Conservatory Auditions

Students must be at least 10 years of age to register online for a Conservatory audition.

Conservatory participation represents the highest level of Merit’s instructional continuum, available exclusively via an audition process. All prospective newcomers to the Conservatory—including students in Merit’s group class, private lessons, and Merit Music in Communities program—should follow the new student audition requirements above.

Yes. All current Conservatory students need to re-audition to keep their spot in the Conservatory and should follow the returning student audition requirements above.

Students who have previously been in the Conservatory, but were not in the Conservatory for the previous academic year, need to audition as a new student.

Students auditioning for one ensemble are automatically considered for other ensembles within their division. For example, a student auditioning for Symphonic Band is also automatically considered for Concert Band.

In some cases, a student may audition for an ensemble below their ability. In this case, they may be asked to audition again for placement in a higher ensemble.

We encourage students to audition on material best representing their abilities. Please talk with your lesson teacher or ensemble director if you aren’t sure what material may be best for you.

Students are allowed to participate in multiple program divisions (i.e. Band, Orchestra, Piano, Guitar, Voice, or Jazz) should they successfully audition into each division.

That being said, the Conservatory schedule may not allow a student to participate fully in both divisions. In that case, you may have to select between the two divisions.

After auditioning into their primary ensemble, students have the opportunity to join additional ensembles once they have been accepted. Available ensembles include instrument ensembles and chamber groups. These ensembles are determined in early fall, prior to the start of the year.

Wind Symphony students have the option to audition to participate in Merit Philharmonic. Interested students must audition for both Merit Philharmonic and Wind Symphony at the May auditions. Only students accepted into Wind Symphony will be considered for Merit Philharmonic, and participation in both ensembles is expected.

YES! In fact, we highly encourage that you participate in your school’s music program while attending Merit.

Merit’s Conservatory program is NOT a replacement for your school’s music activity, but rather a supplement to enhance your musical experience.

Thanks to the generosity of Merit’s supporters, the Conservatory is a tuition-free program. This means that the cost of tuition (a $3,700 value) is waived for all Conservatory students!

Upon accepting your invitation to join Merit’s Conservatory, there is a registration fee of $200, which can be set up under a payment plan if needed.