Voice
For your voice audition, please select two songs of contrasting style from classical literature that presents your voice at its best. Singing in a foreign language is not required. Commercial, pop and gospel music are not appropriate for the audition.
Auditions must be accompanied by piano. If you would like VCU Music to provide an accompanist, you will need to indicate that on your audition request form. You will also need to send (by mail or fax) a copy of your music to our admissions coordinator, Racquel Wallace. Your music must be received two weeks before your scheduled audition date and you will need to bring your original music with you to your audition.
Students auditioning for the voice area may bring their own accompanist on the day of the audition. However, please note that your audition time cannot be confirmed in advance, so your accompanist will need to spend most, if not all, the audition day with you at VCU.
Repertoire suggestions
English language
- Folk song arrangements such as The Arnold Book of Old Songs (Quilter)
- Henry Purcell
- Lute Songs by Dowland, Campian, Morely, etc.
- John Jacob Niles
- Roger Quilter
- Ralph Vaughan Williams
- Samuel Barber
- Aaron Copland
- Richard Hundley
- Lee Hoiby
Foreign language
If you wish to present a selection in a foreign language, standard art songs in French, German, Italian and Spanish are appropriate.
Musical Theater – 1960 and before
One selection for your audition may come from a musical theatre production that premiered in 1960 or earlier
- Vocal quality must be “legit”
- Vocal belting is not permitted in this repertoire
- Representative composers: Loewe, Rodgers, Gershwin, Berlin and Kern
Please note that these are only examples. Solo repertoire should be chosen that is appropriate to the vocal ability of the singer.
Sight-singing
Students will be asked to play (piano) and sing a short passage at sight.
Other preparation
A career in music requires that you play the piano and read music with fluency. Your audition will be more successful if you have studied a musical instrument and are familiar with the keyboard.
If you have questions regarding the suitability of your song selections or other aspects of the voice audition, please contact Cynthia Donnell, coordinator of vocal studies, at csdonnel@vcu.edu.
