Audition Information for Non-Majors
This page contains audition information for non-majors interested in participating department ensembles, chamber music, private lessons, and voice class.
General Information
Ensembles: Auditions are required for non-majors interested in participating in a department ensemble as well as for students interested in private instrumental tuition. All Geneseo students may participate in the following ensembles for credit: Geneseo Symphony Orchestra, Wind Ensemble, Jazz Ensemble, Percussion Ensemble, String Band, Chamber Singers, Festival Singers, Mainstage Musicals, Chamber Music and Jazz Combo. Information for each ensemble, including rehearsal times and locations, may be found on the Department Ensembles page
Lessons: The department offers private lessons to qualified non-majors in piano and orchestral instruments at no additional costs. Non-majors receive one, 30-minute private lesson each week. Due to high demand, the department does not currently offer individual tuition in voice to non-majors. Students interested in voice lessons are strongly encouraged to audition for the major in either music (vocal performance) or musical theatre, or may register for voice class.
When to Audition
Auditions for ensemble participation, voice class, and non-major lessons occur during the first week of each semester. Auditions and casting for musical theatre productions occur throughout the year in advance of a production. Click here for the current audition schedule for the first week of the fall '23 semester.
To Audition for a Vocal Ensemble or Voice Class
There is a single audition for all department vocal ensembles including the Geneseo Chamber Singers and Festival Singers. All students who wish to sing in a choir, both returning and new, must audition annually. Auditions occur at the beginning of each semester. You don’t need to prepare special music. If you do have a prepared solo, please bring a copy of your music for the accompanist. To audition for Voice Class, students should attend one of the scheduled voice audition times (see current audition schedule.
To Audition for Instrumental Ensembles, Chamber Music, and Instrumental Lessons
Sign up to audition here! Instrumental Ensembles are open to students of every major and are required only for students who have not previously been in one of Geneseo's instrumental ensembles.
When to audition: Please review and select one of the available audition time slots by clicking on the link above. Other times may be available upon request during the first week of classes. **In addition, plan to attend and begin playing the first day of rehearsal at 3:30 regardless of audition time.**
- String Instruments - Sign up for Monday, August 28 and attend the GSO rehearsal at 3:30 p.m in Wadsworth Auditorium.
- Wind, Brass, Percussion Instruments - Sign up for Tuesday, August 29 and attend the GWE rehearsal at 3:30 p.m in Wadsworth Auditorium.
What to Prepare: Prepare two short selections of contrasting styles that best demonstrate your strengths. Pieces may be from solo OR ensemble music. A limited number of instruments are available to borrow for use in the ensemble - for questions please contact Dr. McGray (mcgray@geneseo.edu).
More information may be found on the current audition schedule .