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Graduate Voice Auditions

voice student sings with orchestra

Voice Audition Days

  • February 9
  • February 10
  • February 16
  • February 17

Application and Audition Registration

Please see Graduate Admission for School of Music application and audition registration information

Prescreening

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.

Preparation Requirements

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 the 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.

Time Requirement

Graduate auditions should consist of 15 minutes of music withing the 21 minute audition slot time allowance.

Accompaniment

An accompanist will be provided at the audition.

Suggested or Required Repertoire

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

Judging Criteria

  • 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.

FAQ

  1. When am I considered for scholarship?
    1. You are considered for scholarship at the time of audition
  2. When will I hear about my results?
    1. 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?
    1. Attire can be concert or audition clothing, but most importantly be comfortable and wear what you feel best in

Contact Information

Voice area head Professor Elise DesChamps

Allison Bierman, Admissions Counselor

              (319) 335-3994