Audition Requirements

Perform a Class I solo from the Texas UIL Prescribed Music List or two contrasting pieces of music (one slow and one fast) of comparable difficulty. Students will also be asked to sight read and demonstrate an ability to match pitch through singing. Students are encouraged to contact their future lesson Professor for more information and guidance.

Prepare solos/etudes on at least 2 of the following instruments: concert snare, keyboard (marimba or xylophone), and timpani. Performance on all 3 instruments is preferred, and preparation of both two and four mallet keyboard repertoire is encouraged. Class One UIL solos or something of similar difficulty is acceptable. Drum set proficiency is not required. Should you also choose to audition on drum set please be prepared to perform a variety of styles. Students will also be asked to sight read and demonstrate an ability to match pitch through singing.

Performance Majors: Perform three (3) works representing contrasting musical styles chosen from the baroque, classical, romantic, or contemporary repertoire. Memorization required for piano auditions. Students will also be asked to sight read and demonstrate an ability to match pitch through singing.

Non-Performance Majors: Perform two (2) works representing contrasting musical styles chosen from the baroque, classical, romantic, or contemporary repertoire. Memorization is preferred but not required. Students will also be asked to sight read and demonstrate an ability to match pitch through singing.

One movement of unaccompanied Bach AND one movement of a standard concerto with cadenza (if applicable) OR Two contrasting pieces from the Class 1 UIL Prescribed Music List.

Memorization is not required.

Students will also be asked to sight read and demonstrate an ability to match pitch through singing.

Two short classical guitar pieces, not exceeding 10 minutes, played by memory on a nylon string classical guitar. Simple pieces by Fernando Sor, Guiliani, Tarrega, Milan, or others of similar difficulty are acceptable. Applicants must bring the printed music with them. Applicants with a strong interest and ability in jazz guitar may also perform an original solo arrangement if desired, in addition to the classical pieces. Students will also be asked to sight read and demonstrate an ability to match pitch through singing.

Two memorized songs or arias in the classical style. One must be in English and one must be in a foreign language. Students will be asked to sight-read and perform tonal recall exercises. (There are no pre-screen video requirements for undergraduates.)

This new degree will start in Fall 2024, and prospective students should apply by April 20 for an audition/interview on May 4.

After choosing this degree in the audition application system, students will select either the Performance Track or the Digital Music track.

If students select the Performance Track, they will perform an audition on their indicated principal instrument/voice on the scheduled audition day. Students should prepare two contrasting pieces that demonstrate their performing skills and experience in their chosen genres or styles of music.

If students select the Digital Music Track, they are required to upload a single PDF that contains two samples of their creative work in commercial and/or digital music. On that PDF, students should include YouTube and/or SoundCloud links for both samples. That same PDF should also include short descriptions (100-200 words each) that outline the student’s artistic role in each project and the tools/technologies they utilized in the creation of the submitted media.

Below are some possible types of creative work that students could submit, with other related projects being possible and welcomed.

• You are an audio engineer and recorded/mixed a band or a podcast. Submit an audio file of your recording and a paragraph that describes your creative role as an audio engineer. Include details such as the DAW you used, the recording techniques you utilized, the artistic decisions you employed while mixing audio, and any other relevant information.

• You are a composer and wrote a piece of electronic or digital music. Submit an audio file of your composition and a paragraph that describes your creative role as a composer. Include details such as how you generated audio (recorded audio, synthesizer instrument, electro-acoustic instrument, etc.), how you went about the creative process and developed a concept for your piece, and any other relevant information. 

• You are a DJ and performed on various MIDI controllers or samplers. Submit a video file of your performance and a paragraph that describes the components of your performative artistry. Include details such as the gear in your setup, the music you may have sampled, descriptions of any electronic instruments you used, and other relevant information.  

• You produced a music video or a piece of sonic-visual art. Submit a video file of your work and a paragraph that describes your process as a creative. Include details such as the software you used to edit video and audio, your approach to combining multiple media (such as audio and video), and any other relevant information. 

Students selecting the Digital Music Track will interview with music faculty on the audition day rather than performing an instrumental or vocal audition.

Prepare 3-4 pieces of music that demonstrate a level of mastery of classical guitar associated with the successful completion of a BM degree in guitar performance. Suggested repertoire would include works by Bach, Villa-lobos, Brouwer, Sor, or any standard works from the concert guitar repertoire. All pieces should be performed from memory.

Prepare 2-3 contrasting pieces of music (slower and expressive, faster and technically demanding) that demonstrate a level of mastery associated with the successful completion of a BM degree. Accompanists are not required. Copies of music are not required.

Prepare advanced solos on the following instruments: concert snare, keyboard (marimba or xylophone), and timpani. (multiple percussion is also an option)  Preparation of both two and four mallet keyboard repertoire is encouraged. At least one standard orchestral excerpt for xylophone, snare, timpani, and one accessory of your choice is also required.  Drum set and/or hand percussion proficiency is not required but should you choose to include them in your audition please be prepared to perform a variety of styles.

Performance material should total at least 30 minutes.

Suggested repertoire may include the following (or similar):

• Snare drum - Delecluse “Douze Etudes,” Pratt “14 Modern Contest Solos,” Tompkins “Nine French American Rudimental Solos”
• Timpani - Carter “Eight Pieces for Timpani,” Jeffrey Peyton “The Musical Timpanist”, Fink “Tuning Etudes”
• Marimba - Zeltsman Intermediate Solo Collection, Sammut “Cameleon,” Cangelosi Etudes for Marimba
• Drum Set/World Percussion - Various styles and soloing

Standard excerpt suggestions:

• Snare – Lt. Kije, Scheherezade, Capriccio Espagnol,
• Xylo – Porgy and Bess, Colas Breugnon, Hary Janos
• Timpani – Beethoven Symphonies 5, 7 or 9

Two contrasting movements of unaccompanied Bach AND the first movement of a standard concerto with cadenza. Memorization is not required. Students may also be asked to sight-read.

Prepare 3 or more pieces of music drawn from the standard repertoire, typically representing all styles from Baroque to the 20th Century. Memorization is required.

Please review the Piano Pedagogy and Performance Admission Requirements here.

Pre-Screening Video: All prospective students must submit two contrasting selections as a pre-screening prior to being granted a live audition.  The deadline for screening videos is February 1 for fall admission or three weeks prior to the desired audition date, whichever comes first.

Screening Videos: send video links (unlisted or public YouTube URLs only; no links to Google Drives) directly to Professor John Nix, Voice Area Coordinator, john.nix@utsa.edu.  

Videos should be unedited and unenhanced single take performances, and have a front, full length view of the performer. Please direct any questions you may have about the videos to Professor John Nix at the e-mail above.

Those prospective graduate students invited to give a live audition are asked to prepare five songs or arias representing 4 different languages and various musical styles (Baroque, Classical, Romantic, 20th Century). The selections must be performed from memory. The faculty will also interview each auditionee.

Students must provide a recent digital video demonstrating the level of mastery in a rehearsal or performance situation Please upload the video to the Graduate School application or send the video or link to:

• Choral Conducting videos should be sent to Dr. Yoojin Muhn via email to yoojin.muhn@utsa.edu
• Instrumental Conducting videos should be sent to Prof. Ron Ellis via email to ron.ellis@utsa.edu

In addition to satisfying the University-wide admission requirements, applicants for the Master of Music Degree with an emphasis in Music Education are expected to hold a Bachelor of Music or Bachelor of Music Education degree with a major in their intended area of graduate emphasis or the equivalent, submit three recommendations from established professionals commenting on the appropriateness of graduate study in music for the applicant, and submit the following items: 

• A 10-20 minute digital video of classroom teaching (Please upload the video to the Graduate School application or send the video or link to the Music Education Coordinator)
• Documentation of teaching experience (resume or curriculum vitae)
• A self-composed short essay (1-2 pages) that describes your reasons for becoming a teacher, commitment to music education, and future career goals. 

Applications, including the three letters of recommendation, must be completed online. The online application form is available on the UTSA Graduate School Website. Please also complete the Audition Application Form. The Music Department does not require the GRE. 

For further questions concerning the application process, please contact the area coordinator:

Students must upload a video of themselves teaching in a classroom and/or rehearsal setting to their Graduate School application or send the video to:

Music Education Coordinator: Susan Dill at  susan.dill@utsa.edu