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Auditions

Music Major / Individual Instruction Audition Information

Are you interested in getting Individual Music Instruction as a Music Major or a Music Scholarship? Are you interested in auditioning for one or more of the MiraCosta Music Ensembles? Do you need advisement on which Music courses to take?

Auditions for Lessons and Ensembles occur during Finals Week by appointment, and also on the Wednesday before the semester. Additional appointment times are available.

Next Open Auditions - Wednesday, August 13, 2025 at 1 PM in Studio A (Rm 2218 - first floor of the Music building). Request an audition time today! Contact the Music Department if you need assistance.

MUS 145A/B – MUS 245A/B Performance Lab

Enrolling in Performance Lab (Fridays @ 10:30 AM) is the best way to get started and stay connected as a Music Major! All Music majors take this course each semester, and students learn about all aspects of a music career, including performance, transferring to university, and more. Students will evaluate performances, but will not necessarily need to perform themselves, unless they are receiving Individual Instruction lessons. No audition required.

MUS 144A/B - 244A/B Individual Instruction

Students receiving Individual Instruction MUST be co-enrolled in Performance Lab (MUS 145A) – meets Fridays @ 10:30 AM.
Request an audition or advising appointment
(Audition guidelines are listed at the bottom of this page.)

All New Students
Please fill out this interest form 

Want to join an Ensemble? Need Music course advisement?
Please fill out this interest form
Book an in-person audition appointment, or an advisement meeting with a music professor.

Our area coordinators are:

  • Choral and Vocal – Dr. Arlie Langager
  • Vocal Jazz and Piano – Prof. Matt Falker
  • Jazz/Commercial Music – Prof. Steve Torok
  • Classical Instrumental – Prof. Branden Muresan

Music Ensembles 

All new ensemble students will register for the first level of each audition sequence.

MUS 155A - Popular Music Ensemble 'PopRox'

No audition required. Class meets Mondays from 6:00 – 9:15 pm in Studio A (OC2218). Open to vocalists and instrumentalists. Director: Prof. Justin Joyce

MUS 165A - Chamber Choir

Register now! No audition required. Early registration is highly recommended. This ensemble performs traditional choral styles with on- and off-campus performances and concert tours. Class meets Tuesdays and Thursdays from 5:00 – 6:50 pm in the Rehearsal Hall (OC2413). Conductor: Dr. Arlie Langager

MUS 166A - Vocal Jazz Ensemble 'Frequency'

Open to vocalists and instrumentalists. Class meets Mondays/Wednesdays from 1:00 - 3:20 pm in Studio A (OC2218). Registration is open; audition by the first week of classes or by appointment. Director: Prof. Matt Falker 

MUS 152A - Small Group Jazz Ensemble 'MOJO' 

Audition by the first week of classes or by appointment. The band performs and records both small and big band tunes. Class meets Tuesday at 6:00 - 8:50 pm in Studio A (OC2218). Director: Steve Torok 

MUS 170A - Symphony Orchestra

Audition by the first week of classes or by appointment. Class meets Wednesdays from 6:30 – 9:35 pm in the Concert Hall (OC2406). Conductor: Prof. Branden Muresan

Audition Guidelines For Individual Instruction

Jazz/Commercial Instrumental

  • Perform a piece or excerpt demonstrating what you believe to be your best effort.
    • Big band chart, Lead sheet melody, Transcribed solo, Etude, Other ensemble part, Excerpt of sonata, concerto, etc…
    • Use a recorded accompaniment or metronome
    • One to two minutes is sufficient
  • Perform major and minor scales of your choosing (at least one of each if possible). Use a metronome.
  • Piano, Bass, Guitar: Comp a 12 bar blues in any style (use a backing track or metronome).
    • Optional: Comp a jazz standard in any style (use a backing track or metronome).
  • Drum set: Perform various grooves (Swing, Latin, Funk, Rock, etc…as many as you feel most comfortable doing)
    • Optional: Perform blues scales and/or various modes of your choosing. Use a metronome.
    • Optional: Improvise solo in any style using a backing track.
  • Make appointment with faculty member to discuss audition submission and academic goals. 

Classical Instrumental

  • Perform a piece or excerpt demonstrating what you believe to be your best effort.
    • Etude, Orchestra or band part, excerpt of sonata, concerto, etc…
    • One to two minutes is sufficient
  • Perform major and minor scales of your choosing (at least one of each).
  • Make appointment with faculty member to discuss audition submission and academic goals.

Voice

  • Perform a piece or excerpt demonstrating what you believe to be your best effort.
    • Song, Etude, Choral part
    • Use a recorded accompaniment or metronome
    • One to two minutes is sufficient
  • If Possible: Perform major and minor scales of your choosing (at least one of each).
  • Make appointment with faculty member to discuss audition submission and academic goals.