Frequently Asked Questions
How do I become a music major?
You must be admitted to Centenary College before you can be admitted into the Hurley School of Music.
For admission to the music school, you need to audition for the music faculty and complete an interview. The Music School is interested in your career aspirations and musical experiences. Any information you wish to provide us about your musical and scholastic background is welcome.
You are also expected to take the Theory and Piano Placement exams (see next question).
The School of Music will notify you of your acceptance status as a music major after you have completed the above steps.
What are the Theory and Piano Placement tests?
Both of these tests help us schedule our Freshman Music Theory and Class Piano sections for the fall semester. The tests are used to determine what your music background has been before you arrive at Centenary. The tests will also help us assess our effectiveness in teaching you the skills you need by the time you graduate.
We understand that there is a large difference in backgrounds and experiences of students wishing to study music. We do not expect everyone to have the same skills.
The Piano Placement test takes place in one of the piano studios. You will be asked to show your knowledge of scales and sight-reading. The initial exam is very short. One of the piano faculty will listen to you alone. Students who do particularly well may continue with the exam, and will have the opportunity to skip some of the sections of Class Piano. Advanced students may be permitted to continue the exam to completion. Passing the complete exam may earn the student his/her Piano Proficiency, making them eligible to take private piano lessons.
The Theory Placement test takes place in one of the classrooms. All of the students auditioning that day will be there. The exam will test your knowledge of music theory, beginning with more elementary skills, and progressing to more difficult information. Advanced students will have the opportunity to take a test which will allow them to skip some of the Freshman Theory requirement.
Do I need to audition?
Yes. All candidates for a music degree must pass an audition in their major performing medium in order to be admitted to the Hurley School of Music.
If you DO NOT plan to be a music major, but wish to play in one of the performing ensembles, you must audition for the conductor of that ensemble. Some smaller scholarships may be available for non-major ensemble participation, depending on your skill and area of specialty.
If you just plan to take private lessons or a music class, and do not plan to play in an ensemble or major in music, you do not have to audition.
How do I schedule an audition for the Hurley School of Music?
If you are coming to Centenary College specifically for a Hurley School of Music audition, you should make every effort to be present on one of our primary audition dates. The Music Office will schedule you for your audition on those days. Please call the School of Music at (318) 869-5235, or fax us at (318) 869-5248.
If you are planning to audition in conjunction with a campus visit on another date, the Admissions Office may be able to make those arrangements for you. Please ask them.
If you cannot be present on one of the primary audition dates, call the Admissions Office and they will help you schedule another date for your Hurley School of Music audition.
How do I schedule a campus visit?
Contact the Admissions Office at (318) 869-5131.
What about the Centenary College Choir?
The Centenary College Choir is made up of both music majors and non-majors. Auditions for the choir are frequently scheduled and held separately from those for the Hurley School of Music. Dr. Will K. Andress, Director of the Centenary Choir, will be glad to speak with you about scheduling an audition. He may be reached by calling the music office at the First United Methodist Church at (318) 429-6887.
If you are planning to be a music major, and you audition on one of the three primary audition dates, Dr. Andress will be present to hear your audition.
Do not forget that if you plan to be a music major, you must schedule an audition for the Hurley School of Music. Admission to the Hurley School of Music and admission to the Centenary Choir are two separate things. You may audition for only one, or for both at the same time, but an audition for the Choir alone is not the same as an audition for the School of Music.
