Each year, the University of Mary awards thousands of dollars in music scholarships to incoming freshman and transfer students. Awards are based on academic merit, musical aptitude, and the potential for positive contribution to the university.
To be considered for a music scholarship, students must complete the following process.
Step 1: Apply and be accepted as an undergraduate student at the University of Mary. A complete university application consists of the following items:
Step 2: Apply for a music scholarship by completing the following:
- Music Scholarship Application
- Personal audition and interview with faculty
- Music theory, music history and keyboard skills placement exams (prospective Music majors/minors only)
Upon receipt of all materials, students will be considered for a music scholarship award. Scholarship award notifications are mailed on an ongoing basis. While applications are accepted on rolling basis, the preferred application deadline is March 1, as scholarship funds may not be available after this date.
Scholarship Audition Requirements
Applicants in all areas should prepare an audition that best represents their current level of musical ability. The material need not be excessively demanding, but should show a breadth of abilities (agility, facility, tone, technique, range, pitch discrimination, etc.). We will be interested in technical and musical levels that show promise of successful college-level study, including clarity of tone, technique, facility, expression, communication, and musicianship.
Note: All transfer students should also bring a list of repertoire previously studied to the audition.
Brass
Applicants should prepare two contrasting selections from the classical literature (etudes and/or solos), major scales (two octaves when possible), and full range chromatic scale. Students may also perform a jazz selection and/or improvise on 12-bar blues in addition to the above requirement. Multiple brass players (i.e. bass trombone and tuba) should perform one selection on their secondary instrument. An accompanist is not required.
Guitar/bass guitar
Applicants should perform two pieces of any style or origin, at least one of which must be learned from standard notation written music (NOT tablature), plus major scales. Students may also improvise on 12-bar blues in addition to the above requirement.
Organ
Applicants must demonstrate keyboard proficiency through the completion of the piano scholarship audition requirements. In addition, applicants should prepare one or two selections at the organ that demonstrate proper use of pedals.
Percussion
- Snare Drum: A concert solo or rudimental etude approximately one to three minutes in length and consisting of at least five basic rudiments
- Marimba: A concert solo or etude for two or four mallets. In addition, please perform two major and two harmonic minor scales of your choice.
- Drum Set (optional): Demonstrate each of the following styles:
- A swing pattern with four two-measure fills (quarter-note = 144 bpm)
- A Samba pattern (quarter-note = 160 bpm)
- A Swing pattern with brushes (quarter-note = 120 bpm)
- Timpani (optional): A concert solo or etude for a minimum of two, three, or four timpani
Piano
Applicants should prepare two contrasting selections from the standard etude and/or classical solo literature, and 2-octave hands-alone major scales with proper fingerings. Students may also perform a musical theatre, pop music, or jazz selection and/or improvise on 12-bar blues in addition to the above requirement. Memorization of audition material is encouraged.
Strings
Applicants should prepare two contrasting selections from the standard etude and/or solo literature (i.e. movement of solo Bach, movement of Mozart concerto, etude by Rode or Mazas), major and minor scales (three octaves when possible). Multiple string performers (i.e. violin and viola) should perform one selection on their secondary instrument. An accompanist is not required.
Voice
Applicants should prepare two memorized songs from the standard classical vocal literature (one in English and one in a foreign language). A music theater selection or repertoire in other non-classical styles may be included as a third selection, but it may not take the place of the two standard classical vocal literature selections. The material need not be excessively demanding, but should show a breadth of abilities (agility, legato, range, etc.) and complement the applicant's current level of skill and technique. We will be interested in vocal and musical levels that show promise of successful college-level study, including clarity of tone, appropriate musical expression and communication, and musicianship. An accompanist will be provided or you may bring your own.
Woodwinds
Applicants should prepare two contrasting selections from the classical literature (etudes and/or solos), major scales (two octaves when possible), and full range chromatic scale. Saxophonists may also perform a jazz selection and/or improvise on 12-bar blues in addition to the above requirement. Woodwind doublers should perform one selection on any secondary instrument(s). An accompanist is not required.
