Audition Information
Percussion
Percussion Audition Requirements:
- One snare drum piece
- One mallet piece using two or four mallets
- One timpani piece using two or four drums
Note: All three areas are desired, but consideration will still be given to those who are weak in one of the aforementioned instruments.
- Drumset performance demonstrating proficiency in three or more of the following styles: swing, latin, funk, rock
If you are interested in playing in Jazz Ensemble, please be prepared to audition on drum set as well, demonstrating various styles and grooves (Swing, Rock and Latin).
| Spring 2026 Audition Dates | Fall 2026 Audition Dates |
|---|---|
Based on your instrument/degree, here are the days and times that will be available to you to audition in person:
*Please email music@biola.edu to inquire about times for your audition. |
Based on your instrument/degree, here are the days and times that will be available to you to audition in person:
|
Drumset
Drumset Audition Requirements:
- Drumset performance demonstrating proficiency in three or more of the following styles: swing, latin, funk, rock
If you are interested in playing in Jazz Ensemble, please be prepared to audition on drum set as well, demonstrating various styles and grooves (Swing, Rock and Latin).
Note: All drumset students will also be expected to learn some basic percussion skills that will help them be versatile and prepared for today's music business. In order to accomplish this, two semesters of private lessons are required in the percussion area.
| Spring 2026 Audition Dates | Fall 2026 Audition Dates |
|---|---|
Based on your instrument/degree, here are the days and times that will be available to you to audition in person:
*Please email music@biola.edu to inquire about times for your audition. |
Based on your instrument/degree, here are the days and times that will be available to you to audition in person:
|
Keyboard
Keyboard Audition Requirements:
- One classical selection
- One contemporary selection
- Sight-reading, scales and arpeggios may be requested
| Spring 2026 Audition Dates | Fall 2026 Audition Dates |
|---|---|
Based on your instrument/degree, here are the days and times that will be available to you to audition in person:
*Please email music@biola.edu to inquire about times for your audition. |
Based on your instrument/degree, here are the days and times that will be available to you to audition in person:
|
Organ
Organ Audition Requirements:
- One of each of the following pieces. Up to two of these pieces may be played on the piano.
- Baroque Composition
- Romantic Composition
- Contemporary Composition
Note: Please be prepared for sight-reading and ear tests.
| Spring 2026 Audition Dates | Fall 2026 Audition Dates |
|---|---|
Based on your instrument/degree, here are the days and times that will be available to you to audition in person:
*Please email music@biola.edu to inquire about times for your audition. |
Based on your instrument/degree, here are the days and times that will be available to you to audition in person:
|
Strings
Electric Bass Audition Requirements:
- One piece demonstrating the player's ability to read standard notation. This can be an etude or piece from the classical or contemporary repertoire.
- One piece demonstrating the player's ability to play over chord changes on a lead sheet. This song can be from the Contemporary Christian/Worship genre or from the Pop/Rock/Rnb genre.
Guitar Audition Requirements:
- One piece that demonstrates their chord knowledge & right hand strumming technique.
- One piece that demonstrates ability to finger pick or play fingerstyle/classical.
- Knowledge of open-voiced and barre chords and sight-reading will also be assessed.
Note: Studies by Carcassi, Sor, Sargeras, and Guilani are acceptable.
| Spring 2026 Audition Dates | Fall 2026 Audition Dates |
|---|---|
Based on your instrument/degree, here are the days and times that will be available to you to audition in person:
*Please email music@biola.edu to inquire about times for your audition. |
Based on your instrument/degree, here are the days and times that will be available to you to audition in person:
|
Voice
Voice Audition Requirements:
- Two songs from any of the following genres:
- Modern worship
- Pop
- Musical theatre
- Jazz
- Classical
These pieces should be contrasting in style and demonstrate your musical and technical abilities in the voice.
Note: An accompanist will be provided for your classical piece. However, we ask that you accompany yourself on guitar or piano for your contemporary piece (guitar not provided).
| Spring 2026 Audition Dates | Fall 2026 Audition Dates |
|---|---|
Based on your instrument/degree, here are the days and times that will be available to you to audition in person:
*Please email music@biola.edu to inquire about times for your audition. |
Based on your instrument/degree, here are the days and times that will be available to you to audition in person:
|
Online Submission Guidelines
While we prefer students to audition in person, we also recognize that not everyone will be able to do so, specifically with regards to students who live across the country or internationally. In cases like these, we accept recorded auditions via YouTube, due May 1. Simply upload a video recording (meeting the following requirements) and email the link to music@biola.edu. Those planning to audition via recording must adhere to the following guidelines:
- Performance of each piece should be continuous with no editing; this includes video cuts or audio editing (ie autotune, reverb, effects).
- Include the date of the performance, which should be no more than 6 months old.
- Include a typed copy of the entire performance program. There should be no talking or explanation on the recording itself. Any additional comments should be typed and submitted with the recording.
- All recorded audition submissions must be of highest quality sound and visual recordings.