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Auditions

Welcome!

We’re so glad you are considering applying to the Cali School of Music

All the information regarding audition requirements & related application process can be found below. It is important that applicants to the Cali School of Music follow this step-by-step process as outlined. Please note that any deviation from these steps may result in a delay to your audition and decision timeline.

We look forward to reviewing your application and audition materials!

**AUDITION DATE ADDED – Sunday, April 7th 2024**
All the information below applies to the new audition date

Step One: Review the Requirements & Repertoire

Every applicant to the Cali School of music must complete an audition on their primary instrument or voice. Certain applicants will also be required to complete an interview or portfolio as part of the requirements for their chosen major.

First, review the program requirements for your chosen major. Then review the repertoire for your primary instrument.  Please review all information thoroughly.

Program Requirements

Performance
Instrumental & Vocal
Undergrad & Grad

All performance applicants are required to complete an audition on their primary instrument or voice.

No interview or portfolio review is needed for performance applicants.


Music Education – School & Community Settings
Instrumental & Vocal
Undergrad & Grad

School & Community Settings (Music Education) & Post-Baccalaureate Certification applicants are required to complete an audition on their primary instrument or voice.

In addition, applicants must complete an interview with a member of our music education faculty.

Special Notes:
Jazz Education (BMus)
applicants should follow the requirements outlined in the Jazz Studies & Jazz Education program details.

Master of Arts in Teaching Certification (MAT) & Master of Arts (MA)
applicants do not have to audition. However, they must contact Dr. Marissa Silverman via email to schedule an interview, once their application is submitted.

Dr. Marissa Silverman (Graduate Music Education Coordinator) – silvermanm@montclair.edu


Music Therapy
Instrumental & Vocal
Undergrad & Grad

Undergraduate
All Music Therapy applicants are required to complete an audition on their primary instrument or voice. Applicants may choose to audition through the classical track, or the jazz track. Students who wish to audition with a jazz primary instrument/voice will follow the audition repertoire requirements listed for the jazz concentrations.

In addition, all therapy applicants must complete an interview with a member of our music therapy faculty. During the interview, you will be required to further demonstrate your musicianship through self accompaniment, as follows:

Sing one (1) song from any genre of music while self-accompanying on your choice of either piano or guitar. Use of basic block chords that support the harmonies of the song is fully acceptable. Precise written accompaniments are not required.

Undergraduates will follow the general audition process outlined on the website.

Graduate
Graduate applicants do not have to audition through the general audition process. However, they must email the graduate program coordinator directly to schedule & complete an interview. During the interview, you will be required to demonstrate your musicianship through self accompaniment, as follows:

Sing two (2) songs from any genre of music while self-accompanying one song on piano, and the other on guitar. Use of basic block chords that support the harmonies of the songs are fully acceptable. Precise written accompaniments are not required.

Graduates should share a video of this demonstration, uploaded to your application portal, through the portfolio section. Alternatively, you may provide a link to a private YouTube video that is accessible to faculty for review. This should be uploaded/shared prior to the start of your interview.

To schedule an interview, graduates must send an email to Dr. Brian Abrams at abramsb@montclair.edu


Music Composition & Theory
Instrumental & Vocal
Undergrad & Grad

All Music Composition & Theory applicants are required to complete an audition on their primary instrument or voice.

In addition, applicants must complete an interview with a member of our faculty and present a portfolio with the components listed below.

Composers:  a portfolio including at least three (3) compositions. These may be original works or arrangements, but should exhibit the use of several different instruments or voices – especially in combinations of two or more. Recordings of at least two of your submitted compositions is strongly encouraged.

Theorists: a portfolio of analyses of at least three (3) works by three composers from different time periods.


Jazz Studies & Jazz Education
Instrumental & Vocal
Undergrad & Grad

Jazz Studies: all jazz studies applicants are required to complete an audition on their primary instrument or voice. No interview is required for jazz studies applicants.

Jazz Education: all jazz education applicants are required to complete an audition on their primary instrument or voice. Additionally, Jazz Education applicants are required to complete an interview with a member of our music education faculty.

*Note – Jazz Education applicants will select “School & Community Settings” as their major of choice on all forms. The audition registration form will allow you to further specify “Jazz Education” as your chosen program.

Jazz + Music Therapy: all jazz instrumentalists who wish to major in music therapy are required to complete an audition on their primary instrument or voice. Additionally, jazz therapy applicants are required to complete an interview with a member of our music therapy faculty. Please see the Music Therapy program information above to review the expectations for the music therapy interview.

All applicants to the above jazz programs should review the audition repertoire linked below – under “Jazz Instrumental/Voice Requirements”.

Jazz Audition Repertoire


Recording Arts and Production
Instrumental & Vocal
Undergrad

All Recording Arts and Production applicants are required to demonstrate their musicality in a way that showcases their current abilities. This could be through a performance on any musical instrument, vocals, and/or hardware (ex. Push controller). This demonstration can also include audio projects or beat making examples. You may perform any songs or repertoire of your choice.

Students are required to share a portfolio of original music, cover songs, sound design, and/or audio projects – uploaded to their application portal – that fulfills the demonstration of musicality above.

In addition to the portfolio, students must complete an interview & portfolio review with a member of the Recording Arts and Production faculty.

*RA applicants do not have to complete a formal/classical audition on a primary instrument – only a demonstration of your current abilities. An “audition” in this case is the review of your current musical abilities through the requirements above. You must submit an audition registration in order to mark the audition as complete on your checklist and guarantee review of your materials. 

At the discretion of the reviewing faculty, students may be asked to submit additional materials or demonstrations of their musicality. If this is the case, we will reach out to you directly.

Questions regarding the requirements above can be sent to Dr. Bryan Powell – powellb@montclair.edu

Audition Repertoire

Audition repertoire varies by academic level, your chosen program, and your instrument or voice.

Use the links below to navigate to the requirements for your academic level and then review the repertoire for your primary instrument or voice.

Undergraduate Audition Repertoire
Graduate Audition Repertoire

 

Step Two: Apply to Montclair State University

Once you have reviewed the program & audition requirements, you are ready to apply to the university!

All prospective students must submit an application to Montclair State University, following the guidelines set by the admissions office relative to your intended academic level – undergraduate/transfer or graduate.

Apply – Freshman and Transfer Applicants

First time freshmen and transfer applicants will apply through the undergraduate office of admissions. Click the link below to navigate to the undergraduate admissions page for important information, resources, and the official MSU application.

Admissions – Undergraduate & Transfer

Please note – the Cali School oversees the audition process, whereas the admissions office oversees the application process. Any questions regarding the university application and required documents (transcripts, essay, resume, etc.) should be addressed to the undergraduate admissions office.

Apply – Graduate Applicants

Graduate & Artist Diploma applicants will apply through the graduate office of admissions. Click the link below to navigate to the graduate admissions page for important information, resources, and the official MSU application.

Admissions – Graduate

Please note – the Cali School oversees the audition process, whereas the admissions office oversees the application process. Any questions regarding the university application and required documents (transcripts, essay, resume, etc.) should be addressed to the graduate admissions office.

Current MSU Students – Change of Major

Current MSU students, who have completed at least one semester of study and wish to change their major to music, are considered internal transfer applicants.

Internal transfer applicants do not need to submit an application to the university, but will be required to do the following:

      1. Complete the Audition Registration form
      2. Submit an essay/statement of purpose
      3. Audition in person (no video submissions permitted for internal transfers)

To gain access to the audition registration form, you must send an email to the Audition Coordinator. In your email, please include: full name, primary instrument, area of music concentration.

Linsay Setzer – Cali School Audition Coordinator
setzerl@montclair.edu

 

Step Three: Audition

Now that you’ve submitted your application to the University, you’re ready to register for an audition.  Please thoroughly review the information below for the audition registration process, audition dates, and deadlines. Please note that registering for an audition is mandatory for all applicants.

Audition Registration and Methods

Types of Auditions

The Cali School of Music offers two options to complete an audition. Both methods require a non-refundable audition fee of $35, which can be paid through your application portal.

Live Audition – applicants will complete an audition on campus. You may choose your audition date, but the time of your audition will be scheduled for you. Your audition schedule will be emailed to you about 1 (one) week prior to your chosen audition date. If an interview is required for your major, it will be included in your audition schedule.

Video Audition – applicants will upload video recordings of the required repertoire to their application portal. Instructions for uploading your videos will be sent in a confirmation email once you have registered for one of the video audition dates. If an interview is required for your major, you will be scheduled for a zoom call. In some cases, we may require a supplemental zoom meeting, or an in-person audition, if a final decision cannot be made from your videos alone. If needed, we will reach out to you with an updated request.

Note –  Video applicants must submit a registration form for one of the available video audition dates. Submitting videos alone does not automatically register you for an audition or guarantee review.  

How to Register for an Audition

Audition registration is done online, by the applicant.

Undergraduates & Transfers: You will receive an email within 48 hours of submitting your university application. The email will include a link to the audition registration page, where you can choose an audition date & method, then complete the form that follows. If you do not receive an email 48 hours after submitting your application, please be sure to check your spam folder.

Graduates: You will have access to the private audition registration link through your application portal, once your university application has been submitted. Follow the link in your checklist to the audition registration page, where you can choose an audition date & method, then complete the form that follows.

When registering for an audition, please only choose one audition date. You can review the available audition dates in the next drop down menu.

Audition Dates and Deadlines

Audition Dates

Friday – November 3rd 2023
Live & Video Auditions
All applicants welcome
Transfer & graduate students looking for a Spring 2024 start must use this audition date

Saturday – February 3rd 2024
Live & Video Auditions
All applicants welcome
(snow date – February 4th)

Saturday – February 17th 2024
Live & Video Auditions
All applicants welcome
(snow date – February 18th)

**NEW**Sunday – April 7th 2024
Live & Video Auditions
All applicants welcome

Deadlines for Live & Video Auditions

The registration link for each audition date will close 2 weeks prior. You must have your MSU application & audition registration submitted by this deadline to secure a spot. All additional required documents (transcripts, resume, essay, payments, etc) must be submitted by the time of your audition.

More Info

Financial Aid and Scholarship

All admitted students to the Cali School of Music are considered for a talent scholarship based on multiple factors – including the university application, audition results, academic records, recommendations, and institutional need for each program and instrument.

You do not need to apply for a talent scholarship to be considered for aid from the Cali School. Selected students will be contacted by the Director of the Cali School, only after you have received your audition results, and once your application is completed in full. The expected timeline for an offer is March/April, once the majority of our applicants have had a chance to audition.

Applicants to The John J. Cali School of Music may also qualify for one of the scholarships, grants, and/or other sources of financial aid offered by the University.  The following resources may be helpful:

University Office of Financial Aid

Graduate School Financial Information

Outside Scholarships and Scholarship Search Engines

FAQs

Below are some of the most common inquiries we receive surrounding the audition process. If your question is not answered, please feel free to reach out to the Coordinator of Music Admissions, listed in the ‘Contact Us’ box below.

Additionally, please note that the office of admissions for your chosen level of study handles all things related to the University application. Questions regarding the application, submitting materials, transcripts, recommendation letters, etc. – should be addressed to the admissions office relative to your level of study.

Do I need to submit a separate application for Montclair State University and the John J. Cali School of Music?

No, you only need to submit one application to the University. Once you select ‘music’ as your program of choice, the application will auto-update with an additional form for the Cali School.

Do I need to submit anything to the portfolio section of my application?

The portfolio section of your application is used by the Cali School to review video submissions, or for the music concentrations that require portfolio materials (Theory/Comp, Recording Arts). If you are not auditioning through video submissions or either of the mentioned concentrations, you do not need to utilize the portfolio.

When is the deadline to submit my application/supplemental materials?

Your application, supplemental materials, and audition registration all need to be completed 2 weeks prior to your chosen audition date.

For further information, please see the “Audition Deadlines” box above, under Step 3.

What is the difference between the Music Education – Classical Focus, and the Music Education – Jazz Focus? 

The Cali School offers one complete degree in Music Education (listed as School & Community Settings). However, students may choose between the Classical Focus – where your primary instrument & ensemble studies are based around classical repertoire, or the Jazz Focus – where your primary instrument & ensemble studies are based around jazz repertoire.

While your application will reflect Music Education – School & Community Settings as your chosen major/concentration, there are clarifying questions on the audition registration form that will allow you to make the distinction between classical & jazz. Additionally, the repertoire and audition process will differ for each focus.

Those interested in Music Education – Classical, will follow the repertoire requirements listed for Music Education under your primary instrument. Those interested in Music Education – Jazz, will follow the repertoire requirements listed under Jazz Studies & Jazz Education.

Do you offer music minors?

At this time, we do not offer minors in music.

How do I register for an audition?

Audition registration is completed online, only after you have submitted your application. You will have access to the private audition registration link either via email, or through your application portal.

For further information, please see the “Audition Registration” box under Step 3.

Are there pre-screenings?

There are no pre-screenings for any of the programs at the Cali School.

Can I audition for two programs at the same audition?

We do not accept dual consideration at the same audition date. However, students are permitted to re-audition for another program, or on another instrument, after their initial audition.

Do I need to take placement tests at the audition?

No, placement tests are not part of the audition process. Pending a successful audition and acceptance to the Cali School, students will receive emails with the links to placement tests for aural skills and theory classes only. Your results will not affect your admission, but are simply used to ensure you are placed into the correct course levels. The emails are typically sent after the audition season has fully ended.

I chose my audition date, but I haven’t received my time yet. When will I get that?

Audition & Interview times are scheduled manually by the audition coordinator and will be sent in a confirmation email about 1-2 weeks prior to your chosen audition date.

Do I need to bring my own instrument?

All Instrumentalists are expected to bring their own instrument, except for percussionists & pianists. If you do not own your primary instrument, or need access to one because of travel, please reach out to the Audition Coordinator to see if we can supply you with an instrument for your audition.

Do I need to bring an accompanist?

No, you do not need an accompanist. Instrumentalists should be prepared to perform on their primary instrument without an accompanist; vocalists will be provided with an accompanist from our faculty. Please bring a copy of your sheet music to supply to the accompanist at your audition.

If you are auditioning with video submissions, you may choose to perform solo or provide your own accompanist or backing tracks. Please ensure your voice/instrument is not overpowered by the accompaniment.

Can I submit a video instead of a live audition?

Yes. While we prefer for all applicants to audition in person, we understand that some students may have religious, travel, or alternative conflicts on our offered audition dates.

How do I submit an audition video?

Videos should be uploaded to your application portal, through the portfolio section. Once you register for a video audition date, you will receive a confirmation email that outlines the directions for uploading your submissions.

Do I need to register for an audition if I am submitting a video?

Yes, all applicants must register for an audition regardless of audition method, degree level, or choice of concentration.

What if I can’t attend any of the scheduled audition dates but still wish to audition in person?

If you are not able to attend any of the scheduled audition dates, please reach out to the Audition Coordinator for alternative options.

If I don’t pass my audition, what are my options?

Incoming students may audition up to three separate times for the Cali School. If you do not pass your initial audition, you are welcome to reach out to the audition coordinator and request to register for a future audition date. Or, if you feel you need more time to prepare for another audition, you may enter the University undeclared/undecided (pending academic acceptance) and audition to transfer into Cali as a change of major during your first semester, or at the end of your first year.

Events for Prospective Students

Tours

The University offers both in person & virtual tours of the campus. These are run through the undergraduate admissions office, and can be scheduled online. For more information regarding a campus visit & tour, please follow the link below.

Campus Tour Info

The Cali School, located in Chapin Hall, is not included on the University’s Campus Tour. Applicants who visit for a live audition are welcome to tour the building on their own, as time allows during your audition day. We invite all others interested in viewing the Cali School facilities to review our virtual tour below.

Cali School – Virtual Tour

 

Shadow Days

Interested applicants to the Cali School may ask to participate in a shadow day. Shadow days allow you to be paired with current students in the program that most interests you, while immersing yourself in what it means to be a Cali School music major for the day. Shadow days are scheduled and set up with our Recruitment Coordinator. Please see the contact information below. You may reach out anytime to express your interest in setting up a shadow day.

Marla Meissner – Recruitment Coordinator
meissnerm@montclair.edu
Contact Us

Questions regarding the application, application deadline/process, and required supplemental materials should be directed to the admissions office appropriate for your level of study. 

Questions regarding the audition process & audition registration can be directed to:

Linsay Setzer
Coordinator of Music Admissions & Recruitment
setzerl@montclair.edu