Audition Notice
Audition Notice: The School of Music is not accepting applications for harpsichord for the 2025-26 academic year.
Harpsichord Audition Requirements
Undergraduate requirements (BM, BME)
Candidates may be admitted without any previous harpsichord experience, provided they have had prior organ or piano training. Memorization for harpsichord auditions is optional.
• 10 to 15 minutes of music, consisting of three or four contrasting pieces that demonstrate the applicant’s technical and musical skills.
• At least two pieces should be chosen from repertoire composed before 1800.
• Works by women, Black, and other underrepresented composers are encouraged, as are pieces that reflect the applicant’s cultural or gender identity.
• Harpsichord applicants may elect to play their audition on the piano or organ.
Undergraduate applicants who would like to submit a recorded audition should follow the steps outlined here. All students who submit a recorded audition will have a virtual interview with the faculty. Applicants can select their date preference on their supplemental music form.
Graduate requirements (MM, DMA)
All graduate applicants should prepare an audition consisting of one major work of J.S. Bach, along with contrasting works from at least three other national styles, to be chosen from the following repertoire. Memorization for harpsichord auditions is optional.
• A toccata by Frescobaldi or Froberger.
• A piece from the virginalist school.
• A French suite by L. Couperin, d’Anglebert, F. Couperin, or Rameau.
• Two contrasting sonatas by Scarlatti or Soler.
Applicants for the MM degree should be prepared to play for twenty minutes.
Applicants for the DMA degree should be prepared to play for thirty minutes.
Graduate applicants who would like to submit a recorded audition should upload the audition directly to their Graduate College application. Graduate applicants who submit a recorded audition will also register for a virtual interview with the faculty. Applicants can register for their interview after submitting the Graduate College application.