Admission Requirements
An audition, a music theory assessment, keyboard placement, and a personal interview are required for all students wishing to major in music. These requirements for admission ensure students are placed in the most appropriate classes for their musical development.
Auditions
Auditions for new students entering in August 2026 will be held on the following dates:
- January 31, 2026 Registration and warm-ups begin 9:00 am. Auditions begin at 10:00. Included will be interviews with faculty, music theory and piano placement, and Q&A for parents.
- February 28, 2026 Registration and warm-ups begin at 9:00 am. Auditions begin at 10:00 am. Included will be interviews with faculty, music theory and piano placement, and Q&A for parents.
- March 7, 2026 Registration and warm-ups begin at 9:00 am. Auditions begin at 10:00 am. Included will be interviews with faculty, music theory and piano placement, and Q&A for parents.
- If you are unable to make any of the above dates and need to schedule a private audition please email music@meredith.edu to schedule an alternate date.
Students wishing to pursue a music major or minor should submit a Music Audition Registration and may apply for a music scholarship as well. You may submit your essay for scholarship application at a later date. Application deadline for scholarships and admittance to the program is April 15, 2026. You must audition to be considered for acceptance into the music program. Applicants who live too far away to audition at Meredith may arrange to send a video or audio recording in lieu of a personal audition. See audition requirements below.
Contact Dr. Jean Wozencraft-Ornellas at jornellas@meredith.edu for more details regarding applications and audition information.
Music Theory Assessment
At the time of their audition, students who anticipate majoring/minoring in music are also asked to complete a music theory assessment. The test includes melodic, harmonic, and rhythmic aspects of music and its notation. The results of this exam do not affect admission. They are used primarily for planning the next year’s theory classes according to students’ abilities.
Audition Requirements
Live accompaniment preferred. An accompanist will be provided, although you may bring your own accompanist if you wish.
Play three works of contrasting character that are a representation of your best work, and an accurate reflection of your background and areas of interest.
- At least two of your selections should be classical works from the baroque, classical, romantic, and/or 20th-21st century eras.
- If you have a background in jazz or popular styles, one of the works may be chosen to demonstrate your skill in those areas.
- At least two of the works you choose should be memorized.
- The audition will include an assessment of technical skills such as scales, chord progressions, arpeggios, and sight reading.
Be prepared to play:
- One three-octave scale
- One etude
- One piece of your choosing
- Prepare two songs of contrasting nature which will show you to your best advantage.
- Both should be memorized
Be prepared to play at least two pieces of contrasting character, and at least one representative technical study/etude of your instrument.
Play three pieces, including:
- A work of Bach
- A work by a composer other than Bach
- A hymn
Contact Information
Jeanie Wozencraft-Ornellas
Head, Music Department
104 Wainwright
(919) 760-8536
jornellas@meredith.edu
