BM and Music Minor: Audition Information
If you want to major in music performance, music education, or music composition, or minor in music, you must complete an audition in order to be accepted into the Department of Music.
Please read the following information carefully to understand your options.
Boise State Music will offer in-person auditions for 2026. However, video auditions will always remain an option.
You will select one option when scheduling an audition this fall for spring 2026 admission:
In-person Audition or Interview:
Saturday, February 21, 2026
8:30-9:30 Welcome Event for Students, Parents and Faculty (C125)
9:30-2:00 Music Literacy Predictive Exam (C115 lab)
9:30-12:00 Auditions
12:00-1:00 Campus Tour
1:00-4:00 Auditions
Saturday, March 7, 2026
8:30-9:30 Welcome Event for Students, Parents and Faculty (C125)
9:30-2:00 Music Literacy Predictive Exam (C115 lab)
9:30-12:00 Auditions
12:00-1:00 Campus Tour
1:00-4:00 Auditions
Saturday, April 11, 2026
9:00-12:30 Music Literacy Predictive Exam (C115 lab)
9:00-12:30 Auditions
August 21st, 2025: BA: Music Interviews only
2:00-5:00 p.m. – In-person and Zoom options available
Video Submission Audition:
Video Due February 16th: follow-up Zoom meeting with area faculty on February 21st
Video Due March 2nd: follow-up Zoom meeting with area faculty on March 7th
Video Due April 6th: follow-up Zoom meeting with area faculty on April 11th
2026-2027 AUDITION/INTERVIEW FORM COMING SOON
BA: Music Interview Process
All incoming and transfer students who wish to pursue the Bachelor of Arts in Music (BA) degrees must complete an admissions interview and submit a pre-interview 300-500 word personal statement that answers the following questions:
- What are your professional aspirations?
- What motivates you to pursue a career in music?
BA music students wishing to take private lessons must also prepare a performance audition on their instrument/voice. Students who complete an acceptable interview and complete the MLPE exam will be admitted as a Bachelor of Arts in Music major.
The Department is planning to offer in-person and Zoom interviews.
Thursday, August 21st – 2:00-5:00 pm (in-person or Zoom options available)
Personal statements are to be submitted via the interview request form below.
Blue Thunder Marching Band audition information
Graduate Teaching Assistantships
Jazz Area Scholarship Information
Preparing for your Music Literacy Placement Exam (MLPE)
Undergraduate Audition Repertoire Requirements:
Graduate Audition Repertoire Requirements:
Bowed Strings
General: Acceptance into the Performance Major of the Master of Music Degree presupposes performing ability by the candidate at the 400-level of undergraduate study. (Information on performing levels for string instruments can be obtained by contacting individual string faculty members.) Auditions must be in person on the Boise State Campus, though recorded auditions will be acceptable if traveling to Boise is impractical. Recorded auditions must be unedited.
At the Audition:
- A 20-minute audition is required.
- Three compositions of 400-level difficulty (senior performance major level) from 3 contrasting periods of music
- Be prepared to perform each piece in its entirety. Memorization is highly recommended in all but sonatas w/piano works.
- Entrance decisions will be based on quality of performance, keeping in mind considerations including appropriateness of style, technical accuracy, quality/level of music, etc.
Area Heads
- Woodwinds: Dr. Rachel Becker
- Brass: Dr. Zach Buie
- Percussion: Dr. Kramer Milan
- Vocal: Dr. Jeffrey Seppala
- Strings: Prof. Craig Purdy
- Piano: Dr. Del Parkinson