Auditions

Online registration is now open. Find links to online registration forms, audition schedules, deadlines, and requirements below.  

Participation in Department of Music ensembles and activities is, in most cases, by audition. Your audition helps the Performance Program directors get to know you and your musicianship, enabling them to match you with the performance opportunities best suited to you.

Four ensembles do not require an audition: the Afro-Cuban Folkloric Ensemble, the Early Music Ensemble, the South Asian Music Ensemble, and the Middle East Music Ensemble. These ensembles host open house rehearsals at the beginning of the Autumn Quarter that allow students to explore their performance opportunities.

In all cases, preference for membership in the Department of Music Performance ensembles is given to qualified University of Chicago students (both undergraduate and graduate). Faculty, staff, and interested community members are welcome to audition for the Department ensembles and are invited to participate as space permits.

Auditions for the 2023-24 academic year will be held in September 2023, during orientation week and the first week of autumn quarter. Auditions are held either in-person or via pre-recorded video, depending on the ensemble or program.

Online registration is now open. Find links to online registration forms, audition schedules, deadlines, and requirements below.  

Sign up for our email list to receive news and announcements about auditions. 

View the recording of our Performance Program Virtual Information Session. 

2023 Instrumental Auditions

All new AND returning instrumentalists interested in participating in the University Symphony Orchestra, University Chamber Orchestra, University Wind Ensemble, and Percussion Ensemble are required to audition in order to be considered for membership. Returning musicians, and others who are on campus early, are urged to sign up for an appointment as early in the audition period as possible. Learn more about Instrumental Audition requirements.

• Instrumental audition dates: Monday, September 18 – Tuesday, September 26 
• Deadline to register for an instrumental audition: Monday, September 25 

2023 Choral Auditions

Choral auditions will be held both in-person and by pre-recorded video.  

All new singers must audition for the choral ensembles, either by pre-recorded video or by selecting a time for a live audition. Live auditions will be recorded for reference.  

Returning participants of the University Chorus or Women’s Ensemble do NOT need to submit a video or select a live audition time, but MUST fill out the online registration form. Previous participants who would like to join or return to the Motet Choir and Rockefeller Chapel Choir must select a live audition time. Learn more about Choral Audition requirements. 

• Choral audition dates: Virtual submissions begin September 11, live auditions are held September 24, 25, 26, and October 3
• Deadline to register for a choral audition: Monday, October 2
• Deadline to submit a virtual audition: Tuesday, October 3

2023 Jazz Auditions

All new and returning musicians who are interested in participating in the Jazz Ensemble must audition. Jazz auditions will be held in person. Learn more about Jazz Audition requirements.  

• Jazz audition dates: Monday, September 25, and Tuesday, September 26. 
• Deadline to register for a jazz audition: Sunday, September 24 

2023 Piano Program Auditions

New individuals interested in participating in the Piano Program are required to submit a video audition. Returning Piano Program participants are NOT required to re-audition, but MUST register their interest in participating in the Piano Program during the 2023-24 year by filling out the audition registration form. Learn more about Piano Audition requirements.  

• Deadline to submit a virtual piano audition: Friday, October 6 
   

2023 Chamber Music Program Auditions

All new musicians interested in participating in the Chamber Music Program, as well as returning musicians who do not have an established chamber group, must play a short audition for placement in an appropriate ensemble. Returning musicians who have an established chamber group MUST confirm their interest in participating in the Chamber Music Program by registering through the online form. All members of the established group must register. Learn more about Chamber Music Program Audition requirements. 

• Chamber Music Program Audition Dates: Saturday, September 30. If you are unavailable on September 30, please reach out to Heather Wittels to find an audition time before September 30.  
• Deadline to register for a Chamber Music Program audition: Friday, September 29.  

2023 Vocal Studies Program Auditions

The Vocal Studies Program is holding in-person auditions for the 2023-24 year. Singers returning to the Vocal Studies Program do not need to re-audition, but MUST register through the online form. Learn more about the Vocal Studies Audition requirements.  

• Vocal Studies Program Audition Dates: Saturday, September 30 and Sunday, October 1
• Deadline to sign up for a Vocal Studies Program audition: Friday, September 29 
• Deadline to register your participation (returning vocalists): Friday, October 6 at 12 pm

• Afro-Cuban Folkloric Ensemble — Monday, September 25, 4:00-6:00 PM. Goodspeed Hall Room 402. 
• Middle East Music Ensemble — Thursday, September 28, 7:00-9:00 PM. Logan Center Room 901. 
• South Asian Music Ensemble — Monday, October 2, 5:00-7:00 PM. Logan Center Room 703. RSVP HERE.
• Early Music Ensemble — Tuesday, October 3, 7:00-9:00 PM. Logan Center Room 703. RSVP HERE.