To assist deserving students and to stimulate high standards of scholarship and artistry, Hastings College maintains scholarship programs to help students with demonstrated need, special talents, and those who maintain a high scholastic average. Through the generosity of alumni supporters and friends, the opportunity to audition for financial assistance through a Special Skills Music Scholarship is open to all students who participate actively in the Department of Music.

Ours is a Student-friendly Audition Process: 

Early in your application and pre-enrollment process, you'll want to be sure to make arrangements with your HC Admissions counselor to schedule a music scholarship audition. Many schools require attendance at prescribed on-campus 'audition dates,' but we'll strive to work with your schedule to find a mutually convenient day and time for you to audition individually. (Of course you'll make your very best impression in an on-campus audition, but in special circumstances we can arrange to hear and see you in alternate ways.)

You'll be welcomed, encouraged, and evaluated by an expert team of music faculty members who will forward an audition report to the HC Office of Financial Aid. In all cases, specific awards are determined by the college Scholarship Committee. (Details of our financial assistance program are outlined in detail in the HC Admissions pages.)

How to Prepare and What to Expect:

To best showcase your talent, if you are able, we recommend that you perform two pieces in contrasting styles. If you will be performing just one piece, try to choose something that features more than one style. For instance, wind players should try to demonstrate both legato and tongued passages. If you both play and sing, we encourage you to demonstrate your multiple talents in your audition. 

Singers should memorize their audition pieces. Again, if you are able, we suggest you perform one piece in English and one in a foreign language. We are happy to provide an expert accompanist, but if you require an accompanist, please provide an extra copy of the music ahead of time. (About a week in advance is ideal.)

We prefer that solo pianists play from memory, but wind, percussion, and string players traditionally often perform with music. In any case, we sincerely want you to feel you had the opportunity to perform to the best of your ability! If you have scales and/or arpeggios memorized we would encourage you to include those in your audition as well.

• On the day of your visit, plan to warm up carefully and thoroughly before your audition; practice rooms and Steinway pianos are available in Fuhr Hall of Music. Be sure to let your HC Admissions Counselor know well in advance how long you will need to warm up so we can allow you ample time to feel prepared.
• Your meeting with the music faculty will be in a friendly and welcoming atmosphere, but remember, this is your formal audition for a college scholarship; please dress appropriately -- you'll want to make your very best impression.
• Following the audition, please feel free to ask questions of us -- we welcome the chance to visit with you. We'll be glad to talk with you about technique, repertoire, and equipment; or to discuss degree requirements or any other questions or concerns you may have.
• As best you can, relax and do your best when you are performing. Remember, we've all been in your shoes; no one expects absolute perfection!

So now, Here's How to Get Started:

As soon as you're ready, please click here to contact your HC Admissions counselor to begin the audition process. In the meantime, if you have any questions please contact Dr. Robin Koozer, chairman of the Music Department, either by email: rkoozer@hastings.edu or by phone: 402-461-7448.

We look forward to meeting you, hearing your audition, and wish you success! 

The Next Step for Prospective Students:

Thanks for your interest in Music at Hastings College. We can't wait to meet you! First, just to be sure you are "on our radar," please fill out our brief online Music Survey. Next, find and meet your personal HC Admissions Counselor. Most important, Apply for Admission online – it's free (and your admission application is your scholarship application). We'll look forward to hearing from you!