Auditions
For acceptance into select programs at Grand Canyon University, you may be required to complete an audition process. Auditions not only allow department leaders to gauge your level of skill and experience, but are also used as a basis for awarding scholarships. Requirements vary by program. Limited performing arts major scholarships are available for music, theatre and dance programs. Early auditions are strongly recommended.
The audition process is dependent on your selected major. The following Bachelor of Arts programs offered by the College of Arts and Media and the College of Theology require an audition for acceptance into the program:
- Worship Arts
- Commercial Music
- Dance
- Dance for Secondary Education
- Music
- Music Education
- Theatre and Drama
- Theatre for Secondary Education
Please note that you must apply to GCU and be a declared College of Arts and Media or College of Theology student to register for an audition. For specific program requirements, see details below. The audition process is also used as a basis for awarding scholarships. Scholarship performance monies are awarded on a first-come, first-served basis as applicants are reviewed. If you wish to minor in dance, theatre, music or musical theatre, an audition is not required. To complete your audition, fill out and submit the registration form that corresponds with your major below.
Auditions are required for the Thundering Heard Pep Band. To schedule your audition, fill out and submit the Pep Band Audition Registration Form. Thundering Heard Pep Band membership and scholarship eligibility is open to all students on the GCU campus. A major or minor in music is not required.
Students will be required to complete the following during their Pep Band audition:
- Play your favorite three scales with arpeggios at your maximum controllable range/tempo
- Open-closed-open rudiments for drummers
- Play the chromatic scale at your maximum controllable range/tempo
- Two favorite drum set grooves for drummers; three bars time, one bar fill
- Perform one lyrical piece demonstrating your musicianship
- Marimba/Timpani for music major percussionists
- Perform one technical piece demonstrating your facility around your instrument
(marimba/timpani for music major percussionists) - Student must be visible in video recording
- i.e. embouchure, fingers, etc.
The audition process for GCU's BA in Commercial Music involves submitting audition materials after being accepted to the university. For the audition, students have two options: they can perform two contrasting songs on their primary instrument or they can submit a portfolio showcasing their digital music skills. Additionally, students may provide optional supplemental materials, such as a personal artist website.
Present two contrasting songs on your primary instrument that showcase your highest level of technical skill and reflect your preferred performance style.
Specifications for Music Performance Auditions
- Singers: Accompany yourself on an instrument in one video.
- Instrumentalists: Submit separate videos for each instrument.
- Vocalists: Choose acapella or enhance your performance with guitar, piano or keyboard accompaniment.
- Keep songs under three minutes, allowing for cuts if necessary.
Video submissions should be placed on a video sharing site (YouTube or Vimeo recommended over a Google drive) and set to unlisted or public (they can be removed after the audition process is complete). The video URL should be submitted along with any other necessary materials. Begin the recording with an affidavit stating that you are the person performing:
- My name is …
- I am auditioning for the Bachelor of Arts in ...
- I attest that I am the person who applied to GCU, and I am the performer in this video.
Submit a portfolio with works that are representative of your digital music skills and interests.
Specifications for Digital Music Auditions
Your portfolio must adhere to the following guidelines:
- Include a minimum of two works that you have composed or arranged using a digital audio workstation or notation software (at least 75% must have been created by you).
- Your submitted works should demonstrate your artistic and technical proficiency.
- Your portfolio should be organized in a professional manner.
- (Optional) Include a link to your personal artist website.
Within their video audition materials, students must also answer questions about their current involvement in music, musical background, proficiency with digital audio workstations, formal music training and their goals for pursuing the degree. This video/portfolio should answer the following questions:
- What are you currently doing with your music?
- What is your background in music?
- What is your level of proficiency working with a digital audio workstation (DAW)? Which one(s)?
- Have you received formal music training? If so, please describe your training.
- What are your goals in pursuing this degree?
These components collectively allow GCU to gain insight into each student's musical abilities, interests and aspirations within a Christian worldview context.
Video submissions should be placed on a video-sharing site (YouTube or Vimeo recommended over a Google drive) and set to unlisted or public (they can be removed after the audition process is complete). The video URL should be submitted along with any other necessary materials. Begin the recording with an affidavit stating that you are the person performing:
- My name is …
- I am auditioning for the Bachelor of Arts in ...
- I attest that I am the person who applied to GCU, and I am the performer in this video.
Audition Process for Dance and Dance for Secondary Education Majors
An audition is required for scholarships and admission into both the dance and dance for secondary education programs. A live audition is preferred for scholarship consideration, which are awarded on a first-come, first-served basis. For live attendees, liability waivers are also required.
In-person auditions will consist of a combined class of ballet, modern and jazz techniques. Following the technique class, students will perform a one- to two-minute solo that highlights their highest technical and performance abilities (ballet, modern, jazz, hip hop, tap, etc.).
Essay:
Student auditioning for the BA Dance or BA Dance for Secondary Education major must submit an audition essay. This essay should not exceed two pages and must be in APA or MLA format. The essay should answer the following questions:
- What has brought you to dance?
- Why have you chosen to pursue a degree in dance?
- Describe your academic, artistic and professional goals. How will attending Grand Canyon University prepare you to meet those goals?
- Describe interests, skills and talents you have outside of dance that you will use to impact your experience in GCU's dance program.
Headshot:
- 8" x 10"
- Color or black and white; matte or glossy
Dance Resume:
-
Detail your performance experience and dance training including genres studies, schools, studios and conferences.
Letters of Recommendation (Optional):
-
Letters of recommendation from teachers or other references that can discuss your academic or artistic performance.
Apparel needs to show the dancer’s body alignment and form.
- Ballet: Leotards, tights and ballet shoes
- Jazz: Jazz pants and shoes
- Modern: Footless tights
Students who cannot attend a live audition may submit digital materials. Student video submissions must include the following:
- Five minutes of ballet barre
- Five minutes of classroom studies in modern or jazz (i.e center work, progressions, floor work)
- One- to two-minute solo that highlights students’ highest technical and performance
abilities (ballet, modern, jazz, hip hop, tap, etc.)
Video submissions should be placed on a video sharing site (YouTube or Vimeo recommended over a Google drive) and set to unlisted or public (they can be removed after the audition process is complete). The video URL should be submitted along with the materials to submit with audition: essay, headshot, dance resume and letters of recommendation (optional). Begin the recording with an affidavit stating that you are the person performing:
- My name is …
- I am auditioning for the Bachelor of Arts in ...
- I attest that I am the person who applied to GCU, and I am the performer in this video.
Audition Process for Music and Music Education Majors
Auditions are required for full acceptance to the music and music education majors. Students are evaluated on skills and knowledge relating to performing and music theory.
The first step in the process is successful completion of the online music theory assessment, which reviews basic music notation. The assessment may be taken a maximum of two times, with 30 days between each attempt. Complete the assessment using the link below.
The next step is to sign up for your audition. A live audition is preferred for scholarship consideration. Scholarships are awarded on a first-come, first-served basis. Below are the requirements for the voice, piano and instrumental program auditions and link to schedule your audition:
Besides completing your music theory assessment, you will need to perform two contrasting works. Memorization is preferred.
- One classical piece (art song or aria), performed with piano accompaniment.
- A good resource for repertoire examples/recommendations is the Arizona Choral Educators Regional/All-State Solo Resources page.
- A live accompanist will be provided for in-person auditions.
- Bring sheet music that will stay in place on the piano with you to the audition.
- For digital video submissions, a live accompanist is preferred.
- An accompaniment track, at minimum, is required for this piece.
- One contrasting piece that demonstrates the music you are most passionate about.
- This can be an original composition, a music theatre piece, a pop or worship song, or any other vocal piece of your choosing.
- Accompaniment is preferred but not required. You may accompany yourself.
- For in-person auditions, piano sheet music must be provided for our staff accompanist.
- Only a piano and pianist will be provided.
- For any other instrument, you must bring it with you to the audition and self-accompany.
- For in-person auditions:
- This is a performance and attire should indicate such, if possible.
- If you are on a Discover campus tour, we understand that performance attire may not be possible.
- A staff pianist will be provided for in-person auditions.
- Bring sheet music that will stay in place on the piano with you to the audition.
- Only a piano and pianist will be provided.
- For any other instrument, you must bring it with you to the audition and self-accompany.
- This is a performance and attire should indicate such, if possible.
Specifications for Virtual Voice Auditions
For digital video submissions:
- Frame yourself against a neutral background.
- Stand while you sing
- Preferred shot is knees to head, at a minimum
- This is a performance and attire should indicate such
- Live accompaniment is preferred; an accompaniment track, at minimum, is required for the classical piece
Video submissions should be placed on a video sharing site (YouTube or Vimeo recommended over a Google drive) and set to unlisted or public (they can be removed after the audition and interview are complete). Begin the recording with an affidavit stating that you are the person performing:
- My name is ...
- I am auditioning for the Bachelor of Arts in ...
- I attest that I am the person who applied to GCU, and I am the performer in this video.
For further information, please contact your admissions counselor.
Brass, Wind and Strings Requirements
Besides completing your music theory assessment, you will need to prepare the following:
- Two contrasting works that may be performed from memory. We suggest choosing works that will demonstrate your musical and technical performance abilities. For example:
- First piece that demonstrates technical proficiency (usually in a faster tempo, demonstrating your facility around your instrument)
- Second piece that demonstrates lyrical playing (usually in a slower tempo, demonstrating your musicianship)
- Additionally, using your maximum controllable range, please submit your favorite two scales (major or minor) and the chromatic scale.
Percussion Requirements
While studying music at GCU as a percussionist, our aim is to support your development into a well-rounded individual, enhancing your readiness for various employment opportunities that may come your way. Frequently, percussionists entering our program possess expertise in a specific area. Begin by showcasing your highest proficiency and gradually extend your mastery to encompass other facets as well. This will demonstrate a starting point as we work together on your performance journey through percussion at GCU.
- Keyboard Percussion (Marimba, Xylophone, or Vibraphone)
- Perform a two-mallet solo or etude. Include two three-octave scales of your choosing.
- Perform a four-mallet solo or etude (Burton or Stephen’s grip).
- Snare Drum
- Perform a concert snare drum solo (matched grip).
- Perform a rudimental snare drum solo (matched or traditional grip).
- Drum set
- Perform a three-bar time feel then a one-bar solo and successfully return to the original time feel.
- Perform the above on as many feels as you are able (rock, samba, bossa, swing, etc.).
- Timpani
- Perform a solo or excerpt.
- Demonstrate your abilities to tune the timpani.
- Before performing
- During solo or excerpt
Specifications for Virtual Instrumental Auditions
Make sure that all aspects of your technique are visible (hands, fingers, embouchure, posture and face). We are looking at tone, tune, time and technique. Video submissions should be placed on a video sharing site (YouTube or Vimeo recommended over a Google drive) and set to unlisted or public (they can be removed after the audition and interview are complete). Begin the recording with an affidavit stating that you are the person performing:
- My name is ...
- I am auditioning for the Bachelor of Arts in ...
- I attest that I am the person who applied to GCU, and I am the performer in this video.
Sign Up for an Instrumental Audition
For further information, please contact your admissions counselor.
Following your music theory assessment, you will need to prepare for the performance portion of your audition. This includes:
- Two memorized selections from classical piano literature composed in historic or stylistic periods that demonstrate your musicianship and technical skills
Attire should reflect the importance of the audition process.
Specifications for Virtual Piano Auditions
Hands need to be visible. Video submissions should be placed on a video sharing site (YouTube or Vimeo recommended over a Google drive) and set to unlisted or public (they can be removed after the audition and interview are complete). Begin the recording with an affidavit stating that you are the person performing:
- My name is ...
- I am auditioning for the Bachelor of Arts in ...
- I attest that I am the person who applied to GCU, and I am the performer in this video.
For further information, please contact your admissions counselor.
A single audition is required for scholarships and admission into both the theatre for secondary education and the theatre and drama programs. A live audition is preferred for scholarship consideration, which is also awarded on a first-come, first-served basis.
All prospective theatre students must supply a theatrical resume. Theatrical resumes include productions, roles/positions held, the producing theatre, special skills, theatrical training, extracurricular activities, grade point average, contact information, and contact information for three references.
Sign Up for a Theatre Audition
Auditions for performance-oriented students consists of two contrasting monologues from published plays and an interview regarding the student’s experience and goals.
Auditions for technically oriented students (design, directing or stage management) consists of a review of their body of work, preferably in a portfolio (digital or hard copy) and an interview regarding the student’s experience and goals. Interviews can be held in-person, virtually or by phone call.
Performance Auditions: Students must prepare, memorize and present two contrasting monologues, no longer than two minutes each, from published plays (stand-alone monologues from the internet are discouraged). Videos must show the student’s face, torso and legs (give yourself some room to move if the piece requires it). Video submissions should be placed on a video sharing site (YouTube or Vimeo recommended over a Google drive) and set to unlisted or public (they can be removed after the audition and interview are complete). Begin the recording with an affidavit stating that you are the person performing:
- My name is ...
- I am auditioning for the Bachelor of Arts in ...
- I attest that I am the person who applied to GCU, and I am the performer in this video.
Technical Auditions: Students must prepare a portfolio, showcasing their creative work. Portfolios should consist of paperwork, concept statements, photos, drawings, renderings, among any other concrete examples of their work.
Sign Up for a Theatre Audition
For more information, please contact your admissions counselor.
Auditions in the primary area of study (voice or instrumental) are required for students interested in pursuing a Bachelor of Arts in Worship Arts with an Emphasis in Worship Ministry through the College of Theology's Center for Worship Arts. The audition process ensures you have a sufficient level of musical skill and aptitude to be successful in the worship ministry emphasis.
Audition Process for Center for Worship Arts
Audition assessment focuses on intonation and pitch, rhythm, musicality, tone and improvisation. Prior music theory training and experience in performance are not required for admission as they are taught within the curriculum.
- Vocalists: Sing a capella or with light accompaniment
- Instrumentalists/vocalists: Play and sing
- Instrumentalists: Consider an instrumental solo (with or without accompaniment), a classical piece, a popular song or any example you think best showcases your style and skill
Submit two different online videos or recordings of you performing two different worship songs, genre of your choice. The songs can be covers, originals or a combination of both. The videos should feature you using your primary instrument and showcase your style and skill. Evaluations assess the quality of your musicality, not the quality of the recording or video.
GCU Recording Studio
The new GCU Recording Studio was designed to build communities and inspire the next generation of worship leaders by providing creative outlets to express, collaborate and share their passion. The space features two studios, in addition to rehearsal rooms equipped with instruments, microphones and personal monitoring systems. Studio A includes a recording room, four isolation booths and a control room, in addition to instruments and amplifiers. All spaces have double-wall construction, two layers of drywall and acoustic paneling to absorb acoustics and prevent sound leakage.