Thank you for your interest in applying to the Department of Music at SUNY New Paltz. We’re delighted that you’re considering studying with us! On this page, you’ll find answers to prospective students’ most frequently asked questions by clicking on the questions below.
We prefer students audition on one of our pre-scheduled audition dates. If you are unable to make one of these dates or have other questions about applying to the Department of Music not answered below, please contact Marilyn Heuer at (845) 257-2700 or heuerm1@newpaltz.edu.
2026-27 Pre-scheduled Audition Dates Coming Soon
All auditions start at 10 a.m.
Admission to the Department of Music is by audition—but before arranging an audition, all prospective students must apply to SUNY New Paltz first. For undergraduate majors, contact the Office of Undergraduate Admission for information on applying to the college. For graduate music therapy, contact the Office of Graduate Admission.
First-year students must be accepted into the college before auditioning.
Transfer students must apply to the college and receive a student ID number before auditioning, and then pass the audition before being accepted into the college. After applying to the college and receiving your student ID, you should schedule an audition as soon as possible. If you have questions about scheduling an audition, please contact Marilyn Heuer at (845) 257-2700 or heuerm1@newpaltz.edu. The college will make a final admission decision after your audition.
Current New Paltz students who are not Music majors may transfer into the department, and should schedule an audition in the first half of a semester. If you have questions about scheduling an audition, please contact Marilyn Heuer at (845) 257-2700 or heuerm1@newpaltz.edu.
Once you have been accepted into the college—or, if you are a transfer student, once you have applied—please request your audition via this form.
No. Students do not have to decide immediately on a concentration.
Auditions usually take 10-15 minutes.
Our auditions are in person. If you have any questions regarding other accommodations, please contact Marilyn Heuer at (845) 257-2700 or heuerm1@newpaltz.edu, or contact any of the professors in the area in which you want to apply.
No. You may audition on just one instrument, which will be your primary instrument in the program and the instrument with which you will be taking applied lessons. You can also be your own accompaniment (a voice audition while also playing piano, for example).
Music majors can take one semester of applied lessons on another instrument. If you are interested in ways to explore work in more than one instrument while attending SUNY New Paltz, please discuss this with your advisor.
Please contact the professor associated with your desired concentration for specific information to ask whether pop or original music are acceptable for the area you would like to audition for.
All auditions include a meeting between prospective students and faculty. Prospective students will also be asked to complete a music theory placement test. Scores on the music theory test are used to place students in the correct courses, and do not affect admission decisions.
Audition requirements differ between concentrations. Find detailed information for each concentration below:
Classical Voice +
Please be prepared to sing two pieces, memorized: One piece in Italian and one piece of your choice in the classical style (of known works). You will need a piano accompanist for your audition; if you do not have an accompanist of your own, please contact Marilyn Heuer at (845) 257-2700 or heuerm1@newpaltz.edu and an accompanist will be provided for you. If you have questions on pieces you would like to perform, or need more information on a concentration you’re interested in, please contact Professor Kent Smith at smithk@newpaltz.edu.
Classical Piano +
Please choose and perform two works from the classical/known works or contemporary repertoire that allow you to demonstrate musicianship and proficiency. If you have any questions, please contact Professor Alex Peh at peha@newpaltz.edu.
Classical Strings +
Please choose and perform two works from the classical/known works or contemporary repertoire that allow you to demonstrate musicianship and proficiency. If you have questions, please contact Professor Christiana Fortune-Reader at readerc@newpaltz.edu.
Classical Instrumental +
Please prepare two 3-5 minute solo pieces that demonstrate your highest level of musical attainment. These pieces can be single movements of a larger solo work (i.e. concerti, sonatas, etc.), or an etude. You do not need an accompanist for your audition. If you have questions, please contact Professor Adam Fontana at fontanaa@newpaltz.edu.
Jazz Vocal +
Please choose and perform two works from the jazz repertoire that allow you to demonstrate musicianship and proficiency. If you can find a piano (or other) accompaniment recording to sing with, please bring the recordings with you to the audition on a cell phone or other MP4-playing device. Otherwise, you may sing a capella if you are comfortable doing so. If you have questions, please contact Marilyn Heuer at heuerm@newpaltz.edu.
Jazz Instrumental or Percussion +
Please choose and perform two works from the jazz repertoire that allow you to demonstrate musicianship and proficiency. You can bring accompanying recordings to the audition on a cell phone or other MP4-playing device, or you can solo if preferred. If you have questions, please contact Marilyn Heuer at heuerm@newpaltz.edu.
Recording & Electronic Music +
Applicants should submit two short videos and one personal statement to Pontus Gunve at gunvep@newpaltz.edu.
1. Music Production Submission (Video)
Submit a short video showcasing a produced song or piece created in the DAW of your choice.
Requirements:
- Display your DAW session as the music plays back (mix window, arrangement view, or session overview).
- You may also include a finished audio file, but the video should clearly show your session to demonstrate your workflow and production approach.
- Any genre or style is welcome.
- LABEL your file with your first and last name _Production [example : Firstname_Lastname_Production.mp4]
2. Performance or Creative Work Submission (Choose ONE)
2a. Instrumental Performance Video
Submit a brief video of you performing on your primary instrument.
This can include:
-
- An original composition
- A cover
- A standard piece
- Any musical selection that demonstrates your playing ability and musicianship
- LABEL your file with your first and last name _Performance [example : Firstname_Lastname_Performance
- .mp4]
OR
2b. Creative Work Submission (Non-Music)
Submit a short documentation video or digital file showcasing creative work outside of music. This may include visual, media, or interdisciplinary arts. If submitting multiple pieces, please keep the total to 3–5 minutes. Explain and list your work and involvement in the project.
Examples of Creative Projects:
-
- Short film or video project
- Digital art series (illustration, concept art, abstract digital pieces)
- Photography collection or photo collage
- Painting or illustrative work
- Graphic design or poster design
- Mixed-media or installation art
- Animation or motion graphics
- Creative writing or poetry (read or presented visually)
- Soundless visual rhythm project (imagery or video designed to show movement or pacing)
- UX/UI design, 3D modeling, or game design concepts
These works should highlight your creativity, artistic voice, and interests beyond music.
3. Personal Statement
Submit a 1–2-page personal statement that addresses the following:
- Background in music
- Experience in music production and recording
- (DAWs used, studio or live audio experience, instrument building, engineering work, etc.)
- Creative identity and artistic interests
- Technical experience
- Future goals in Music Technology or Recording Arts
- Why you are interested in the Music Technology / Recording Arts program at SUNY New Paltz
Be honest, specific, and reflective—your personal statement should help us understand your unique path and goals.
Composition +
Please be prepared to:
- Present an original work (no style, duration or notation requirements—whatever represents you).
- Play any piece on your primary instrument.
In the composition program, we often read and play peer works to learn how to write for other instruments and foster peer support. As part of your audition into the program, you will also be asked to sight-read a short exercise on your instrument.
If you have questions, please contact Professor Phyllis Chen at chenp@newpaltz.edu.
Graduate Music Therapy or Undergraduate Clinical Musicianship Concentration +
Please see above for audition information pertaining to your choice of instrument. If you have questions regarding the undergraduate clinical musicianship concentration, and/or how this concentration will prepare you for our graduate music therapy program after you receive your bachelor’s in music—or if you have obtained your degree elsewhere—please contact Professor Kathleen Murphy at murphyk@newpaltz.edu.
