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Voice

Admission & Auditions

Voice Audition Requirements

The UNCW Department of Music welcomes vocalists from a broad range of musical backgrounds. Students may audition in Classical Voice or Commercial Voice, according to their intended degree program. Both pathways emphasize healthy vocal technique, musical development, and expressive performance. 

BA Performance / BM Music Education

Classical Voice Requirements

Applicants should be prepared to sing two contrasting classical songs from memory, one of which should be in Italian; classical English repertoire and folk songs are encouraged. Transfer students should include art songs in French or German, where appropriate.  

Students will be evaluated on vocal potential, expression and basic musical skills, including sight-reading a simple melody and selected technical exercises or warm-ups. A collaborative pianist will be provided for in-person auditions. 

Auditionees are responsible for obtaining their own copies of all selected repertoire. Public domain works are available through the IMSLP Petrucci Music Library.

Repertoire:

Italian songs of the 17th and 18th centuries; English songs/arias from Baroque and Contemporary eras; folk songs; accessible literature from German and French composers.

If you have any questions about vocal repertoire, please contact Dr. Emily Skilling.

BA Music Technology

Commercial Voice Requirements

Applicants should prepare two contrasting songs from memory that demonstrate vocal ability, musical expression, and stylistic versatility. Contrast may be demonstrated through differences in style, tempo, or expression.

Students will be evaluated on vocal potential, intonation, rhythmic accuracy, musical expression, stylistic awareness, and basic musical skills, including selected technical exercises or warm-ups. 

Repertoire:

Selections may be drawn from contemporary commercial genres, including pop, rock, jazz, R&B, soul, country, gospel, and folk. One selection may be an original composition by the applicant. 

Applicants may accompany themselves on piano or guitar or use prerecorded accompaniment tracks without lead vocals.

For questions about Commercial Voice audition repertoire, please contact Ms. Tina Langevin.  

Musical Theatre Minor Audition Requirements

Admission to the Musical Theatre minor requires a short audition video package demonstrating vocal, dramatic, and physical expression. Please upload: 

  • One MT song that shows both your vocal ability and physical storytelling. (You don’t need to present formal choreography, just incorporate natural movement that supports your performance)
  • A brief monologue (60–90 seconds) from a play or musical, age-appropriate, memorized

Begin each video with a short slate and use the horizontal orientation.

If you have any questions about musical theatre repertoire, please contact Dr. Nancy King.