Audition FAQs

Frequently Asked Questions

Below are some of the most common inquiries we receive surrounding the audition process. If your question is not answered, please feel free to reach out to the Coordinator of Music Admissions, listed in the ‘Contact Us’ box below.

Additionally, please note that the office of admissions for your chosen level of study handles all things related to the University application. Questions regarding the application, submitting materials, transcripts, recommendation letters, etc. – should be addressed to the admissions office relative to your level of study.

Do I need to submit a separate application for Montclair State University and the John J. Cali School of Music?
No, you only need to submit one application to the University. Once you select ‘music’ as your program of choice, the application will auto-update with an additional form for the Cali School. The only additional form required for the Cali School will be the Audition Registration form, which will be available to you once your application is submitted. 

Do I need to submit anything to the portfolio section of my audition registration form?
The portfolio section of your audition registration form is only required for students applying to Composition or Recording Arts. Or, for any student auditioning through video submissions. If you are not auditioning through video submissions or applying to either of the above mentioned concentrations, you do not need to utilize the portfolio option on your audition registration form.

When is the deadline to submit my application/supplemental materials?
Your application, supplemental materials, and audition registration all need to be completed by the listed deadline for each audition date. Audition deadlines can be found under the "Audition Details and Requirements" page.

What is the difference between the Music Education – Classical Focus, and the Music Education – Jazz Focus?
The Cali School offers one complete degree in Music Education (listed as School & Community Settings). However, students may choose between the Classical Focus – where your primary instrument & ensemble studies are based around classical repertoire, or the Jazz Focus – where your primary instrument & ensemble studies are based around jazz repertoire.

While your application will reflect Music Education – School & Community Settings as your chosen major/concentration, there are clarifying questions on the audition registration form that will allow you to make the distinction between classical & jazz. Additionally, the repertoire and audition process will differ for each focus.

Those interested in Music Education – Classical, will follow the repertoire requirements listed for Music Education under your primary instrument. Those interested in Music Education – Jazz, will follow the repertoire requirements listed under Jazz Studies & Jazz Education.

Do you offer music minors?
We do not offer minors in music.

How do I register for an audition?
Audition registration is completed online, only after you have submitted your application. You will have access to the private audition registration link through your application portal.

Are there pre-screenings?
Pre-Screens are required for graduate voice students only. This means that any graduate applicant with "voice" listed as their primary instrument will be required to follow our pre-screen process. All other programs, including undergraduate voice applicants, do not require a pre-screen.

Can I audition for two programs at the same audition?
We do not accept dual consideration at the same audition date. However, students are permitted to re-audition for another program, or on another instrument, after their initial audition.

Do I need to take placement tests at the audition?
No, placement tests are not part of the audition process. Pending a successful audition and acceptance to the Cali School, students will receive emails with the links to placement tests for aural skills and theory classes only. Your results will not affect your admission decision and are only used to ensure you are placed into the correct course levels. Placement test information will be emailed to all accepted and deposited students in the summer months, prior to the start of the classes. 

I chose my audition date, but I haven’t received my time yet. When will I get that?
Audition & Interview times are scheduled manually by the Coordinator of Music Admissions and will be sent in a confirmation email about 1-2 weeks prior to your chosen audition date.

Do I need to bring my own instrument?
All Instrumentalists are expected to bring their own instrument, except for percussionists (please bring your own sticks and mallets) and pianists. If you do not own your primary instrument, or need access to one because of travel, please reach out to the Coordinator of Music Admissions to see if we can supply you with an instrument for your audition.

Do I need to bring an accompanist?
No, you do not need an accompanist. Instrumentalists should be prepared to perform on their primary instrument without an accompanist; vocalists will be provided with an accompanist from our faculty. Please bring a paper copy of your sheet music to supply to the accompanist at your audition.

If you are auditioning with video submissions, you may choose to perform solo or provide your own accompanist or backing tracks. Please ensure your voice/instrument is not overpowered by the accompaniment.

Can I submit a video instead of a live audition?
Yes. While we prefer for all applicants to audition in person, we understand that some students may have religious, travel, or alternative conflicts on our offered audition dates.

How do I submit an audition video?
Videos are submitted on your audition registration form. Please have your videos organized into a YouTube playlist or a google drive folder. You will submit your videos as links at the bottom of your audition registration form. Please note – you must have your videos ready when you complete the form or you will not be able to successfully register for an audition.

Do I need to register for an audition if I am submitting a video?
Yes – you must have your video links ready in order to register for your video audition.

What if I can’t attend any of the scheduled audition dates but still wish to audition in person?
The Cali School provides several dates and methods to complete an audition, therefore we highly encourage you to prioritize your college audition in your schedule. If you are still unable to attend any of the scheduled audition dates, please reach out to the Coordinator of Music Admissions for alternative options. These are subject to faculty availability and are not guaranteed.

If I don’t pass my audition, what are my options?
Incoming students may audition up to three separate times for the Cali School. If you do not pass your initial audition, you are welcome to reach out to the Music Admissions Coordinator and request to register for a future audition date. Or, if you feel you need more time to prepare for another audition, you may enter the University undeclared/undecided (pending academic acceptance) and audition to transfer into Cali as a change of major during your first semester, or at the end of your first year.