New students must meet the general requirements for admission to the University. Additionally, a 10-minute audition is required in the applicant's major performance field to determine proficiency and placement in the appropriate applied level for music majors.  Dance auditions consist of participation in a ballet class and a modern class.

Auditions serve as criteria for admission and for scholarships and are held during the late fall and early winter. Auditions are advisory in nature regarding performance level. It is preferred that auditions take place at the Conservatory. In cases of extreme distance or scheduling problems, a recorded audition may be submitted by the applicant.