Video Audition Information and Procedure
Video auditions are prerecorded presentations by Music applicants. Videos will be submitted via an online platform such as YouTube (private or public listing) or Vimeo. If listed as "private", the link to the video should be included in a document or email that accompanies the submission. Applicants will register for the Video Option on the Audition Application. Video auditions should be performed on the applicant's primary instrument. Please send all video links to the Department of Music email address: music@uu.edu.
Video Expectation
- Videos may be recorded using a video camera, phone, tablet, or computer.
- All video auditions must include audio and video.
- Professional video and audio recording technology is not required.
- Production effects and video and audio editing should not be used for video auditions.
- It is recommended that applicants wear performance attire for the audition video.
Applicant Personal Presentation
This should occur at the beginning of the video:
- Applicants will introduce themselves on the video (name, where they live, what degree program they are auditioning for)
- Provide a brief description of their musical experience,
- Offer a statement about their calling (music occupation, worship leadership, music education profession, etc...),
- Explain the reason for applying to Union University Department of Music.
- Applicants will verbally announce each selection prior to performance.
General Audition Requirements: (For All Programs of Study)
Each candidate must submit a vocal or instrumental video audition of one (1) musical selection on their primary instrument. The selection should be a representation of the genre they desire to study while at Union (Pop song, Worship song, gospel, country, Classical, jazz standard, etc...). If drumkit is your primary instrument, you will need to record yourself playing drumkit with a click track or "stems" with the drums removed from the recording.
See below for additional requirements in your specific area of study.
Specific Audition Requirements for:
BM in Commercial Music BM in Worship Leadership BM in Performance (Non-Commercial), Music Education, Music Theory, and Composition (Traditional)
BM in Commercial Music
BM in Commercial Music: Performance
Applicants should submit (1) additional video of singing and/or playing a song of your choice. This video should show the applicant in a performance setting (church service, concert, festival performance, etc...). If drumkit is your primary instrument, it is helpful to have "drum cam" footage as part of the video submission.
BM in Commercial Music: Arranging and Composition
In addition to the song performance (General Audition Requirements) applicants will submit a representative original selection as a Portfolio of creative work.
Portfolio Requirement
- One sound file (MP3 or .WAV format) of a composition or original arrangement (does not have to be professionally recorded), which demonstrates ability to craft commercially viable music.
- If printed scores or charts are available, the applicant is encouraged to submit them for evaluation along with the sound file.
BM in Commercial Music: Songwriting
In addition to the song performance (General Audition Requirements) applicants will submit a video performance of an original song. Lyrical content should be representative of Union University's mission and values, even if the song is not overtly Christian in message. Please include the lyrics of your original song in the description of your YouTube video.
BM in Commercial Music: Recording Engineering & Producing
Please submit an MP3 or WAV file demonstrating your production work. This should demonstrate your use of recording technology such as GarageBand, Logic, Pro Tools, etc. In the video description, please also include a brief explanation of what you did in this production (e.g. I played bass, recorded the instruments, mixed the track, added processing effects, etc.).
BM in Worship Leadership
BM in Worship Leadership: General (Performance)
Applicants should submit (1) additional video of leading worship in a congregational setting (i.e. Sunday morning service, youth group, etc...).
BM in Worship Leadership: Arranging and Composition
In addition to the song performance (General Audition Requirements) applicants will submit a representative original selection as a Portfolio of creative work.
Portfolio Requirement
- One sound file (MP3 or .WAV format) of a composition or original arrangement (does not have to be professionally recorded), which shows recent creative activity.
- If printed scores are available, the applicant is encouraged to submit them for evaluation along with the sound file.
BM in Worship Leadership: Songwriting
In addition to the song performance (General Audition Requirements) applicants will submit a video performance of an original worship song. Please include the lyrics of your original worship song in the description of your YouTube video.
BM in Worship Leadership: Recording Engineering & Producing
Please submit an MP3 or WAV file demonstrating your production work. This should demonstrate your use of recording technology such as GarageBand, Logic, Pro Tools, etc. In the video description, please also include a brief explanation of what you did in this production (e.g. I played bass, recorded the instruments, mixed the track, added processing effects, etc.).
BM in Performance (Non-Commercial), Music Education, Music Theory, and Composition (Traditional):
Applicants will perform a second selection based on the literature requirements listed for specific applied areas. See Suggested Types of Audition Materials for guidance on literature requirements for the video audition.