Fall Auditions

Because of the large number of students who wish to study voice, piano, violin, and guitar, the department holds scheduled auditions for these at the very beginning of the year. 

Individual Instruction

The music department offers private lessons in most instruments and voice. Some lessons—such as piano, violin, viola, and voice—require auditions at the beginning of the year. Music lessons are not covered by tuition; they cost an additional fee per semester. More information about individual instruction.

Ensembles

Admission is by audition.

Instrumental Ensembles

New Students: Saturday, August 26, 2023, starting at 4:30 p.m. or Sunday, August 27, 2023, starting at 12:30 p.m. — Martel Recital Hall, Skinner Hall of Music.

Returning Students: Monday, August 28, 2023, 1:00 p.m.-4:00 p.m. or Tuesday, August 29, 2023, 1:30 p.m.-8:00 p.m. — Skinner Hall, Room 203

The Vassar College Orchestra is a full symphony orchestra of about 60 students. The group meets twice a week and gives two or three concerts per semester, performing master works of the symphonic repertoire. Participation is open to all students by audition regardless of their chosen majors.

The Vassar College Chamber Music program offers students opportunities to participate in string quartets, piano trios, wind quintets, and other less traditional formations depending on the repertoire. The groups perform once each semester in the recital hall and several times in other venues on and off campus. Participation is open to all students by audition and may be taken for credit.

For the audition, students will be asked to play two short contrasting excerpts (fast/slow) of their choice, and there will be also some simple sight-reading.

If you have any questions please email our Orchestra Director, Eduardo Navega.

Please fill out a Google form to sign up for an audition. The forms will open Monday, August 21, 2023
New Students
Returning Students

INFORMATION MEETING

Monday, August 28, 2023
7:00 p.m.—Jazz Ensemble & Jazz Combo Students
8:00 p.m.—Wind Ensemble Students
Martel Recital Hall, Skinner Hall of Music
(At this meeting you will sign up for an audition time.)

The Vassar College Jazz Ensemble is a 20-piece group of student musicians playing saxophones, trumpets, trombones, piano, double bass, guitar, and drums; vocalists are often featured as well. It performs literature ranging from the Big Band Era to contemporary compositions and arrangements. The Jazz Combo program offers students the opportunity to play in smaller ensembles with a strong focus on jazz improvisation.

The Vassar College Wind Ensemble is a sixty-plus member ensemble of Vassar students, staff and community members. The Ensemble performs three concerts in the academic year, featuring wind band masterworks, contemporary pieces, and student compositions.

WIND ENSEMBLE AUDITIONS

Tuesday, August 29, 2023, starting at 7:00 p.m.
Martel Recital Hall, Skinner Hall of Music
Auditions are for new students only. New Wind Ensemble students can audition with an etude or solo piece excerpt. An audition piece will be provided to any student who does not have an etude or solo piece of their own. The audition sign-up sheet will be available at the August 29 meeting.

JAZZ ENSEMBLE/COMBO AUDITIONS

Thursday, August 31, 2023, starting at 4:00 p.m.
Skinner Hall, Room 421
Auditions are for new students only. New Jazz students can audition with a jazz etude or jazz ensemble piece (improvisation is optional). An audition piece will be provided to any student who does not have an etude or ensemble piece of their own. The audition sign-up sheet will be available at the August 29 meeting.

For any questions, please contact Jim Osborn.

Choral and Voice Auditions

Voice lessons involve the study of the bel canto tradition in singing, with a focus predominantly on classical vocal repertoire and technique. Auditions are competitive.

Voice lessons involve the study of the bel canto tradition in singing, with a focus predominantly on classical vocal repertoire and technique. Auditions are competitive.

Fall 2023 Choral/Voice Lesson Information Session

Thursday, August 24, 2023 — Skinner Hall of Music, Recital Hall 
10:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m. or 11:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. (please choose one)

All students interested in singing in the choirs (Women’s Chorus, Mixed Chorus, Chamber Singers) or auditioning for voice lessons should attend one of these sessions. There will be a short presentation followed by Q&A.

Saturday, August 26, 2023, 1:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m. — Skinner Hall of Music, Recital Hall

Sign up for an audition in advance by filling out the Voice Lesson Audition Google Form. The form will open Monday, August 21, 2023.

Students are encouraged to prepare one classical vocal piece in any language, preferably memorized. Please bring a copy of the music with piano accompaniment, as an accompanist will be provided. Students who do not have a classical piece prepared may also present selections from musical theatre or other music genres. 

Sunday, August 27, 2023, 1:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m. — Skinner Hall, Room 400 (Thekla Hall)

Please sign up in advance on the Choral Audition Google Form. The form will open on Monday, August 21, 2023.

Students are encouraged to prepare one classical vocal piece in any language, preferably memorized. Please bring a copy of the music with piano accompaniment, as an accompanist will be provided. Students who do not have a classical piece prepared may also present selections from musical theatre or other music genres.

Piano

Piano at Vassar with Thomas Sauer

Sunday, August 27, 2023, 11:00–11:45 a.m. — Martel Recital Hall, Skinner Hall of Music
Come and learn about the piano lesson program at Vassar.

Piano Auditions

Monday, August 28, 2023, 5:00–7:30 p.m. — Skinner Hall, Room 223
Sign-up for an audition in advance by filling out the Piano Audition Google Form. The form will open Monday, August 21, 2023.

Please prepare two short, contrasting pieces. Beginners are welcome; if you are not in a position to prepare a piece, please sign up for an audition to come and state your reasons for wishing to take up the piano.

Any questions about the audition process may be directed at any time to Thomas Sauer. We look forward to meeting you soon.

Flute Auditions

Sunday, August 27, 2023, 2:00 – 4:00 p.m.— Skinner Hall, Room 325

Sign-up for an audition in advance by filling out the Flute Audition Google Form. The form will open Monday, August 21, 2023.

For questions about flute lessons, please contact Susan Rotholz.

Organ

Pipe Dreams - Organ Info Session

Sunday, August 27, 2023, 3:00—4:00 p.m. — Chapel

Learn about the organ lesson program at Vassar. For questions about organ or harpsichord lessons, please contact Gail Archer.

Violin Auditions

Monday, August 28, 2023, 4:30 p.m.–7:30 p.m. — Skinner Hall, Room 303

Sign-up for an audition in advance by filling out the Violin Audition Google Form. The form will open Monday, August 21, 2023

For questions about violin auditions or lessons, please contact Marka Young.

Guitar Auditions

Saturday, August 26, 2023, 10:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m. — Skinner Hall, Room 325

Sign-up for an audition in advance by filling out the Guitar Audition Google Form. The form will open on Monday, August 21, 2023.

For questions about guitar auditions or lessons, please contact Trevor Babb.

Other Instruments

Bass, Bassoon, Cello, Jazz Guitar, Clarinet, Flute, French Horn, Harp, Harpsichord, Jazz Piano, Oboe, Organ, Percussion, Saxophone, Trombone, Trumpet, Tuba, and Viola.
Students interested in lessons for the following instruments or requests for more information should contact: