Thank you for your interest in the Music Department at Concordia University Ann Arbor! We offer music scholarships for any interested incoming students. We encourage all students, regardless of academic major, to consider applying for a Music Scholarship.

CUAA Music Scholarship Auditions 2024

Music scholarships are available for all students, regardless of major. Instrumental or vocal auditions will be used for consideration toward the various music scholarships available from CUAA. All award recipients must participate in a music ensemble and take private lessons on the awarded performing medium while enrolled at CUAA. If you are not interested in applying for a music scholarship but would like to participate in one of our music ensembles, you may audition in the fall.

Students receiving a music scholarship agree to enroll in applied music lessons each semester, as well as participate in an assigned musical ensemble based on their audition.

Students willing to commit to a music major or minor may be eligible for increased scholarship funding.

Students interested in participating in Worship Arts while at CUAA may be eligible for additional scholarship funding. Please indicate this interest on your scholarship application./p>

In addition, students interested in Marching Band / Pep Band may apply for an Athletic Bands scholarship.

Official awards

CUAA Music Scholarship awards are not official until a Music Department Award contract is signed by the recipient and received by the Music Office by the award deadline. Until receipt of your contract, any Music Scholarship Award listed on your financial aid letter may be subject to change. All music scholarships are subject to an annual review by the Music Department.

Audition registration

Formal music auditions will be held on campus on the following dates:

  • Saturday, November 11th 2023
  • Saturday, January 20th 2024
  • Saturday, February 10th 2024

Students unable to attend on any of these dates may also request a Video Audition, or arrange a scholarship audition in conjunction with an official campus visit through the Admissions Department, prior to March 1. Arranged auditions are subject to the availability of Music Department Faculty.

Prospective students must complete the online registration for a scholarship audition at least two weeks prior to their anticipated audition date. Thus, the deadlines for registration are:

  • November 11th auditions – Registration deadline of Friday, November 3rd 2023
  • January 20th auditions – Registration deadline of Friday, January 12th 2024
  • February 10th auditions – Registraton deadline of Friday, January 26th 2024

Click here to register for a scholarship audition!

Interested in music as a career? Check out our:

Frequently asked questions

Questions about the Audition Process? Please click below for answers!

Who can apply for a music scholarship?

Music scholarships can be awarded to all incoming full-time students. Returning students are not eligible for new music scholarships.

Am I talented enough to receive a music scholarship?

The audition process at CUAA is designed to be welcoming for students with a wide variety of musical backgrounds. Our aim is to be an inclusive musical community, with a variety of musical opportunities for students of all ability levels.

No matter where you are in your musical journey, there is a place for you at CUAA. Because of this, we encourage everyone with an interest to apply!

Do I need to major or minor in music for a scholarship?

No. As a liberal arts university, Concordia values the participation of all students in our musical ensembles. This includes both students who are interested in majoring or minoring in music, as well as students majoring in any field of study who wish to continue participating in music during college.

What music should I prepare for my audition?

Voice:

  • Sing two pieces of contrasting styles from different time periods (8 minute max.)
  • Repertoire should be selected from the classical tradition (i.e., no repertoire from a popular idiom or hymns from a hymnal); one of the two selections may be from musical theatre, if desired
  • Both pieces must be memorized
  • We will provide an accompanist for you; if preferred, you may bring your own
  • Pre-recorded accompaniment tracks will not be permitted

Instrumental:

  • Play two major scales: B flat, E flat, F, C, G, D concert (two octaves where appropriate)
  • Play two pieces of contrasting styles. (8 minute max.)
  • Repertoire should be selected from the standard solo or etude repertoire. Ideas for repertoire may come from the MSBOA or other state Solo & Ensemble lists
  • Please bring extra copies of the music (and accompaniment, if applicable) to your audition

Piano & Organ:

  • Play two pieces of contrasting styles from different time periods (8 minute max.)
  • Repertoire should be selected from the classical tradition (i.e., no repertoire from a popular idiom)
  • For piano:
    • Memorization of music is preferred
    • Be able to play major & minor scales up to four sharps & four flats
    • Sight-reading will be evaluated
  • For organ:
    • Additionally, choose a hymn to play
    • Sight-reading and scales are not evaluated

Additional requirements:

  • Students must audition on one of the two scheduled dates, or on the scheduled make-up date in case of emergency. No auditions will be accepted following the published audition window.
  • Students must provide a letter of recommendation at the time of the audition speaking towards their musical abilities.
  • Unless marked unaccompanied, students must bring in piano parts and perform their selections with accompanists. The Music Department will provide an accompanist for all auditioning students. Pre-recorded accompaniment tracks will not be permitted.

Video/internet auditions may be accepted on a case-by-case basis provided that they are received by the music department prior to the final audition date. Students wishing to audition via video must receive approval from the music department in advance of submitting a video audition.

What are the stipulations of the scholarships?

For all music scholarships, as basis for continuing to receive the scholarship, the student agrees to:

  • Take private lessons each semester attending Concordia, on the instrument/voice part on which they auditioned.
  • Enroll in an ensemble on the instrument/voice part on which they auditioned for their scholarship (where applicable).
  • Perform in an annual recital.
  • Maintain a cumulative 2.5 GPA, and maintain a grade of “B-“ or higher in all required music courses.
What instruments can audition for scholarships?
  • Bass Clarinet
  • Bassoon
  • Cello
  • Clarinet
  • Guitar (acoustic, electric, or bass)
  • Drums or Percussion
  • Euphonium
  • Flute
  • French Horn
  • Oboe
  • Organ
  • Piano
  • Saxophone
  • String bass
  • Trombone
  • Trumpet
  • Tuba
  • Viola
  • Violin
  • Voice
What is the Athletic Bands scholarship and how can I audition?

The Athletic Band Scholarship is available to students who wish to be in the Concordia Marching & Pep Band. Students receiving this scholarship make a commitment to the Marching Band and Pep Band at home football, basketball, and hockey games. This includes the pre-season Band Camp each August. This scholarship is available for students in addition to their Music Department scholarships.

To audition, you will need to play the school fight song at the time of your Music Department Audition. Color Guard members will need to perform a short routine of your own choosing. Music is available to download here.

What are the requirements for a Worship Arts audition?

Additional Music Talent Scholarship funding may be available to students interested in Worship Arts.

Students should prepare the requirements listed above for the standard Music Talent scholarship, either vocal or instrumental.

In addition, students should prepare an additional song of their choosing that demonstrates musical aptitude in Worship Arts.

I have more questions. Can I email someone?

Certainly!

For questions about Choir, Arborsong, or Church Music please contact Dr. John Boonenberg

For questions about Band, Orchestra, or Marching Band, please contact Dr. William Perrine.