Conservatory Admission

We are pleased that you are applying for admission to the Capital University Conservatory of Music. 

The purpose of the audition is to determine the musical qualifications of each student. The guidelines under emphasis requirements on the Conservatory Admission webpage can assist you as you select the pieces you plan to perform. In addition to performing your prepared audition pieces, you will also be required to complete musicianship and audiation (theory), and piano assessments.  

Your audition performance, academic record and admission application information will be used to determine your scholarship eligibility. For questions, contact Summer Slusher, Coordinator of Conservatory Recruitment, by phone at 614-236-6190 or by email at sslusher@capital.edu.

 Applying

Students planning to study in the following areas need to complete a two part process to gain admittance to both Capital University and the Conservatory of Music.

• Composition
• Jazz Studies
• Keyboard Pedagogy
• Music Industry
• Music Technology (Bachelor of Music)
• Music Education
• Performance
• Bachelor of Arts in Music
• Music Undeclared

1. Submit your admission application to Capital University along with the required supporting documents. 
   
2. Once you are academically admitted to Capital University, you will be able to submit an audition application and register for your audition date by clicking on the reply form found on your status page. Click above on "Emphasis Requirements and Professors" to find out more about the audition requirements.  
   

Schedule a Visit

Auditions

ANNOUNCEMENT REGARDING 2020-2021 AUDITIONS

Traditionally, Capital University Conservatory of Music welcomes both future students and their families to the campus for an all-day audition experience. While we are unable to welcome you to campus for an in-person audition this fall and spring semester, we are still going to hold auditions for Fall 2021 arrival. Your audition will be part recorded and part live remote. When you click on your instrument below, you will see extra instructions for this year’s auditions.

After you are academically admitted to Capital, you may select a date to submit the audition recording, followed by a live, virtual one-on-one with the applied instrumental or vocal faculty. Additionally, a virtual campus tour given by students, a Q & A with the Dean, and a Q&A student panel are planned. The dates of both the audition days and extra events through the audition season are listed below.  We hope you join us remotely so we can answer your questions and engage you in conversation about what it is like to be part of #CapFam. For additional questions, please contact Summer Slusher, Coordinator of Conservatory Recruitment at sslusher@capital.edu or 614-236-6190.

We encourage you to take a look at the other visit offerings Capital currently has to offer - schedule your next visit or conversation here.

Be sure to note the audition requirements below prior to your audition.

• Instrumental and Vocal: Friday, November 13th
• Saturday, January 23rd
• Monday, February 15th
• Vocal Only - Tuesday, March 16th
• Instrumental Only – Saturday, March 20th

Conservatory 101 how to be a music major:
Conversations with Dean Dr. Thomas Zugger, Coordinator of Conservatory
Recruitment Summer Slusher, and current Conservatory students.

Thursday October 15th 7pm
Wednesday, November 4th 6pm
Thursday, December 10th 7pm
Thursday, January 7th 7pm

The Fall 2021 audition application will open for students who have been academically admitted to Capital.

Students applying internationally: If you are unable to audition in person, please submit a video audition in your preferred format to Summer Slusher at sslusher@capital.edu.  Please follow the audition requirements here for your video.

Can’t make it to any scheduled audition days? Have questions?
Contact Summer Slusher, Coordinator of Conservatory Recruitment, by phone at 614-236-6190 or by email at sslusher@capital.edu.

Emphasis Requirements

Group Audition Days

We look forward to hosting you for your on campus audition. After you submit the required documents, a confirmation email will be sent with more information on your audition date.

During your audition day, you can expect assessments in the following four areas. These assessments are designed to determine your ability to be successful in the Capital University Conservatory of Music and beyond.

1) Performance - Your performance in the audition will be conducted by the faculty of your applied area of study (voice or instrument). This will assess your current level of training, as well as your potential for growth in your program of choice. There will be a short interview with the faculty to ensure that they get to know you on a personal level as well as a performance level.

Students planning to major in composition will be scheduled for an audition with the composition faculty to review your background and discuss your portfolio in addition to your instrumental/vocal audition.

2) Music Theory - Your music theory session will assess your music theory competency as you complete an audio test that will measure your comprehension of pitch and meter.

3) Listening Skills - Your listening skills portion will gauge your auditory skills in matching pitch as well as sight singing. In this assessment, you will sit one on one with a music theory faculty member.

4) Piano Placement - Your piano placement portion will assess your level of competency in piano skills from little to no experience to expert. 

We will be mailing a parking pass, campus map and more details on locations approximately 2 weeks prior to your audition. Plan to arrive for registration between 8:30 and 9:00 a.m. The exact times for your audition, theory, listening skills, and piano placement assessments will be given to you a few days prior to your audition date. 

Conservatory Audition FAQ

What should I wear?

This audition is your chance to make a positive impression on the faculty. Dress nicely and professionally.

How long should I expect to be on campus?

Allow 30 minutes for your virtual audition experience. This time will include asking questions of the faculty and completing the remaining portions of your audition.

Can I perform an original composition for my audition?

Performing an original composition is discouraged on audition day. The faculty in your applied area (instrument or voice) wants to hear what you can do with an already published work, regardless of your major.

NOTE: Composition applicants must submit a portfolio of representative original compositions, with the expectation of three to four works of contrasting style. You will be scheduled for a separate interview with the composition faculty in which to discuss and review these works.

What should I do if I’m sick the day of my audition?

If you are ill the day of your audition and cannot perform to your highest quality, contact Summer Slusher, Conservatory of Music Admission Counselor to cancel and reschedule your audition. When possible, please provide 24 hours’ notice.

Is there a fee for my audition at Capital?

There is no charge for your audition. 

How should I record my audition?

Record your video audition with your preferred device. You will be asked to upload your video to Youtube as an unlisted video. You will then upload the link to your video to your Capital Status Page for official submission.

*Please refer to the emphasis requirements for your video component.