2.3: Auditions

Students desiring admission to music programs are usually evaluated on musical skills and knowledge as well as potential for success. Audition committees vary at each institution but are usually made up of applied faculty (private lesson teachers), and sometimes conductors, music education professors, or other faculty members. Most music schools in the United States require prospective majors to perform music from Western European/American traditions on a band/orchestra instrument, keyboard, or in the bel canto vocal style for entrance and scholarship auditions.

Unless you are being specifically recruited and know exactly where you want to go to school and you have a confirmation that you will be accepted, it is generally a good idea to audition at three or more schools. Multiple auditions give you more options as well as the ability to make more informed choices. Prior to these auditions, it would also be a good idea to set up a mock audition at your high school in order to get the experience of the process, get a run-through of your material, and get some valuable feedback from individuals that you trust.

As you prepare for this process, do your homework! Look at school/department/program websites for detailed information and schedules. Contact each school early to schedule visits and audition dates, learn about the procedures and requirements, and ask questions. If they are not listed on a website, you should ask if there is a prescribed set of pieces required for the audition in addition to clarifying exactly what will be expected during the audition such as scales, sightreading, aural skills, theory, or piano exams. Make sure you reserve your audition time early as time slots can fill fast. Below are some general, practical suggestions to help you prepare.

What to Prepare

For Everyone

• If you can select your own audition music, choose music that shows off your strengths. Choose pieces that can be played well every time (even when you are nervous!). A common mistake is to choose music that is too difficult and then perform poorly. The faculty listening to your audition, and deciding who gets accepted, want to hear an expressive and polished musical performance. Other important criteria include (in no specific order): good rhythm, good intonation, and good breath support or bow control. If possible, work with a private teacher or ask one of your current or former music teachers for help in preparing the audition. Bring originals of your audition music for yourself and your accompanist, if needed. Please do not bring photocopies. See below for more information on audition music recommendations.
• Be prepared to answer and ask questions. Personal interviews can also be a part of the audition as the committee wants to learn about you, your experiences, your goals and career aspirations. Here are some questions you may want to ask: What are the strengths of this music program? What opportunities will I have for performing, conducting and teaching? What is the graduate school and job placement rate of the graduates?
• Be prepared to sight-read or sight-sing melodic and rhythmic excerpts.
• Practice and Prepare! Good programs are competitive and have limited openings each year.

For Instrumentalists

Brass & Woodwind

• Prepare at least two contrasting pieces. Make sure that one demonstrates technique and one demonstrates lyrical, musical performance. At minimum, prepare one technical study or etude and one solo work (no band music). Check with the institution to determine if there are minimum or maximum time frames or specific requirements.
• Practice all of your scales. Many auditions will require scales. At the minimum, be prepared to play a chromatic scale covering the full range of the instrument and all major scales from memory. Some programs may also ask for minor scales, arpeggios, or other technical patterns.

Percussion

• Prepare an excerpt (30–60 seconds) of a solo or etude on as many of the following instruments as possible: snare drum, timpani, keyboard (preferably marimba), drum set, and/or multiple percussion. If you are selecting your own music, be sure to choose pieces that demonstrate a variety of skills, styles, and interests.
• Be able to play all major scales and a chromatic scale from memory on a keyboard instrument and 40 rudiments on snare drum. Some programs may also ask for minor scales, arpeggios, or other technical patterns on the keyboard.

Strings

• Prepare at least two contrasting pieces. Make sure that one demonstrates technique and one demonstrates lyrical, musical performance. At minimum, prepare one technical study or etude and one solo work (no orchestra music). Check with the institution to determine if there are minimum or maximum time frames or specific requirements.
• Practice all of your scales. Many auditions will require scales. At the minimum, be prepared to play a chromatic scale covering the full range of the instrument and all major scales from memory. Some programs may also ask for minor scales, arpeggios, or other technical patterns.

Piano

• Prepare 10–15 minutes of standard literature including two prepared pieces in contrasting styles. Memorization is required.
• Be ready to play scales, arpeggios, or other technical exercises you have studied.

For Vocalists

• Prepare two art songs in contrasting style. Memorization is required. At least one of these pieces usually must be in English and the other, likely, in Italian, German, or French. One of the selections may be an opera or oratorio aria. Musical theatre songs are sometimes acceptable, but you should contact each school at which you plan to audition to see what their policy is regarding these song choices.
• Don’t be surprised if you are asked to do tonal memory exercises. This simply means the faculty member may play a pattern on the piano and ask you to sing it back.
• You may only have one quick run-through with the supplied accompanist or you might be expected to bring your own. Accompanist policies differ. You should check with the school where you are auditioning. Either way, make sure that you have a copy of the accompaniment (in the right key) with you at your audition just in case.
• One very important piece of advice: Don’t talk about the cold you’ve had for the last two weeks! It sounds like an excuse and, if it’s true and having a negative affect on your sound, those listening will be able to tell anyway.