Audition Process
•Bullet: No audition required for admission to the BA Music major; apply through the university application
•Bullet: Students accepted to Cal Lutheran may declare the Music major and choose an emphasis area
•Bullet: Optional VAPA audition is available for incoming first-year and transfer applicants seeking music scholarship consideration
•Bullet: Students may audition in-person or upload videos in place of a live audition
•Bullet: Performers living within 30 miles of Cal Lutheran are required to audition in person
•Bullet: Those who cannot attend VAPA Day will be able to arrange a separate in-person audition date with the Music department
•Bullet: The Music Department may request a follow-up interview via Zoom
•Bullet: Accompanists are provided as needed for in-person auditions; recorded backing tracks are not allowed except for Mariachi auditions
•Bullet: VAPA Day (in-person audition day): February 19, 2027
Audition Expectations
•Bullet: Winds & Percussion
◦Sub-bullet: Play the chromatic scale (wind and keyboard percussion students only) and a major scale of your choice in at least two octaves ascending and descending.
◦Sub-bullet: Play a solo or etude that demonstrates your lyrical and technical performance level. Any work suitable for solo and ensemble festivals would be appropriate. If you are auditioning in person, please bring music for the accompanist that will be provided for you.
•Bullet: Strings (Violin, viola, cello, double bass, guitar)
◦Sub-bullet: Prepare two (2) contrasting works of any length. Please note that the chosen repertoire should best reflect your musicianship and technical ability.
•Bullet: Vocal
◦Sub-bullet: Sing two memorized contrasting pieces from the classical repertoire that represent your best vocal ability. Contrasting styles include mood, tempo and languages (Latin, Italian, French, German and English).
◦Sub-bullet: While it is preferable that the audition demonstrates your ability to sing in a classical style (art songs and arias), you may include one piece from the Musical Theater repertoire.
•Bullet: Piano and Organ
◦Sub-bullet: Play the chromatic scale and a major scale of your choice in at least two octaves ascending and descending (two hands).
◦Sub-bullet: A solo work from the standard classical repertoire that demonstrates your technical and lyrical ability.
•Bullet: Mariachi
◦Sub-bullet: Mariachi VAPA applicants should perform 2 songs of contrasting style and tempo from any of the Mariachi genres, including the son jalisciense, ranchera, huapango, bolero, and polka, etc.
◦Sub-bullet: If applicants play more than one instrument, or sing and play an instrument, please submit 2 songs total, performing one song on each instrument/voice.
◦Sub-bullet: Students may perform solo or with a recording or backing ensemble. Please make sure you can be clearly seen and heard individually if submitting video auditions.
