Audition Weekend

February 2026 at Portland State University

Audition Weekend at Portland State University is in fall of 2026 for prospective students to visit PSU's campus and audition in-person to join the School of Music & Theater.

At Audition Weekend, students will have the opportunity to audition for their major (and entry to the School of Music & Theater), for scholarships, and for PSU ensembles. Auditions are by-appointment, review the details below to make your appointment and prepare for your audition.

The PSU School of Music & Theater also offers more than 150 music scholarships totaling more than $400,000, with awards starting from $1,500 to full tuition. These awards are available for both in-state and out-of-state music majors, and we have more funds available this year than ever before. Students accepted to the School of Music & Theater are automatically considered for school-based scholarships. However, to be considered for the first round of scholarship awards, students must submit all application materials, including their auditioning during the Audition Weekend of earlier.

Sonic Arts & Music Production and Theater applicants do not need to audition or apply with the School of Music & Theater application, but like all applicants, they do need to apply through the main PSU application process. 

Sign up to Audition

Admission and scholarships are awarded based on auditions. Before you may audition, you must submit your applications to Portland State University and the School of Music & Theater, both applications are required. Auditions are available all year. Applicants have three options for auditioning: 

1. While completing your online application to the School of Music & Theater, upload a video of yourself performing on your chosen instrument, or
2. Attend Audition Weekend in February 2026 (check back here for specific dates in fall 2025), or
3. Contact your Area Coordinator to arrange a private, in-person audition

Audition Requirements

Each area of study has specific audition requirements. Students can audition in person, or upload a video or audio audition to their School of Music & Theater application. Want some tips for recording an audition? Check out PSU Violin professor Tomás Cotik's detailed strategy guide, published by NAfME, the National Association for Music Education.

If a student misses the application deadline for their start term of choice, they can still apply and audition for the next admission window. Please contact the area coordinator for your instruction/major if you need to apply and audition after the deadlines below.

Our faculty are available to meet with prospective students and answer questions, and they will often make time to give a complementary lesson. Contact the area coordinator for your instrument/major to learn more about our programs.

Plan Your Visit

Plan your visit to PSU with our resources for accommodations and getting to campus. There are many hotels near PSU, and some provide discounted rates for our visitors, including our very own University Place Hotel. While you’re here, get to know Portland using our Visitor’s Guide.

Getting to Campus

We encourage the use of public transportation to get to campus. Portland State University is served by TriMet bus lines, MAX Light Rail, and the Portland Streetcar. The Green and Orange/Yellow MAX lines drop off right at our building! You can plan your transit trip to PSU using Trimet's website. 

Parking

We recommend using Parking Structure 1 (1825 SW Broadway) or University Center Building (UCB) (510 SW Harrison St.), these parking structures have an elevator and ramps.

To park on campus, do the following: 

• Enter the structure and park. 
• Go to a kiosk and press any number on the machine or use the Parking Kitty app. 
• Enter your vehicle's license plate number. 
• It will give you options for how long you'd like to park, select "All Day" if you’ll be parking for more than four hours. When prompted, pay for parking using a debit/credit card. 
• A receipt will print, keep it with you during your visit.