Let Your Passion Play: A Guide to Luther College Music Auditions

Organ professor Alexander Meszler gives an organ lesson in the Center for Faith and Life.

Music auditions can feel intimidating, whether it’s your first time or your fifteenth. But when it comes to the Weston Noble Music Scholarship at Luther College, you can relax. These auditions are designed to be welcoming and encouraging, helping you showcase your musical abilities without the pressure of a high-stakes environment. With the right preparation and mindset, you can step into your audition with confidence and let your passion for music shine.

What Are They Looking for in a Music Audition?

At Luther, the music faculty are most interested in your potential. While technique, tone, and melody are important, what truly stands out is your passion for music. Regardless of your major or the background of your high school music program, they want to see someone who is engaged, enthusiastic, and eager to grow within the musical community here. That’s why it’s so important to advocate for yourself—set your nerves aside and let your love for music shine through. No matter your current skill level, showing genuine excitement and dedication can make all the difference.

What Will Happen During My Audition?

Your music audition will most likely be with only one faculty member, depending on your instrument/vocal category. When you walk into the audition room you will quickly notice that this audition has a more laidback environment than most. You can relax! The person auditioning you will most likely be your teacher for the next four years, and they already want you to succeed. Rather than an audition, think of this as a music lesson.

Preparing for a Music Audition

There are many things you can do to prepare for your audition.

• Double and triple check that you know all of the materials you need for the audition. For the Weston Noble Music Scholarship auditions, every instrument has different requirements! They range from solos and scales to sightreading and memorization.
• Prepare a piece that you are comfortable with already but still shows your full musical capabilities.
• Make sure that your piece shows your technical ability as well as your musicality. Follow the audition requirements for the genre of your solo carefully.
• Start practicing early. Your audition may be months away but it will be here before you know it. If you start practicing your material now, you will feel less anxious about the audition and perform much better.
• Practice in front of others. It’s time to shake off that stage fright. Practicing in front of family and friends will help you acclimate to “being judged” and realizing it’s not as bad as you think!
• Practice good self care. Get plenty of sleep the night before your audition, drink water, eat enough, and surround yourself with friends and family if you’re nervous.

If I Get a Music Scholarship, What Does That Mean?

Depending on the outcome of your audition, you will be awarded $12,000-$28,000 over the course of 4 years. If you have a Weston Noble Music Scholarship, there are some things that you are required to do during your time at Luther. You must:

• Maintain satisfactory academic progress
• Participate in at least one large ensemble
• Take at least 1 credit lessons each semester
• In some cases, participate in a seminar related your instrument

Remember, at Luther College, we all want you to succeed and are cheering you on. You got this!

Luther College Music Audition Resources