See what is expected for your instrument/voice type and discuss that criteria with your teacher.
Thanks for your interest in music at Furman! We are excited to hear you play and will find a place for you in one or more of our studios and ensembles. We recommend that you plan to attend one of our in-person audition dates (December 3-4, January 21-22, or February 11-12). Those days are a great time for you to meet and interact with our faculty, have a short lesson, and learn about the Music Department. However, there is also an option for you to submit a video audition if you are unable to come to campus on any of those dates.
Furman University Woodwind and Brass Audition requirements:
Furman University Percussion Audition Requirements:
Prepare approximately 10-20 minutes of solo repertoire that best highlights your strengths as a percussionist across as many instruments and genres as possible. This can include:
Auditions will be conducted in a private lesson-style format with commentary and feedback provided from the faculty throughout.
Instruments provided will include:
Other instruments available upon request (please email omar.carmenates@furman.edu prior to your audition to make the request.):
Dr. Omar Carmenates omar.carmenates@furman.edu Phone: 864.294.2406
Furman awards funds each year to an intended composition major. A composition portfolio (see below) is required to be considered for this potential four-year scholarship. On the day of your audition, you will have a composition interview with members of the composition and theory faculty in addition to your performance audition. The faculty will review your application and portfolio, and discuss with you your composition experience to this point, your future goals, and opportunities for composition majors.
Prepare and submit your composition portfolio at least two weeks prior to the audition date. Portfolio Requirements:
Dr. Benjamin Dobbs benjamin.dobbs@furman.edu Composition Area Coordinator
For classical guitar auditions, please prepare two full or excerpted contrasting works from the standard solo or etude literature. The faculty will check your ear training and pitch-matching skills with brief aural aptitude exercises. Additional criteria:
Matt Dingledine matthew.dingledine@furman.edu Guitar Instructor
For jazz guitar auditions, we require you to prepare three brief jazz standards of varying styles. The styles may include blues, ballad, Latin, fusion, or funk, among others. Be prepared to play chords for these tunes as well as improvise a solo within them. Additional criteria:
Dr. Matt Olson matt.olson@furman.edu Coordinator of Jazz Studies Phone: 864.294.3284 -or- Matt Dingledine matt.dingledine@furman.edu Instructor of Jazz Guitar
For organ auditions, please prepare and perform two contrasting organ solo works with a time limit of 10 minutes total. Auditioning organists will also prepare and perform a single work on the piano (this may be from any historical period). Auditions will include brief pitch matching and aural aptitude exercises. Time for practicing, registration set-up, and warm-up on the audition organ will be scheduled on the day prior to the audition, with a short amount of time available the day of the audition. Dr. Tompkins can be available to assist you with registrations. Auditionees may choose to perform on the 42-stop C.B. Fisk tracker organ in Daniel Chapel or the 29-stop Holtkamp electro-pneumatic organ in McAlister Auditorium. Please indicate on the music scholarship application form which instrument you wish to perform on.
Dr. Charles Tompkins charles.tompkins@furman.edu Organ, Church Music Phone: 864.294.2099
For piano auditions, please prepare and perform one Sonata movement by a composer from the classical period (Haydn, Mozart, Beethoven, or Schubert), and one complete movement from the Romantic or Contemporary period. Applicants will also perform one additional Baroque selection to be considered for major music scholarship.
Additional criteria for live audition (recommended for major music scholarship consideration):
Criteria for recorded audition:
Repertoire will include selections as above; performances will be complete and unedited for each selection.
Dr. Derek Parsons derek.parsons@furman.edu Piano, Keyboard Area Coordinator Phone: 864.294.2099
Candidates for the BM and BME programs should prepare:
Memorization is encouraged for one of the pieces but not required.
Candidates for the BA and non-major programs should prepare two contrasting works from the standard solo literature. Memorization is optional.
Performance time limit: BM/BME: 15 minutes BA/Non-Major: 10 minutes
Jazz player? If you are interested in jazz, please prepare a jazz etude, solo transcription, or plan to play and improvise on a standard tune of your choice. Contact matt.olson@furman.edu if questions.
Harpists, please prepare two full or excerpted contrasting works from the standard solo or etude literature. Be sure to arrive early to allow for your instrument to acclimate to temperature and humidity and for sufficient time for tuning. If needed, a university-owned harp is available.
String Area Contacts
Dr. Anna Barbrey Joiner, Viola and String Education String Area Coordinator anna.joiner@furman.edu Phone: 864.294.3199
Dr. Andrew Carlson, Furman Symphony Orchestra and Violin andrew.carlson@furman.edu Phone: 864.294.2219
Dr. Christopher Hutton, Cello & Bass christopher.hutton@furman.edu Phone: 864.294.2019
Mrs. Anita Burroughs-Price, Harp anita.burroughs-price@furman.edu Phone: 864.294.2086
Guidelines for Live and Recorded Vocal Auditions at Furman University 2021/22
Live auditions are strongly encouraged.
For voice auditions (live and recorded), please prepare and perform two contrasting songs from the art song, oratorio, or operatic repertoire. One-piece should be in English and it is preferred that the second selection is in a language other than English (Italian, Latin, German or French). All audition repertoire must be memorized and performed with piano accompaniment. An accompanist will be provided for all live auditions. All live auditionees will be tested in basic musical skills and have an interview with the voice faculty. All recorded auditionees will also have a meeting (via Zoom) with one of our vocal faculty members where they will be asked to sight-sing. These applicants will be contacted by the voice faculty to set up a meeting once media files are submitted.
Tips for a successful recorded vocal audition:
1. Be prepared! Memorize your music carefully with the correct pitches, rhythms, and diction.
2. Find an accompanist or an accompaniment track for your recorded audition.
3. Preparing your recordings: