Material and Audition Guidelines

General Instructions

1. You must apply to the University to be considered for a music scholarship, although you do not have to wait for any financial aid or any other information to be submitted to the University before AUDITIONING for a music offer.
2. Submit all materials for the Music Scholarship application by the February 12th deadline for guaranteed offer consideration. The required materials are: 
   1. The Music Scholarship application
   2. One letter of recommendation from a non-family, music instructor
   3. Audition in one of two ways (see area guidelines below)
      
      • Schedule an on-campus audition directly with your area director
      • Submit a recorded audition (email attachment, YouTube link or Vimeo site link, shared Google file, etc.).

   All materials, including letters of recommendation should be sent to:

   Gonzaga Music Department
   Attn. Scholarship
   502 E. Boone Ave.
   Spokane, WA  99258
   or via email to:  andersonp@gonzaga.edu

   Preparation for the Audition

   Every audition should demonstrate your various abilities.  You and your music teachers are the best judges of what is appropriate for you and what will best display your talent.  Please read the instructions carefully for each area. If you have any questions, email us at music@gonzaga.edu

   Instrumental (Wind, Percussion & Strings)

   Auditions should include two solos or etudes of contrasting nature (e.g., slow and lyrical, faster and more technical).  A single extended solo may be sufficient, if contrasting sections are performed. 

   Percussionists are encouraged to perform on at least two of the three following instruments: timpani, marimba, and snare.  String players are encouraged to memorize.

   If you have questions in the Winds and Percussion area, please contact:
   Dr. Peter Hamlin, Director of Bands & Music Education at 509-313-6792 or hamlin@gonzaga.edu

   If you have questions in the Strings area, please contact:
   Dr. Kevin Hekmatpanah, Director of String Program at 509-313-6733 or hekmatpanah@gonzaga.edu

   Jazz (Woodwinds, Brass, Piano, Guitar, Bass, Drum Set, and Vocal)

   Rhythm Section – Please demonstrate your ability to play within a rhythm section of a small jazz combo and/or large jazz ensemble.  Play-along tracks can be used.  Improvisation is always welcome but not mandatory. 

   Winds/Brass - Please play one scale of your choice to demonstrate range and tone production.  Choose two (or more) selections of contrasting styles that highlight your strengths.  These tunes can be played within a small jazz combo using a play-along track or they can be individual parts from your school's jazz ensemble.  Improvisation is always welcome but not mandatory.  

   Vocal - Please sing three songs: two jazz standards and one other song of your choice of any music genre (classical, jazz, pop, country, classic rock, etc.).  Accompaniment by a rhythm section jazz choir or play-along track is encouraged but not mandatory.  Improvisation is always welcome but not mandatory.

   If you have questions in the Jazz area, please contact:
   Mr. David Fague, Director of Jazz Studies, at (509) 313-6735 or fague@gonzaga.edu.

   Keyboard/Piano

   Auditions should include two pieces of contrasting styles from different musical periods. At least one should be memorized.

   Please include a list of technique and repertoire that you have studied in high school. If you are a transfer student include your college repertoire as well.

   If you have questions in the Piano area, please contact:
   Dr. Colleen Hunter, Instructor of Applied Piano at hunterc@gonzaga.edu.

   Vocal/Choral

   Vocal auditions require two video-recorded pieces.  We welcome a wide variety of music, such as art songs, folk songs, hymns, arias, musical theater, and gospel. English is appropriate for one or both selections.  You may use a live pianist or a recorded piano accompaniment.  If using a recorded accompaniment, please make sure it includes only piano and does not have any backing vocals.  If you sing in a foreign language, we welcome one or more selections in another language.  In-person scholarship auditions will be offered on Saturday, February 10, 2024 from 8am-2pm at the Myrtle Woldson Recital Hall on Gonzaga's campus.

   If you have questions in the Vocal/Choral area, please contact:
   Dr. Meg Stohlmann, Director of Choirs & Vocal Studies, Concert Choir, Chamber Singers, & Glee Club at stohlmann@gonzaga.edu.

   Composition

   Applicants should submit two examples of your original compositions, in any of the following formats: PDF scores, recordings, improvisations, or electric music samples. These will be reviewed ahead of your scheduled interview by the composition faculty, and serve as the basis for the conversation that develops during your interview.  An in-person or ZOOM interview will serve as your audition.

   If you have questions in the Composition area, please contact:
   Dr. Michael Kropf, Theory and Composition at kropf@gonzaga.edu