Voice

Audition Guidelines

In order to qualify both for admission into the Department of Music and a Fine Arts Scholarship, all prospective students must audition by February 21, 2025, and should prepare two pieces in contrasting styles (one in English and the second in another language).

You may want to choose from the following suggestions:

• Italian songs from the 17th and 18th centuries (i.e., those found in the Twenty-four Italian Songs and Arias). 
• German lieder (i.e., Schubert, Schumann, Mendelssohn, Brahms). 
• Arts songs by American or British composers (i.e., Copland, Barber, Ives, Quilter, Britten, etc.). 
• Operatic/oratorio arias. 

Pieces selected for audition should be contrasting in style and performed from memory. We prefer a live audition, but audio/video recording will be accepted in the case that students cannot travel to Drake University. Please also bring a copy of your most updated résumé to your audition.

An accompanist will be provided unless students wish to bring their own pianist. If you would like to collaborate with the accompanist provided, please bring them sheet music that is three-hole punched and in a binder. The sheet music should be clearly marked, and it can be single or double-sided. As mentioned above, Fine Arts Scholarships are available to qualified students (regardless of their major) in all areas of voice.

Visit Us

We encourage you to spend the entire day of your audition on campus and would be happy to provide you with the opportunity to observe a music class, take a lesson with one of the voice faculty (or observe a Drake student taking a lesson), and sit in on an ensemble rehearsal.

Degrees available for vocalists:

• Bachelor of Music in Performance
• Bachelor in Music Education
• Bachelor of Music with Elective Studies in Business
• Bachelor of Arts in Music

For more information concerning the voice area, please contact Dr. Eric Barnum, Dr. Ann Cravero, or Prof. Leanne Freeman-Miller.