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Music at SDSU

High School Senior Honors Recital

Purpose

The purpose of the event is to honor the best high school senior musicians in the state by providing them a solo performance on the SDSU campus. If selected, the performance will also serve as the official audition for a talent-based music scholarship. This event offers a longer, more intimate setting for them to perform and interact with faculty.

The recital will truly be a celebration of music involving students at a very high level of performance, and selection can be a nice addition to their resume. Don’t miss out on the opportunity for your student to be chosen as one of the best in their class!

Applying

  1. Fill out the online application and create an mp3 digital recording of their truly best performing ability.
  2. Submit the application and upload the recording online by November 25, 2024.
  3. The results of the audition will be communicated by December 16, 2024. If chosen, the student(s) will perform in the recital on Sunday, February 2, 2025 in the evening. The night will consist of music, food and refreshments.

Submission Guidelines

  1. A high-quality mp3 recording is recommended. Recordings are due November 25, 2024.
  2. Music selections can be a movement of a concerto/sonata or aria; any standard solo repertoire such as music performed for Solo Festival is acceptable.
  3. If the music requires accompaniment, the recording must be accompanied. If selected, an accompanist may be supplied by SDSU for the performance.
  4. The music selection must not exceed ten minutes in length.
  5. Each contestant will be notified by email of their acceptance by December 16, 2024.
  6. The selection submitted on the recording will be the selection performed on the recital.
  7. The decision of the Senior Honors Recital Selection Committee is final.

Questions can be sent to Michael Walsh.

Application Form

General FAQs

How many references do you need?  

We are requesting two references. Within the application, there will be a place you can upload the letter, or share the link with your recommender for them to upload their letter. 

What should they discuss? 

If they can speak to your work ethic, drive, attitude and any musical and academic accomplishments you have achieved. 

Also, what else do I need to submit?

The application, a recording, a musical resume or list of activities, and the two reference letters. 

And how long should be my submission be? 

The maximum length should be no longer than 10 minutes but needs not be that long. 

Do you have a recommendation on what to use for recording? 

Any recording device that can produce a high quality MP3 or video with high quality audio is suggested. It is equally important to record in a space that will be acoustically resonant as well (so avoiding recording in a small practice room/ bedroom, and avoid having any ceiling fans turned on as those distort the sound.) 

Do I need to my piece with a pianist? 

For our vocalists, we require they perform with pianists. Instrumentalist are not required to play with a pianist.