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Various images of students auditioning

Open House & Scholarship Audition Day 

Sunday, March 1, 2026
1 - 4 PM
Fine Arts Instructional Center

Our Open House & Scholarship Audition Day is an opportunity for admitted students to meet with faculty and current students, enjoy brief performances by our music students, and learn more about the Music Major at Eastern. Prospective students who have not visited campus before will also have a chance to take a tour of our campus and state-of-the-art Fine Arts Center. Those who are interested in being considered for a Music Scholarship may also sign up for an audition time (more info below). 

More about Scholarships:

The Music Department has a limited number of merit-based scholarships to award to exceptional incoming students each year! To be considered for one of these scholarships, prospective students must be admitted to the University and complete an audition.

Please complete the Registration Form below to sign-up for our open house and request an audition time!

REGISTRATION FORM

https://apply.easternct.edu/register/auditions2026

If you are unable to attend the March 1st date, please let us know and we will be glad to set up a separate audition date and time. Recorded auditions are acceptable if you are unable to travel to campus, but must be received by Feb 28th to be considered for a scholarship. Please contact Dr. Emily Riggs (riggse@easternct.edu) for more information.

 

More Information

Unlike at other schools, auditions at Eastern are not "pass/fail." Any student admitted to Eastern may declare a music major. Any admitted student interested in being considered for one of the music department's scholarships for incoming students must complete an audition during our Scholarship Audition Day.

 

Application Process

  1. All students interested in majoring in Music at Eastern must apply to the Office of Admissions at Eastern Connecticut State University and fulfill all general admissions guidelines as outlined here by the Office of Admissions.
  2. All admitted students planning to major in music are invited to attend our Spring Open House & Scholarship Audition Day or request an alternate time to meet with music faculty (in-person or virtually). You can register by completing the Registration Form above.

 

Scholarship Audition Requirements

Students are asked to prepare two selections or movements in contrasting styles. Repertoire should demonstrate your ability to accurately perform basic fundamentals associated with one's instrument or voice such as clear and focused tone quality, an understanding of the interpretation of musical line, accurate rhythm and good intonation. 

If you are uncertain about how to properly prepare for these auditions, please contact us at riggse@easternct.edu for guidance. We are happy to help!

Please note: All voice auditions must be accompanied by piano. You are welcome to bring your own pianist or you can request one (no fee) when you register for the audition. Please make sure you bring a copy of your music in the correct key.

 

Transfer Students

Students wishing to transfer into any degree program at Eastern should follow the admission guidelines as stated here.

All transfer students seeking to declare a major in music are invited to attend our Spring Open House & Audition Day or to request an alternate time to meet with music faculty (in-person or virtually). Students transferring to Eastern for the Spring semester are invited to schedule an individual appointment with music faculty during the Fall or Winter term. If you have any questions about the becoming a part of the Music Department, please email Dr. Timothy Cochran (cochranti@easternct.edu).

 

Scholarships

The Music Department has a variety of scholarships available for incoming and current music students.  Incoming students are currently being considered for the Wendy Taylor Yaps & Everett W. Yaps Memorial Endowed Scholarship. A complete list is available below.

Available scholarships

 

Audition FAQs

  • No. You must be a fully admitted student and have official documentation of your admission from the Eastern Connecticut State University Office of Admissions in order to be considered for a Music Scholarship.

  • Feel free to bring your own accompanist, however the Music Program will have a pianist available to play for your audition. Once you register for an audition, we will contact you about your accompanist needs.

  • Auditions are not required! While we encourage you to signup and attend the Open House, auditions are only required if you wish to be considered for a Music Scholarship.

  • No. We have no pre-screening requirement. All interested applicants will receive an in-person audition time on one of the audition dates listed above.

  • Yes. If you are unable to attend in person we can accept a recorded submission. These must be received by the audition date to be considered for a scholarship. Please contact Dr. Emily Riggs riggse@easternct.edu for more information and a list of requirements for submitting a recorded audition.