An audition is an important component of the application to all Master of Music degree programs at Memorial. Whether you are a conductor, instrumentalist, or vocalist, your audition is your opportunity to showcase your artistry, technical skills, and musicianship. Detailed information on audition requirements for each major can be found below.

Performance and Performance/Pedagogy

Applicants to the Master’s Degree in Performance and Performance/Pedagogy may audition in person or via submitted video recording. Review deadlines and dates of live auditions here.

Applicants whose repertoire features piano accompaniment are normally expected to perform their auditions with a collaborative pianist. Should circumstances prevent an applicant from performing with a collaborative pianist, contact us to ask for an accommodation.

Audition repertoire requirements noted below apply to both the Performance and Performance/Pedagogy majors. We encourage applicants to present a balanced program that represents their musical strengths and interests. The School of Music welcomes the inclusion of music by all composers, including historically underrepresented voices, in own-choice selections. 

Strings

A balanced program of not less than 30 minutes of music which must include, among other works, the following:

Violin:

• Two contrasting movements from J. S. Bach’s Sonatas and Partitas for solo violin
• Two contrasting movements of a major Romantic concerto
• One or more other contrasting selections of the applicant’s own choice

Viola:

• Two contrasting movements from the Unaccompanied Suites for Cello by J. S. Bach
• Two contrasting movements of a concerto from the standard repertoire
• One or more other contrasting selections of the applicant’s own choice

Cello:

• Two contrasting movements from the Unaccompanied Suites for Cello by J.S. Bach
• Two contrasting movements of a major concerto for cello (e.g., Dvorak, Haydn, Lalo, Prokofiev, Saint-Saens, Schumann, Shostakovich, Tchaikovsky, etc.)
• One or more other contrasting selections of the applicant’s own choice

Bass:

• Two contrasting movements of an unaccompanied work for solo bass
• Two contrasting movements of a major concerto
• One or more other contrasting selections of the applicant’s own choice

Guitar:

• Applicants should present a balanced recital program including a wide range of styles and composers. Applicants are encouraged to include pieces which display technique, flexibility, and musicianship.

Piano

A balanced program of not less than 30 minutes of music, including a range of styles and composers.

Voice

A balanced, 20-minute program in a variety of languages and styles. Repertoire should include, but is not limited to, art song and opera.

Winds

A balanced program of not less than 30 minutes of music which must include a range of styles and composers. Repertoire selections by composers from marginalized and under-represented groups are encouraged.

Flute

• Applicants are encouraged to include pieces which display technique, flexibility, and musicianship.

Oboe

• Applicants are encouraged to include pieces which display technique, flexibility, and musicianship.

Clarinet

• Applicants are encouraged to include pieces which display technique, flexibility, and musicianship.

Saxophone

• Applicants are encouraged to include pieces which display technique, flexibility, and musicianship.

Brass

• Applicants are encouraged to include pieces which display technique, flexibility, and musicianship.

Conducting

Applicants to the Conducting program first submit pre-screening videos.

The video should be approximately 15-20 minutes in length and, if possible, consist of a rehearsal and performance. (The performance portion of the video can be a complete run through in a rehearsal setting.) The video must show the conductor from a frontal point of view for at least portion of the recording, preferably the rehearsal portion. The recording should ideally include music of different styles and style periods.

For those interested in pursuing the combined program the video should consist of a choral work and an instrumental work.

In order to demonstrate your abilities and musicianship, you may wish to also submit video material of a performance in which you play your instrument or sing.

Applicants must also submit a list of recent and relevant conducting experiences.

For instructions on how to record and submit a video audition click here.