The College of New Jersey Logo

Apply     Visit     Give     |     Alumni     Parents     Offices     TCNJ Today     Three Bar Menu

Audition FAQ’s

Who is required to audition?

ALL music majors: Performance, Music Education, Bachelor of Arts in Music, Elementary Education and Music, Early Childhood Education and Music, Special Education and Music, and Deaf Education and Music, are required to audition in order to be accepted to TCNJ.  Students desiring a Music Minor do not have to audition during the admissions process, only after matriculation.

How do I schedule my audition?

Once you have applied and submitted all of your required documents to the Office of Admissions using the common app, you will be prompted to schedule an audition.

If you have trouble scheduling an audition, please contact musicdept@tcnj.edu.

What will happen at my interview?

The interview will focus on the applicant’s prior musical experience and ability to present their career objectives in a thoughtful, articulate, and professional manner.

Another important part of the interview is an Aural Skills and Music Theory Placement test. This is a one-on-one test of basic musicianship skills including:

  • Reading treble and bass clef, time and key signatures
  • Singing a simple song, unaccompanied (e.g., My Country ‘Tis of Thee)
  • Sight-singing
  • Melodic and rhythmic memory

Students with advanced music theory knowledge will be given opportunities for advanced placement at a later point in the matriculation process.

Do I need an accompanist?

Instrumental auditions are performed without accompaniment. Vocalists are required to perform with accompaniment. See the VOICE audition page for instructions and/or assistance with your accompaniment.

Why do pianists & guitarists have special instructions?

Pianists and guitarists are required to declare a secondary track of vocal or instrumental study, and to audition in that area. This is primarily for ensemble placement. Please read the requirements carefully, and send your preference to musicdept@tcnj.edu, an audition for your secondary instrument will occur at a later date.  PIANISTS: please note that you are required to send a repertoire list and a letter of recommendation from your piano teacher to Dr. Tomoko Kanamaru, Coordinator of Keyboard Studies, at kanamaru@tcnj.edu.  Audition Requirements

When will I hear the results?

You will receive an email from the Department of Music within 2 weeks of your audition, informing you of our recommendation to the Office of Admissions. You will be hearing from the Office of Admissions regarding their final decision, usually within 2-4 weeks of your audition, and no later than April 1.