Applying to Music
the music program at Susquehanna
Please be sure to read all of the audition information thoroughly. We acknowledge that the admission process can feel complex. You are encouraged to contact the Manager of Music Admission with any questions.
Candidates for music majors must be admitted to Susquehanna University before scheduling an audition for entrance to the music program. Once an offer of admission is received, students will be prompted to register for an audition via the River Hawk Portal.
Music major auditions include a performance on your primary instrument/voice and an evaluation of basic musicianship skills. Comprehensive instructions based on your intended instrument(s) and degree program can be found in the audition and scholarship brochure.
Following admission to Susquehanna University, students will be prompted to register for an audition. Auditions for entrance to the music program will be held at Susquehanna University on the following dates:
- Saturday, December 7, 2024
- Saturday, January 25, 2025
- Saturday, February 8, 2025
- Monday, February 17, 2025
Audition spots are filled on a first-come, first-served basis and only confirmed once the offer of admission to the University is received. If you are unable to audition on a date listed above, you will be able to request an alternate audition date through the registration form. In-person auditions are preferred and afford the candidate the best scholarship consideration. It is also the ideal opportunity to explore Susquehanna. Applicants who are unable to travel to campus due to distance from campus may submit a video audition, which is followed by a virtual interview.
Comprehensive instructions based on the intended instrument(s) and degree program can be found in the audition and scholarship brochure. To receive the best consideration for a music scholarship or non-major performance grant, applicants should audition before April 1.
You will need the River Hawk portal username and password provided at the time of admission to access this form. Contact the Admission Office if you need to request that your password be reset.
Prospective music majors are welcome to schedule a focused visit with the department and connect with members of the music faculty and admission staff at any point in the application process. Sample lessons are encouraged of any senior seriously interested in studying music at Susquehanna. To schedule a meeting or sample lesson with a member of the music faculty contact the Manager of Music Admission.
Susquehanna University awards music scholarships (“Performance Grants”) to talented non-majors. Selected students receive weekly private lessons at no additional cost and are required to participate in a large ensemble. These scholarships are competitive awards based on an audition with emphasis given to instruments that will be most helpful to the music department.
Non-major music scholarship auditions will be held at Susquehanna on Friday, March 14, 2025. Participation in the March audition event is preferred; however, you will be able to request an alternate audition date or video option via the registration form. To receive the best consideration for a non-major music scholarship, auditions should take place before April 1.
Participants should be prepared to present two contrasting selections of their choice. *Singers are asked to audition with one piece of their choosing and prepare the Italian song “Caro mio ben” from the 24 Italian Songs and Arias collection in a comfortable key – available for download here.
You will need the River Hawk portal username and password provided at the time of admission to access this form. Contact the Admission Office if you need to request that your password be reset.
