CVPA’s music program is unique in its broad spectrum of music under one roof, including western classical, jazz, world, and new/electronic music. Exposure to and understanding of many kinds of music provide an invaluable professional advantage.
Music auditions
Applicants must follow UMass Dartmouth’s admissions procedures.
In addition, all candidates must complete an entrance audition and an advisory exam to assess background and determine potential. Candidates are expected to have facility on their instrument and to have preparation in fundamental concepts of music theory.
Auditions are held in the College of Visual & Performing Arts Building (Parking Lot 4), on the main UMassD campus. Audition times may be arranged on an individual basis when classes are in session. Scheduling information is below.
Theory Placement Examination
Applicants are expected to take an advisory assessment to determine background and potential. Applicants are expected to have faculty on their instrument and to have preparation in the fundamental concepts of music theory.
Schedule your audition
Please complete and submit the Music program form found on our Slideroom page located at umassd.slideroom.com. Someone will contact you to schedule your specific audition day and time. The audition process - including audition, music department overview, and assessments - usually takes approximately 2-3 hours.
For form submission questions, please contact Jason Loete at jloete@umassd.edu
Prepare for your audition
You may be asked to perform scales, arpeggios, sight reading or other exercises that demonstrate technical ability.
Winds, brass, strings, voice applicants: prepare two contrasting pieces, or movements, one that demonstrates expressive performance, and one that demonstrates technical facility.
Percussion applicants: prepare one solo or etude in each instrumental area of snare, keyboard, and timpani.
- Drum set: demonstrate basic skills and technique. Perform grooves in as many styles as possible including: jazz, rock, Latin, and funk with a play-along of your choice (1-2 selections). Students should be prepared to play all standard rudiments and perform a solo.
- World percussion: demonstrate basic skills and techniques on the world percussion instrument of your choice (hand drums, steel drum, timbales, Cajun, etc.) with an emphasis on time and feel. Knowledge of the appropriate musical context is expected.