Guidelines for Auditions

Audition materials vary according to the performance medium, so the following list has been prepared as a guide to candidates planning to audition:

Piano:

1. A work by Bach or a movement from a classical-era sonata, preferably memorized.
2. A work form the 19th or 20th century, preferably memorized.
3. Demonstrate ability in major and minor scales and arpeggios.
4. Demonstrate sight-reading skills.

 

Organ:            
An audition on piano including the following:

1. A work by Bach or a movement from a classical-era sonata.
2. A 19th or 20th century piece.
3. Demonstrate sight-reading skills.
4. An organ selection may be performed, but the piano audition is required.

 

Voice:             

1. A song with English text, preferably memorized.
2. A second song, preferably in Italian, German, or French.
3. Solos must be accompanied and candidates are requested to provide their own accompanist if possible.
4. Demonstrate sight-reading skills.

 

Brass, Woodwind and String Instruments:

1. A solo with piano accompanist if available, of the level expected for high school contests. Applicants may choose pieces from the list published by their state affiliate of Music Educators National Conference, their State solo contest lists, or will be sent a list of representative solos appropriate for the audition.
2. Major scales.
3. Demonstration of sight-reading proficiency.

 

Percussion:     

1. A solo on at least one of the following: snare drum, mallets, timpani.
2. Demonstration of sight-reading on at least one of the above.

 

Guitar:            

1. Demonstration of technical skills.
2. A solo in the classical style.

 

Piano Placement Evaluation:
All non-keyboard majors are placed in a beginning piano class (MUA 106). The student who possesses skills beyond that level may, in the first two weeks of classes, be placed by the instructor in a more advanced class.