Stetson University School of Music

AUDITION GUIDELINES

Organ

Candidates for organ study should be able to play organ works such as: The Eight "Little" Preludes and Fugues of Bach, chorale preludes from Bach's Orgelbüchlein, the Chorale Preludes of Brahms, Op. 122, or works of comparable difficulty. Alternatively, proficient pianists with a desire to study organ should demonstrate proficiency by satisfactorily performing Two-Part Inventions of Bach, Sonatas by Beethoven or Mozart or works of comparable difficulty. Strong potential should be demonstrated in aural training.

Percussion

Candidates for percussion study should bring their own sticks, mallets and music, and prepare their audition from the following:

· Mallets - Major scales and arpeggios performed in one or two octaves and one etude, chosen by the candidate, from the “39 Etudes” included in Modern School for Xylophone, Marimba and Vibraphone by Morris Goldenberg (pages 62-93). The chosen etude must be at least 24 measures in length. Candidates may substitute a standard, two-mallet solo for the Goldenberg etude listed above. The substituted solo should be rated grade 4 or higher in difficulty level.

· Snare Drum – Two etudes from Intermediate Snare Drum Studies by Mitchell Peters. Both etudes are to be selected from (and including) pages 13 to 44. One etude must be in 2/4, 3/4/, 4/4 or 5/4 time, while the other etude must be in either 3/8, 6/8, 9/8 or 12/8 time.

· Timpani – Any two exercises from Section Three (pages 63-68) of Modern Method for Tympani by Saul Goodman.

· Optional supplemental audition repertoire—Candidates are invited (but not required) to add any of the following to their audition:

· Four mallet solo or etude of any difficulty level

· A published rudimental drum solo

· Demonstrate assorted drum set styles

Piano

Candidates for piano study must demonstrate evidence reasonably justifying that they will satisfactorily complete a four-year degree program. They should have acquired systematic methods of practice and be able to play all major and minor scales and arpeggios, including dominant and diminished sevenths in moderately rapid tempo. Works corresponding in difficulty to the Sonatas of Clementi, Haydn, Mozart, and Beethoven should have been studied. Repertoire for the audition should include:

1. A work from the Baroque style period (for example, from J.S. Bach a Two-or Three-Part Invention, a dance/movement from a Suite or Partita, or a Prelude and Fugue)

2. A movement from a Classical sonata (for example, Clementi, Haydn, Mozart, or Beethoven)

3. A work from either the 19^th or 20^th century

Audition material must be performed from memory. Candidates may be asked to sightread and/or demonstrate scales and arpeggios.

String Instruments

Candidates should be able to play all major and minor scales three octaves.

Violin: Etude comparable in difficulty to Kreutzer, Mazas, or Dont. A movement from J.S. Bach Solo Sonata or Partita. Concerto from the standard repertoire, such as Bach, Mozart, Mendelssohn, Saint-Saens, Vieuxtemps, Dvorak, Bruch, Wieniawski, Paganini, Kabalevsky, Lalo, or Barber. Viola: Studies comparable in difficulty to Fiorillo, Kreutzer, Bruni; concerti such as Hoffmeister, Stamitz or J.C. Bach and/or solo works of similar difficulty. Cello: Studies comparable in difficulty to Popper, Schroeder and Duport. Candidates should have a movement of a Bach Suite and a movement from a standard concerto such as Boccherini, Saint Saens, Haydn C and Lalo. Bass: Etude comparable in difficulty to Simandl 30 Etudes or Bille 18 Etudes and two contrasting movements from a standard sonata or concerto (can substitute two contrasting short works from the standard repertoire).

Guitar

Candidates for guitar study should be able to play all major and minor scales (Segovia Edition); studies corresponding in difficulty to those of Sor, Carcassi and Brouwer; and perform two contrasting solo works from memory. Candidates will be asked to sightread provided exercises and should demonstrate knowledge of the rudiments of music.

Voice

Candidates for voice study must prepare two contrasting songs in English, Italian, French, German, Latin, or Spanish with good diction, correct phrasing, and musical intelligence. Audition material must be performed from memory. Students will be asked to sight sing two or three brief lines of music as well as demonstrate other musicianship capabilities through basic rhythmic, ear training, and keyboard skill examples. An accompanist and rehearsal session will be provided upon request at no charge. A copy of the music must be provided for the accompanist. No taped accompaniments will be allowed.

Woodwinds and Brass

Candidates for study in the area of woodwinds and brass must demonstrate potential for completing the requirements of the degree program requested. All applicants should be able to play the chromatic and all major scales according to the current FBA requirements; scales performed with an extended range suitable to the specific instrument is encouraged. Repertoire for the audition may include studies or etudes equal to or above the level of FBA All-State requirements, sonata or concerto literature at grade level 5 or above, and orchestral excerpts. Please choose the repertoire appropriately to represent contrasting periods and musical style. All candidates for admission will be asked to sightread at the audition.

Composition

Candidates for study in composition must interview with the Director of Composition Studies, before being admitted into the Bachelor of Music Theory and Composition degree program. If the candidate is unable to arrange an in-person meeting, the interview may be done over the telephone. Prior to the interview, candidates should submit a portfolio containing at least two scores of their compositions with recordings if available. Composition candidates must also successfully complete a School of Music performance audition and present evidence reasonably justifying the expectation that they will satisfactorily complete the four-year degree.

Music Technology/Digital Arts

Stetson offers two degree programs in this area, a Bachelor of Arts in Digital Arts-Sound and a Bachelor of Music in Music Technology. In order to ensure that students are directed to the best program for their needs, applicants for both degrees must interview with the coordinator for this area, Dr. Nathan Wolek, before being admitted into the degree program. Prior to the interview, applicants must submit a one-page personal statement that explains 1) why they are interested in music technology, 2) details any prior experience with digital media and 3) describes their anticipated career goals.

Although it is not required, candidates may strengthen their application by including up to 3 digital media projects. Candidates for the BM must also audition on an instrument following the above guidelines, while candidates for the BA may audition at their option for scholarship consideration.

Jazz

Guitar, bass and keyboard applicants should be prepared to play major and minor scales two octaves and a technical etude. They should be able to play through a jazz standard and improvise.

***Candidates will also take a written examination on basic music theory the day of the audition***