Join us for voice auditions

Vocal

Undergraduate audition days

  • Friday, Feb. 9, 2024
  • Saturday, Feb. 10, 2024
  • Friday, Feb. 16, 2024
  • Saturday, Feb. 17, 2024

Submission deadline: All undergraduate applications must be submitted by Feb. 1, 2024

Graduate audition days

  • Friday, Feb. 9, 2024
  • Saturday, Feb. 10, 2024
  • Friday, Feb. 16, 2024
  • Saturday, Feb. 17, 2024

Submission deadline: All graduate applications must be submitted by Dec. 1, 2023

Undergraduate voice auditions

No prescreening required.

Two songs of contrasting styles, one of which must be in English.  Both selections must be memorized and appropriate repertoire for young singers wishing to train their voices in the classical style.

Audition materials should be thoroughly prepared and approximately 5 minutes in length.

An accompanist will be provided at the audition.

The audition will include sight-singing and tonal memory.

No required repertoire, please reach out to Dr. DesChamps for repertoire suggestions. 

  • Tone quality
  • Musicianship
  • Overall control
Unfortunately, due to the nature of the audition and number of applicants, we will not be able to provide individual comments. All decisions made will be final.

  1. When am I considered for scholarship?
    • You are considered for scholarship at the time of audition
  2. When will I hear about my results?
    • You will be notified via formal letter about your audition results and music scholarship results in early March
  3. What should I wear to my audition?
    • Attire can be concert or audition clothing, but most importantly be comfortable and wear what you feel best in

Graduate voice auditions

Pre-screening video links are due by January 8. After you have been admitted to the Graduate College and applied to the School of Music, you will be provided with a link to upload your pre-screening materials.

Master of Arts:

  • Present two contrasting selections. One must be an aria (opera or oratorio). One video from the waist up. One video full body.

Doctor of Musical Arts:

  • Present four contrasting selections. One must be an aria (opera or oratorio). Demonstrate proficiency in singing three languages plus English. Two videos from the waist up. Two videos full body.
  • Statement of future goals and aspirations.

Refer to the required repertoire as stated below for M.A. and D.M.A. audition requirements. All pieces must be sung from memory with piano accompaniment. Announce each selection (title, composer) prior to your performance. 

Prepare and bring a Curriculum Vitae/Musical Resume and Repertoire List.

There will be additional virtual informal interviews for those who are considered for teaching assistantships in February.  The interviews will be scheduled individually. 

The D.M.A. audition committee is comprised of all members of the UI voice faculty. A majority vote by the committee constitutes its decision. If disapproved, the audition may be repeated once at the discretion of the voice faculty.

Master of Arts:

  • A program consisting of five memorized selections, including one aria, which demonstrate proficiency in the four major singing languages (English, French, German, and Italian).
  • A senior recital by an undergraduate currently enrolled in the University of Iowa School of Music Voice Area may serve as an M.A. audition with pre-approval of the voice faculty.

Doctor of Musical Arts:

  • A program consisting of 8 memorized pieces from the standard concert repertoire, including 2 operatic and/or oratorio arias.  The program should be representative of various styles and periods, and demonstrate the singer's command of diction in French, German, Italian, and English. Repertoire in other languages (Spanish, Russian, Portuguese, the Scandinavian languages, etc.) of course, are welcome as well.
  • A final M.A. thesis recital by a graduate student already enrolled in the University of Iowa may be accepted as a D.M.A. audition with the pre-approval of the voice faculty.

Auditions should consist of 15 minutes of music within the 21 minute audition time.

An accompanist will be provided at the audition.

No required repertoire, please reach out to Dr. DesChamps for repertoire suggestions

  • Tone quality
  • Musicianship
  • Overall control
Unfortunately, due to the nature of the audition and number of applicants, we will not be able to provide individual comments. All decisions made will be final.

  1. When am I considered for scholarship?
    • You are considered for scholarship at the time of audition
  2. When will I hear about my results?
    • You will be notified via formal letter about your audition results and music scholarship results in early March
  3. What should I wear to my audition?
    • Attire can be concert or audition clothing, but most importantly be comfortable and wear what you feel best in

Questions?

Portrait of Allison Bierman

Allison Bierman

Title/Position
Admissions Counselor
Portrait of Élise DesChamps

Élise DesChamps

Title/Position
Voice
Assistant Professor of Instruction
Voice Area Head