For students entering Millsaps in the Fall 2023 semester, scholarship auditions and interviews will take place on Friday, March 10, 2023. Video auditions are also acceptable in special cases. Please contact Dr. Rachel Heard if you have further questions regarding your audition and/or interview.

To be given priority for a music scholarship, we recommend that interested students complete the following applications by February 3, 2023:

1. Arts Scholars application; and the

2. Millsaps College application with all supporting documents for admission to Millsaps College.

All students should prepare audition materials according to the requirements listed below:

To audition for the Ridgeway Chamber Singers Scholarship or the Music Ensemble Scholarship, please prepare the following:

Vocalists should prepare to sing either: (a) a significant portion of an individual part chosen from one choral ensemble work currently being studied in your performance ensemble; or (b) a hymn tune or other common song such as “My Country Tis’ of Thee.” A subsequent interview will be scheduled with Jonathan Trotter, the Director of Choral Activities, in which vocal range and sight singing ability will be evaluated.

Instrumentalists should prepare to play (a) two major scales of your choice, two octaves; and (b) two 16-measure excerpts from ensemble music (band or strings) currently being studied. Please choose excerpts that best display your proficiency when playing your instrument.

To audition for the Sweat Scholarship for Music Majors, Sweat Performance Scholarship for Non-Music Majors or the Distinguished Music Artistic Merit Scholarships, please prepare the following:

Vocalists should prepare three (3) songs of contrasting styles from memory. Art songs are recommended. If possible, present at least one song in a language other than English. An accompanist will be provided. Please send sheet music prior to audition.

Pianists/Organists should present a 10-minute program consisting of solo works from at least two contrasting style periods (e.g. Baroque, Classical, Romantic, Contemporary) from memory (pianists only). One selection should be either Baroque or Contemporary.

Wind and Guitar Instrumentalists should prepare two pieces: an etude and one other contrasting solo concert piece of their choice. The etude and contrasting piece should be from different style periods (e.g. Baroque, Classical, Romantic, Contemporary). Total time of program should not exceed ten minutes. If the pieces to be presented include an accompaniment, then we require that you perform the selection with an accompanist. An accompanist will be available upon request.

String Instrumentalists should prepare two pieces: one movement from a standard concerto plus an etude of your choice, which represents your latest technical capability. We request that you also prepare two three-octave scales in the keys of your choice. The two contrasting pieces should be from different style periods (e.g. Baroque, Classical, Romantic, Contemporary). Total time of program should not exceed ten minutes. If the pieces to be presented include an accompaniment, then we require that you perform the selection with an accompanist. An accompanist will be available upon request.

Percussionists should contact Dr. Jason Mathena directly for instructions on preparing for an audition.

Please email Dr. Rachel Heard, Chair of the Department of Music, for additional information. For information regarding the Millsaps College Choral Program, please email Jonathan Trotter.

For general information regarding application to Millsaps College, please contact the Millsaps Office of Admissions at 601.974.1050 to schedule an appointment. You may call toll-free at 1.800.352.1050.

Music Scholarships Available:

Jonathan Sweat Music Scholarships

These scholarships are for incoming students who declare a major in music upon acceptance at Millsaps College. Named for emeritus professor Dr. Jonathan Sweat, these scholarships recognize students who demonstrate extraordinary potential to excel in music performance. Renewal is contingent upon a successful student record of quality performance at Millsaps College. Upon accepting this award, the Jonathan Sweat Music Scholarship requires that you:

• Maintain a 3.0 GPA in all music courses in pursuit of a Bachelor’s in Arts degree in Music
• Demonstrate a positive collegial attitude at all times

Jonathan Sweat Performance Scholarships

Jonathan Sweat Performance Scholarships are for new and current music students enrolled in applied music instruction and are intended for non-music majors interested in continuing private voice or instrumental instruction. Awards would be in the amount of the applied music fee for 1 or 2-credit lessons.

Upon accepting the performance in music award, the Jonathan Sweat Music Scholarship requires that you:

• Maintain a 3.0 GPA in all music courses in pursuit of a Bachelor’s in Arts degree in Music
• Participate in one Millsaps music ensemble
• Demonstrate a positive collegial attitude at all times

Ridgeway Scholarship for membership in the Millsaps Chamber Singers

These scholarships are for students who have auditioned and ultimately earned a position in the Millsaps Chamber Singers. Auditions for this scholarship may take place at any time a student is enrolled at Millsaps. As musical ambassadors for the college, membership in Millsaps Chamber Singers requires participation in performances both on and off campus. Renewal is contingent upon a successful student record of quality performance in this elite organization. Upon accepting this award, the Ridgeway Scholarship requires that you:

• Remain an active member of Chamber Singers by attending all required rehearsals and performances.
• Maintain a 3.0 GPA in all music courses in pursuit of a Bachelor’s in Arts degree in Music
• Demonstrate a positive collegial attitude at all times

Distinguished Music Artistic Merit Scholarships

This audition-based scholarship recognizes incoming students who excel in the music field, as a vocalist, instrumentalist, or as a composer; and have high potential for making a significant contribution to music at Millsaps. Upon accepting this award, the Distinguished Merit in Music Scholarship requires that you:

• Complete at least one 4-credit music class per year (or two semesters of 2-credit applied lessons)
• Maintain continual membership each semester in an approved performance ensemble
• Maintain a 3.0 GPA in all music courses
• Demonstrate a positive collegial attitude at all times

Music Ensemble Scholarships

This scholarship is for incoming students who would like to participate in music while at Millsaps, but do not plan on majoring or minoring in music, or pursuing a certificate in performance in music. Upon accepting this award, the Music Ensemble Scholarship requires that you:

• Maintain continual membership each semester in an approved performance ensemble,
• Maintain a 3.0 GPA in all music courses,

For students unable to visit campus to audition, the Department of Music will accept video auditions in special cases.

Instructions for creating a video audition:

1. Set-up—Video in landscape mode (horizontal), being sure to keep your face, hands, and feet (if using the pedal) in view at all times. Set up the camera from the audience perspective, be sure the performance space is well lit, and limit background noise.
2. Auditioning students should dress in an appropriate manner similar to a job interview.
3. Please clearly announce the pieces that you will be performing prior to your performance.
4. It is entirely appropriate for auditioning students to bow before and after their performance.
5. Create a YouTube channel, and upload the video as unlisted. (There are many tutorials available on YouTube to help you do this.)
6. Send your unlisted YouTube video link to your Millsaps admissions counselor who will place the link onto your application page. When emailing your link to Admissions, please include a list of the works with composers’ names that you are performing.