Commercial Music Program Audition

Ready to hit your stride in the music industry? Becoming a Commercial Music major at Nova Southeastern University requires a successful audition demonstrating your talent and potential.

How to Become a Commercial Music Major

There are two key steps to join NSU's Commercial Music program:

  1. Apply to NSU. Complete your university application as soon as possible, ideally at least two weeks before your scheduled audition date.
  2. Complete a Successful Audition. Showcase your abilities either on your principal instrument or voice, or by submitting a strong Composition/Production portfolio. To start this process, please fill out our audition application.

Apply for Admission to NSU

Note: While you may receive your acceptance to NSU before your audition, this does not guarantee admission to the Commercial Music program.

Transfer Students: If you're a transfer student, please contact the Music Program Director, Dr. Bill J. Adams, at wadams@nova.edu to discuss auditioning and curriculum planning.

Commercial Music Major Audition Dates for 2025

In-Person Auditions:

All in-person auditions will be held in the Taft University Center, Room 310.

  • January 18, 2025
  • February 22, 2025
  • March 15, 2025

Virtual Auditions:

  • April 19, 2025 (12:00 p.m. - 2:00 p.m.)

Please contact Dr. Bill J. Adams at wadams@nova.edu to schedule a slot and receive a Zoom link.

Video Auditions (Case-by-Case Basis):

If you are unable to provide an in-person audition, you may request permission to submit a video audition. Consult with Dr. Bill J. Adams (wadams@nova.edu) for approval. A follow-up Zoom interview may be required. While video auditions receive the same consideration for program entry as live auditions, in-person auditions are required to be considered for a merit scholarship. 

What to Expect:

Vocalists and Instrumentalists

  • Prepare two pieces that demonstrate your musical ability. The style of the music is your choice. 
  • Instrumentalists may be asked to perform major or chromatic scales of their choosing. Vocalists may be asked to demonstrate their range.
  • Immediately following your audition, you'll have a brief, informal interview with music faculty. This is a chance for us to get to know your academic and artistic goals, and for you to ask any questions about the program.

Accompaniment

Auditioning vocalists, and instrumentalists (when appropriate for your 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 this at least two weeks before your audition. 

Note: Music auditions are closed to observers.

Composers, Songwriters, and Producers

  • Submit a portfolio consisting of at least three original compositions or songs. This material should represent the best of your creative abilities at the time of submission.
  • Applicants with experience in studio recording and/or audio post production (mixing and mastering) should also submit 2-3 contrasting recent examples of their work.
  • To submit your portfolio, please send a link to a cloud-sharing folder (e.g. Dropbox or Google Drive) to Dr. Bill Adams at wadams@nova.edu.

Video Audition Instructions

Admission to the NSU Commercial Music program via a video audition is granted on a case-by-case basis.

  • Upload your video to YouTube, Vimeo, Google Drive, or Dropbox.
  • Email the video link and any required forms to Dr. Bill Adams (wadams@nova.edu). 
  • Submissions must follow the repertoire guidelines outlined for all auditions.
  • Applicants should announce each selection before beginning. At the beginning of the video, applicants must read the following entry script:
    • "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]."