Illinois State University
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Program Characteristics
No Prescreen
Audition Required
No Interview
In-Person Only
University App Required
Program Highlights
TRAINING
•Performance-focused Bachelor of Music degree
•Private studio instruction with dedicated voice faculty
•Classical vocal training in art song and operatic repertoire
PERFORMANCE OPPORTUNITIES
•Choral ensembles: Concert Choir, Belle Voix, University Glee
•Joint musical/opera productions with School of Theatre and Dance
•Solo recital requirements as part of degree
FACULTY
•Professor John Koch — voice area coordinator
•Dedicated voice studio faculty
Key Info
University AppApplication
Apply atCommon App
Apply atSchool Website
Deadlines
PriorityNov 1, 2025
Rolling
Fee
$55Waiver
Program AppApplication
Auditions
On Campus (Spring 2026 entry only)Sep 27, 2025
On CampusJan 23–24, 2026
On CampusFeb 6–7, 2026
On CampusFeb 14, 2026
Audition Requirements
Songs
TWO CLASSICAL ART SONGS from standard repertoire (memorized)
•Both songs performed with piano accompaniment (accompanist provided for in-person campus auditions only)
•Present repertoire that supports a lyrical style of singing appropriate to classical training
•Arias must be performed in original keys and languages (operetta arias may be performed in English)
SUGGESTED COMPOSERS
•Handel, Mozart, Schubert, Schumann, Faure, Hahn, Donaudy, Caldara, Granados, de Falla, Ireland, Quilter, Burleigh, Niles, Hundley, etc.
IMPORTANT
•Musical theatre repertoire is NOT acceptable for voice auditions
•Permission to perform alternate repertoire must be obtained ahead of time from the voice area auditions coordinator (Professor John Koch: jmkoch@IllinoisState.edu)
Wildcard / Special Skill
N/A
Additional Materials
SIGHT-READING (required)
•Each audition includes a sight-reading portion that must be attempted for full consideration
•Examples include: rhythmic example, melody in a major key, melody in a minor key, a harmonic minor scale
•Review major/minor key signatures up to 4 flats/4 sharps prior to auditioning
•Prepare a harmonic minor scale in advance
Good to Know
APPLICATION PROCESS
•Apply to Illinois State University first
•Select audition date on the University application
•No separate application portal required
IMPORTANT NOTES
•Musical theatre repertoire is not acceptable for voice auditions
•Accompanist provided for in-person auditions on campus during School of Music audition days only
•BM vocal performance students are required to audition for joint musical/opera productions with School of Theatre and Dance
What's The Process
AUDITION PROCESS
•Perform two memorized classical art songs with piano accompaniment
•Accompanist provided on campus during School of Music audition days only
•Complete sight-reading portion
TIMELINE
•Audition results determine acceptance to the School of Music
•Previous music experience expected for all music majors
CONTACT
•Professor John Koch (voice area auditions coordinator): jmkoch@IllinoisState.edu
Scholarship Info
SCHOLARSHIP CONSIDERATION
•Audition on earlier dates for best scholarship opportunity
•March audition dates are not eligible for scholarship consideration
Program info updated Today
Academic School Information
3.62
Avg GPA (W)
89%
Admit Rate
67%
Grad Rate
18,414
Enrollment
$62,117
Earnings
10yr after
In-State Tuition
$16,021
before aid
Out-of-State Tuition
$28,086
before aid
Average Annual Cost
$18,996
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$11,075
Family Income $30k - $48k$11,994
Family Income $48k - $75k$16,424
Family Income $75k - $110k$23,818
Family Income $110k+$26,853
