Musician Application Info
STEP 1: Write your Music Essay
- 300-500 words
- Topic: The Impact of Music in My Life: Now and in my future
- Should be inspirational, not a resume of your performing experience
- Save to PDF format and label as follows: Last name, first initial, MusicEssay. ex SmithJMusicEssay.pdf
- You will upload the Music Essay file on the application form.
STEP 2: Record three (3) video audition files
- Audition File #1: Any piece acceptable at a state music contest
- Audition File #2: A piece of any style of your choice
- Audition File #3: “A Mighty Fortress is Our God” (use ONLY the arrangement provided – click here to download) Sing or play the melody of the first verse only; exactly as written; at 120 bpm; with no embellishments.
- Selections #1 and #2 should be chosen to demonstrate technical dexterity as well as expression and tone quality.
- If you are auditioning vocally, #1 must be a piece considered acceptable at a state music contest; #2 should be a piece of contrasting tempo, style or language.
- If you are auditioning instrumentally, #1 must be a solo from the solo/ensemble list in your state (if your state does not have a list, your director may suggest a comparable piece). #2 should be a piece of contrasting tempo and/or style.
- #2 can be a number written or arranged by you, however the sheet music provided must be prepared by any reputable sheet music scoring software.
- Perform with high technical quality to allow the review committee to assess your performance accurately.
- Accompaniment is permitted on #1 and #2, however it should not be louder than your vocal or instrumental volume. No accompaniment is permitted on #3.
- There are no specific time limits for #1 or #2, however there is a 50mb upload limit per recording on our servers so we request that you keep the selections just long enough to showcase your abilities. It is not necessary to record the entire piece.
- You must record video files (MP4, MOV, AVI, or WMV) for your audition. Be sure your face and instrument are in frame. We recommend fixing the camera for stability rather than having someone hold it.
- No editing of any kind to any audition file is permitted. This includes but is not limited to: clipping, fading, effects, amplification, etc. If you need to amend the length to fit the 50mb limit, that is acceptable.
- The filename for each file should be labeled as follows: Last name, first initial, and file number (1-3). ex SmithJ1.mov SmithJ2.mov SmithJ3.mov (use appropriate extension)
- For judging purposes, you need to submit the musical scores (sheet music) of the movements or pieces #1 and #2 to the online application. So please have them converted to PDF format to prepare for upload. The filename for each PDF music score file should be labeled as follows: Last name, first initial, and file number (1-2), and score. ex SmithJ1score.pdf SmithJ2score.pdf
- You will upload the audition music score files (pdf) on the application form.
- You will upload the audition video files separately to Dropbox via this link, click here to upload video files directly to Dropbox.
STEP 3: Request two (2) letters of recommendation
- One letter from a music teacher (private or school-related)
- One letter from a teacher or administrator from your current school (on school letterhead)
- Letters should be saved in PDF format and delivered by the teachers to your school Guidance Counselor who will send them to NACS on your behalf.
STEP 4: Gather Information for the Application
- Personal info and current non-weighted GPA
- Instrument(s) you play and how long
- Performing Experience – school, church, community, etc.
- Development – how have you developed your musical abilities?
- Musical honors earned
- Colleges you may attend
- Professions you may pursue
- Music Essay
- Download the required hymn file – A Mighty Fortress
- Audition sheet music files x2
- Audition video files x3
STEP 5: Complete the Application
