# Entrance and Audition Requirements - **Jump to:** 1. [[#Undergraduate Audition Requirements]] 2. [[#Masters Audition Requirements]] 3. [[#Doctoral and Artist Diploma Audition Requirements]] > [!info] Scholarship Auditions & Priority Funding Deadlines >**Undergraduate Scholarship Audition Dates** [Sign Up Here](https://airtable.com/appV2UFEOZdQxBIMH/pagqI37v3buD3u4hS/form) >1. January 23, 2027 >2. February 7, 2027 >3. March 6, 2027 > >**Graduate School Application Deadline is March 1** — applications for the following school year must be completed by March 1 for priority consideration. Applications are still considered after this deadline. > >**How scholarships and funding work:** [[2.3 Scholarships and Funding]] ^246236 ## Undergraduate Audition Requirements UNLV Percussion sets no specific repertoire requirements for undergraduate entrance. We recommend that you choose material appropriate for solo and ensemble festivals or honor band auditions. Our [[4.3.0 What are Proficiency Minimums|Proficiency Minimums]] are another good source of ideas. **In general:** demonstrate competency in **at least three** of the following five categories to be considered for entrance into [[Applied Study]]: 1. Snare drum 2. Timpani 3. Keyboard Percussion (e.g., Marimba, Vibraphone, Xylophone, etc.) 4. Multiple percussion 5. Drum set (coordination and reading) ### Auditions are both for Scholarship Consideration and Entrance Entrance into UNLV Percussion as a _music major_ (or minor) **is contingent upon auditioning** before the Percussion Faculty. In addition to your prepared literature, the Coordinator may request demonstrations of fundamentals such as: 1. Scales 2. Rudiments 3. Sight reading > [!Note] HELPFUL NOTE: Admission vs Entrance vs Scholarship > > **Admission** to UNLV is contingent on GPA and other university-level variables, regardless of intended major. This is not within the control of the Percussion Area. > > **Entrance** into the School of Music through an instrumental area is a secondary threshold — not contingent on GPA, but on the fundamental knowledge and playing minimums needed to study music at the collegiate level.[^1] > > **Scholarship** is only considered for intended **music majors** (not minors) and only if they are permitted entrance by demonstrating the minimum knowledge and playing abilities as noted above. ### How Undergraduate Auditions Are Scheduled There are two ways to audition: 1. **Scholarship Auditions** happen on the three posted dates each spring (see the callout at the top of this page). [Sign Up Here](https://airtable.com/appV2UFEOZdQxBIMH/pagqI37v3buD3u4hS/form). Auditioning on a posted date considers you for **both entrance and scholarships**. 2. **Individual Entrance Auditions:** missed the posted dates? We accept individually scheduled entrance auditions up until just before the fall semester begins. Email the [[1.3 Faculty and Staff|Percussion Area Coordinator]] to arrange one. > [!Warning] Late auditions forfeit scholarship consideration > Individually scheduled auditions after the posted Scholarship Audition dates are for **entrance only** — no scholarship consideration. To be considered for scholarship money, audition on a posted date. **You do not need to be admitted to UNLV before auditioning.** Most scholarship candidates audition while their UNLV application is still in process. ## Masters Audition Requirements **Overview:** UNLV Percussion sets no specific repertoire requirements for Masters entrance. However, we do ask for a **Prescreening video** and then a **Final Audition** either in person (preferred) or by video. We recommend you choose solo literature appropriate for a collegiate Senior Recital. Many applicants simply re-use their Senior Recital repertoire or footage, which works great. Etudes and literature from professional orchestra, military, and production audition lists are also excellent sources. ### Prescreening Submit via email to the [[1.3 Faculty and Staff#^d82f4d|Coordinator]] the following material: 1. A privately linked video containing approximately 30 minutes of music that best represents your skills (a Senior Recital is acceptable). 2. A concise document containing your personal reflections/notes on the performance material in the video - E.g., for each piece, reflect on what you think you did well, poorly, or otherwise (things like how you prepared, etc.). - 100–200 words per reflection — keep it concise **NOTE:** We recommend that you submit to us whatever you have on file rather than working up material just for this video, as we will expect different repertoire for your final in-person (or virtual) audition. ### Final Audition If invited to a final audition, your audition will be **scheduled individually** with the Coordinator — most applicants travel from out of state, so we coordinate a date that works. You do not need to be admitted before auditioning. #### Repertoire Expectations We expect a minimum of performance across Snare, Keyboard, and Timpani. The repertoire should be significant and *different* from your prescreening repertoire. **If you're not sure what to play, have a discussion with us.** We're here to help. Check out our [[5.1.0 What is the Repository|Repertoire Repository]] for ideas. #### Non-live auditions (remote) **We strongly prefer** live auditions. While it is not *mandatory* as it is for our DMA applicants, it should be considered imperative for priority consideration. We *will* accept video submissions. Please discuss this with the Coordinator if cost or scheduling makes travel impossible. See: [[2.4.0 Help for Prospective Grad Students]] for additional deadlines and details. ## Doctoral and Artist Diploma Audition Requirements ### Musical Requirements UNLV Percussion requires DMA and AD applicants to audition live with a performance of selections from our [[2.4.2 DMA Audition Repertoire List]]. Prepare at least one selection each from the Snare, Keyboard, and Timpani sections. Additional repertoire is at your discretion and may be submitted in video format. Like Masters auditions, DMA and AD auditions are Prescreened and **scheduled individually** with the Coordinator. >[!Question] Why are live auditions mandatory only for DMA and AD applicants? >Doctoral and Post-Graduate study are *enormous* undertakings requiring considerable time, energy, and sacrifice. Such study requires that students are truly comfortable and confident that the institution they're choosing is the right one. Thus, we expect candidates to visit campus to meet faculty, students, and experience the environment before making such a significant decision. ### Additional Requirements 1. DMA (AD exempt) candidates must also submit live footage of classroom and private instruction. See [[#Pedagogical Requirements (DMA only)]] below 2. DMA and AD candidates must submit a Letter of Intent as a part of the Graduate College application process. See: [[#Letter of Intent]] below. ### Prescreening Submit via email to the [[1.3 Faculty and Staff#^d82f4d|Coordinator]] the following material: 1. A privately linked video containing approximately 30 minutes of music that best represents your skills (a Masters Recital is sufficient). 2. A concise document containing your personal reflections/notes on the performance material in the video - E.g., for each piece, reflect on what you think you did well, poorly, or otherwise (things like how you prepared, etc.). - 100–200 words per reflection — keep it concise **NOTE:** We recommend that you submit to us whatever you have on file rather than working up material just for this video, as we will expect repertoire from our [[2.4.2 DMA Audition Repertoire List|DMA Repertoire List]] at your final in-person audition. ### Final Audition If invited to a final audition, your audition will be **scheduled individually** with the Coordinator — most applicants travel from out of state, so we coordinate a date that works. You do not need to be admitted before auditioning. #### Repertoire Expectations You are required to discuss with our Coordinator and prepare repertoire from our [[2.4.2 DMA Audition Repertoire List|DMA Repertoire List]]. Please read the page carefully and understand *why* we do this. It should not be a stressful experience. ### Pedagogical Requirements (DMA only) **All DMA applicants must submit video of live classroom and private instruction**. A DMA is a terminal degree in pedagogy for university-level teaching — all applicants *should* have documentation of prior classroom and private percussion instruction. ### Letter of Intent **The UNLV Graduate College requires a Letter of Intent justifying your admittance into a terminal degree plan of study.** Letters of intent should be 100% genuine and free of any AI intervention whatsoever. Contents must be honest and thoughtful for consideration. Review online resources on composing a Letter of Intent to ensure proper tone, detail, and subject matter. [^1]: Some incoming students don't meet the functional minimums to begin a music major (or minor). In these situations, students are placed in remediation classes to get them up to the playing levels necessary to survive the degree-level coursework. See [[Applied Study]] for details.