Auditions & Scholarships
Departmental Scholarships
The Department of Music awards very generous annual scholarships to both music majors and non-music majors based on performance ability, academic record, and professional promise. Scholarship contracts are for four years and require full ensemble participation according to terms stipulated in the contract, academic progress, and for music majors, continued pursuit of a degree in music.
Scholarship Information
If you would like to audition for a music scholarship, fill out and submit the form at the link below. We also invite you to contact the department at music@harding.edu or 501-279-4343 if you have any questions.
A significant portion of our scholarship fund was established by Jacquelin Emogene Enochs in memory of her mother, Lois Durbin Enochs.
University Scholarships
All prospective students should take the time to learn about Harding's general scholarship information. Contact the Financial Aid Office as soon as possible to obtain vital information about federal, state, and university scholarships, grants and loans.
Music scholarships may be combined with other forms of financial aid in an amount not to exceed the cost of full tuition.
Auditions
Our primary audition date for PROSPECTIVE MUSIC MAJORS is:
Monday, February 19, 2024
Our primary audition date for PROSPECTIVE NON-MUSIC MAJORS (ensemble participation) is:
Saturday, March 16, 2024
Schedule for Feb. 19 - Music Major Auditions
Music Majors Auditions
Sunday, Feb. 18:
7:30 pm: Department of Music Showcase Recital, Reynolds Recital Hall
Monday, Feb. 19:
9 am – Department of Music Chapel – Reynolds Recital Hall
9:40 am - Noon – Vocal auditions – Reynolds Recital Hall
10 am - Experience a Music Theory class, for anyone who is available, Reynolds M108; optional
11 am – 1 pm: Instrumental auditions – Reynolds M109
Noon – Chorus Rehearsal – Reynolds Recital Hall; optional
1 pm – Piano placement exams & Reception with current students and faculty, Reynolds M106
2 pm– Theory fundamentals exam, Reynolds M108
3 pm – Wind Ensemble rehearsal – Reynolds M109, optional
Schedule for Mar. 16 - Non-Music Major Ensemble Participation Auditions
March 16 – Instrumental and Choral Ensemble Auditions
(Instrumental – Reynolds M109; Choral – Reynolds M106)
9 am – 11:30 am – Auditions
11:30 am – 12:15 pm: Concert by current Harding students
12:15 PM – 1 PM: Lunch provided by Harding
1 pm: Auditions resume if necessary
The university is hosting a campus visit day on March 15, so we would encourage you to register for that. You can attend Chapel visit the department in which you want to major and more on that Friday and then finish your visit with the audition on Saturday. Here is the link to register for the March 15 Black & Gold day
Before you audition, you will have time to warm up with your accompanist. We can provide the accompanist if needed. After you sing or play all or part of your prepared music (we'll help you decide), we will take a moment for you to do a little sight reading (solfege or any other method is fine). Lastly, we will visit with you to learn more about your background and career plans.
While you are with us, we will have you complete a brief music fundamentals placement exam, and we will assess your piano skills. Should you need to audition virtually by submitting a recording, we will meet with you online for sight reading and a chat. We will take care of the fundamentals and piano assessments later.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who may audition?
Freshman and transfer students who are entering Harding for the first time and who have applied for admission to the university are eligible.
Where will auditions be held?
Auditions will take place in the music wing of the Donald W. Reynolds Center for Music and Communication on the south side of the university campus. Please report to the Music Office upon arrival (M101, first office on the left as you enter the Reynolds building) to check in with our administrative assistant.
The address is 501 Burks Blvd., Searcy, AR 72149
What should I wear?
We expect students to be dressed well for their audition. Dress as you would if you were performing in a concert. Jeans are not appropriate but a dress shirt and slacks or a skirt/dress project just the right image of professionalism.
What kind of compositions should I perform?
Prospective MUSIC MAJORS, choose your primary performance area:
- KEYBOARD (piano) - the first movement of a sonata or sonatina AND one classical piece from the 19th or 20th century
- INSTRUMENTAL (winds, strings, percussion) - two works of contrasting nature, or two contrasting movements from a solo concerto or sonata, with a minimum difficulty level of that of a standard piece from the solo list in your home state.
- VOCAL - one classical song in English AND one art song in Italian, German or French. Memorization is recommended.
Prospective NON-MUSIC MAJORS, choose your primary performance area:
- INSTRUMENTAL (winds, strings, percussion) - a solo that you are currently playing, or a part that you are currently playing in a band or orchestra.
- VOCAL - sing a verse of "My Country 'tis of Thee." You will also be asked to sight sing your part of a hymn and perform some vocal exercises.
If you have questions or concerns as to the appropriateness of your audition material, ask your area coordinator well before your audition. Our administrative assistant can provide you with contact information. Inappropriate audition material may result in a lower evaluation by the music faculty. We want you to do your best.
Do you perform in more than one area? See below!
If I can perform in more than one area, what should I do?
Audition for any area in which you expect to participate in college. We appreciate musicians who are versatile and multi-talented. If you wish to audition in more than one area, prepare for each area compositions which best demonstrate your skill. Consult with your primary area coordinator to confirm your audition choices.
What about an accompanist?
You may bring your own accompanist, or Harding will provide one at your request and at no charge to you. Please let us know on your audition form if you are bringing an accompanist. If you wish to use a Harding accompanist, copies of your music must reach the music department three weeks in advance of your audition. Please note: Even though you have sent copies in advance, you must bring the original music to your audition.
When will I know the results?
The first round of scholarship contracts will be issued by April 1, 2024
Contact Us
Music Department is part of the College of Arts & Sciences
501-279-4343
Fax: 501-279-4086
Mailing address:
Harding University
Music Department
HU 10767
Searcy, AR 72149-5615