Carthage College
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Program Characteristics
No Prescreen
Audition Required
Interview Required
In-Person or Virtual
University App Required
Program Highlights
EMPHASIS OVERVIEW
•Classical/choral vocal performance emphasis within the BA Music degree
•Different from Musical Theatre vocal performance — separate schedules and coursework
FACULTY
•Faculty hold advanced degrees from prestigious institutions
•Performer-teachers active in the Milwaukee-Chicago corridor
•Faculty perform with Lyric Opera, Milwaukee Symphony Orchestra, Chicago Symphony Orchestra
PERFORMANCE OPPORTUNITIES
•Five choral ensembles, opera workshops, and small ensemble experiences
•Musicals and concert performances
•Easy access to performances in Milwaukee and Chicago
TOURING
•Touring opportunities in Midwestern states, Japan, South America, and Europe
Key Info
University AppApplication
Apply atCommon App
Apply atSchool Website
Deadline
Rolling
Fee
$35Waiver
International Transfer Fee
$40Waiver
Program AppApplication
Apply atSchool Website
Auditions
On-Campus AuditionJan 31, 2026
On-Campus AuditionFeb 7, 2026
On-Campus AuditionFeb 14, 2026
On-Campus AuditionFeb 21, 2026
Audition Requirements
Songs
TWO MEMORIZED SELECTIONS in contrasting style from the standard solo repertoire
•All pieces performed from memory
•Examples: Schirmer's Library 24 Italian Songs and Arias, or The Great American Songbook
•Sight-reading exercise included in the audition
ACCOMPANIMENT
•Accompanist provided by Carthage
•Bring a hard copy of your music in a three-ring binder for the accompanist
Wildcard / Special Skill
N/A
Additional Materials
RESUME (required)
•Include both musical and academic accomplishments
MUSIC COPIES (required)
•Copy of your music for the audition panel
LETTERS OF RECOMMENDATION (required)
•Two letters of recommendation
•Upload to shared Google Drive folder or email to vpascholarships@carthage.edu
Good to Know
APPLICATION PROCESS
•Step 1: Apply to Carthage via Common App or Carthage application
•Step 2: Submit the Music Audition Form to schedule your audition
•Scholarship audition application is separate from the Carthage College application
•Students must be accepted into the College before end of February for scholarship eligibility
IMPORTANT NOTE
•The Vocal Performance emphasis is intended for singing classical/choral works
•Different from vocal performance in Musical Theatre
•The MT degrees and Vocal Performance emphasis have conflicting performance schedules and coursework
What's The Process
AUDITION FORMAT
•In-person audition before a panel of two or more music faculty
•4-hour block including audition, facility tour, faculty meetings, and masterclasses
•In-person auditions encouraged for best scholarship consideration
VIRTUAL OPTION
•Submit a video performance of two memorized song selections
•Complete a Zoom interview with faculty (includes sight-reading exercise)
•Video must be submitted one full business week before Zoom meeting
•If producing a video is not possible, perform repertoire live during the Zoom interview
•If vocal selections require accompaniment, use an accompaniment track (separate device recommended)
ZOOM INTERVIEW
•Faculty may vocalize you up and down your vocal range
•Test your ear with short melodic patterns to repeat on a neutral syllable
•Sight-read a short melody (score provided)
•Discuss your musical goals and aspirations
CONTACT
•Heidi Baehr, VPA Scholarship Coordinator
•vpascholarships@carthage.edu | 262-551-5859
Scholarship Info
MUSIC SCHOLARSHIPS
•Individual scholarships offered to music majors, minors, and non-majors
•Scholarships are competitive based on audition performance
•In-person auditions recommended for best scholarship consideration
Program info updated 2 days ago
Academic School Information
3.30
Avg GPA (W)
84%
Admit Rate
63%
Grad Rate
2,628
Enrollment
$56,950
Earnings
10yr after
Tuition & Fees
$36,500
before aid
Average Annual Cost
$24,813
after typical aid
Average annual cost is often lower than tuition because it accounts for grants and scholarships most students receive. It includes tuition, room & board, books, and supplies.
Annual Cost by Family Income
Family Income $0 - $30k$18,307
Family Income $30k - $48k$20,228
Family Income $48k - $75k$22,692
Family Income $75k - $110k$25,465
Family Income $110k+$27,527
