Auditions-Interviews
Music Majors Auditions and Interviews
An audition or interview is required for all incoming admitted students and current Purdue students who wish to major in music.
To schedule an audition or interview, please email rueffmusic@groups.purdue.edu with the subject line [Music Audition/Interview] and include your full name in the email. You will then receive a link to complete the audition form.
Audition Dates/ location
Fall 2026
- Friday, August 21, 2026 | 10:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m.
Spring 2027
- Saturday, January 9, 2027 | 10:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m.
- Saturday, March 6, 2027 | 10:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m.
- Saturday, April 3, 2027 | 10:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m.
Location: Patti & Rusty Rueff School of Design, Art, and Performance
PAO 2179
Audition and Interview Requirements
Audition and interview requirements vary by concentration. Please review the audition requirements below for your intended area of study.
Students interested primarily in music history or musicology may substitute an on-site interview for a performance audition.
Students auditioning on an instrument or voice should prepare two contrasting pieces. Scales and sight-reading may also be asked. If you have questions regarding appropriate repertoire, please contact us at rueffmusic@groups.purdue.edu.
Option 1: Perform 5–8 minutes of music during an on-site audition.
Option 2: Submit a 5–8 minutes video recording.
Applicants should submit a 5–8 minutes video recording of an original composition, arrangement, or production created entirely or partially using notation software or a digital audio workstation (DAW).
In addition, applicants should perform one piece on their primary instrument or voice.
Option 1: Perform 2–3 minutes of music during an on-site audition.
Option 2: Submit a 2–3 minutes video recording of the performance.
Applicants should submit at least two examples of original compositions or music theory projects. Each submission should include either a MIDI realization or a live performance recording.
In addition, applicants should prepare one 3–5 minutes performance on their primary instrument or voice.
Option 1: Perform the work during an on-site audition and submit your portfolio.
Option 2: Submit a video recording of your performance along with your composition/theory portfolio.
Prepare three contrasting jazz standards that include improvisation, typically selected from the Real Book (for example, How High the Moon, One Note Samba, and a ballad). Many applicants use recordings from the Jamey Aebersold Play-Along Series for accompaniment.
Option 1: Perform 5–8 minutes of music during an on-site audition.
Option 2: Submit a 5–8 minutes video recording.