Piano Audition Requirements: Undergraduate
Performance/Performance Pedagogy majors
One composition from each of the following categories. All repertoire must be memorized with the exception of compositions requiring extended techniques.
Baroque
An advanced work by Bach, Handel, or Scarlatti
(Two-Part Inventions and intermediate level compositions are not acceptable)
Classical
First movement of a Sonata by Haydn, Mozart, or Beethoven
(excluding Mozart Sonata, K. 545, Beethoven Sonatas, Op. 49, Nos. 1 and 2, and Op. 27, No. 2 “Moonlight” Sonata)
Romantic, Impressionistic, or 20th-21st century
An advanced work by, for example, Chopin, Schubert, Schumann, Brahms, Debussy, Ravel, Bartok, Prokofiev, Copland
Music Majors in all other degree programs with piano as their principal instrument*
One composition from each of the following categories. Memorization is optional but preferable.
Baroque
An intermediate level or advanced composition by Bach, Handel, Scarlatti
Classical
First movement from a Sonata of Haydn, Mozart, or Beethoven
Romantic, Impressionistic, 20th-21st century
An intermediate or advanced composition of the applicant’s choice
*Music education students with piano as the major instrument must also audition on voice (choral music education emphasis) or a band or orchestra instrument (instrumental music education emphasis).
Music majors with piano as secondary instrument
Two contrasting compositions from two different eras. Memorization is optional but preferable
Music majors whose primary instrument is not piano and who wish to take private piano lessons will audition for the piano faculty during the first week of each academic term.
Music minors, or non-music majors
Two contrasting compositions from two different eras. Memorization is optional but preferable
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
Changes to required audition repertoire must be approved in advance of the audition.
Recorded auditions: In the event that an in-person audition is not possible, students may:
1. Submit a CD of a live performance containing the required repertoire
Students majoring in performance must perform by memory and meet the performance standard established by the keyboard faculty.
For additional information regarding piano audition requirements, please contact:
Dr. Sylvia Eckes
Chair, Keyboard Division