Music
Create music that uplifts hearts, enriches minds, and inspires faith.
Turn Your Talent Into a Calling
Prepare to make a lasting impact through your music at Concordia University Irvine. Known for its exceptional craft, dedicated teaching, and Christ-centered community, the Music Department at Concordia nurtures both artistic mastery and spiritual growth.
Choose to study commercial music, music education, church music, composition, or instrumental, vocal, or keyboard performance. Whichever path you pursue, you’ll have opportunities to perform in world-class recording studios and concert venues. Through expert instruction, collaborative ensembles, and inspiring performances, you’ll learn to use your musical gifts with purpose.
Accredited by the National Association of Schools of Music (NASM), Concordia is proud to offer the following music programs:
Explore Music Programs
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Bachelor of Arts in Music
Develop your musical talent and inspire others with a music…
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Director of Parish Music Minor
Pair the Parish Music minor with the Church Music major…
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Director of Parish Music Program
Help your congregation worship through song in the DPM program.
Perform With Renowned Ensembles
Join a community of passionate musicians who perform, worship, and grow together through an array of celebrated performance groups. Our ensembles have travelled across the country and around the world, performing for notable events like the 75th anniversary of D-Day in Normandy.
With flexible schedules that encourage participation in multiple groups, you’ll grow into a well-rounded and versatile performer. Plus, nearly every student who participates in an ensemble receives a music scholarship.
Orchestral Music
Develop your artistry through a diverse range of orchestral ensembles:
Choral Music
Experience the beauty of sacred and classical choral music. From touring choirs to community collaborations, our ensembles create powerful moments of worship, artistry, and shared expression.
Worship, Commercial, and Jazz Ensembles
Explore the energy and creativity of contemporary performance. From worship bands to jazz and commercial music ensembles, you’ll develop professional-level musicianship while sharing your gifts in both concert and ministry settings.
Handbells, Organ, and Piano
Perform in ensembles and solo settings that highlight precision, expression, and artistry. Through worship services, concerts, and studio study, you’ll cultivate both musical skill and spiritual depth.
Celebrate With Us on PBS
Join us for A Concordia Christmas, our annual concert that’s broadcast nationally on PBS. Each year, hundreds of our students and alumni come together to share the message of Christ through music. Filmed in Orange County’s world-class concert halls, the program has reached millions of viewers and earned multiple Telly Awards for its excellence in music and production.
Meet Our Faculty
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Tom Mueller
Dean, School of Arts and Sciences Professor of Music (organ)
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Jeff Held
Asst. Dean, School of Arts and Sciences
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Ana Carvalho
Choral Operations Coordinator Music Department Assistant
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Andrew Doolittle
Studio Faculty – Guitar
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Arnold Geis
Voice
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Avery Smith
Bassoon
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Chris Hornung
Studio Faculty – Double Bass
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Dana Decker
Studio Faculty – Bass
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Daniel Ujifusa
Director, Spirit Bells
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Daniel Wessler
Director, Donne di Cano and Men’s Chorus
Audition to Share Your Gifts
Take the next step toward joining our musical community. Start by completing the Music Scholarship Interest Form, and then decide if you want to audition online or in person. If possible, we prefer to meet you in person.
Auditions are open to any student within one year of potential enrollment, and they’re accepted through the summer. Once you audition, you’re automatically considered for music scholarships, with priority funding available through May 1.
To audition online, upload your video to YouTube and send the link to [email protected]. Include a brief introduction about yourself, your goals, and why you’re applying to Concordia. If you would prefer to audition in person, you may also email us there to schedule a time.
For specific guidelines by musical area, find yours below to learn what to prepare. Please note that you may be asked to interview or perform additional materials, especially if you audition in person.
Guidelines
Voice
Concordia provides choral (voice) scholarships for singers of varying experience levels. Both Music Majors and Non-Music Majors are eligible and encouraged to apply. Arrange your audition by contacting: [email protected].
Auditions in Person
In-person auditions are the preferred method. Make arrangements through [email protected].
- Prepare 2 solo selections that demonstrate your vocal ability. Solos may be of any style (classical, musical theatre, pop, contemporary Christian), but if you have studied classical art song literature please include at least one of these.
- Voice faculty will assess the candidate’s current level of technique, musicianship, and ability, as well as potential for growth using:
- Sight reading exercises
- Rhythm exercises
- A brief interview
- A professional accompanist is provided for in-person auditions. Prepare music by placing a copy in a double-sided binder, so the accompanist can turn pages easily. Accompaniments must be printed fully written out and printed in the desired key. The pianist does not transpose or read from chord charts. If you would like to use your own accompanist, please communicate with [email protected]. Recorded accompaniments will not be allowed.
- Other offerings are available during your visit to Concordia University Irvine. The Music Department is happy to help arrange campus tours, financial aid sessions, admission counselor meetings, and meetings with professors. Contact [email protected] with requests.
Video Audition & Online Meeting
If you are unable to visit in-person, video auditions are available by video submission.
Upload video to a video hosting site (like YouTube) and email link(s) to [email protected] (Please do not attach videos to emails).
Experienced Singers
- Record 2 solo selections that demonstrate your vocal ability. These solos may be of any style (classical, musical theatre, pop, contemporary Christian), but if you have studied classical art song literature please include at least one of these.
Singers Without Solo Repertoire
- Record a couple verses of your favorite hymn or song, and/or record yourself singing a voice part of your favorite choral piece.
- Please make a few comments – introduce yourself, share your goals, why you are applying to Concordia, etc.
- Meet the music faculty via webchat to learn more about the program. Contact [email protected] to arrange.Prepare two vocal selections of any style that showcase your range and ability. If you’ve studied classical art song literature, please include at least one of those.
Band and Orchestra Instruments
Brass/Percussion/String/Woodwind
Instrument Auditions
The Orchestra Program* at Concordia (encompassing bands and orchestras) welcomes students with strong musical resumes (honor ensemble appointments, soloists) who are also applying at other top music schools/conservatories. Each year, numerous students select Concordia instead of other fine institutions, attracted to the outstanding repertoire performed, performance opportunities at a variety of venues, travel opportunities, and recording sessions.
The Orchestra Program also welcomes students who have a strong desire to play in a major touring/recording ensemble but may not be as advanced in their musical development. Concordia is a rich environment for rapid progress resulting in significant contributions in our ensembles from these students, many of whom are not music majors.
Almost every student from either of the above descriptions will receive a music scholarship to perform in the orchestra program, amounts will vary. Those that do not are receiving other scholarships so significant that we may not be able to offer additional music funds. Please do not make this assumption though – every student interested in participating in the Concordia Orchestras program should audition for a music scholarship.
Auditions on woodwind, brass, string, percussion, and harp are eligible for orchestra scholarships. Pianists intending to play with the orchestra should indicate that in their piano audition and may be assigned to the orchestra in any given semester as a condition of their piano scholarship.
Auditions are accepted in person or remotely. Please be advised that in person auditions tend to offer a more complete impression of your musicianship, character, and level of commitment toward progress on your instrument. Campus visits are strongly encouraged.
The Audition:
- Perform an audition on your instrument.
- Play a prepared solo, étude, or excerpts of band/orchestra music (solo preferred). Please select a portion consisting of four minutes or less that best represents the edge of your musical abilities, meaning it took significant preparation to become performance-ready.
- Play up to 3 excerpts from the excerpt lists below.
- Interview with the Director of Orchestral Activities: We will discuss your academic/musical goals, your musical upbringing, and your various musical and non-musical activities. This also is a time to learn about the culture of Concordia, the music major (if interested), and upcoming highlights (like future tours you might be a part of).
If auditioning online: Video-record the performance portion of the audition in advance. Upload it to YouTube or another video provider and email a link to [email protected]. The Director of Orchestral Activities will review it before the online meeting is scheduled.
Questions about scheduling your audition? [email protected] (949)214-3419
For instrumental music information: [email protected] (949)214-3420
*Please note that the “Orchestra Program” includes the Concordia Wind Orchestra, Concordia Symphony Orchestra, and Concordia Sinfonietta. Students who have only performed in a band in school, by all means, are fully eligible for music scholarships. The Concordia Wind Orchestra is our concert wind band.
Excerpts
Piano and Organ
Keyboard Auditions
Students who are capable of assisting the department with accompanimental and service playing needs are eligible for generous music scholarships. The highest consideration for keyboard awards is given to candidates with significant mastery of technique and musicianship.
Keyboard applicants and their families are invited to visit campus for an audition and sample lesson at any time of year. Music scholarship offers are usually determined within one week of your audition date.
Piano
In person (preferred):
- Complete the music scholarship interest form
- Play one or two pieces that demonstrate your highest level of musical achievement.
- Be prepared to sightread a hymn or simple piece of keyboard literature. All sightreading materials will be provided.
- When possible, the audition will conclude with a brief interview and sample lesson.
By video (if the candidate is distant):
Upload your video to a video hosting site (like YouTube) and email the link(s) to [email protected]. Please do not attach videos to emails.
- Complete the music scholarship interest form
- Play one or two pieces that demonstrate your highest level of musical accomplishment.
- If desired, you may include a recording of yourself serving in accompanimental role in a rehearsal, performance, or worship service.
- Please introduce yourself and let us know why you are interested in Concordia. What are your goals? What do you most enjoy about studying music? What has led you to consider Concordia?
Questions about scheduling your audition? [email protected] (949) 214-3613
For keyboard study information: [email protected] (949) 214-3651
Organ
In person (preferred):
- Complete the music scholarship interest form
- Play one or two pieces that demonstrate your highest level of musical achievement.
- Pianists who wish to study organ may audition with two contrasting piano pieces.
- Be prepared to sightread brief excerpts from hymns or literature of comparable difficulty.
- When possible, the audition will conclude with a brief interview and sample lesson.
The specification for Concordia’s Casavant organ (III/59) can be viewed here. To schedule practice time, contact Dr. Tom Mueller at [email protected]. A faculty member will help you with registrations and page turns if you need assistance.
By video (if the candidate is distant):
Upload your video to a video hosting site (like YouTube) and email the link(s) to [email protected]. Please do not attach videos to emails.
- Complete the music scholarship interest form
- Play one or two pieces that demonstrate your highest level of musical accomplishment.
- If desired, you may include a recording of yourself serving in accompanimental role in a rehearsal, performance, or worship service.
- Please introduce yourself and let us know why you are interested in Concordia. What are your goals? What do you most enjoy about studying music? What has led you to consider Concordia?
Questions about scheduling your audition? [email protected] (949) 214-3613
For keyboard study information: [email protected] (949) 214-3651
Handbells
Handbell Auditions at Concordia University Irvine
Handbells are a unique musical medium and prospective Concordia ringers come with a wide range of abilities and types of experience and training. Most come with large-ensemble experience, and some come with solo experience. We realize that the ensemble experience ringing handbells or handchimes may be recent or in the somewhat less-recent past! We also accept auditions from candidates with no experience, however some musical experience is helpful.
The audition process helps assess a candidate’s current level of technique, musicianship, and ability, as well as potential for growth and learning whatever the level of experience.
In Person
Your audition may include the following:
- Clap or play a variety of rhythms at sight in various meters from simple to complex.
- From a short musical excerpt provided, figure out and play a part (such as F5-G5 with accidentals), with a few minutes of preparation.
By video (if the candidate cannot come to campus):
Record your playing as follows and send us a link to a YouTube, DropBox, or other commonly used internet file. This should be clearly labeled with your name, address, contact information (phone and/or email address), and list of contents.
Your recorded audition should include the following:
Rehearsal or performance of two well-prepared selections of full ensemble, small ensemble, and/or solo with the candidate clearly visible at all times. Some zooming to show both individual and group is helpful.
Questions about scheduling your audition? [email protected]
For more information: [email protected] | (949)214-3652
Jazz and Ensemble
Jazz Auditions
Concordia has several graded jazz ensembles, as well as an all-acoustic string ensemble devoted to bluegrass, swing, country, and other traditional genres. Scholarships are available for talented student musicians who wish to hone their skills as improvisers and ensemble musicians.
In person (preferred):
Prepare at least one of the following items for your audition.
- Two contrasting jazz standards (chordal instruments should prepare both melody and chords.) The use of a play-along track is permitted.
- Two contrasting parts from a large ensemble or big band arrangement
- Optional: improvise for at least one chorus of a standard tune or blues form
- Americana: a traditional country, swing, or bluegrass tune.
Auditioning students will be asked to sightread from a lead sheet.
By video (if the candidate is distant):
Upload your video to a video hosting site (like YouTube) and email the link(s) to [email protected] (do not attach videos to emails). At the beginning of your video, take a moment to introduce yourself, share a few of your musical goals, and tell us why you are applying to Concordia.
Prepare at least one of the following items for your audition.
- Two contrasting jazz standards (chordal instruments should prepare both melody and chords.) The use of a play-along track or supporting musicians is permitted.
- Two contrasting parts from a large ensemble or big band arrangement
- Optional: improvise for at least one chorus of a standard tune or blues form
- Americana: a traditional country, swing, or bluegrass tune.
Mail to: The Music Department, Concordia University, 1530 Concordia West, Irvine, CA 92612
Questions about scheduling your audition? [email protected] (949)214-3419
For more information about the jazz program: [email protected] (949)214-3651
Worship Band and Commercial Music
Students who demonstrate excellent musicianship in their audition are eligible to earn music scholarships to participate in our Commercial Music Ensembles and Worship Bands. Singers are encouraged to also apply for voice (choral) auditions.
In Person Audition
In person auditions are the preferred method. Make arrangements through [email protected].
- Perform two songs of contrasting styles. Your song choices should allow you to demonstrate versatility, performance excellence and artistry.
- You may be asked to perform additional material in order to demonstrate sight-reading ability or ability to perform multiple styles.
- Singers, may accompany themselves or if they submit chord charts or sheet music, an accompanist will be provided.
- Guitarists & Bassists, bring instruments unless prior arrangement is made.
- Drummers, bring sticks. Concordia University Irvine will provide amplifiers, drums, cymbals and keyboards.
- Other offerings are available during your visit to Concordia University Irvine. The Music Department is happy to help arrange campus tours, financial aid sessions, admission counselor meetings, and meetings with professors. Contact [email protected] with requests.
Video Audition & Online Meeting
If you are unable to visit in person, video auditions are available by video submission.
- Upload video to a video hosting site (like YouTube) and email link(s) to [email protected] (Please do not attach videos to emails).
- Perform two songs of contrasting styles. Your song choices should allow you to demonstrate versatility, performance excellence and artistry.
- In your video, briefly tell us about yourself, your musical experience, and your future musical goals.
- Meet the music faculty via webchat to learn more about the program. Contact [email protected] to arrange.
Deadlines
Auditions are submitted on an ongoing basis. It is recommended that applicants complete their scholarship audition before March 31 for Fall Enrollment and to maximize scholarship award potential. If submitted after that date, auditions are still accepted, but funds may be limited.
Composition
Composition Auditions
Concordia provides scholarships for talented composers who wish to further their knowledge of arranging, orchestrating, and composition. Composition applicants and their families are invited to visit campus for an audition and sample lesson at any time of year.
In person (preferred):
- Complete the music scholarship interest form
- Submit scores for two or three of your own compositions or arrangements. These may be classical, jazz, or contemporary, composed for any performing medium or instrumentation. You may bring paper copies of your scores to your audition, or you may email .pdf files in advance.
- If possible, include audio or video recordings of your compositions.
- A brief interview.
By email, video, and phone (if the candidate is distant):
Upload your video to a video hosting site (like YouTube) and email the link(s) to [email protected] (do not attach videos to emails).
- Complete the music scholarship interest form
- Email scores for two or three of your own compositions or arrangements. These may be classical, jazz, or contemporary, composed for any performing medium or instrumentation. Please use .pdf format for all score submissions.
- If possible, attach audio or video recordings of these compositions. MP3 or ACC format is preferred; please do not send uncompressed .WAV files. Do not attach video files to emails.
- Contact [email protected] to arrange a time for a phone or videoconference conversation and interview.
Questions about scheduling your audition? [email protected] (949)214-3419
For information regarding keyboard studies at Concordia University Irvine: [email protected] (949)214-3651
Music Events
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New Music Student Orientation, 2026
August 19, 2026 – August 20, 2026
8:00 am
Borland-Manske Center
Get in Touch
If you have questions, please contact our offices.
Music Department
Music Office
Phone: (949) 214-3423
Email: [email protected]
Box Office
Phone: (949) 214-3418
Email: [email protected]
Auditions/Visits
Phone: Auditions/Visits
Email: [email protected]
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Because of generous supporters like you, Concordia University Irvine’s artists and performers have the opportunity to share their gifts with the community through music, theatre, and visual arts.
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