Music Scholarships at NNU

Keyboard:

• Prepare at least two contrasting pieces (one should be memorized, if possible). Selections should represent at least two of the following periods: Baroque, Classical, Romantic, Impressionistic or 20th century.
• If you have accompanying experience, you may demonstrate it by playing an example (e.g., choral or vocal solo accompaniment).
• Sight-reading may be included (materials provided).

Vocalists:

• Perform two pieces from at least two of the categories below (listed in order of preference):
  • Classical vocal contest literature (English or foreign language art songs, opera or oratorio arias, i.e., 26 Italian songbook; Art Songs for Singers)
  • A song from a Broadway musical
  • A gospel song, hymn setting or contemporary Christian song

Accompaniment: You may bring your own accompanist. An NNU accompanist will be provided in advance upon request. Please email accompaniment parts in PDF format at least two weeks in advance to ensure they are prepared.

Instrumentalists:

• Perform two contrasting pieces; contest solo pieces or etudes typical of honor ensemble auditions are preferred.
• Memorization is not required.
• When possible, solo pieces should be accompanied. Please email accompaniment parts in PDF format at least two weeks in advance to ensure they are prepared.
• You may be asked to perform a scale to demonstrate articulation and range.

Rhythm Section (Guitar, Bass, Jazz Piano):

• Perform two jazz standards of contrasting styles. Play the head, comp and improvise on each selection. Memorization is not required.

Percussionists:

• Percussionists who are auditioning for a scholarship should be prepared to demonstrate the breadth of their proficiency in technical and expressive qualities on up to three instruments, including but not limited to:
  • Mallet Instruments – etudes or solo piece.
  • Snare Drum – etudes or solo piece.
  • Timpani – etudes or solo piece.
  • Drum Set – Audition should include as many different styles as possible, including swing, shuffle, rock, funk and a variety of Latin styles.

Percussionists who are not proficient in all of the above instruments should not feel intimidated by the process and are very much welcome to audition. It is understood that not all percussionists have received training on every instrument; you will still be eligible to receive a scholarship.

Auditions are conducted by a panel of music faculty members. In addition to your performance, there will be a brief conversation when you will have the opportunity to ask questions about NNU’s music program.

Following your audition, the music faculty will review all materials and make scholarship recommendations. You will receive an electronic letter informing you of the scholarship decision and, if awarded, the scholarship amount. We aim to mail scholarship letters within 10 business days. We ask that you sign and return the contract within 14 days. If you need an extension, we can hold your scholarship as long as you are actively in contact with the Music Department. If you meet the scholarship requirements, your award will be renewed annually for up to four years. Students must formally accept their scholarship each year to maintain eligibility.

* Anyone may audition for a music scholarship, but scholarships can only be awarded to students who have applied and been accepted for admission to the University.

Whenever possible, we encourage students to audition in person, either on a scheduled Music Department Audition Day or by appointment when visiting campus. If an in-person audition is not feasible, we accept recorded auditions (shared files) followed by a brief virtual interview via Zoom or a similar platform.

Use this link to create a virtual audition.

While we encourage all students to audition in person whenever possible, we understand that this may not always be feasible. If you are unable to attend an in-person audition, we offer a virtual audition option.

Steps to Complete Your Virtual Scholarship Audition:

1. Prepare Your Audition Recording
   • Record your audition pieces in a high-quality video format.
   • Ensure clear audio and video, using a well-lit and quiet environment.
   • Introduce yourself at the beginning of the recording, stating your name and the pieces you will perform.
2. Submit Your Audition Recording
   • Share your video file via a cloud-based platform (Google Drive, Dropbox, OneDrive or YouTube as an unlisted link).
   • Email the link to music@nnu.edu with the subject line: “Virtual Scholarship Audition – [Your Name].”
3. Schedule a Virtual Interview
   • Once your recording is submitted, we will contact you to schedule a brief virtual interview via Zoom or a similar platform.
   • The interview provides an opportunity for us to learn more about you and answer any questions you may have.

If you have any questions or need assistance, please reach out to a music faculty member. We look forward to receiving your audition!

For more information about scholarships and remote auditions, please call the NNU Music Department at 208.467.8413 or email music@nnu.edu.