Music Admission & Audition Process
Audition Dates
- Wednesday, August 22, 2012 # (for admission Fall 2012 or Spring 2013)
- Saturday, November 10, 2012 (current and transfer students - Musical Theatre only)
- Friday, November 16, 2012 * (for admission Spring 2013 or Fall 2013)
- Friday, February 1, 2013 *
- Saturday, February 9, 2013 (Music Theatre auditions only)
- Friday, March 1, 2013 *
- Friday, April 19, 2013 (for admission Fall 2013)
- Friday, August 23, 2013 (for admission Fall 2013)
# for admission Fall 2012 or Spring 2013
* for scholarship consideration, beginning Fall 2013
Transfer students are welcome at all auditions
All undergraduate applicants are required to take a theory placement exam and keyboard proficiency exam on the same day as their audition. Students should allow for up to 2 1/2 hours for the test. Note: A piano placement audition/interview is required of all entering students. Those with prior piano experience must perform a piece that best demonstrates their playing level.
The full admission and audition process involves 3 steps:
- Apply to UW-Milwaukee
- Apply and audition for the Music program
- Audition for large ensemble placement
More information and materials are listed below.
Applying to UW-Milwaukee
To be admitted to the Music Department, applicants (incoming freshmen and transfers) must first apply to the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee and meet general university academic requirements. You may apply simultaneously to the Music Department.
Access UW-Milwaukee Online Application
New Freshman
International Students
Graduate Students
Transfer / Re-Entry / Second Degree Students
Music Undergraduate Handbook
Music Graduate Handbook
Music Program Admission & Audition Materials
Undergraduate:
Application - Supplemental Information
Audition Repertoire & Requirements
Review Texts for Theory Placement Exam
Graduate:
Application - Supplemental Information
Graduate Assistantship Application
Audition Repertoire & Requirements
Review for Theory Diagnostic Exam
Large Ensemble Audition Materials
(Symphony Band, Symphony Orchestra, Wind Ensemble)
Download the PDF below for your instrument. Each PDF contains full instructions, audition schedules and music excerpts.
| Flute | Bass Trombone |
| Oboe | Euphonium |
| Bassoon | Tuba |
| Clarinet | Bass |
| Saxophone | Cello |
| Horn | Violin |
| Trumpet | Viola |
| Trombone |
Theory Audition Materials
All incoming students (entering freshmen and transfers) who have not successfully completed a university level core theory program must take the Department of Music's Theory Placement examinations. These tests are given with the sole purpose of placing incoming students into the correct music theory courses for their studies at UWM. Therefore, only those students who have been accepted into the music program through audition and successful application to the university may take the placement exams. Those students who can show proof of completion of the entire core theory sequence at another university are exempt from taking the exams.
There are two theory placement exams: a written theory and an aural theory exam. Both of these exams are designed to cover the entire range of skills within a typical university-level core theory program. Accordingly, entering freshmen should not be discouraged if they cannot complete all aspects of these exams. They are not expected to complete both exams and should remember that students transferring from other universities and who may have already had some university-level theory instruction are also taking these exams. Students should use pencil and begin at the beginning of each exam and work as far as their current knowledge and skills allow.
There are two options available to incoming students for taking the Theory Placement exams:
Option A
Students may take the Theory Placement exams during audition days. (This option is also available to prospective composition majors who 'audition' by submitting a portfolio through the mail.) On audition days, the exams will begin at 2:00pm and run until 4:30pm. The exams will be given in room 180 of the Music Building and administered by a graduate student. Students choosing Option A will be notified by mail regarding which classes they placed into and may then begin registering for them. It is, therefore, extremely important for all incoming students to give the Department of Music Office a current and reliable address at which they may be contacted.
Option B
Students may take the Theory Placement exams during the Department of Music's Orientation Day held sometime in early to mid May (date to be announced). During the Orientation Day, the exams will begin at 9:00am and run until 11:30am. The exams will be given in room 180 of the Music Building and administered by Department of Music faculty and graduate students. Students choosing Option B will be notified that same afternoon, during the orientation sessions, regarding which classes they placed into and may then begin registering for them. It is, therefore, extremely important that all students taking the placement exams during Orientation Day also attend all afternoon orientation sessions.
Students unable to avail themselves of either of the two above options may contact Dr. William Heinrichs at: heinwill@uwm.edu
Study Bibliography
Mock Aural Exam 1
Mock Aural Exam 2
Mock Theory Exam 1
Mock Theory Exam 2
Mock Theory Exam 3