B.M. / B.A. Guidelines

Application Form

Application before March 1 for the following Fall Semester is encouraged. All applications should be received by May 1, those received after May 1 will be considered on a space-available basis. Applicants wishing to be considered for a Music Scholarship are encouraged to apply before March 1. In addition to the application, two references from professional musicians are required.

Applications for the Spring Semester must be submitted by December 1 and will be considered on a space-available basis.

Download the reference form

Auditions

An audition is required of all applicants. Auditions will be scheduled after the application and references have been received. An audition time may be arranged by phoning (562) 903-4892. An accompanist, if needed for in-person auditions, will be provided by the Conservatory.

All applicants are strongly encouraged to audition in person. Those unable to do so may audition by submitting a DVD or video. If you plan to audition by DVD/video please adhere to the following guidelines:

  • Performance of each piece should be continuous with no editing (except for accompanimental passages that are more than 30 seconds long).
  • There should be no talking or explanation on the recording itself; any comment you may wish to include should be written and submitted with the recording.
  • Include the date of the recording, which should be as recent as possible and predominantly your own performance.
  • Recordings must be sent FIRST CLASS MAIL. Please include a typed copy of the complete performance program.

Auditions, depending on your chosen area, should consist of the following:

Piano

Choose 3 of the following 4, all 3 are to be memorized:

  1. Baroque composition
  2. Any complete movement of a classical sonata
  3. Romantic composition
  4. Impressionistic or contemporary composition

In addition, sight-reading, scales and arpeggios may be requested in the audition.

Organ

Choose 2 of the following 3:

  1. Baroque composition
  2. Romantic composition
  3. Contemporary composition

Violin and Viola

Choose one movement from a Bach unaccompanied sonata, partita, or suite. Additionally, prepare a movement from a concerto of your choice.

Percussion

Prepare one snare drum piece, one mallet piece using two to four mallets, and one timpani piece involving two to four drums. All three areas are desired but consideration will still be given to those who are weak in one of the aforementioned instruments. A drum set performance may be included if the student wishes to contribute to the Jazz Ensemble.

Other Instrumental

Choose two contrasting pieces from the standard solo literature for your instrument (one lyrical in nature, one technical). Additionally, if the student would like to audition for the Jazz Ensemble, one piece may be presented from the jazz repertoire.

Composition

Bring scores and recordings for up to three of your original compositions.

Voice

Prospective voice candidates will present two contrasting art songs and/or arias from any oratorio or opera. Acceptable selections may be found in the twenty-six Italian Art Songs and Arias published by G. Schirmer or any art song, aria, or oratorio collection published by Hal Leonard or G. Schirmer.

Financial Assistance

All students applying for need-based financial assistance must file a FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) and a UAA (University Aid Application) as early as possible after January 1. All undergraduate California residents are expected to apply for one of the Cal Grant programs, using the FAFSA. First time applicants will also need to file the appropriate Cal Grant G.P.A. Verification Form by March 2. New financial aid applications need to be filed for each academic year. Contact the Financial Aid office for additional information.

Music Scholarship Specifics

All students majoring in music are eligible for a music scholarship. Scholarships for incoming musicians average $1,000 to $10,000, and are essentially based on performance ability (including sight-reading), musical aptitude and potential. Moreover, scholarship holders are expected to maintain a grade point average of 3.0 in music courses and at least a 2.5 cumulative G.P.A.

A full-time load of twelve or more units must be carried each semester to qualify for the scholarship. There is no guarantee that a current holder will receive a new scholarship in a subsequent year; however, it is expected that those who show strong development and potential will continue receiving scholarships in future semesters.

Theory Evaluation

As part of the application process, each prospective music major and minor will take a preliminary examination in the rudiments of music theory at the time of their audition. This test will cover the identification of note names in treble and bass clefs, key and time signatures, and basic rhythmic notation. Your performance on this examination will help the theory faculty advise you on preparing for the main diagnostic theory test; that test is given for class placement purposes following your acceptance into the program and before completing the Fall Semester registration.

If you have not had any training in the items to be tested in the preliminary examination, you should seek out a teacher or tutor to help you. You may also contact Dr. Robert Denham, Coordinator of Theory and Composition, for some additional guidance if you would like. He can be reached by calling the Conservatory of Music at 562-903-4892.

Placement Exams

All students seeking admission must demonstrate musical background and performance abilities necessary for successful completion of the stated curriculum. Upon entrance, students will be given placement exams and auditions in music theory, keyboard skills and performance. The placement exams are given for the purpose of determining proper placement in music courses.

Campus Visits

We invite you to visit the Biola campus. Once you have experienced the excitement of our unique environment - the faculty, students, classroom and the campus - we are confident that you will want to become a student and a vital part of all that God is doing at Biola University.

RETURN ALL APPLICATION FORMS AND AUDITION TAPES, IF APPLICABLE, TO:

OFFICE OF THE DIRECTOR
BIOLA UNIVERSITY CONSERVATORY OF MUSIC
13800 Biola Avenue
La Mirada, CA 90639
Telephone: (562) 903-4892