Music Auditions and Scholarships

• General Music Scholarships

  General music scholarships are available to accepted music majors, minors, and non-majors at K-State. These scholarships are renewable for up to four years for students who maintain a suitable grade point average and meet performance expectations. Scholarships are awarded on the basis of successful performance achievements, scholarly potential, and the needs of the program.

  Let us know if you are interested in scholarships and auditions by completing our Future Student Form.

• Ensemble Scholarships

  A number of scholarships are available for K-State students who perform in music ensembles. They are awarded based on the needs of the ensemble and student availability.

  • Band
  • Choir
  • Orchestra
• Academic Scholarships

  Music scholarships are awarded in addition to any academic scholarships a student receives from the university. The total value of general university scholarships and awards are up to $20,000 for in-state students and $65,000 for out-of-state students.

  For any questions regarding auditions or scholarships, please email Ben Worcester.

• Audition and Scholarship Process
  1. Apply for admission to Kansas State University.
  2. Complete the Music, Theatre, and Dance Future Student Form.
  3. You will be contacted to arrange an audition.
  4. Audition for scholarships and acceptance as a music major or minor at one of our Audition Days or set up an individual or virtual audition. (In-person auditions are not required but highly valued.)
     1. Non-majors wishing to take private lessons or be considered for scholarship must also audition.
  5. Most students will be notified of any departmental scholarships by May 1st.

Audition Days and Information

• Wednesday, February 4, 2026 (Primary Audition Date)
  • All instruments and voice
  • Sample lesson with professors
  • Attend an ensemble rehearsal
  • Tour music facilities
  • Student and parent information session

  The faculty highly recommend that you attend this February 4 date or arrange a private lesson audition, as they will be individually curated to provide the best possible experience for you.

• Saturday, January 24, 2026 (Secondary Audition Date)
  • 9:00-11:00am
  • wind and percussion instruments
  • auditions only
  • takes place during Concert Band Clinic
• Saturday, February 7, 2026 (Secondary Audition Date)
  • Time TBD
  • Open Call (all instruments and voice)
    
  • Auditions only
• Online and Private Lesson Auditions by request

  In lieu of an in-person audition, a student may upload a video performing their area’s required repertoire on the School of Music, Theatre, and Dance Future Student Form. Music Minors are encouraged to upload a video on the form for their audition, however, they may also choose to do an in-person audition.

  Future Student Form

Audition Repertoire Requirements

• Bassoon
  • Contact Dr. Susan Maxwell for details (

  suemax@ksu.edu)
• Clarinet
  • Two contrasting works: one lyrical, one technical (these may be pieces, movements, or études
  • Major scales up to 4 flats/4 sharps and chromatic scale
• Euphonium
  • One piece that includes both slow and fast passages (Literature suggestions)
  • Major scales up to 4 flats/4 sharps
• Flute
  • Two contrasting works: one lyrical, one technical (these may be pieces, movements, or études
  • Major scales up to 4 flats/4 sharps
• Horn
  • Two contrasting works: one lyrical, one technical (these may be pieces, movements, or études
  • Chromatic scale OR a major scale that covers your full range
• Keyboard (Piano/Organ)
  • Visit the Keyboard Auditions page
• Percussion
  • Select three or more of the categories listed below. Perform a piece on an instrument of your choice from that category. The works must be different for each instrument chosen and may be a solo or etude.
    • Snare drum (rudimental or concert)
    • Keyboard (marimba, vibraphone, etc.)
    • Timpani
    • Multi-percussion (concert percussion, electronic percussion, etc.)
    • Hand drums/world percussion
    • Drum set
  • Be prepared to sight read a piece on the instrument of each of the categories you choose
• Saxophone
  • Two contrasting works: one lyrical, one technical (these may be pieces, movements, or études
  • Major scales up to 4 flats/4 sharps
  • Sight-read a piece
• Strings
  • Two contrasting works (may be movements from concertos, sonatas, solo works, etudes, or orchestral excerpts)
  • Two 3-Octave scales - one major and one melodic minor scale
• Trombone/Bass Trombone
  • Two contrasting works. Works: may be solos (a difficulty equivalent to Guilmant Morceau Symphonique & Saint Saens Cavatine) or etudes.)
    • One Lyrical selection
    • One Technical selection
  • In lieu of two contrasting works, a solo from Brad Edwards 24 Concert Pieces or the student may present all of their state’s All-State/District audition music.
  • Major scales up to 4 flats/4 sharps
• Trumpet
  • Two contrasting works
    • One lyrical étude and one technical étude OR A solo showcasing two contrasting musical styles
    • Major cales up to 4 flats/4 sharps
    • Full-range chromatic scale
• Tuba
  • Prepare a piece that includes both slow and fast passages (Literature suggestions.)
  • Major scales up to 4 flats/4 sharps
• Voice
  • Please visit the Voice Division page for requirements.