Reconceptualizing the audition for the 21st century music student

Abstract The purpose of this quality improvement project was to examine a newly-implemented music admissions assessment process at a small liberal arts university and students’ perceptions of that process, which was intended to provide a holistic view of prospective students’ pre-admission achievement and to offer feedback regarding their readiness and potential success for meeting degree requirements. Faculty designed a three-part assessment process, integrating an inclusive perspective to provide them with a more complete view of a student’s skills, strengths, and areas in need of development prior to initiating their music studies. This process was designed to place students at the center of the assessment process and ensure that they have the opportunity to demonstrate their broad scope of skills. Music, human development and learning (i.e., music education) and music therapy students were invited to be interviewed regarding their experiences of the revised assessment process. Nine students participated in a focus group and were interviewed individually. Data analysis revealed four themes: Connecting with Others; Professional Identity; Developing as a Musician; Seen as an Individual. This redesigned process provided students with opportunities to create connections with their peers and faculty, serving as a means of support and belonging in the social and academic environment. Supplemental data for this article is available online at https://doi.org/10.1080/10632913.2021.1937761 .