Presidential Scholars in the Arts - Music

Audition Requirements

Instrumentalists: Three contrasting selections that demonstrate musicality and technical proficiency. Be prepared to play major, minor and chromatic scales throughout the range of the instrument and to sight-read. Please bring three (3) photocopies of your music for the audition panel.

Pianists: Three selections from different style periods, including one lyrical piece; also be prepared to play major/minor scales and arpeggios and to sight-read.

Vocalists: Three selections, all to be sung from memory. Two selections must be from the classical/art music repertoire, of which one must be in a foreign language. One selection may be from the pop/jazz/musical theatre repertoire. All selections must be accompanied; a departmental accompanist will be provided. You will be asked to sightread tonal and rhythm exercises.

Accompaniment: The Department of Music will supply a professional accompanist upon request. All music for departmental accompanists must be received at least one week prior to the audition. If you send photocopies, please make sure all the music has fit on the page! Every attempt will be made to allow some rehearsal/ discussion time with the department-supplied accompanist, but this cannot be guaranteed. Applicants may bring their own accompanist. Pre-recorded accompaniments will not be allowed except for jazz auditions. While live auditions are strongly recommended, a high-quality audio cassette or CD, following the requirements listed above, will be accepted. Contact the Department of Music for further details.