Students rehearse on marimbasHow Do I Enroll in the Department of Music?

*Note that those intending to enroll in one of our graduate programs should follow the procedures found on the Department of Music Graduate Admission Requirements page.

1. Apply to IUP first

Department of Music admission is contingent upon successful admission to the university.

2. Schedule an audition

Register now for your IUP music audition!

Audition now for fall 2024 admission. Click the button above to finalize your audition registration. In-person auditions will be offered on these dates:

  • Saturday, December 2, 2023
  • Saturday, January 27, 2024
  • Saturday, February 24, 2024
  • Saturday, April 6, 2024
  • Saturday, April 27, 2024

If you prefer, you may instead audition via Zoom on one of our audition dates. Fill out and submit the Audition Information Form in order to schedule your audition.

All music majors are eligible for scholarships, which are determined based on your audition.

If you have any questions regarding scheduling an audition, please contact the department at 724-357-2397 or email Dawnette Shellhammer (dmshell@iup.edu).

Piano Placement Test

All music majors must study piano for at least two semesters at IUP. For most students, this will be in-class piano. Students who have a background of piano study may be eligible to take private applied lessons instead of class piano. Students with piano background should complete the Piano Placement Test as part of their audition for entrance into the IUP Department of Music. Such students should come prepared to:

  • play a few phrases of any composition they choose (other than an original composition), memorized or with music
  • play two white-key major scales (2 octaves, hands together)only if you have studied the correct fingering
  • sight-read a few bars of very easy piano music

Piano majors and those with no piano background do not have to take this brief exam.

Suggested Audition Materials

Voice

Requirements for voice applicants for the BA/BFA in music performance and BSEd music education degree programs

Percussion

Etude or solo required for these instruments, plus sight reading expected on snare and mallets

Keyboard

Suggested audition material for the BSEd, BA, or BFA. Composition degrees, and for the BFA in Music Performance

Strings

A prospective violin, viola, cello, double bass, or guitar student should be prepared to play from the listed repertoire.

Woodwinds

Requirements for Flute, Oboe, Clarinet, Bassoon, and Saxophone

Brass

Requirements for trumpet/cornet, French horn, trombone, euphonium, and tuba

Composition

Requirements for composition