition. Official notice concerning the status of the application will also be sent to the Admissions Office.
Rolling Admissions Policy - Rolling admissions is a term used to indicate that new student enrollment is based largely upon seating availability. Essentially, we have a limited seating capacity in our various music programs. The limits are by studio as well as degree. As students complete or leave our program, they create an open seat. So, each year we plan for graduation and internships of our various majors and can make a plan for the total number of students we can accept. We have target enrollments for every studio, with an average of 4 or five seats being open in each studio, each year. Our average freshmen class size is approximately 70 students.
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Music Department
Butler Music Center
Mansfield University
Mansfield, PA 16933
Dr. Shellie Gregorich, Chairperson
570 - 662 - 4714
Ms. Suzy Achey, Secretary
570 - 662 - 4710
Fax: 570 - 662 - 4114
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