Audition Guidelines: Repertoire & Skills Assessment
Repertoire Guidelines
Repertoire is defined as a solo composition or etude (with or without accompaniment) written or arranged for a specific instrument or voice. Ensemble “parts” are not repertoire. Accompanied works may utilize pre-recorded accompaniments. We strongly advise consulting a credentialed music teacher in preparation for your audition.
Vocalists
- Vocal Performance: Sing two memorized songs from the standard (classical) repertoire. At least one song must be in a foreign language.
- Music Education: Sing two memorized songs from the standard (classical) repertoire. One foreign language song is recommended.
- Commercial Music: Sing two memorized songs, one from the standard (classical) repertoire and one in a jazz or pop style.
- Music Business: Sing two memorized songs in contrasting styles. Only one song may be in a jazz or pop style.
- Bachelor of Arts in Music: Sing two memorized songs in contrasting styles. Only one song may be in a jazz or pop style.
- Music Minor or Ensemble Participation: Sing two memorized songs in contrasting styles. Only one song may be in a jazz or pop style.
Strings (violin, viola, cello & bass)
Perform 1-2 pieces selected from the standard (classical) repertoire.
Bass (commercial)
Perform two pieces in any popular style, preferably a jazz transcription for at least one selection.
Guitar
Perform two pieces, preferably one in a classical style and the other in any style–a jazz piece is preferred. If possible, improvise a short solo over a pre-recorded track.
Winds & Brass
Perform 1-2 pieces of contrasting styles selected from the standard (classical) repertoire–All-State/District audition etudes are acceptable. Students with jazz improvisation skills should include a demonstration of this, as well. Suggested play-alongs or pre-recorded tracks for jazz improvisation demonstration include: Hal Leonard “The Real Book,” or the Jamey Aebersold series.
Percussion
If possible, perform one piece on each of the following instruments: keyboards (marimba, xylophone or vibes) timpani, and snare drum (concert or corps style). Drum Set players will demonstrate various styles during the skills portion of the audition; however, video footage of you performing with an ensemble is also welcomed.
Piano
Perform at least two classical pieces in contrasting styles selected from the standard repertoire. Candidates for the piano performance major are required to perform all audition repertoire from memory. All other piano candidates are required to perform at least one piece from memory.
Skill Assessment Guidelines:
The skills portion of your audition will be scheduled after your repertoire videos have been submitted for review. It will be conducted via Zoom. Utilization of a reliable internet connection with adequate bandwidth and USB microphone is strongly advised.
Vocalists
Be prepared to sightread an excerpt and sing major and minor scales. Tonal memory and rhythm reading (duple and triple divisions) will also be assessed.
Strings
Be prepared to sightread an excerpt and perform three-octave major and minor scales.
Bass (commercial)
Be prepared to sightread an excerpt and perform two-octave major and minor scales. Walk bass lines over chord changes (blues, rhythm changes or standard jazz tunes, for example).
Guitar
Be prepared to sightread an excerpt and perform chord changes and scales.
Winds & Brass
Be prepared to sightread an excerpt, perform the chromatic scale (full range) and at least three major and/or minor scales.
Percussion
Be prepared to sightread an excerpt on snare drum and a percussion keyboard instrument. Drum set players will demonstrate various styles (optional).
Piano
Be prepared to sightread an excerpt and perform four-octave major and harmonic minor scales and arpeggios.