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Performing Arts Technology Auditions & Interviews

Department of Performing Arts Technology Auditions - Undergraduate

Every Performing Arts Technology degree requires the submission of a portfolio by December 1,  and subsequent interview with the Performing Arts Technology faculty. The Bachelor of Music in Music and Technology (Curriculum A) also requires an audition. (Audition requirements are listed elsewhere under the specific instrument or voice entry.)

After a preliminary review of portfolios, a selected number of applicants will be invited for on-campus interviews.

Portfolios should be uploaded by December 1.

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Curricula A, B, and C (Sonic Arts Concentration only)

  1. Upload at least five tracks*:
    1. one example of an original composition (two to five minutes long) for electronic instruments;
    2. a recording of an original composition (two to five minutes long) for one or more acoustic instruments accompanied by a notated score;
    3. an arrangement of any fugue movement by J.S. Bach orchestrated for electronic instruments;
    4. a selection of original sampled and processed or synthesized sounds;
    5. a recording of you performing on a traditional acoustic instrument or voice, preferably with other instruments.

    *Complete and upload the companion notes along with your recordings to provide a complete description of the equipment and techniques used to produce your portfolio. All Soundfiles must be uncompressed stereo audio 16-bit resolution with a sampling rate of 44.lkHz (CD quality).

  2. Upload a copy of source code and program output of an original computer program in any language. Commented source code should include name, UM ID, address and phone as well as a program abstract and additional comments as necessary.  We recommend that you copy your code on to a text or word file before uploading. Recommended computer languages include: C, C++, Java, Python, and Processing (available from www.processing.org).

Curriculum C (Visual Arts or Engineering Concentration)

Applicants to the Bachelor of Fine Arts: Media Arts Concentration (Curriculum C) intending to concentrate in either Visual Arts or Engineering should upload a representative portfolio of their creative work.  Example portfolio pieces might include an original music composition, a video, a computer program, photography, or art. Please complete the companion notes when uploading to provide a complete description of the contents of your portfolio including title of each piece, a list of the equipment used and techniques and intent in compiling the portfolio. All soundfiles must be uncompressed stereo audio 16-bit resolution with a sampling rate of 44.lkHz (CD quality).

Curriculum D

Applicants to the Bachelor of Science in Sound Engineering (Curriculum D) should upload a portfolio consisting of a stereo recording of the following*:

  1. yourself performing on an instrument or voice with the repertoire of your choice;
  2. two stereo recordings that you have engineered that represent contrasting musical styles performed by at least three musicians.  The stereo recording should be produced primarily from microphone signals.  Original compositions are encouraged;
  3. a recording of an original composition (two to five minutes long) for one or more acoustic instruments accompanied by a notated score;
  4. an arrangement of any fugue movement by J.S. Bach orchestrated for electronic instruments.

*Complete and upload the companion notes along with your recordings to provide a complete description of the equipment and techniques used to produce your portfolio.  All soundfiles must be uncompressed stereo audio 16-bit resolution with a sampling rate of 44.lkHz (CD quality).

Please Note: The Bachelor of Science in Sound Engineering has higher academic requirements for admission than other School of Music, Theatre & Dance degrees. Students interested in this degree program should have achieved at least a 3.5 GPA in the academic courses taken in high school. It is also important that students have experience with music theory and ear training and have taken extensive coursework in mathematics (preferably through at least pre-calculus) and natural science and can demonstrate aptitude in these areas. In addition to the GPA requirements, the Bachelor of Science requires an SAT math subscore of 630 or better, or an ACT math subscore of 28 or better.  It is also expected that the student has attained a high level of proficiency on an acoustic instrument and has had some experience with sound reinforcement and multitrack recording. Questions regarding these requirements should be directed to the Office of Admissions and Student Services at the School of Music, Theatre & Dance (734.764.0593).

Audition Schedule and Application Deadline Dates

Principal Instruments

General Undergraduate Audition and Interview Information

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Photography Credits:

U-M Photo Services

Joe Welsh

Peter Smith

David Smith

Glen Behring

Tom Bower

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