Contemporary Music Overview

Student playing an electric guitar

The Contemporary Music program is a place for students to learn the building blocks and performance practices of various modern genres, as well as exercise creativity through improvisation and songwriting.

Contemporary Music Donation Requests

Student playing the drums
  • Drum gear (in good repair): heads, sticks, high hat stand, bass drum pedal, etc.

  • Microphone clips (to hook onto a stand)

  • Portable electric piano (not just a keyboard)

  • Upright bass

Contemporary Audition Information

Student playing the guitar

Auditions for contemporary instrumental music majors will be conducted in 15 minute time slots. Each student will audition individually. Participants should be prepared to do a short solo (less than 5 minutes), sight read sheet music (judges will select appropriate level after they hear the auditioner play), and play scales.  Suggested scales to know at the Middle School/High School level:  At least one octave major scales in Keys of  C, G, D (and additional keys of choice), minor blues scales key of choice, riffs, jazz scales, etc.     

Please bring a current photo (5x7 or smaller) with you to the audition-interview for all majors. You may include this on a resume with a list of schools, studios, theaters or programs where the applicant has received training.