Voice Division – Graduate Admissions

Ohio University’s graduate voice programs combine three annual on-campus performance opportunities, additional outreach opera experience, and access to a vibrant regional arts community, while our unique Vocal Wellness Program provides students with specialized vocal health resources and faculty-guided research opportunities that distinguish our program from that of most institutions.

The School of Music at Ohio University offers a variety of musical ensembles designed to meet the educational and artistic needs of our majors.

School of Music Ensembles

Voice Admissions & Audition Requirements

Acceptance into the Master of Music in Performance program is by audition only for all entering students.

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School of Music Graduate Audition Dates

English Proficiency Requirement

Please review information about Ohio University's minimum English Language Proficiency requirements for graduate study.

International Students

This program permits full-time enrollment in residence at Ohio University, and an I-20 may be issued based on admission to this program.

Voice Auditions

Pre-Screen Videos

Prior to being invited for a live audition, applicants must submit a pre-screen video featuring three selections in contrasting languages and styles. At least one selection must be an operatic aria. Repertoire should be chosen to demonstrate the applicant's vocal range, technical proficiency, musicality, language skills, and expressive abilities. The Voice Division faculty will review all submissions and notify applicants regarding advancement to the live audition stage.

Links for pre-screen videos should be compiled into a single document and emailed to Dr. Daniel Stein, Chair of the Voice Division, at steind@ohio.edu.

Voice Audition

1. The graduate voice audition is about 20-30 minutes in length. Applicants for the Master of Music degree — in voice performance or voice performance/pedagogy are requested to:
   • Prepare and perform, by memory, four vocal selections covering the following guidelines. Selections should represent a variety of styles and moods, cover at least three languages, and constitute approximately 12-15 minutes of music.
     • One standard operatic aria in the original language and key.
     • One German lied or French mélodie from the Romantic or early Modern periods.
     • One English-language art song composed after 1900.
     • One selection of the applicant's choice. This selection can be an additional operatic aria in the original language and key, an aria from a standard oratorio in its original key (English translation acceptable), an art song in any language, a spiritual, or a musical theater song.
2. Demonstrate sight-reading proficiency with a brief series of exercises.
3. Complete a short interview and Q&A with the voice faculty.
4. Provide their own accompanist or pay the Collaborative Pianist Fee (see below).

Collaborative Pianist

The voice faculty strongly feels that applicants give their best auditions when they perform with the pianists with whom they have prepared their audition repertoire. If bringing the applicant's pianist to the audition is not possible, the School of Music can arrange for a collaborative pianist.

Applicants will need to send pdfs of their audition repertoire to the division chair. The division chair will pass the music along to the collaborative pianist. Taped/CD accompaniments are not allowed for in-person auditions.

Choosing Your Vocal Repertoire

The voice faculty is eager to hear the applicant's ability to sing healthily and beautifully, with great attention to musicianship, style, diction, interpretation, and stage presence. Please do not bring difficult songs or arias to the vocal audition that are unsuitable for your current vocal abilities. Please also be aware that you and your pianist will not have time to practice before your audition – if you feel that any of your repertoire is difficult for the pianist, then you should reconsider it as an audition piece. If you have questions about the appropriateness of your audition repertoire, don't hesitate to get in touch with the division chair.

Recorded Auditions

Students residing in the continental United States are encouraged to audition in person. The live audition allows students to meet our faculty and explore the campus. There are also a variety of activities that take place on each audition day that seek to provide students with a complete picture of the School of Music and our curricular offerings. If auditioning in person is not possible, students may elect to submit a recording via YouTube or a similar service that contains a live performance by the applicant of the required repertoire.

Students residing outside the United States are encouraged to audition in person but may elect to submit a recording via YouTube or a similar service that contains a live performance by the applicant of the required repertoire. 

Additional Information 

All applications and auditions must be received and completed by the last audition date to receive full scholarship and graduate assistantship consideration. Live interviews are required in order to be considered for a graduate assistantship. For international applicants, an interview via Zoom may be arranged in place of an on-campus interview.

Graduate Assistantships & Scholarships

The voice program has several graduate assistantship options for performance program students. Explore the Financial Aid and Scholarships page.

Contact Us

For additional information regarding vocal studies at the Ohio University School of Music, please contact Daniel Stein, Voice Division Chair, at steind@ohio.edu.