The Pacific University Department of Music offers competitive scholarships to incoming students who are passionate about music and interested in continuing to develop their musical skills while pursuing a degree at Pacific. Students from all academic majors are encouraged to apply!
Music scholarships are awarded in amounts of up to $8,000 per year and are renewable for up to four years of undergraduate study. These awards become part of the student's overall financial aid package from Pacific University. Music scholarship recipients participate in an assigned university ensemble and receive individualized instruction through private lessons with our outstanding music faculty. Recipients are also expected to maintain the required academic standards for award renewal. Scholarships are awarded through a competitive audition process.
To be considered for a music scholarship, both an application to Pacific University as well as the scholarship application form must be submitted. Future students must apply for the scholarship before they become a student at Pacific University to be eligible.
In-person auditions take place on Saturday, February 6, 2027.
- Applications for in-person auditions may not be accepted after Monday, February 1, 2027.
Video applications are due Monday, March 1, 2027.
- Video applicants will be contacted to schedule a follow up interview with a faculty member in your primary area.
Do you wish to be considered for a combined scholarship in Musical Theatre?
If so, please also schedule an audition with the Pacific University Department of Theatre.
How to Apply
Gather the following materials:
- All applicants: A letter of recommendation from a current or previous music instructor (PDF format).
- In person applicants: Sheet Music PDFs
- Video applicants: Prepare video files/unlisted Youtube video links
- Music Therapy applicants: A brief personal narrative explaining what you know about music therapy and why you want to be a music therapist (PDF format).
Audition Repertoire Guidelines
Piano: Prepare two memorized contrasting works that showcase your strongest abilities. Options include: one or more movements of a Sonata from the Classical, Romantic, or Contemporary genres; or from a Baroque Suite, Prelude and Fugue or Invention. You may also choose a work from more contemporary styles such as jazz, pop, or to reflect your particular skill set.
Strings (Violin, Viola, Cello, or Double Bass): Prepare at least one major and minor scale and arpeggio, in three octaves, with various bowings; Additionally, prepare one solo work that demonstrates your range of interpretive and technical ability, such as: a movement of unaccompanied Bach; OR an etude or caprice; OR a movement from a concerto; OR two contrasting movements from a sonata.
Brass and Winds: Prepare two contrasting pieces, or two movements from a solo sonata or concerto.
Percussion: Prepare solo selections on a snare drum, timpani, and one or more mallet instruments
Guitar: Prepare two solo pieces representing style. One should be slow to display your lyrical sound. The second should be at a faster tempo to display your technique.
Voice: Prepare two memorized contrasting songs. Classical: Repertoire includes songs in the style presented for Solo and Ensemble competition, art songs, or folk songs. One selection in a language other than English is preferred but not required. Musical theatre: The two selections should contrast in style, time period, and vocal quality, showcasing your range. Contemporary genres: Choose contrasting styles that best reflect your interests and capabilities.
Music Therapy Majors: Prepare two contrasting pieces: One must be on your primary instrument (or voice type) in either classical, jazz, musical theatre, or contemporary styles. Your additional piece can also be on your primary instrument in a contrasting style from your first piece, or a self-accompanied piece in which you sing and play on piano, guitar, ukulele, or accordion. etc. The self-accompanied piece may also be an original song/composition. Music for the self-accompanied piece may be in the form of a lead sheet or guitar tab (whichever you would use to prepare). If accompanied by one of our collaborative pianists, standard sheet music notation is required.
Questions?
Contact: JeanneAnn Faris Comiskey
Event and Program Assistant - Music
talentauditions@contact.pacificu.edu
Audition and Application FAQs
- Do I need to apply to Pacific University before applying for a music scholarship?
- Yes. Start your application.
- Do I need to be admitted to receive a scholarship offer?
- Yes. We cannot extend a music scholarship offer to you until you are admitted to the university.
- How are scholarships decided?
- Scholarship auditions are competitive. All auditions are evaluated by Pacific University Music faculty.
- May I audition in more than one music area?
- In general, prospective students should audition on their primary instrument. Ensemble and lesson placements are made based on the primary instrument.
- Music Therapy applicants prepare the following selections: One must be on your primary instrument (or voice type) in either classical, jazz, musical theatre, or contemporary styles. Your additional piece can also be on your primary instrument in a contrasting style from your first piece, or a self-accompanied piece in which you sing and play on piano, guitar, ukulele, or accordion. etc. The self-accompanied piece may also be an original song/composition. Music for the self-accompanied piece may be in the form of a lead sheet or guitar tab (whichever you would use to prepare). If accompanied by one of our collaborative pianists, standard sheet music notation is required.
- May I audition for a music scholarship and a theatre scholarship OR a combined musical theatre scholarship?
- Yes! If you wish to be considered for a combined music/theatre award or a musical theatre award, please apply for a Theatre Department scholarship as well.
- What music should I prepare for my audition?
- Please see our Audition Repertoire Guidelines for your specific area/instrument.
- Do I need to provide an accompanist?
- No, one of our staff pianists will accompany your audition. Providing sheet music in your application assures your accompanist will be prepared.
- What do I need to bring?
- For all in person auditions, please bring a clean copy of your music for the pianist. Double-sided music in a three ring binder is standard. Dress professionally.
- What should I expect on the audition day?
- You will check in for your audition in Taylor-Meade. Practice rooms will be available for warming up, and your pianist will be available to touch base with you regarding your tempos. A panel of faculty will speak with you during your audition time. After your audition time, a member of our faculty will administer a brief aural skills assessment. No preparation is required prior to the assessment.