Prospective Music Student

As you explore this area, you will find everything you need to know about the Department of Music at Spelman College - a great place to learn, grow and develop as a musician. Applied lessons and ensembles are open by audition to all students of the College, regardless of their degree program or major, for credit or for non-credit. A full year of commitment is expected.

The Music Program

The Department of Music offers curricula leading to a bachelor of arts degree in music. Students may either major or minor in music.

Major Requirements  Minor Requirements

Department Audition Information

In addition to the general requirements for admission to the College, the incoming music major and minor students must do the following:

1.  Complete an audition in person or by videotape recording in their major medium.

Auditions will be evaluated by department faculty members. Auditions are held in November and February.

Additional auditions are offered during the First-Year Orientation Week and again during the first week of classes in the Spring Semester for students who change their major or minor to music. If you miss the designated audition dates/times, please contact the department chair to arrange an audition date.

Potential music students will be expected to perform two works, based on the following criteria:

• Voice: two contrasting songs in style and period (both memorized)

• Piano: two contrasting pieces, choosing at least one selection from the Baroque, Classical, or Romantic periods

• Strings: major and minor scales in a minimum of two octaves, and an etude and/or one work from the Baroque, Classical, Romantic, Impressionistic, or Contemporary periods 

• Woodwinds and Brass: etudes or a solo demonstrating contrasting musical styles 

• Percussion: solos and/or etudes demonstrating proficiency in snare drum, timpani and mallet percussion; major scales on mallets

• Songwriting/Composition, Music Technology, and Choral Conducting concentrations: select one of the applied areas mentioned above. All students should bring music scores to their audition. 

2.  Take music theory and keyboard skills placement tests

Students with insufficient music training should plan to enroll in Keyboard Skills 1 (SMUS 111A) before taking Music Theory and Musicianship I (SMUS 113A). The tests should be completed on the audition day. 

Admission to the Department of Music is dependent on acceptance into Spelman College. Applicants are required to meet the admission standards set by Spelman College. 

Transfer Students

For transfer students, all credits in music from another institution are subject to evaluation by the Department of Music and must be validated upon entrance by examination and audition. Transfer students may have to spend longer than the customary four years to complete the music requirements for the baccalaureate degree at Spelman College.