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Audition Process

Step 1

Apply to the University of Kentucky. When you select “Music Major” in your UK Admissions Application, you will be classified as “Pre-Music” pending the results of your audition (Step 2). Try to apply for UK admission prior to February 1. Acceptance into School of Music programs is contingent upon acceptance by the UK Office of Undergraduate Admissions.

Step 2

Apply for a School of Music audition. The audition will determine your acceptance into the School of Music programs. An audition is REQUIRED for all prospective Music Majors or Minors.

  • After carefully reading the instructions, fill out the form below to register for an audition.
  • Certain programs have repertoire requirements that must be demonstrated at your audition. Check your desired Area of Study for more information:

If you do not pass your audition, or otherwise decide not to be a Music major or Minor, contact UK Admissions to change your major. You will not be able to take courses intended for music majors or minors until you have passed your Music audition.

Selecting an Audition Date

If you audition after our regularly scheduled audition dates, you may not be able to compete for certain scholarship opportunities, and some programs you want may be filled to capacity. Also, the audition process is competitive -- if you should choose to arrange your audition before these dates, a decision on your acceptance may or may not be delayed until after students have been heard on the regular dates.

In certain circumstances, auditions may be scheduled at other times by direct arrangement with our faculty at their discretion. If you are admitted as a Music major or Minor you will automatically be considered for any School of Music scholarships or grants for which you are eligible. For other financial aid, including merit scholarships, grants, work-study, loans, etc., see the UK Office of Student Financial Aid.

International students: Visit UK’s International Admission Information page.

Transfer students: You must obtain a letter of release from your current institution before you can be considered for a scholarship at the University of Kentucky School of Music.

Alltech Competition: Invitations to audition in the Alltech competition are made based on your UK admissions auditions. All students are considered for the competition when they audition for admission.

FAQs

Is there a separate application form for School of Music admission?

Not for undergraduates. Your audition request, along with your application to UK, is your application.

When will I get confirmation of my audition time?

You will receive an email a week or two before your chosen date if you register early, or soon after you fill out the Audition Request Form if you register late.

Where do I go?

As your scheduled audition date approaches, you will receive an email with details. If you are auditioning at a time other than on one of our listed audition days, please consult with the faculty member who has scheduled your audition.

Where can I park?

Most “E” lots are unregulated on Saturdays, but you should read the restrictions posted at the entrance to any parking lot. Be prepared to park a block or more from your audition venue. The Singletary Center has a drop-off entrance on Rose Street. For the Fine Arts building, use the lower level entrance on Patterson Drive. Parking structure #5 is close to our facilities. Although you will have to pay to park here it may be easier than trying to find an available spot. Allow plenty of time to find parking. Visitor parking information and maps are available from UK Transportation Services.

I'm coming from out of town. Where should I stay in Lexington?

Please see the UK Visitors Center for information.

Will there be an accompanist provided?

A professional accompanist is provided for voice auditions only. Other auditions are performed without accompaniment. You may bring your own accompanist, but it is not required.

Do I need to bring copies of my music?

Please do not bring extra copies of your music, only a prepared binder for the pianist is necessary. Please ensure that all your music is correctly labeled and in its designated place.

Will I be able to warm up before my audition?

Practice rooms are available in the Fine Arts Building. UK School of Music student guides will be provided to you during the Audition Orientation to take you to these rooms and to your audition location.

How many people will be listening to my audition?

Auditions may be heard by a single instrumental faculty member, or by several faculty in a division.

What repertoire should I have prepared?

Please check the page for your desired Area of Study for more information.

Can I get a campus tour while I'm there?

Information sessions and campus tours should be arranged through the UK Visitors Center, and College of Fine Arts tours can be arranged through our Visit Us page.

When will I know the results of my audition?

You will receive notification by mail from the School of Music after all prospective students in your area of specialty have been heard. Auditions are completed in early March, with notices being sent a few weeks after.

When will I know if I will be offered a Music scholarship?

You will hear from us about your acceptance into the School of Music before you hear about scholarships. Scholarships are competitive, so we need to have heard all prospective students before making final decisions. For new students, scholarship decisions will be made by no later than April 15.

Who can I contact for more information?

For information about specific music programs at UK: Contact the faculty in charge of your area of interest. For information about audition repertoire, see the specific program page for your area of interest:

To confirm or change an audition time or date: Contact the person who sent your assignment. Do NOT submit a second audition request through our form.

How do I sign up to perform in a music ensemble?

Most ensembles are open to all UK students regardless of Major or Minor, and we encourage you to join! Ensemble audition signup sheets are posted beginning the week before classes each semester in the Fine Arts Building. Please check the bulletin boards or contact the faculty in charge of each ensemble for more details.