Audition Information:
updated 11/17/23We are now accepting applications for the Fall 2024 Season! Ready to Apply? Click Here!
All applications and videos are due by 11:59pm Tuesday, April 30, 2024.
Eligibility & Requirements
- Rising 5th through rising 8th grader at time of application
- Identify as part of a BIPOC community (Black/African American, American Indian, Hispanic, Latinx, Middle Eastern, Multiracial, or Pacific Islander)
- Strong interest in pursuing music at the collegiate/conservatory level
- Dedicated and open to challenging themselves as a musician
- At least 2 years of experience on standard orchestral instrument (flute, oboe, clarinet, bassoon, French horn, trumpet, trombone, tuba, orchestra percussion, violin, viola, cello, double bass)
- "Experience" defined as consistent learning, performance, and practice on instrument directed by an instructor.
- Instruments do not include piano, guitar, harp, or voice at this time.
- Teacher recommendation
Member Commitment
The Academy is an intensive musical training program designed to enrich and prepare musicians who wish to pursue a professional career in music performance. Applicants must be driven and passionate with the expectation of practicing at least 10 hours a week outside of weekly CSYO rehearsals and private lessons. Members are required to attend workshops, Academy & CSYO performances, and participate in other musical events to prepare them for success.
In tandem, this program will also require the commitment of the applicant’s family and/or caregivers to support their musician on this path. Attendance of lessons and family advisory meetings will be required to enhance musician growth.
Audition Timeline Overview
- Review Audition Requirements for your experience level
- Submit the free online application and audition video by 11:59pm Tuesday, April 30, 2024
- Application must include teacher recommendation or it will be considered incomplete
- Selected applicants will be asked for a Family Interviews via Zoom the week of May 6-10.
- Applicants and at least one parent/guardian will be asked to attend by appointment.
- Live Final Audition – TBD in May 2024
- Selected applicants will be invited to meet our staff and audition in-person. Applicants will perform one scale, one CSYO excerpt, and sight-read another excerpt.
Estimated Completion Time: 30-45 minutes
Not Ready to Apply? Complete Our Interest Form to Learn More!
Teacher Recommendation
The Academy requires a recommendation from a private lesson teacher, school music teacher, or an orchestra/band director by Tuesday, April 30, 2024. This recommendation must support the student’s intent to apply for The Academy.
The recommendation can be downloaded and printed below or completed online here.
Click Here to Print Teacher Recommendation PDF
Completed recommendations may be mailed or uploaded using the information below:
Click Here to Upload Completed Teacher Recommendation Form
Mail to:
Columbus Symphony Academy Attn. Madison Hookfin 55 E State St. Columbus, OH 43215
Audition Requirements
Requirements are based primarily on the applicants experience level on your instrument. “Experience” is defined as consistent learning, performance, and practice on an instrument directed by an instructor. We recommend serious musicians who have at least 2 years-experience on their instrument apply.
Click the Audition Requirements that match your experience level below for details. Percussionists should click “Percussion Requirements.” Grade parameters are provided as suggestions.
Click here to view the CSYO Excerpts
Click here for 2 Years Experience (or recommended for rising 5th, 6th & 7th graders)
- Two Major Scales
- CSYO Excerpts
- One Solo Piece Selection
Click here for 3-4 Years Experience (or recommended for rising 5th, 6th & 7th graders)
- Two Major & One Minor Scale
- CSYO Excerpts
- One Solo Piece Selection
Click here for 4+ Years Experience (or recommended for rising 8th graders)
- Two Major & One Minor Scale
- CSYO Excerpts
- One Solo Piece Selection
Click here for Percussion Requirements
- Two Major Scales – performed on xylophone or marimba
- Two Solos Excerpts– one performed on xylophone & one performed on timpani
Para ver los requisitos de la audición en español, haga clic aquí.
Estimated Completion Time: 30 minutes
Audition Video Guidelines
Please review the guidelines below to ensure your video is the best it can be!
- Videos should not exceed 10 minutes.
- Introduce yourself by stating your full name, instrument, and what piece or scale you will be playing at the beginning of your video. Include composer names.
- Example: “My name is Madison Hookfin and I play the violin. Today I will be playing the 3rd Movement from Sonata No. 2 in A Minor by J.S. Bach”
- Videos may be recorded and uploaded using a mobile device. They do not need to be professionally recorded.
- Multiple videos may be submitted. Only one video per requirement will be accepted.
- Example: one video for scales, one video for excerpts, one video for solo)
- Do NOT edit, crop, or audio enhance your videos with editing programs or software (no dissolves, fading between or during pieces, etc.). Edits are only permitted to trim the recording to feature your introduction and performance only. Videos with signs of editing will not be considered.
- Be sure to record your video in a quiet atmosphere where there are no distractions or feedback noise.
- Avoid using a metronome during your video.
- Be aware of your surroundings, including the background of your video.
- Be sure you are clothed appropriately – no graphic tees, jeans, or sweatpants. Button down shirts, blouses, and dress pants/skirts are recommended.
Audition Repertoire Recommendations
Need some suggestions for your solo piece selection? We recommend viewing the Ohio Music Educators Association List of Solo & Ensemble Recommendations. Find your instrument below and choose from one of 3 OMEA Class Levels that fits the musician’s performance level. Discuss these options with your school teacher or band/orchestra director.
Class Level A (4+ years of experience)
Class Level B (3-4 years of experience)
Class Level C (2 years of experience)
