Alabama School of the Arts

Undergraduate Admissions

At the Alabama School of the Arts, students receive professional training in music, theatre, worship leadership, and production technologies while growing academically, artistically, and spiritually. Our faculty are committed to helping students develop their talents, discover their calling, and prepare for meaningful careers and ministry opportunities.

Applying to ASOTA is a simple three-step process.

1. Apply to University of Mobile

1. Apply to University of Mobile

Submit your application for admission to the University of Mobile and provide all required academic materials and transcripts.

*All transcripts from previous institutions need to be submitted to umenrollment@umobile.edu.

Apply to UM
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2. Apply to Alabama School of the Arts

2. Apply to Alabama School of the Arts

Complete the Alabama School of the Arts Application and submit any additional materials required for your area of study. Through the application, you will select your preferred audition or interview date and provide the materials needed for admission consideration.

All application materials must be received no later than two weeks prior to your selected audition or interview date.

Upcoming audition and interview dates, deadlines, and requirements can be found in Step 3 below.

Apply to ASOTA
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3. Complete your audition or interview.

3. Complete your audition or interview.

Select your preferred audition or interview date when completing the Alabama School of the Arts Application. All application materials, including any required audition or interview materials, must be submitted no later than two weeks prior to your selected audition date.

Upcoming audition dates and application deadlines are listed below. Specific audition and interview requirements for each area are provided on this page.

Audition Date Application & Materials Deadline
November 20, 2026 November 6, 2026
January 29, 2027 January 15, 2027
February 26, 2027 February 12, 2027
April 9, 2027 March 26, 2027

 

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Majors

Audition Requirements

Select your area of study below to view detailed audition or interview requirements.

B.S. in Music Education – Vocal/Choral

Prepare two memorized selections representing the following:

1. One art song or aria in a foreign language (Chosen from Italian, German, Latin, French, or Spanish)
2. One song from Golden Age/Contemporary Musical Theatre, Contemporary Christian Worship OR One art song or aria in a foreign language (Chosen from Italian, German, Latin, French, or Spanish)

B.M. in Vocal Performance

Prepare two memorized selections representing the following:

1. One art song or aria in a foreign language (Chosen from Italian, German, Latin, French, or Spanish)
2. One song from Golden Age Musical Theatre, Contemporary Christian Worship OR One art song or aria in a foreign language (Chosen from Italian, German, Latin, French, or Spanish)

B.A. in Music - Voice

Prepare two memorized selections representing the following:

1. One art song or aria in a foreign language (Chosen from Italian, German, Latin, French, or Spanish)
2. One song from Golden Age Musical Theatre, Contemporary Christian Worship OR One art song or aria in a foreign language (Chosen from Italian, German, Latin, French, or Spanish)

B.A. in Music – Instrumental (Brass, Woodwind, Percussion)

Prepare the following:

1. All-State, All-District or All-County music that demonstrates tone quality, musicianship and technique.
2. 2 Major Flat scales of your choosing. (memorized)
3. 2 Major Sharp scales of your choosing. (memorized)
4. Sight reading will also be included.

B.A. in Music – Rhythm Section/Commercial Instruments

Prepare the following:

1. Two contrasting selections that demonstrate your musicianship, tone, groove, and stylistic versatility. Choose from styles such as Pop, Rock, Gospel, Jazz, R&B, Country, Funk, Blues, or Contemporary Christian.

*Backing tracks or live accompaniment are encouraged but not required.

BA in Music – Composition Focus

Your audition will include the following:

1. One original composition.
2. Additional musical ideas, sketches, or works in progress.
3. Scores and/or recordings of submitted works, if available.
4. Demonstration of basic music theory knowledge, including notation, harmony, rhythm, form, and instrumentation.
5. An interview with composition faculty discussing musical background, creative interests, and artistic goals.

B.S. in Music Education – Instrumental (Brass, Woodwind, Percussion)

Prepare the following:

1. All-State, All-District or All-County music OR a prepared piece that demonstrations tone quality, musicianship and technique or
2. 2 Major Flat scales of your choosing. (memorized)
3. 2 Major Sharp scales of your choosing. (memorized)
4. Sight reading will also be included.

B.S. in Music Education – Instrumental (Strings)

Prepare the following:

1. One movement by J. S. Bach (unaccompanied sonata, partita or suite) OR One movement from a standard concerto (1st movement preferable) OR comparable études
2. 2 Major Flat scales of your choosing. (memorized) (Three octaves-four notes per bow. Sixths, thirds and octaves)
3. 2 Major Sharp scales of your choosing. (memorized) (Three octaves-four notes per bow. Sixths, thirds and octaves)
4. Sight reading will also be included.

B.M. in Commercial Voice

Prepare two memorized selections of contrasting genres/styles.

1. One song from the following genres/styles: Jazz, Country, Folk, R&B, Hip-Hop, Blues, Soul, Pop, Rock, Metal, Gospel, and Contemporary Christian.
2. One song from the following genres/styles: Jazz, Country, Folk, R&B, Hip-Hop, Blues, Soul, Pop, Rock, Metal, Gospel, and Contemporary Christian.

B.S. in Worship Leadership (Church Ministry, Music Business, Education)

Prepare two memorized selections from the Christian Music genres:

1. One song from the following genres/styles: Gospel, Southern Gospel, Contemporary Christian Music, Traditional Christian Music, or Hymns
2. One song from the following genres/styles: Gospel, Southern Gospel, Contemporary Christian Music, Traditional Christian Music, or Hymns

B.M. in Piano Performance

Prepare the following:
1. One piece from each of the following contrasting styles: Baroque, Classical Sonata (one movement), Romantic OR Contemporary
2. 2 Major Flat scales of your choosing. (memorized) (2 octaves)
3.2 Major Sharp scales of your choosing.(memorized) (2 octaves)

B.M. in Cello, Violin, Viola, Double Bass Performance

Prepare the following:

1. One movement by J. S. Bach (unaccompanied sonata, partita or suite) OR One movement from a standard concerto (1st movement preferable) OR comparable études
2. 2 Major Flat scales of your choosing. (memorized) (Three octaves-four notes per bow. Sixths, thirds and octaves)
3. 2 Major Sharp scales of your choosing. (memorized) (Three octaves-four notes per bow. Sixths, thirds and octaves)
4. Sight reading will also be included.

B.F.A in Acting

Prepare the following:

1. Two contrasting 1-minute monologues: from the following Theatrical styles: Classical Theatre (Shakespeare etc.), Contemporary, Dramatic, and Comedic.

B.F.A in Musical Theatre

Prepare the following:

1. One 1-minute contemporary monologues.
2. Two contrasting songs from the following contrasting Musical Theatre styles: Golden Age/Operetta, Jazz Standard, Contemporary/Modern, Pop/Rock.

B.S. in Production Technologies

Production Technology students are required to interview for admittance to the Alabama School of the Arts. Please complete the Alabama School of the Arts Application to schedule your interview and be prepared to discuss previous work experience in lighting, sound, and technology.

B.M. & M.M. in Piano Performance (5-Year Integrated Program)

Prepare the following:
1. One piece from each of the following contrasting styles: Baroque, Classical Sonata (one movement), Romantic OR Contemporary
2. 2 Major Flat scales of your choosing. (memorized) (2 octaves)
3.2 Major Sharp scales of your choosing.(memorized) (2 octaves)

Minors

Audition & Interview Requirements

Minor in Music – Instrumentalist

Prepare the following:

1. All-State, All-District or All-County music OR a prepared piece that demonstrations tone quality, musicianship and technique
2. 2 Major Flat scales of your choosing. (memorized)
3. 2 Major Sharp scales of your choosing. (memorized)
4. Sight reading will also be included.

Minor in Music – Vocalist

Prepare two memorized selections from the following genres/styles:

1. One song from the following genres/styles: Classical, Jazz, Country, Folk, R&B, Hip-Hop, Blues, Soul, Pop, Rock, Metal, Gospel, Musical Theatre, and Contemporary Christian.
2. One song from the following genres/styles: Classical, Jazz, Country, Folk, R&B, Hip-Hop, Blues, Soul, Pop, Rock, Metal, Gospel, Musical Theatre, and Contemporary Christian.

Minor in Piano

Prepare the following:

1.Two pieces from following contrasting styles: Baroque, Classical Sonata (one movement), Romantic OR Contemporary
2. 1 Major Flat scale of your choosing. (memorized) (2 octaves)
3. 1 Major Sharp scale of your choosing. (memorized) (2 octaves)

Minor in Theatre

Prepare the following:

1. Two contrasting 1-minute monologues: from the following Theatrical styles: Classical Theatre (Shakespeare etc.), Contemporary, Dramatic, and Comedic.

Minor in Studio Production

Students wanting to minor in Studio Production are required to interview for admittance. Please complete the Alabama School of the Arts Application to schedule your interview and be prepared to discuss your experience, interests, and goals in audio recording, mixing, and related studio technologies.

Non-Majors

Audition & Interview Requirements

Non-Major – Instrumentalist

Prepare the following:
1. All-State, All-District or All-County music OR a prepared piece that demonstrations tone quality, musicianship and technique
2. 2 Major Flat scales of your choosing. (memorized)
3. 2 Major Sharp scales of your choosing. (memorized)
4. Sight reading will also be included.

Non-Major – Vocalist

Prepare two memorized selections from the following genres/styles:

1. One song from the following genres/styles: Classical, Jazz, Country, Folk, R&B, Hip-Hop, Blues, Soul, Pop, Rock, Metal, Gospel, Musical Theatre, and Contemporary Christian.
2. One song from the following genres/styles: Classical, Jazz, Country, Folk, R&B, Hip-Hop, Blues, Soul, Pop, Rock, Metal, Gospel, Musical Theatre, and Contemporary Christian.

Non-Major - Piano

Prepare the following:

1. Two pieces from following contrasting styles: Baroque, Classical Sonata (one movement), Romantic OR Contemporary
2. 1 Major Flat scale of your choosing. (memorized) (2 octaves)
3. 1 Major Sharp scale of your choosing. (memorized) (2 octaves)

Non-Major - Rhythm

Prepare the following:

1. Two contrasting selections that demonstrate your musicianship, tone, groove, and stylistic versatility. Choose from styles such as Pop, Rock, Gospel, Jazz, R&B, Country, Funk, Blues, or Contemporary Christian.

*Backing tracks or live accompaniment are encouraged but not required.

Audition Day Information

Students and families will have the opportunity to meet faculty, tour campus, learn about scholarships and financial aid, and experience the ASOTA community firsthand. Detailed audition day schedules will be provided after registration.

Interested in experiencing ASOTA before your audition? Explore our Backstage Pass Experience for an exclusive behind-the-scenes look at student life and performances.

Audition Day Itinerary

9:00 AM | Check-In

9:30 AM | Welcome Meeting

Meet ASOTA faculty and staff, learn about scholarships and student life, and hear what makes the Alabama School of the Arts unique.

10:00 AM | Auditions & Interviews

Students will complete their scheduled audition or interview with faculty in their selected area of study.

Detailed schedules and location information will be provided prior to your audition date.

Common Questions

Who is required to audition, and how are auditions scheduled?

All undergraduate applicants must pass an audition and/or an interview to enter the Alabama School of the Arts. Auditions are scheduled via the Alabama School of the Arts application.

How do I apply for a scholarship?

All undergraduate students accepted into the Alabama School of the Arts are considered for talent-based scholarships. Scholarship consideration is based on admission to the University of Mobile, acceptance into ASOTA, and the student’s audition or interview.

Additional academic scholarships, grants, and financial aid opportunities may also be available through the University of Mobile at umobile.edu/scholarships.

What are the guidelines for recorded auditions?

While all students are encouraged to audition on campus, most areas will accept a recorded video audition in place of a live audition. Students who wish to audition on campus but are unable to attend one of the scheduled audition dates may request an alternate on-campus audition date.

Please review the following guidelines for recorded auditions:

  • Upload your audition video(s) to YouTube or Vimeo and submit the link(s) through your Alabama School of the Arts Application. CD and DVD submissions will not be accepted.
  • YouTube videos may be set to Public or Unlisted, but not Private.
  • Audition submissions must include video. Audio-only recordings will not be accepted.
  • Your video submission should be unedited and recorded in a single continuous take.
  • Begin your recording by facing the camera, stating your name, and introducing the selection(s) you will be performing.
  • Please ensure your recording is of the highest quality possible and that all required audition materials are included. Professional recording equipment is not required, and faculty will take available resources into consideration during the evaluation process.
  • Review your recording before submitting to ensure that both audio and video quality are clear.

Additional Requirements

  • Voice applicants must perform with accompaniment. A cappella singing will not be accepted.
  • Instrumental applicants should perform unaccompanied unless otherwise specified in their audition requirements.

Is a collaborative pianist provided?

A collaborative pianist is provided free of charge for all on-campus voice auditions. Applicants must upload their piano music as part of their ASOTA application prior to their audition date. Rehearsal time with the collaborative pianist will be provided on audition day.

What Should I Wear for My Audition or Interview?

Your audition or interview is an opportunity to present yourself as a serious and prepared artist. While formal attire is not required, applicants should dress neatly and professionally in a manner appropriate for their area of study.

Choose clothing that is comfortable, allows you to perform confidently, and reflects the professional standards of your discipline. Avoid overly casual attire such as pajamas, clothing with offensive graphics or language, or anything that may distract from your performance or interview.

Most importantly, wear something that helps you feel confident, comfortable, and ready to do your best.

What if the audition dates listed above don't work for me?

If none of the scheduled audition dates fit your availability, you are still encouraged to complete the Alabama School of the Arts Application. Simply select “Private Audition” on your application, and an ASOTA representative will contact you to arrange an alternate audition date that works with your schedule.

We understand that travel, school, work, and other commitments can make attending a scheduled audition difficult, and we are happy to work with you whenever possible.

Do I need to take a Music Theory Placement Exam?

All incoming music majors, transfer students, and students planning to enroll in music theory courses are required to complete a Music Theory Placement Examination prior to registration.

The examination is designed to assess each student’s current level of music theory knowledge and musicianship in order to determine the appropriate starting course, either:

  • MU 100.1 Foundations of Music Theory
  • MU 101 Theory I

Are transfer students required to take the exam?

Yes. Transfer students may be required to complete additional placement or diagnostic examinations to determine transfer credit equivalencies and proper course sequencing. In some cases, the examination may also serve as a challenge exam for students entering from non-accredited institutions or alternative educational backgrounds.

When can I register for music theory courses?

Students may not register for music theory coursework until all required placement testing has been completed and reviewed by the appropriate faculty member or academic advisor.

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