Music Program Audition
AUDITION INFORMATION FOR PROSPECTIVE NSU Music Majors
Two steps are required to become a music major at Nova Southeastern University:
1) Apply to NSU. Prospective students should complete this process as soon as possible, or at least two weeks before the scheduled audition date: apply for admission to NSU
2) Perform a successful audition to NSU Commercial Music, either on your principal instrument or voice, or by submitting a successful Composition/Production portfolio. To begin this process, please fill out an audition application below: audition application
Important Note: You may hear about your acceptance to NSU before you have auditioned. Acceptance to the University does not mean you have been admitted to the Music Major.
Transfer Students: Transfer students should contact the music program faculty directly to discuss auditioning and curriculum planning: Dr. Bill J. Adams wadams@nova.edu.
Audition Information
Scholarship Audition Dates for 2025-2026:
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January 18 from 12:00-2:00 in the Taft University Center room 309
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February 22 from 12:00-2:00 in the Taft University Center room 309
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March 15 from 12:00-2:00 in the Taft University Center room 309
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April 19 virtual auditions from 12:00-2:00 (Contact wadams@nova.edu to schedule an audition slot and to receive a Zoom link.)
If you are unable to provide an in-person audition, please consult with the Music Program Director, Dr. Bill J. Adams (wadams@nova.edu) to request permission to submit a video audition. You may be required to have a follow-up interview over Zoom as well. You will receive the same consideration for entry into the music program as you would in a live audition. To be considered for a merit scholarship, your audition must be in-person.
What to Expect for Vocalists and Instrumentalists:
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Prepare two pieces which demonstrate your musical ability. The style of the music is your choice.
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Instrumentalists may be asked to perform major or chromatic scales of their choosing. Vocalists may be asked to demonstrate their range.
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Immediately following the audition, you will meet with music faculty for a brief, informal interview to discuss your individual academic and artistic goals. The interview is an opportunity for the faculty to get to know you as well as an opportunity for you to address any questions you may have about the music program at NSU.
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Please note that the music audition is closed to observers.
Accompaniment:
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Auditioning vocalists, and instrumentalists when appropriate for the musical selections, must audition with piano accompaniment or a recording. An NSU accompanist can be provided. Please contact Dr. Bill Adams at wadams@nova.edu to arrange for an accompanist at least two weeks before your audition.
What to Expect for Composers, Songwriters, and Producers:
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Submit a portfolio which must consist of at least three original compositions or songs. The material should represent the best of your creative abilities at the time of this submission.
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Applicants with experience in studio recording and/or audio post production (mixing and mastering) will submit 2-3 contrasting recent examples.
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To submit your portfolio, please send a link to a cloud-sharing folder, such as Dropbox or Google Drive, to Dr. Bill Adams at wadams@nova.edu.
VIDEO AUDITION INSTRUCTIONS
Admission to NSU Music via a video audition is granted on a case-by-case basis.
Please upload your video to YouTube, Vimeo, Google Drive, or Dropbox. The video link and any required forms should be submitted to Dr. Adams via email (wadams@nova.edu). Submissions must follow the guidelines for repertoire as outlined for all auditions.
Applicants should announce each selection prior to beginning that work. At the beginning of the video, applicants should read the entry script provided:
"Hello, my name is [insert first and last name]. I am currently a [senior/undergraduate] at [name of institution] and am auditioning for the Bachelor of Arts degree in Commercial Music. Today is [month, day, year]."