EIU Department of Music

Audition Information

How to Become a Music Major at EIU

Apply to the University:

• Prospective students should complete an application to Eastern Illinois University.
• Detailed information concerning how to apply to EIU can be found here:  EIU Admissions

Request a Music Audition or Musical Skills Assessment:

• Music Teacher Licensure and Performance Applicants: Prospective students interested in the Bachelor of Music programs in Teacher Licensure (music education) or Performance should complete a full audition on their primary instrument or voice. For information on what to prepare for a full audition, click here.
  
  
• Bachelor of Arts Applicants:  Students interested in any of the Bachelor of Arts Programs (Open Studies, Music Theory/Comp, or the Audio Recording Technology) have two options:
  • Complete a full audition, or
  • Complete a Musical Skills Assessment.   
    
    
• During the Musical Skills Assessment, students will be asked to perform a short excerpt on an instrument or voice, describe their background in music, and complete an aural skills evaluation by singing back several short melodies (five or six notes) after one hearing.  The use of solfege syllables will not be needed.  This assessment may take place in person or over Zoom.  
  
• Please note that a full audition is needed for music scholarship consideration.
  
  

Audition/Skills Assessment Dates for Fall 2025:

• Although all of the scheduled audition dates for fall 2025 admission have already passed, prospective students may request an audition/skills assessment for fall 2025 consideration using the "Request an Audition" link below.

Audition/Skills Assessment Dates for 2025-2026:

• Saturday, January 26, 2026
• Monday, February 16, 2026
• Saturday, February 28, 2026

• • Request an Audition or Musical Skills Assessment

Submit Two Recommendations:

• All prospective music student must also submit recommendations from two professionals familiar with his or her musical ability. Generally, students print two copies of the Recommendation Form and ask band/choir/orchestra directors or private teachers to fill out the form and return to the department.

Music Education Supplemental Application:

• All music education (teacher licensure) candidates should complete the Music Education Supplemental Application and return to the Department of Music prior to your audition.

Transfer Students:

• Transfer students currently enrolled as a music major in a NASM accredited four-year college or university must complete a Transfer Acknowledgement Form.

Music Scholarships:

• The Department of Music offers a number of scholarships to exceptionally talented incoming music students each year. Scholarship offers are determined by quality of the student's audition, the student's academic achievements, and the student's Music Education Interview (if applicable).
• Talent-based music scholarships are awarded to incoming students on a rolling basis from November through March of the academic year. Students are strongly encouraged to apply and audition early for maximum consideration.
• There are two steps to apply for music scholarship consideration:
  • Successfully complete an audition to be a music major on or before March 1^st of the calendar year.
  • Complete the general application on the EIU Scholarship Search Website.
    
    

Frequently Asked Questions

What if my audition is unsuccessful?

If the audition is unsuccessful, a student may repeat the audition once to gain admission into the program. Any student who leaves the university for a period of one semester or longer (excluding summer) must pass an audition and/or interview before readmittance to the program.

Do I have to audition to become a music major?

Yes. All incoming students must complete an audition and be formally accepted in order to become a music major.

Do I need to complete a music theory exam, piano placement, or aural skills evaluation at my audition?

All auditioning students will complete a brief aural skills evaluation during their audition. Students will be asked to match pitches given on a piano, clap simple rhythms, and identify simple chord types. Students with previous experience in piano and/or music theory (including transfer students) will take placement exams upon their arrival on campus.

Do I have to audition if I only want to minor in music?

Yes. Students wishing to pursue a minor in music still need to complete an audition.

I wish to transfer from another school. Do I need to take placement exams to determine what credits I can transfer?

All students who wish to transfer credit in music theory/aural training and piano are required to take placement examinations in these subjects.

I am considering a lot of different music programs. What makes Eastern different?

We believe that EIU's Music Department provides students with the best value in education available in Illinois. Here, we are able to combine our new, world-class facility, comprehensive and dedicated faculty, and a rigorous, modern curriculum to give students a top-notch music education at an affordable price.

What if my audition is unsuccessful?

If you are not accepted as a music major, you may still choose to attend EIU as long as you are admitted into the University. All EIU students can still participate in ensembles, and in many cases enroll in applied lessons. Students in this situation are invited to re-audition after one or two semesters on campus.

For More Information

If you have questions on the audition process or about becoming a music major at Eastern, please contact the Music Department Chairperson Dr. Shellie Gregorich.