Piano Audition Requirements

Undergraduate requirements (BM, BME)

Candidates for the major in piano performance are required to play all audition repertoire and scales from memory. All other piano candidates are required to play one composition by memory.

It is highly recommended that all piano candidates attend an on-campus audition.

On-Campus Audition Repertoire

1. Prepare to play scales (one major and one harmonic minor, four octaves), selected by the audition committee.

2. A work by J.S. Bach, such as a Prelude and Fugue, etc.

3. One movement of a sonata by a Classical-era composer.

4. One composition from a composer of the 19th, 20th, or 21st century. Applicants are encouraged to select a work which best represents artistic interests. We also welcome works by women and underrepresented composers.

5. A short sight-reading example will be given.

6. Harmonization of a familiar melody to be selected by the audition committee.

Recorded Audition Steps (For candidates who opt to submit a recorded audition in lieu of an on-campus audition)

1. Record and submit items 1-4 above.
2. Applicants who choose to submit a recorded audition will be asked to participate in a virtual interview which will require access to a piano. The virtual interview format is outlined below:

For virtual interviews

• A short piece will be sent to the applicant two hours in advance to prepare (in lieu of sight-reading). Applicants should prepare the piece to the best of their ability.
• Harmonization of a familiar melody to be selected by the audition committee.
• Applicants may be asked to perform any part of the repertoire submitted for the recorded audition during the virtual interview.

On-campus and virtual audition dates can be found here. Applicants can select their date and audition format preference on their supplemental music form. 

Graduate requirements (MM, DMA)

All piano applicants are strongly encouraged to attend an on-campus audition. 

Audition Requirements: Applicants for the MM or DMA must present an audition program approximately the length of a full recital, including; a major work from the Baroque period, a major work from the Classical period, a major work from the Romantic period, and a major work from the twentieth century to the present.

Note: Piano Performance candidates may also apply for an Accompanying Assistantship. 

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.