Please note: Fall 2025 audition information will be available in early August; audition information below is from past semesters.
For information about Music 168 (private lessons for music majors), Music 167 (private lessons for non-majors) and other performance opportunities in the department, please visit this page.
Ensemble Audition Information
Music 116: Jazz Theory and Performance
Contact Ben Goldberg at ben.goldberg.music@berkeley.edu.
Music 140: Javanese Gamelan
Prospective students are tested for ability to match pitch and rhythm in the first class meeting.
Music 141: University Symphony
Complete audition requirements here.
Music 142: University Wind Ensemble
Additional information and requirements can be found on the UCBWE page.
Music 143: Gospel Chorus
Auditions occur on the first day of class.
Music 144: University Chorus
All forms and audition information can be found here.
Music 145: Chamber Chorus
All forms and audition information can be found here.
Music 146B: Balinese Gamelan
Students’ ability to learn by ear, to match pitch and rhythm, and listen to the other players in the ensemble will be assessed over the first two to four class meetings.
Music 147B: Latin American and Caribbean Music
Auditions occur on the first day of class.
Music 148: African Music Ensemble
Auditions occur on the first day of class.
Music 149: Baroque Ensemble
To audition, contact Professor Miller at dhmiller@berkeley.edu. Players and singers should prepare one or two excerpts of Medieval, Renaissance, or Baroque music that demonstrate both fast and slow playing/singing. Auditions can be arranged in person or can be submitted as video recordings.
To audition for MUS 165 Please fill out a slot on this form (note: you must be logged in through CalNet to view). Please contact Prof. Melford to ask any questions you may have about the audition process: mmelford@berkeley.edu. Participation will be by invitation of the professor based on the audition process and the student's prior experience playing jazz and improvised music.
Other Performance Courses
Carillon study (Music 40, 41A, 41B, and 42)
The next Music 40 auditions will be held in Spring 2026. Sign up for a Spring 2026 audition here before January 20, 2026.
Music 40 is an introductory group carillon class for students with limited or no prior carillon knowledge but some music background. Music 40 is a prerequisite for the rest of the carillon studio courses. Interested students must perform a competitive audition on a non-carillon instrument (or voice) before being invited to enroll in Music 40.
Students interested in Music 40 need not have any prior carillon experience, but should meet the following requirements by the time of audition:
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Able to read both treble and bass clefs fluently
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Comfortable with key signatures through three sharps and three flats
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Comfortable with common duple and triple time signatures
Students who meet these requirements must audition on an instrument on which they are proficient (or voice) before being accepted into the carillon program. The purpose of the Music 40 audition is to appraise your musicality as well as your approach to learning a new instrument. Each audition will involve both playing and having a conversation about music and the carillon.
Auditioning students must play two pieces or piece excerpts of their choosing (one slow and one rapid), totaling approximately 4-6 minutes of music. Students should also come prepared to discuss their desire to learn the carillon. Please bring an extra copy of the sheet music for each selection to the audition.
Contact the University Carillonist at carillon@berkeley.edu with questions regarding Music 40 auditions.
Auditions will be held in person during the first weeks of the semester, students should come to the first class meeting. Auditions will close at the end of the 2nd week of classes. If you are already enrolled, you must audition to remain enrolled; look for announcements via bCourses about audition dates and times.
Students should prepare to sing one verse or chorus of any song in any language. Students will not be asked to sing an entire song. Instead, students will be asked to follow simple singing commands (such as singing a single pitch played by the instructor, singing scales played or sung by the instructor, singing “Happy Birthday”, and singing some simple guided harmony).
Music 45M is a class intended for Music Majors enrolled in Harmony 151A or higher. Non-majors enrolled in harmony or other music classes requiring piano skills may be considered for the class if space permits.
Individual meetings for placement in Music 45M will take place from 11:00 am to 3:00 pm on Monday, January 22nd, in Room 64 (Practice Room area, lowest level of Morrison Hall). Please sign up here and bring with you a completed 45M Placement Exam Form (the reviewer will need the hard copy on which to write during your appointment.) These forms will be available outside Room 64.
Other performance opportunities
Summer Symphony auditions
Auditions take place in mid-to-late June of each year. See summer symphony page for details.
For policies for participation and audition information about any required auditions, check the DeCal website under “find a course” at the beginning of each semester.
Student Musical Activities (SMA)
Check the SMA website for specific audition information for each group.