B.S. Music in Worship Guidelines

Application Form

Application before March 1 for the following Fall Semester is encouraged. All applications should be received by May 1. Applications received after May 1 will be considered on a space-available basis. Those wishing to be considered for a Music Scholarship are encouraged to apply before March 1.

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

In addition to the application, two references are required (from a pastor, worship leader, church musician or music educator). Include one reference from a person qualified to comment on your musicianship, and one from a person qualified to comment on your Christian walk.

Download the reference form

Audition

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 with Worship Coordinator by phoning (562) 944-0351 x5967. An accompanist, if needed for in-person auditions, will be provided by the Conservatory.

In the audition process, our goal is to obtain a comprehensive profile of your spirituality, leadership potential, musical experience and ability. Auditions will include:

  • Performance on primary instrument or voice (one classical piece, one contemporary).
  • Guitarists may choose two contrasting contemporary pieces, for example, one strummed and one finger-style piece. In addition, students are asked to perform one piece from the classical guitar repertoire to demonstrate right hand technique and ability to read notation.
  • Other string players must play one movement from a Bach unaccompanied sonata, partita, or suite. Additionally, prepare a movement from a concerto of your choice.
  • Percussionists must 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 showing multiple styles (rock, swing and Latin) will also be required.

Additionally, all applicants may expect the following in the audition interview: Assessment of vocal ability – if voice is not the primary instrument, prepare a worship song to sing. Assessment of keyboard ability (if not primary instrument). Assessment of your ability to read bass and treble clefs, identify key signatures, read and clap basic rhythms and to match pitches. Additional skills that may be assessed include: improvisation, singing and playing an instrument at the same time, performance of original compositions, and performance on any additional instruments you play.

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 include as many of the items listed above as possible, and 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).
  • Tell us why you think God is directing you to be involved in worship music, or tell us about your professional goals.
  • Include the date of the recording, which should be as recent as possible, and should be predominantly your own performance.
  • Recordings must be sent FIRST CLASS MAIL. A typed copy of the complete performance program must be included.

RETURN ALL APPLICATION FORMS (AND RECORDINGS, IF APPLICABLE) TO:

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

Financial Assistance

All students applying for need based financial assistance must file a FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) 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 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.