2025-2026 Organ Auditions Guide
All information is current as of September 5, 2025 and subject to change. Contact schools for the most up-to-date information. While every effort was made to include as many schools as possible, inclusion in the guide is voluntary. Contact us with questions or updates.
Key:
B = Bachelor’s
M = Master’s
MSM = Master of Sacred Music
D = Doctoral
PC = Performer’s Certificate
AD = Artist Diploma
Appalachian State University • Boone, N.C.
Degree(s): B, M, PC
Recorded pre-audition required: no
Audition dates: Nov. 15, Jan. 9, Jan. 24, Feb. 7
Application deadline: rolling admissions
Repertoire: three pieces in contrasting style, one of them by J.S. Bach or earlier; one hymn; details on website
Additional skill demonstration: short sight-singing test at organ; short quiz of rhythm, melody, and pitch matching
Examinations: short theory placement
Piano auditions: allowed
828-262-6467
[email protected]
music.appstate.edu
Arizona State University • Tempe, Ariz.
Degree(s): B, M, D
Recorded pre-audition required: no
Audition dates: TBA
Application deadline: Dec. 1
Repertoire: B: two contrasting organ works to demonstrate technique and stylistic understanding, ca. 10 minutes; M, D: ca. 30 minutes of music, including some pre-Bach, a major Bach work, and a later work that can be played effectively on the Fritts organ
Additional skill demonstration (may be required to sight-read); interview about musical background and goals for study
Piano auditions: allowed
602-909-2810
[email protected]
music.asu.edu
Bard College • Annandale-on-Hudson, N.Y.
Degree(s): B
Recorded pre-audition required: no
Audition dates: by appointment
Application deadline: Jan. 1
Repertoire: one Bach work, one movement from a 19th-century work, one post-1900 work
Additional skill demonstration: hymn sight-reading
Additional materials required at audition: organ and piano repertoire list
Piano auditions: allowed
845-758-7379
[email protected]
music.bard.edu
Baylor University School of Music • Waco, TX
Degree(s): B, M, D, PC
Recorded pre-audition required: no
Audition dates: Jan. 17, Feb. 6
Application deadline: Feb. 15
Repertoire: BM in performance (organ): one J.S. Bach work (trio sonata, prelude and fugue), one Romantic work or movement from multi-movement work, one 20th- or 21st-century work. BM in church music (organ emphasis), BME (organ), and BA in music (organ): one J.S. Bach work (prelude and fugue), one work from the 19th, 20th, or 21st centuries. MM in performance (organ): at least 30 minutes of solo repertoire from three style periods; must include one large work of J.S. Bach (trio sonata, large-scale prelude/toccata/fantasy and fugue) or another comparable work, and one virtuosic work from the 19th, 20th, or 21st centuries; in-person recommended but not required. MM in church music, performance (organ): at least 20 minutes of solo repertoire from three style periods; must include one work of J.S. Bach (trio sonata, large-scale chorale prelude from the Leipzig collection or Clavierübung III, or a diptych); in-person recommended but not required. DMA in church music with organ concentration: 30-minute audition, including at least one major J.S. Bach work (prelude and fugue), one representative Romantic work, and one work from the 20th or 21st century. Advanced performer’s certificate: 60 minutes of solo repertoire, including one work before J.S. Bach, one significant work of J.S. Bach (prelude/toccata and fugue or trio sonata), and representative works from the 19th and 20th centuries. The audition committee may choose from the repertoire prepared.
Additional skill demonstration: BM in church music (organ emphasis): one hymn with introduction and three verses; MM in church music, performance (organ): one hymn (extended introduction and three verses with varied accompaniment, including interlude with modulation before the last verse)
Piano auditions: not allowed
254-710-1417
[email protected]
music.baylor.edu/organ
Brigham Young University–Idaho • Rexburg, Idaho
Degree(s): B
Recorded pre-audition required: yes
Audition dates: by request
Application deadline: Dec. 1 (rolling admissions)
Repertoire: Play an organ work of J.S. Bach and a work from another period. Students with no organ background but strong piano skills can be considered for admission to an organ major by performing a keyboard work of J.S. Bach and a significant work from another period on the piano.
Additional skill demonstration: Play a hymn of your choice, including an introduction and two verses, as if leading a robust congregation. At the piano, play one major and one minor scale in parallel motion (four octaves) and contrary motion (two octaves) in 16th notes (quarter note = 80).
Piano auditions: allowed
208-496-4964
[email protected]
byui.edu/majors/music-organ-performance-bm
California State University–Fullerton • Fullerton, Calif.
Degree(s): B, M, AD
Recorded pre-audition required: no
Audition dates: TBA
Application deadline: Dec. 1
Repertoire: Freshmen: prelude and fugue by J.S. Bach from the “Little Eight” (BWV 553–560); movement from a Mendelssohn organ sonata or equivalent; 20th- or 21st-century work (hymn-improvisations, e.g., Burkhardt, Manz, acceptable); any traditional hymn demonstrating use of pedal for bass line. Junior transfer students: more difficult Bach prelude and fugue, such as the Fugue in G Minor (BWV 578); fast or moderato movement from a Mendelssohn sonata or equivalent; contrasting 20th- or 21st- century work (may be toccata or scherzo style); traditional hymn (two verses, with introduction, and second verse as a hymn improvisation for congregational singing will be required). M, AD: Be prepared to play at least 30 minutes of music, including works from three different stylistic periods. One work must include at least one movement that is contrapuntal; there must also be at least one work of high virtuosity. In the case of a multi-movement work, the complete work should be prepared.
Additional skill demonstration: sight-reading example provided at audition
Additional materials required at audition: M, AD: repertoire list of works studied and performed, arranged chronologically by composer birth year
Examinations: entrance and diagnostic exams for incoming undergraduate and graduate students administered at another time
Piano auditions: allowed
657-278-8238
[email protected]
fullerton.edu/arts/music
Capital University • Columbus, Ohio
Degree(s): B
Recorded pre-audition required: no
Audition dates: Jan. 24, Feb. 6, Feb. 16, Mar. 20, or by appointment
Application deadline: rolling admissions
Repertoire: minimum of two selections (three preferred) in contrasting styles or from different periods, one from the following or equivalent: Prelude in G Minor or Prelude in F Major from the Eight Little Preludes and Fugues (formerly attr. Bach)
Additional skill demonstration: sight-read one hymn
Piano auditions: allowed
614-236-6736
[email protected]
capital.edu/academics/conservatory-of-music
Concordia University Wisconsin • Mequon, Wis.
Degree(s): B
Recorded pre-audition required: no
Audition dates: recorded: Oct. 18, Feb. 7
Application deadline: rolling admissions
Repertoire: two contrasting works from different periods, eight minutes maximum, selected from the classical tradition (i.e., no repertoire in a popular idiom)
Additional skill demonstration: one prepared hymn (sight-reading and scales not evaluated)
Additional materials required at audition: online application, musical background résumé, two letters of recommendation
Piano auditions: allowed
262-243-4265
[email protected]
cuw.edu/musicscholarship
Curtis Institute of Music • Philadelphia, Pa.
Degree(s): B, M
Recorded pre-audition required: no
Audition dates: Mar. 11–12
Application deadline: Dec. 10
Repertoire: the following pieces, played from memory: prelude and fugue by J.S. Bach; any third movement from a trio sonata by J.S. Bach, BWV 525–530; one piece from the Romantic repertoire; one piece idiomatic of the 20th or 21st century. The Romantic and 20th/21st-century pieces should be contrasting, one lyrical and the other virtuosic. A modern composition will be sent to each auditionee one month prior to auditions and will be performed (from memory, if preferred) at the audition.
Additional skill demonstration: sight-reading
215-717-3172
[email protected]
curtis.edu
Dordt University • Sioux Center, Iowa
Degree(s): B (organ performance and pedagogy, church music)
Recorded pre-audition required: yes
Audition dates: recorded, by Dec. 5
Repertoire: a work composed before 1750, a work composed after 1750, and a hymn
Piano auditions: allowed
712-722-6776
[email protected]
dordt.edu/academics/programs/music-ba
Eastman School of Music of the University of Rochester • Rochester, N.Y.
Degree(s): B, M, D, AD
Recorded pre-audition required: no
Audition dates: February
Application deadline: Dec. 1
Repertoire: B: at least one work by Bach or another Baroque composer; two selections by Romantic or contemporary composers, one primarily lyrical and one primarily virtuosic. M: a program of not more than 30 minutes, including a major work of J.S. Bach; other works should be of contrasting styles and periods and should include at least one lyrical and one virtuosic selection; memorization encouraged but not required. D: a program of not more than 30 minutes, including a major work of J.S. Bach; the program should reflect the applicant’s breadth of knowledge of the organ repertoire, and their highest technical and musical achievements; memorization encouraged but not required.
Piano auditions: allowed
585-274-1060
[email protected]
esm.rochester.edu
Emory University • Atlanta, Ga.
Degree(s): B
Recorded pre-audition required: no
Audition dates: contact Dr. Mitchener
Application deadline: Jan. 1
Repertoire: two pieces in contrasting styles
Piano auditions: allowed
404-727-6445
[email protected]
music.emory.edu
Gustavus Adolphus College • St. Peter, Minn.
Degree(s): B
Recorded pre-audition required: no
Audition dates: scheduled as needed
Application deadline: rolling admissions
Repertoire: two contrasting works
Additional skill demonstration: one prepared hymn with introduction, standard harmonization, and alternate harmonization
Piano auditions: allowed
507-933-7447
[email protected]
gustavus.edu/academics/departments/music
Hillsdale College • Hillsdale, Mich.
Degree(s): B
Recorded pre-audition required: yes
Audition dates: before Mar. 7 (only students already admitted to the college on academic merit are considered for live audition)
Application deadline: rolling admissions
Repertoire: one free work of Bach, one contrasting 19th- or 20th-century work
Additional skill demonstration: hymn playing, sight-reading
Additional materials required at audition: Auditions are for merit scholarship, not admissions, and are intended chiefly for applicants already admitted (or very likely to be admitted) to the college. Applicants should complete a separate scholarship application and submit a repertoire list.
Piano auditions: not allowed
517-607-2366
[email protected]
hillsdale.edu/admissions-aid/financial-aid/scholarships/music-scholarships
Indiana University Jacobs School of Music • Bloomington, Ind.
Degree(s): B, M, D, PC
Recorded pre-audition required: no
Audition dates: Jan 30, 31; Feb 13-15, 27, 28
Application deadline: Dec 1
Repertoire: three works from contrasting historical periods (pre-Classical, preferably a work by J.S. Bach; Romantic; and contemporary) and styles (balancing virtuosic works with at least one expressive piece)
Additional skill demonstration: diagnostic testing of other keyboard skills: sight-reading in both homophonic and contrapuntal textures, with pedal. BM: Sight-reading in both homophonic and contrapuntal textures, with pedal. Graduate degrees: in addition to the sight-reading outlined above, realization of a brief passage of figured bass, transposition of a brief passage of music, improvisation of a brief modulatory bridge between two excerpts. (See below for information regarding this exam for those auditioning by recording.)
Memorization encouraged but not required for auditions into any of the degree programs. Auditions are thirty minutes in length: Undergraduate applicants: maximum of 25 minutes for repertoire and five minutes for keyboard skills diagnostic exam. Graduate applicants: maximum of 23 minutes for repertoire and seven minutes for keyboard skills diagnostic exams.
Additional materials required at audition: three letters of recommendation; most recent transcript
Examinations: see above
Piano auditions: not allowed
202-839-7185
[email protected]
music.indiana.edu/admissions/auditions/organ.html
Indiana University of Pennsylvania • Indiana, Pa.
Degree(s): B, M
Recorded pre-audition required: no
Audition dates: see website; deadline Apr. 30
Application deadline: Apr. 30 (to apply and audition for organ scholarships)
Repertoire: three organ works of contrasting style commensurate to undergraduate- and graduate-degree levels of performance
Additional skill demonstration: sight-reading, one prepared hymn (include at least three registration changes)
Examinations: piano placement, music theory placement
Piano auditions: allowed
724-840-7308
[email protected]
iup.edu/music/undergrad/audition/keyboard.html
Iowa State University • Ames, Iowa
Degree(s): B
Recorded pre-audition required: no
Audition dates: TBA
Application deadline: rolling admissions
Repertoire: four works: one Baroque, one 19th-century, one 20th- or 21st-century, and a hymn
Additional skill demonstration: sight-reading, hymn playing
Additional materials required at audition: organ repertoire list
Piano auditions: not allowed
515-294-3831
[email protected]
music.iastate.edu
Kansas State University • Manhattan, Kans.
Degree(s): B, M
Recorded pre-audition required: no
Audition dates: Feb. 4, 7
Application deadline: rolling admissions
Repertoire: two pieces in contrasting styles
Additional materials required at audition: list of previous organ and piano repertoire studied
Piano auditions: allowed
785-789-3503
[email protected]
k-state.edu/mtd/academics/music
Mercer University–Townsend School of Music • Macon, Ga.
Degree(s): B, M, AD
Recorded pre-audition required: no
Audition dates: Jan. 24, Feb. 14, Feb. 27, Mar. 21
Application deadline: rolling admissions
Repertoire: three pieces in contrasting styles: free work of Bach or any North German composer, 19th- or early 20th-century Romantic work, modern/contemporary work
Additional skill demonstration: prepare one hymn with introduction and two stanzas (reharmonization on second stanza); sight-read one or two hymns
Additional materials required at audition: repertoire list
Examinations: M only: music history and theory placement tests
Piano auditions: allowed
478-301-2750
[email protected]
music.mercer.edu
Moravian University • Bethlehem, Pa.
Degree(s): B
Recorded pre-audition required: no
Audition dates: Nov. 15, Jan. 17, Mar. 21
Application deadline: rolling admissions; must audition in November or January to be considered for a scholarship
Repertoire: organ: prelude and fugue of J.S. Bach (can be one of the Eight Little Preludes and Fugues or a larger work), contrasting piece from the Romantic period; piano: prelude and fugue from the Well-Tempered Clavier, contrasting piece from the Romantic period
Additional skill demonstration: see website
Additional materials required at audition: see website
Examinations: see website
Piano auditions: allowed
610-861-1325
[email protected]
moravian.edu/music
Oberlin Conservatory of Music • Oberlin, Ohio
Degree(s): B, M, AD
Recorded pre-audition required: yes
Audition dates: Feb. 7, 14
Application deadline: Dec. 1
Repertoire: B: three or four contrasting pieces (at least one by J.S. Bach) that demonstrate the applicant’s technical and musical skills; sight-reading of a four-part hymn harmonization. Works by women and other minority-represented composers are encouraged. Admission to the organ program for pianists with limited organ background will be considered on a case-by-case basis; these applicants may include a partial audition on the piano. M: three or four contrasting pieces of organ literature that demonstrate the applicant’s technical and musical skills (including sight-reading); one must be a major prelude and fugue or trio sonata of J.S. Bach, and one must be from the pre-Bach era. The remaining selections may be freely chosen. AD: Applicants should submit a 60-minute program of contrasting organ literature, from which the faculty will choose selections to be heard. The audition will take place on the Fisk organ in Finney Chapel.
440-775-8210
[email protected], [email protected]
oberlin.edu/organ
Oklahoma City University • Oklahoma City, Okla.
Degree(s): B, M
Recorded pre-audition required: no
Audition dates: by appointment
Application deadline: rolling admissions
Repertoire: B: one Baroque work, one Romantic or contemporary work, and a hymn, prepared as if it were being played for a congregation. Ample time and pistons will be provided for registering pieces and hymn. M: 30 minutes, including one major Baroque work and two additional Romantic or later works in contrasting styles. Memorization encouraged but not required. Ample time and pistons will be provided for registering the program.
Additional skill demonstration: one prepared hymn
Piano auditions: not allowed
405-208-5650
[email protected]
okcu.edu
Pacific Lutheran University • Tacoma, Wash.
Degree(s): B
Recorded pre-audition required: no
Audition dates: Feb. 20–22
Application deadline: rolling admissions
Repertoire: two contrasting works from contrasting time periods and regions; questions regarding repertoire can be directed to Justin Murphy-Mancini, Paul Fritts Endowed Chair of Organ Studies and Performance ([email protected])
Piano auditions: allowed
253-535-7602
[email protected]
plu.edu/music
The Peabody Institute of Johns Hopkins University • Baltimore, Md.
Degree(s): B, M, D, PC, AD
Recorded pre-audition required: no
Audition dates: Feb. 16–21
Application deadline: Dec. 1
Repertoire: details at peabody.jhu.edu/academics/instruments-areas-of-study/organ/auditions
Additional skill demonstration: degree-specific requirements at peabody.jhu.edu/academics/instruments-areas-of-study/organ/degrees
Additional materials required at audition: details at peabody.jhu.edu/audition-apply/instructions
Examinations: D only: pre-audition online exams required
Piano auditions: not allowed
667-208-6600
[email protected]
peabody.jhu.edu
Pittsburg State University • Pittsburg, Kans.
Degree(s): B, M
Recorded pre-audition required: no
Audition dates: by appointment
Application deadline: rolling admissions
Repertoire: two contrasting works
Additional skill demonstration: sight-reading
Additional materials required at audition: résumé would be welcome
Examinations: none at the audition; diagnostic exams (theory and history) for MM applicants administered at a later date
Piano auditions: allowed
620-235-4467
[email protected]
pittstate.edu/music
Principia College • Elsah, Ill.
Degree(s): B
Recorded pre-audition required: no
Audition date(s): by appointment
Application deadline: rolling admissions
Repertoire: piece of the applicant’s choice that reflects current musical skills; hymn of the applicant’s choice
Examinations: theory and keyboard placement exams
Piano auditions: by appointment
618-374-5013
[email protected]
principiacollege.edu/academics/majors/music-music-studies
St. Anselm College • Manchester, N.H.
Degree(s): B
Recorded pre-audition required: no
Audition dates: January–March (flexible)
Application deadline: rolling admissions
Repertoire: one Bach work, one Romantic work, one 20th- or 21st-century work, one hymn or piece of service music
Additional skill demonstration: sight-reading
Additional materials required at audition: background musical experiences
Piano auditions: not allowed
603-641-7277
[email protected]
anselm.edu/academics/majors-minors/music
St. Mary’s College • Notre Dame, Ind.
Degree(s): B
Recorded pre-audition required: no
Audition dates: by Apr. 1 for music scholarship consideration
Application deadline: rolling admissions
Repertoire: two contrasting works, one by J.S. Bach
Additional materials required at audition: see audition form on website
Piano auditions: not allowed
574-284-4633
[email protected]
catalog.saintmarys.edu/undergraduate/programs/music
Seton Hill University • Greensburg, Pa.
Degree(s): B
Recorded pre-audition required: no
Audition dates: Nov. 4, Jan. 24, Feb. 16, Mar. 21, or by appointment
Application deadline: rolling admissions
Repertoire: two contrasting works: one Baroque or pre-Bach, one 19th- or 20th-century
Additional skill demonstration: scales on the piano, prepared hymn, sight-reading
Additional materials required at audition: one-page essay describing the student’s interest in sacred music and desire to serve as a musician in a church
Examinations: general music department placement evaluations, written and aural theory
Piano auditions: allowed
724-757-2345
[email protected]
setonhill.edu
Shepherd University • Shepherdstown, W.Va.
Degree(s): B
Recorded pre-audition required: no
Audition dates: Jan. 24, Feb. 7, Feb. 21, or by appointment
Application deadline: rolling admissions
Repertoire: two works in contrasting styles
Additional skill demonstration: sight-reading
Additional materials required at audition: see website
Examinations: music theory placement, piano placement
Piano auditions: allowed
304-876-5555
[email protected]
shepherd.edu/music
Stetson University School of Music • DeLand, Fla.
Degree(s): B
Recorded pre-audition required: yes
Audition dates: Jan. 24, Jan. 31, Feb. 14, Feb. 21
Application deadline: rolling admissions
Repertoire: works from or comparable to the Eight Little Preludes and Fugues (formerly attr. Bach), Bach’s Orgelbüchlein, or Brahms’s chorale preludes. Pianists with a desire to study organ should demonstrate proficiency by performing works from or comparable to Bach two-part inventions or Beethoven or Mozart sonatas. Strong potential should be demonstrated in aural training.
Piano auditions: allowed
863-458-6260
[email protected]
stetson.edu/music/admissions
Susquehanna University • Selinsgrove, Pa.
Degree(s): B
Recorded pre-audition required: no
Audition dates: December–March
Application deadline: rolling admissions
Repertoire: two contrasting works (see website for more details)
Additional skill demonstration: hymn playing, sight-reading
Additional materials required at audition: repertoire list
Examinations: music theory, aural skills
Piano auditions: allowed
570-372-4309
[email protected]
susqu.edu/music
Syracuse University–Setnor School of Music • Syracuse, N.Y.
Degree(s): B, M
Recorded pre-audition required: no
Audition dates: Nov. 10, Jan. 24, Jan. 31, Feb. 7
Application deadline: Jan. 5
Repertoire: B: three contrasting works: Bach or Baroque, Romantic, post-1900; M: 40 minutes of contrasting works, including one major Bach work
Additional skill demonstration: sight-reading
Additional materials required at audition: repertoire list, résumé
Examinations: theory
Piano auditions: not allowed
315-443-2769
[email protected]
vpa.syracuse.edu/academics/music
Trinity University • San Antonio, Tex.
Degree(s): B
Recorded pre-audition required: no
Audition dates: can be scheduled throughout the year
Application deadline: rolling admissions
Repertoire: one work by J.S. Bach or other Baroque composer, one work from the Romantic or contemporary repertoire, one prepared hymn of choice
Additional skill demonstration: sight-reading and basic keyboard technique (scales) may be requested at the audition
Additional materials required at audition: list of repertoire previously studied
Piano auditions: allowed
210-999-8249
[email protected]
trinity.edu/music
University of California, Los Angeles–Herb Alpert School of Music • Los Angeles, Calif.
Degree(s): B, M, D
Recorded pre-audition required: no
Audition dates: January–February
Application deadline: Dec. 1
Repertoire: see tinyurl.com/ucla-organ-repertoire
Additional skill demonstration: sight-reading (e.g., hymn)
Examinations: D: writing
Piano auditions: allowed
310-825-4761
[email protected]
schoolofmusic.ucla.edu
University of Dubuque • Dubuque, Iowa
Degree(s): B
Recorded pre-audition required: no
Audition dates: by appointment
Application deadline: rolling admissions
Repertoire: any organ or piano piece chosen by the student
Additional skill demonstration: welcome but not required
Piano auditions: allowed
563-589-3564
[email protected]
www.dbq.edu/Academics/UndergraduatePrograms/FineandPerformingArts
University of Florida • Gainesville, Fla.
Degree(s): B, M, D, PC
Recorded pre-audition required: no
Audition dates: Dec. 7, Jan. 31, Feb. 1
Application deadline: Nov. 11
Repertoire: B: students who plan to begin study should demonstrate the same level of keyboard facility as entering pianists; those with previous study should be prepared to perform representative works from the classical repertory. M, D, PC: three works of contrasting styles, including a major work of J.S. Bach, a Romantic work, and a 20th-century or contemporary work.
Additional skill demonstration: sight-reading
Additional materials required at audition: repertoire list
Examinations: B: theory placement
Piano auditions: allowed
352-273-3181
[email protected]
arts.ufl.edu/sites/organ-studio/welcome
University of Houston–Moores School of Music • Houston, Tex.
Degree(s): B, M, D, PC
Recorded pre-audition required: no
Audition dates: see website
Application deadline: rolling admissions
Repertoire: B (memorization encouraged but not required): one J.S. Bach or Baroque work; two contrasting (one lyrical and one virtuosic) works by Romantic and/or contemporary composers; evidence of good sight-reading skills at the organ. Applicants with a strong piano background who wish to apply for undergraduate organ study may elect to play their audition on the piano: invention or prelude and fugue by J.S. Bach; first movement of a sonata by Haydn, Mozart, or Beethoven (excluding Beethoven Op. 49; Op. 79; and Op. 27, No. 2); 19th-, 20th-, or 21st-century composition; evidence of good sight-reading skills at the piano. M, D, PC (memorization encouraged but not required): 30-minute program of organ repertoire from at least three contrasting musical periods and styles, including at least one major work by J.S. Bach. The quality of performance and choice of repertoire for the MM degree must be at least at the level of a senior recital in organ; that for DMA and certificate study must be at the level of a master’s recital in organ. Please write to Prof. Daryl Robinson ([email protected]) with any questions about repertoire selections before finalizing your program.
Additional skill demonstration: sight-reading, hymn playing, and a brief interview with faculty
Piano auditions: allowed
713-743-7316
[email protected]
uh.edu/kgmca/music/admissions
University of Iowa • Iowa City, Iowa
Degree(s): B, M, D
Recorded pre-audition required: no
Audition dates: Feb. 14, 21
Application deadline: rolling admissions
Repertoire: see website
Additional skill demonstration: see website
Additional materials required at audition: see website
Examinations: see website
Piano auditions: allowed
319-335-1630
[email protected]
music.uiowa.edu/future-students
University of Michigan School of Music, Theatre, and Dance • Ann Arbor, Mich.
Degree(s): B, M, D
Recorded pre-audition required: yes
Audition dates: January–February (check website)
Application deadline: Dec. 1
Repertoire: B: three contrasting selections from the following categories: chorale preludes, free works (preludes/fantasias and fugues, etc.), or other compositions by composers of the Baroque era (such as Bach, Buxtehude, Böhm, or Lübeck); works of the Romantic or late Romantic era (such as those by Mendelssohn, Franck, Langlais, or Reger); works written in a 20th/21st-century or modern idiom (such as those by Hindemith, Sowerby, or Albright). Selections should include a balance of lyricism, expression, and virtuosity. Memorization not required but strongly encouraged. M, D: program of not more than 30 minutes that includes a major work of Bach, Buxtehude, Lübeck, or other composer of the Baroque era. Other works should be from contrasting historical periods and styles and include a balance of lyricism, expression, and virtuosity. Memorization not required but strongly encouraged. Prescreening material should be uploaded to your artistic profile and submitted by Dec. 1.
Additional skill demonstration: see website
Additional materials required at audition: see website
Examinations: All international students must submit English language proficiency test scores meeting our requirements. Please visit the International Admissions page of our website (smtd.umich.edu/admissions/international-admissions) for further information.
Piano auditions: not allowed
734-764-0593
[email protected]
smtd.umich.edu
University of North Carolina School of the Arts • Winston-Salem, N.C.
Degree(s): high school, B, M
Recorded pre-audition required: no
Audition dates: Dec. 6; Jan. 24; Feb. 7, 14, 21
Application deadline: rolling admissions
Repertoire: high school: two contrasting movements/works; B: three contrasting movements/works from different periods; M: one major free Bach work (including the trio sonatas), one Romantic work, one 20th- or 21st-century work
Additional skill demonstration: one prepared hymn, sight-reading; demonstration of improvisation skills encouraged
Additional materials required at audition: repertoire list
Piano auditions: not allowed
336-770-3254
[email protected]
uncsa.edu/admissions/music
University of Oklahoma • Norman, Okla.
Degree(s): B, M, D
Recorded pre-audition required: no
Audition dates: January–February
Application deadline: rolling admissions
Repertoire: up to 30 minutes of prepared music in contrasting styles and from different periods (Baroque, Romantic, and contemporary); memorization is encouraged but not required, as is the inclusion of hymns
Additional skill demonstration: audition may include one sight-read piece, one figured-bass exercise, one transposition exercise, one harmonization on a given melody, and an interview/conversation with Dr. Spritzer
Additional materials required at audition: CV/résumé and/or repertoire list welcome but not required
Piano auditions: allowed
214-697-9145
[email protected]
ou.edu/finearts/music
University of Southern California–Thornton School of Music • Los Angeles, Calif.
Degree(s): B, M, D, PC
Recorded pre-audition required: yes
Audition dates: in-person auditions: Jan. 24, 25, 31, and Feb. 1; Zoom auditions: Feb. 7, 8
Application deadline: Dec. 1
Repertoire: B: three works; M, D: one major Bach work, one major Romantic work, one post-1950 work
Additional skill demonstration: one prepared hymn, sight-reading, scales
Examinations: D: written
Piano auditions: only for BM freshman audition
626-665-5426
[email protected]
usc.edu/music
University of Toronto • Toronto, Ontario
Degree(s): B, M, D, PC, AD
Recorded pre-audition required: yes
Audition dates: February
Application deadline: Dec. 1
Repertoire: B (organ performance): work by J.S. Bach, pre-Bach work, 20th- or 21st-century work, one other contrasting work (if program is less than 20 minutes). B (all other programs with organ as major instrument): J.S. Bach: any one work or movement in trio form, plus two contrasting works/movements (ca. 10 minutes total duration). M (performance): program of 45–60 minutes: Baroque: one major work by Bach (e.g., prelude and fugue, excluding BWV 553–560) plus the applicant’s choice of either (1) two movements (one fast, one slow) from a trio sonata, BWV 525–530, or (2) one fast movement from a trio sonata plus one Bach chorale prelude, BWV 651–668, or 645–650; Romantic: one substantial work by Franck, Widor, Vierne, Mendelssohn, Reger, etc.; contemporary: any major 20th- or 21st-century work. D: requires pre-audition video of 20–30 minutes with three contrasting works; applicants successful at this phase will be invited to perform a live audition program of 60 minutes, demonstrating contrasts of style, composer, tempo, and registration.
Additional skill demonstration: B: short melodic passage to sing or play at sight, brief trio texture to play at sight, interval and chord-quality identification; M, D: interview only
Additional materials required at audition: provide scores of all works
Piano auditions: not allowed
416-978-2079
[email protected]
music.utoronto.ca
University of Utah • Salt Lake City, Utah
Degree(s): B, M
Recorded pre-audition required: no
Audition dates: Jan. 24, Jan. 31, or by appointment
Application deadline: rolling admissions
Repertoire: B: one Baroque work, one post-Baroque work; M: 20–30 minutes from at least three periods (see website)
Piano auditions: not allowed
801-581-6762
[email protected]
music.utah.edu
University of Washington • Seattle, Wash.
Degree(s): B, M, D
Recorded pre-audition required: no
Audition dates: Jan. 24, Feb. 7
Application deadline: Nov. 15
Repertoire: B (performance major): a work by Bach or Buxtehude (e.g., prelude and fugue or praeludium); a major Romantic work by Brahms, Franck, Mendelssohn, Reger, Rheinberger, Vierne, Widor, etc.; a contemporary work by Alain, Dupré, Eben, Hampton, Karg-Elert, Laurin, Price, Rorem, Schroeder, etc., or a work composed around 1940 through the present day. Memorization encouraged but not required. B (non-performance major, music education majors, or non-majors seeking private lessons for credit): a short Bach chorale setting (e.g., Neumeister collection) or one of the preludes and fugues, BWV 553–560; a short slow movement from a Mendelssohn sonata, a chorale prelude by Brahms (Op. 122) or Reger (Op. 135a), or smaller pieces by Vierne (Op. 31). Memorization not required. M, D: any of BWV 532, 534, 538, 540, 541, 542, 543, 544, 545, 546, 547, 548, 550, 552, 564, 572, 582, or a complete trio sonata or concerto; a major Romantic work by Brahms, Mendelssohn, Rheinberger, Reger, Franck, Vierne, Widor, Dupré, Duruflé, etc.; a contemporary work (ca. 1940–present) by Alain, Bolcom, Demessieux, Eben, Guillou, Hampton, Heiller, Hindemith, Karg-Elert, Laurin, Messiaen, Price, Rorem, Sowerby, etc., or a piece written within the past 30 years. One piece from memory preferred. Please contact Dr. Price ([email protected]) when preparing for your audition for additional information. If choosing a multi-movement work, please select one movement that will best display your abilities.
Piano auditions: allowed
206-685-9872
[email protected]
music.washington.edu
Yale Institute of Sacred Music • New Haven, Conn.
Degree(s): M, D
Recorded pre-audition required: yes
Audition dates: Feb. 17–21
Application deadline: Dec. 1
Repertoire: pre-recorded: one major Bach work, one Romantic work, one contemporary work
Additional skill demonstration: sight-reading
Piano auditions: not allowed
203-432-9753
[email protected]
ism.yale.edu