Thank you for your interest in Music Programs at Otterbein University! The admissions process can be complicated, but we’re here to help! If you have any questions, please reach out to our Admissions Counselor, Emily Stroble or our Program Coordinator, Nico Lawson for assistance.
Students interested in majoring in Music or auditioning for Participation or Athletic Bands scholarships must first apply for admission to Otterbein University using the Common App. You will be prompted to register for an audition when you select the Music Major or indicate an interest in Music in your application. You can also find the audition registration link below.
For comprehensive information about preparing for auditions, please see our “Music Audition & Scholarship Information” brochure
Audition Information
You will be prompted to register for an audition when you select the Music Major or indicate an interest in Music in your application to Otterbein University.
Auditions for admission to the Music Major and for participation and Athletic Band scholarships will be held at in person at Otterbein University on these dates:
- Saturday, December 13, 2025
- Saturday, January 17, 2026
- Saturday, February 21, 2026
Online auditions will be held on the following date:
- Saturday, March 21, 2026
Otterbein Music hosts its online auditions via Acceptd. Please contact program coordinator Nico Lawson should you need assistance. Audition spots are filled on a first-come, first-served basis and only confirmed once the offer of admission to the University is received. If you are unable to audition on a date listed above, you will be able to request an alternate audition date through the registration form or by reaching out to Program Coordinator Nico Lawson.
In-person auditions are preferred and afford the candidate the best scholarship consideration. It is also an ideal opportunity to get to know Otterbein. Students planning to major in Music who would like to be considered for the Young Artist Scholarship must apply for admission to the University by December 15, 2025 and audition by February 21, 2026.
Audition Requirements for Music Majors:
- Performance Area Audition
- Aural Skills Placement Exam
- Keyboard Skills Placement Exam (Optional for non-keyboard majors)
Audition Requirements for Non-Majors (Participation and Athletic Bands):
- Performance Area Audition
Comprehensive instructions based on the intended instrument(s) and/or voice and music program can be found in the “Music Audition & Scholarship Information” brochure.
Register for an Audition
Students can register to audition through the link at the end of the Common App application or by using the link below.
Plan a Campus Visit
Students interested in pursuing music at Otterbein University are strongly encouraged to plan a campus visit. In addition to exploring the Department, students can observe classes and rehearsals, take a sample lesson with one of our applied music faculty, and attend one of our many free public performances!
Contact Otterbein Admissions at campusvisits@otterbein.edu to arrange a visit!
Scholarships for Music Majors
Music Major Talent Awards
Talent Awards for Music Majors are determined during the applicant’s audition and reflect a combination of academic merit and musical talent. All applicants that audition for a music major are assessed for a talent award. All talent awards are renewable for up to four years.
Young Artist Scholarship
The Young Artist Scholarship is awarded to Music majors with exceptional talent and potential. This $30,000 competitive scholarship is awarded to up to five incoming first-year students per year and is renewable up to four years for students in good standing.
Applicants wishing to be considered for the Young Artist Scholarship must apply to Otterbein University by December 15, 2025 and complete their audition by February 21, 2026.
Scholarships for Non-Majors
Participation Awards for Non-Majors
Non-majors who would like to continue their music education and performance while at Otterbein may audition for a participation award. Awards range from $1,000 to $4,000 and are renewable for up to four years for students in good standing. Many participation award students choose to minor in music as well.
Non-majors with participation awards are required to enroll in applied music lessons (these incur an additional fee) and participate in an appropriate University ensemble each semester to retain their award.
Students interested in pursuing a non-majors participation award may audition in-person or online.
Athletic Band Participation Awards
Any incoming or current Otterbein student who performs on a woodwind, brass, or percussion instrument and/or who is a visual performer, including color guard and twirling, is eligible to audition for the Otterbein Athletic Bands. Students choosing to commit to the Otterbein Athletic Bands receive a $1,000 award, renewable for up to four years.
Special Notes:
- Auditions for the Marching Band are non-competitive (i.e. for placement only).
- Instrumentalists may audition in person or online. Register for an audition here.
- Visual performers (color guard and twirlers) should reach out to Dr. Matthew Winarski (bands@otterbein.edu) for audition requirements.
- Students who have auditioned for the Music Major or a non-major Talent Award for a woodwind or brass instrument do not need to re-audition for the Athletic Band unless they intend to participate as a visual performer or percussionist.