Eligibility

Not all applicants are eligible to audition by recording. Please see below for eligibility by instrument and location. If you have any questions about this policy or are experiencing extenuating circumstances that you feel require a recorded audition, please contact us at [email protected].

Additionally, we understand that in some countries continued restrictions/policies around the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic may make it impossible for you to travel to Peabody to audition. In these circumstances Peabody will continue to provide accommodations for students to submit a video audition and/or interview virtually. If you find yourself in this situation, please email our office at [email protected].

Undergraduate

The following Undergraduate applicants cannot audition by recording:

• Applicants who live within 300 miles to the west or 200 miles to the north or south.
• Pianists
• Flutists
• Harpsichordists
• Percussionists

Graduate

The following Graduate applicants cannot audition by recording:

• Applicants living in the contiguous 48 states
• Pianists
• Flutists
• Harpsichordists
• Percussionists
• Conductors + Wind Conductors
• Music Education applicants
• Applicants for Graduate Assistantships
• DMA applicants
• AD applicants

Instructions for Uploading Your Audition Video

If you choose to audition by recording, you will not hear from us until decisions are released. Requirements:

• Audition recordings must be video.
• Selections must be performed without editing.
• You may upload one single file or multiple files as long as each piece/movement is performed without editing.
• You may upload separate movements of a single piece as individual files.  

Please submit your application by the posted deadline. You may upload your audition recordings with your application or to the “Portfolio” section on your application status portal after you have submitted your application, unless you are applying for Spring Admission. Final audition recordings are due by the following deadlines:

• Early Decision: December 4th
• Spring Admission: must be submitted with your application
• Regular Admission: February 1st
• Late Admission: May 13th

You must submit recordings of all repertoire requirements for your area.

Tips and Tricks for Recording

• Use the equipment you have!
• Avoid light sources being behind you as this puts you in shadow.
• Eliminate background noises: turn off fans, ask family/roommates to pause their work or play, or find a quiet space.
• Turn off the noise reduction feature on your recording device. This can distort the sound of your instrument.
• Frame your video. Make sure you are in the center of the scene and that your background is free from distractions. We recommend filming in a landscape (horizontal) orientation.
• Make sure your technique is in the frame. Faculty will want to be able to assess your physical technique, whether it be your hands at the piano, your fingers on the keys, or your facial expressions when singing.
• Set up your recording device about 3-6ft away from you and make sure the microphone is not covered.
• Do a test recording, for both yourself and to check your equipment.
• Allow more time than you might think necessary for recording and DON’T wait until the last minute to record.