Audition Information

For information about ensemble auditions for current students, please visit the Ensemble Auditions page.

Prospective students for the Bachelor of Music in Performance, Bachelor of Music Education, Bachelor of Arts in Music, and Music Minor programs must audition in-person or by submitting a video recording. Auditions on-campus will include a faculty interview as well as an aural skills assessment. For students submitting a recording, there is also a virtual appointment component. Students who are interested in the music minor may elect to audition after they arrive on campus. Before any appointments are made, students must submit the Music Profile Form.

For questions about the audition process, or general questions about the Conservatory, please contact Dr. Amanda Heim, Coordinator of Recruitment and Outreach.

To schedule a meeting or private lesson, please contact the faculty member on your instrument or voice part directly. For campus visits, please contact the Admissions Office or Mrs. Mary Smith, Senior Associate Director of Admissions and Sunderman Conservatory Liaison.

Audition Requirements

Auditions will include a performance on your primary instrument/voice and an evaluation of basic skills in written and aural theory and sight-singing.

All applicants must:

  • Complete the Gettysburg College application (Common Application). Students will receive a link to their applicant portal within 24 hours of submission.
  • Complete the Music Profile Form (if not already done).
  • Complete a brief music theory assessment which will be administered electronically in the applicant portal. Learn more about what is covered in the music theory assessment.
  • Complete either an in-person audition OR submit a video recording for the audition.
  • Complete a faculty interview. The interviewer will ask you to sight-read/sing a brief piece on your instrument or voice part. If auditioning in-person, this will be a part of the actual audition. If submitting a recording, this will be completed through a virtual appointment.
  • Demonstrate aural skills by vocally matching pitches, singing simple intervals, identifying major and minor chords, and sight singing a simple song. If auditioning in-person, this will be included in the audition day. If submitting a recording, this will be completed through a virtual appointment on the same day as the faculty interview.

For information specific to your instrument or voice part, please click on the appropriate link to the left.

Students who are interested in a jazz focus must perform BOTH the audition requirements for their specific instrument AND those for the jazz focus.

Tips for a Successful In-Person Audition and Recording Submission

How to Prepare for a Music Audition

Schedule an audition with the Sunderman Conservatory of Music at Gettysburg College.
Two students in a music audition room

How to record a music audition

Submit an audition with the Sunderman Conservatory of Music at Gettysburg College.
Professor Amanda Heim playing a saxophone in her home

Read more about Sunderman Conservatory of Music’s tips for acing your audition