Music scholarship instructions

To be considered for a music scholarship, you must:

• apply and be accepted to Concordia University on or before your audition date. 
• schedule an audition.  On-campus auditions will be held on Saturday, Feb. 18, 2012.

Although live auditions are strongly encouraged, a recorded audition may be submitted. (Please see guidelines for submitting recorded auditions on the next page.)

• complete the attached application form and return it to the Department of Music.  The application must arrive prior to your audition date.
• have your music instructor/private instructor forward a letter of recommendation to the Department of Music.  This letter must arrive prior to your audition date.
• expect to participate in an ensemble of the department’s choice or perform another assigned service for the department for each year enrolled, and also enroll for private lessons on your principal instrument or voice. 

Music Scholarships will be:

• awarded based on musical ability as demonstrated through your audition. If you qualify for need-based federal, state or university grants, your award will become part of an award package given by the financial aid department.
• awarded to musicians who demonstrate the potential to make a substantive musical contribution to Concordia University.
• awarded by March 17, 2012 and April 28, 2012.
• divided evenly over each semester of the first academic year, excluding summer.
• renewable annually for a maximum of 8 semesters.  (Students enrolled in a 5-year program are eligible to apply to have their scholarships extended for an additional year.)

To maintain eligibility for the Music Scholarship, you must:

• enroll for private study on your principal instrument or voice each semester;
• maintain a satisfactory grade point average and demonstrate sufficient musical progress on your principal instrument or voice each year;
• participate in an ensemble of the department’s choice or perform another assigned service for the department; and
• carry a full academic load of at least 12 credit hours per semester. 

LIVE AUDITIONS

To be completed by February 18, 2012

To schedule your audition time, please contact the Department of Music at (800) 535-5494 ext. 7282.  The audition should consist of a performance of two selections (or excerpts from longer works) of contrasting styles from the standard solo repertoire for your voice or instrument totaling about 8 to 10 minutes (both selections). Ask your teacher for help in identifying appropriate audition repertoire.  Auditions should not include popular music styles. 

Students should have an accompanist where appropriate.  (You are not required to perform a piece that has an accompaniment.)  The use of recorded accompaniments is strongly discouraged.

For auditions held on-campus in Seward, you may choose one of the following options:

• bring your own accompanist;
• use an accompanist provided by the university.  If you choose this option, you must indicate your choice on the application form and mail the original music along with a check for $10.00 payable to Concordia University. Both the music and the payment must be received two weeks prior to your audition date. PLEASE NOTE: Only original scores will be accepted; no photocopied music or faxed music will be accepted.  We cannot guarantee an accompanist if the music is not received prior to the two-week deadline.

RECORDED AUDITIONS

To be completed by April 7, 2012

While live auditions are preferred, recorded auditions will be accepted in situations of geographic difficulty or other conflicts beyond your control.  Recordings must be standard, full-size videocassette, DVD, or streaming video available from the web.  The recording should include a brief introduction of yourself and your interests.  You should then perform two selections of contrasting styles from the solo repertoire (see guidelines under live auditions above).  The recording should include close-up views of the fingering for instrumentalists and of the face for singers.  All recorded auditions must be postmarked no later than April 7, 2012.  Applications received after this date will be considered only if additional funds are available.

The scholarship application and letter of recommendation may be included with the audition recording.