Auditions

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.

Three ensembles do not require an audition: the Afro-Cuban Folkloric Ensemble, the Early Music Ensemble, and the South Asian 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, alumni, and interested community members are welcome to audition for the Department ensembles and are invited to participate as space permits.

Auditions for the 2025-26 academic year will be held in September and October 2025, during orientation week and the first week of autumn quarter. Auditions are held in person or via pre-recorded video, depending on the ensemble or program.

Sign up for our email list to receive news and announcements about 2025 auditions. 

The 2024 audition requirements (detailed below) will remain the same or be very similar for the 2025-2026 auditions. Performance Program Director Barbara Schubert also hosted a virtual information session to discuss performance opportunities, dates, and requirements for 2024 auditions. The event was recorded and is available for replay. 

2024 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 23 – Tuesday, October 1 (Monday, September 30 for percussion)
• Audition location: Logan 703 (Percussion auditions take place in Logan 901)

2024 Choral Auditions

Choral auditions will be held live and via pre-recorded video, depending on the ensemble. For the Motet Choir and Rockefeller Chapel Choir, all new and returning singers are required to audition live. For the University Chorus and Women's Ensemble, new singers must submit a pre-recorded video audition. Singers returning to UChorus or Women's Ensemble will not be required to audition or submit a video, but they MUST complete the online registration form. Learn more about Choral Audition requirements. 

• Choral audition dates: Virtual submissions begin September 16, live auditions are held Sunday, September 29 – Tuesday, October 1
• Deadline to register for a choral audition: September 30
• Deadline to submit a virtual audition: October 1
• Live audition location: Fulton Recital Hall

2024 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 30, and Tuesday, October 1 
• Deadline to register for a jazz audition: September 30
• Audition location: Logan 502

2024 Middle East Music Ensemble Auditions

New this year, the Middle East Music Ensemble (MEME) will require auditions for all new members, as well as auditions for returning members who play the following instruments: Piano, Voice, Guitar, Oud, Buzuq, Baglama, Tar, Satnour, Qanun, Nay, and other Middle Eastern Instruments. Learn more about Middle East Music Ensemble audition requirements. 

• Middle East Music Ensemble audition dates: Thursday, October 3
• Deadline to register for a MEME audition: October 2
• Audition location: Logan 803
   

2024 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, October 5.
• Deadline to register for a Chamber Music Program audition: Friday, October 4.
• Audition location: Fulton Recital Hall

2024 Vocal Studies Program Auditions

All new singers interested in participating in the Vocal Studies Program must attend a live audition. 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 date: Saturday, October 5
• Deadline to sign up for a Vocal Studies Program audition: Friday, October 4
• Audition location: Goodspeed Hall 111
   

2024 Piano Program Auditions

All pianists interested in participating in the Piano Program must attend a live audition. Registration is now open.

• Piano Program audition dates: Sunday, October 6, and Monday, October 7
• Audition location: Logan 405

• Afro-Cuban Folkloric Ensemble: Monday, September 30, 6:30-8:00 PM. Goodspeed Hall Room 402. 
• South Asian Music Ensemble: Monday, October 7, 5:00-7:00 PM. Logan Center Room 703. 
• Early Music Ensemble: Sunday, October 6, 7:00-9:00 PM. Logan Center Room 703.