Music Department Auditions

Audition Schedule:

Audition Information
Instrumental
For audition information contact:
Dr. Jim Sparrow
Email: jsparrow@mhc.edu
Phone: (828) 689-1433

Keyboard
For audition information contact:
Professor Cathy Adkins
Email: cadkins@mhc.edu
Phone: (828) 689-1395

Voice
For audition information contact:
Dr. Julie Fortney
Email: jfortney@mhc.edu
Phone: (828) 689-1222

Voice Division Audition Dates
Fall: Friday, November 29
Winter: January 25, February 15
Spring: March 28


Music Theory
All students registering for Music Theory MUST complete the placement test. Download the test HERE (Adobe PDF), complete and mail.

Guide to Music Theory for Entering Freshmen

What classes in music theory do I register for? When do I begin my theory studies?
All entering freshmen must complete the music theory diagnostic exam (see link above). You should download and print the exam, complete it, and mail it to the address given on the exam.

Based on your performance on the exam, you will be advised which course you will begin, either MUS098 - Elements of Music, or MUS111 - Music Theory I. When you register for classes during summer registration sessions, your registration guide will know which course you should take. Students that do not submit a completed theory diagnostic exam will automatically be placed into MUS098. You will then have an opportunity at the beginning of the fall term to take the diagnostic exam. MUS098 will be taken during the student’s first fall semester; MUS111 will be taken during the first spring semester along with MUS113, Aural Skills I.

How can I prepare for the theory diagnostic exam?
You should know basic pitch notation (both treble and bass clefs), major key signatures, basic rhythmic notation, major and minor scale structures, and triad structures (major, minor, augmented, and diminished). As you complete the diagnostic exam, if you encounter items that are unfamiliar to you, it is best to leave them blank. Do not guess.

If I am placed into MUS098, Elements of Music, will that delay the completion of my basic musicianship studies at MHC?
No. MUS098 will prepare you for MUS111, which begins in the spring term for all freshman music students.

It is strongly recommended that all incoming music students have a basic understanding of the piano keyboard. You can get information on the theory topics listed above online at www.musictheory.net.

If you have further questions or concerns, contact Dr. Doug Gordon at (828)689-1432 or by email at dgordon@mhc.edu