Piano Teacher with his Student

Audition Guidelines and Requirements

Audition Guidelines

Auditions for acceptance into a program, ensemble placement, or other purposes are inherently competitive, and not everyone will get their desired goal. But everyone can learn and improve from every audition experience. The following is intended to help you prepare for an audition.

General Guidelines

  • Dress neatly but comfortably for your audition. Although it is your performance that counts, part of the first impression that you make is visual.
  • Arrive at the audition site at least one half hour before your actual audition time so that you can become familiar with and feel comfortable in the environment. The practice rooms will be available for warm-up purposes.
  • Choose repertoire that represents your best playing or singing. You must have two or more contrasting selections prepared, one that is more technical in nature, and one that is more lyrical in nature.
  • More is NOT better. It is wiser to play or sing less music that is well prepared than more music that is unprepared.
  • Bring a short repertoire list to your audition.
  • Your audition will last approximately 10 minutes in length. Be prepared to start promptly. You may be stopped before you finish singing or playing your audition pieces. This is due to time restrictions; it is not a reflection of the listeners' opinion of your performance.
  • An accompanist will be provided for your audition. Make sure that your music is in order and legible. Also, make sure that your music is in the correct key; do not expect the accompanist to transpose your selections at sight.
  • You will feel more at ease if you play or sing music you have successfully performed before. To feel more prepared, arrange to perform for your school group, church, friends, or relatives before your audition.
  • Record yourself one or two weeks before the audition. Review of the recording will help you make sure your performance is technically accurate as well as musical.

AUDITION REQUIREMENTS FOR THE APPLIED MUSIC PROGRAM

Be prepared to sing at least two contrasting selections from memory. One should be sung in English, the other in another language. If possible, bring a short repertoire list to your audition. The faculty can then choose selections from your list.

Be sure to determine if an accompanist will be provided for your vocal audition. If you will be using a supplied accompanist, make sure that your music is in order and legible. Also, make sure that your music is in the correct key; do NOT expect the accompanist to transpose your selections at sight.

Prepare two contrasting works or movements of works. Etudes, or movements of sonatas or concertos are appropriate. Orchestral excerpts are also acceptable as part of the audition. You should also be prepared to play some scales.

If your audition material includes a work that has a piano accompaniment, be sure to find out if an accompanist is provided. If not, try to bring an accompanist with you. However, it is better to perform without accompaniment than to have an accompaniment that is not prepared enough to enhance your performance.

Instrumentalists are generally not expected to play auditions from memory.

Prepare two contrasting works or movements of works from memory. You should also be prepared to play some scales.

NOTE:

SIGHT READING - In addition to the above requirements, all students will be expected to perform a short musical selection (presented at the audition) by sight.