Procedures
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Perform in your primary performance medium (main instrument or voice).
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On the Audition Application, under preferred audition date, select the Fall or Spring Video Audition option.
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Upload your video to YouTube, Vimeo, or a similar platform (public or private listing is fine), then email the link to music@uu.edu.
Video Guidelines
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Record on a video camera, phone, tablet, or computer — professional equipment is not required.
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Videos must include both audio and video content.
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Record a continuous, unedited take. No production effects (reverb, autotune, etc.) — we want to hear you unfiltered.
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Wear appropriate performance attire.
Personal Presentation
At the start of the video:
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State your name, hometown, and degree program.
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Briefly describe your musical experience.
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Share your sense of musical vocation (occupation in music? worship leadership? music education?).
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Explain why you want to join Union's Department of Music.
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Verbally announce each selection before you perform it.
Step 1 · Everyone
Perform one general selection on your primary instrument, in a genre you'd like to study at Union — classical, jazz, gospel, country, worship song, popular song, etc. Drum kit primaries: play along to a click track or to "stems" with drums removed.
Step 2 · Second Selection, By Degree Program
BM in Commercial Music
Performance
A video of you singing and/or playing a song of your choice in a performance setting (church service, concert, festival, etc.). Drum kit primaries: include "drum cam" footage if possible.
Arranging and Composition
An MP3 or WAV of an original arrangement or composition (no video needed, doesn't need to be professionally recorded). A printed score or chart is recommended if available. Email to music@uu.edu if small enough, or share a public cloud drive link.
Songwriting
A video performance of an original song. Lyrics should reflect Union's mission and values, even if not overtly Christian in message. Include the lyrics in the video description.
Recording Engineering & Producing
An MP3 or WAV showing your production work (no video needed) using tools like GarageBand, Logic, or Pro Tools. In the description, briefly explain your role (e.g., played bass, recorded instruments, mixed, added effects).
BM in Worship Leadership
General (Performance)
A video of you leading worship in a congregational setting (Sunday service, youth group worship time, etc.).
Arranging and Composition
An MP3 or WAV of a recent original arrangement or composition (no video needed, doesn't need to be professionally recorded). A printed score or chart is recommended if available. Email to music@uu.edu if small enough, or share a public cloud drive link.
Songwriting
A video performance of an original worship song. Include the lyrics in the video description.
Recording Engineering & Producing
An MP3 or WAV showing your production work (no video needed) using tools like GarageBand, Logic, or Pro Tools. In the description, briefly explain your role (e.g., played bass, recorded instruments, mixed, added effects).
BM in Performance (Non-Commercial), Music Education, Music Theory, and Composition (Traditional)
A video performance of a second selection based on the literature requirements for your specific applied area (see Suggested Types of Audition Materials).
