Auditions for Fall 2024 will be held in-person from August 27-30, 2024, in Tharp Rehearsal Hall.

  • All auditionees must sign up for their audition via Emory’s online eAudition System
  • Contact instrumentalmusic@emory.edu with any questions regarding EWE activities this coming academic year.
  • Following the audition period, the Department of Music will notify and enroll successful auditionees in ensembles (students do not enroll themselves in performance courses or ensembles).

Audition Requirements & Details

All students are evaluated on the basis of tone quality, intonation, technique, rhythmic precision, musicianship, expressiveness, and reading ability. All instrumentalists should prepare:

  •  a lyrical selection from the standard solo, excerpt, or etude literature in a slow or moderate tempo around 2-3 minutes in duration
  • a technical selection from the standard solo, excerpt, or etude literature in a faster tempo around 2-3 minutes in duration
  • a single piece with contrasting sections, 4-5 minutes in duration

Percussionists: visit the Emory Percussion page for audition information. Contact instrumentalmusic@emory.edu to arrange access to percussion instruments for pre-audition practice!  Instruments will be provided, but students should bring their own sticks and mallets.

Audition for Membership in all Emory Instrumental Ensembles

Including: Emory Wind Ensemble, Emory University Symphony Orchestra, Chamber Music

Students (particularly Freshmen) who may not yet know their class schedule should go ahead and schedule an audition regardless and adjust their time if necessary prior to the first week of classes. If you have any problems with the system,  please email Martha Shockey in the Music Department.  In these auditions instrumental musicians (woodwinds, brass, strings and percussion) will be considered for all ensemble opportunities at Emory University. These include the Emory University Symphony Orchestra, the Emory Wind Ensemble, the Chamber Music Program and if interested, individual lessons and the music major. Students accepted into the program traditionally enroll for the season, i.e. Fall and Spring semesters.

IMPORTANT ADVICE ON NOT WAITING TO AUDITION

A number of students audition during their senior year of high school; the majority wait until they have arrived on campus. Sometimes students wait until the second semester of their freshmen year to try and audition; we would strongly recommend against this as a viable strategy. There are rarely vacancies in the middle of the season and ensemble members accepted in the Fall play for the entire season (Fall and Spring). Most ensemble students participate for all four years of their undergraduate career. Therefore, waiting until your sophomore year to audition is inadvisable. 

Auditions for Scholarships/Music Major status

Auditions for entry into the Music Major take place during the first week of classes in August and can be scheduled via the eAudition system (see above).

Majoring in music carries some advantages. Firstly, it is one of the majors that can be declared immediately (there are some majors that you cannot declared until your sophomore or junior year.It is just as easy to drop the music major as it is to add it, so when the time comes for you to declare the major you intend to pursue, you can easily switch. However, the majority of Emory music majors continue being a music major in addition to their other field of study, pursuing a double major. 

Private lessons on your instrument are taught by Emory’s distinguished Artist Affiliates, and include members of the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra, Atlanta Ballet Orchestra, Atlanta Opera Orchestra, and other internationally-renowned artists. There are also scholarships available that can help defray the remaining cost of instrumental lessons.

Do I have to be a Music Major or Minor to participate in performance ensembles?

No. Membership has always been drawn from the entire Emory University student body.

Can I participate in ensembles considering my academic course load?

The Emory Wind Ensemble rehearses Mondays and Wednesdays 4:30pm-6:30pm.

The Emory University Symphony Orchestra rehearses on Tuesdays and Thursdays 4:30-6:30pm.

Hundreds of former ensemble members have found the balance between a rigorous academic load and the musical rewards provided by performing in ensembles at Emory. In addition, weekly schedules are provided so that each student knows well in advance whether their presence is required in rehearsal or not. This allows students to manage their time and myriad responsibilities effectively.

Chamber Music Opportunities?

Are there opportunities for Chamber Music at Emory?

In addition to small ensembles such as string quartets and quintets, Emory University sponsors mixed chamber ensembles, a Percussion Ensemble, and Chamber Winds.

Applied Study

Am I required to take Applied Music Lessons to participate?

Applied Music Lessons are only required of Music Majors and/or Minors, but are generally expected for all musicians enrolled in ensembles. 

What is the cost of Applied Music Lessons?

If you are a Music Major, you are required to complete four (4) semesters of MUS 320: Applied Music Lessons. The total cost to you for 12 lessons per semester is $450, whether for majors, minors, double-majors, or non-majors, which is added to your bursar’s bill at the end of the Drop/Add period. 

Students may also take private lessons from an instructor in the Department of Music for no college credit. Non credit lessons are based on instructor availability. Lesson fees are paid directly to the instructor, based on the fee structure outlined above. Students commit to study for the entire semester and pay instructor fee in full at the first lesson.