Audition Guidelines 2023-2024

Audition Deadline and Information

  • All auditions will occur in person on Sunday, April 16, 2023 in Thoresen Performance Center at the Winnetka campus.
  • The application deadline is March 20, 2023.
  • Applicants must prepare two contrasting selections, as recommended by their private teacher.

Collaborative Pianists

  • The use of a collaborative pianist is required for all instrumentalists (except pianists, unless playing concerti) and vocalists. This does not apply to unaccompanied works.
  • Students must secure the pianist of their choice; the payment for the pianist will be at the student’s expense.

Eligibility

  • Participants must be enrolled in private instruction at the Music Institute of Chicago.
  • Participants must not be older than 19 years old on April 1, 2023.
  • Merit Scholarship auditions are most appropriate for students at a high level of accomplishment.

Divisions

  • There are two divisions: A Junior Division for students ages 12 and under and a Senior Division for students ages 13-19.
  • Please determine the appropriate division according to the student’s age on April 1, 2023.

Requirements for Merit Scholarship Recipients

  • MIC strongly encourages merit scholarship recipients to participate in an ensemble at MIC. In support of this, full tuition for two semesters in one ensemble will be waived as part of the benefits of the merit scholarship.
  • Recipients are expected to perform at donor events and other opportunities that showcase MIC students in the community.
  • Recipients may be required to send thank you letters to donors who have made scholarship funding available.

Adjudication

  • Merit scholarships will be awarded solely based on the performance level exhibited at the audition.
  • Auditions will be adjudicated by a panel of professional musicians.
  • Awards will be based on the average of adjudicators’ scores.

Results

  • Students will be informed of the results of the auditions by May 31, 2023.

Awards

  • Awards will range from $500 to $1500, in $250 increments.
  • The number of awards is finite and is based on the projected endowment payout.
  • A limited number of discretionary scholarships may be awarded to students in the areas of winds, brass, voice, string bass, and percussion.