Department of Music and Performing Arts Professions

Graduate Music Auditions
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  • Auditions Graduate Repertoire

     Graduate Music Audition Repertoire by Program

    Transfers and Graduate students have until April 15 to send in VHS tapes or DVDs (PC-formatted). Applicants unable to attend a live audition should send VHS tapes or DVDs to NYU Steinhardt, Music and Performing Arts, Suite 777, 35 W. 4th Street, New York, NY 10012. Please clearly indicate your name, program applied to, contents of tape or CD and NYU ID, if applicable.

    FOR MORE INFORMATION, CALL THE DEPARTMENT AT 212-998-5424

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    Composition | Piano Performance | Violin | Viola | Cello | Double Bass | Harp | Flute | Oboe | Clarinet | Bassoon | Saxophone | French Horn | Trumpet | Trombone | Tuba | Percussion | Jazz Composition | Jazz Performance (instrumental) | Jazz Performance (voice) | Music Education | Music Technology | Vocal Performance


    Composition:

    Master's: Applicants should submit a portfolio of three or four scores of varying instrumentation, accompanied by a CD recording of at least two of the works.

    For applicants submitting for the Scoring for Film and Multimedia Sequence, the portfolio should contain three or four concert works, but, in addition, may also include film cues or multimedia works on DVD or Quicktime.

    Ph.D.: Applicants should submit a portfolio (CD and score) of four compositions in a variety of media, as well as evidence of their writing (e.g. analysis or term paper).


    Piano Performance

    Master's (Concentration in Solo Piano)
    A Bach prelude and fugue, suite, or partita
    A complete Beethoven Sonata (No restrictions on Op. #s)
    One work by Chopin, Schumann, Brahms, Liszt or Rachmaninoff
    One etude by Chopin, Liszt, Rachmaninoff, Scriabin, Ligeti or Debussy
    One 20th-century or 21st-century composition

    Master's Degree in Piano Performance (Concentration in Collaborative Piano - Vocal)
    Required Audition Repertoire:
    A memorized solo piano piece or movement of a solo piece (not exceeding 7 min.) from the following list:
    Prelude and Fugue from the Well-Tempered Clavier
    Beethoven Sonata, excluding Op. 14, 49, 79
    Romantic composition by Chopin, Schumann, Brahms, Liszt or Rachmaninoff
    20th-century or 21st-century composition Etude by Chopin, Liszt, Rachmaninoff, Scriabin, Ligeti or Debussy
    Sight Reading
    Interview with faculty


    For vocal repertoire, applicants must be able to sing and play simultaneously in the original language:
    DEBUSSY: Green (from Ariettes oubliées)
    SCHUMANN: Du Ring an meinem Finger (from Frauenliebe und Leben)
    WILLSON: My White Night (from The Music Man)
    LOESSER: Somebody Somewhere (from The Most Happy Fella)

    Choose and prepare one aria from the following:
    MOZART: “Hai gia vinta la causa – Vedrò mentr’io sospiro” (Count’s aria from Le Nozze di Figaro)
    PUCCINI: “Quando m’en vo” (Musetta’s waltz from La Bohème)
    STRAVINSKY: “No word from Tom – I go to Him” (Anne Trulove’s aria from The Rake’s Progress)
    STRAUSS: “Sien wir wieder gut…” (Composer’s aria from Ariadne auf Naxos)
    VERDI: “Ah, fors' è lui...Sempre libera” (Violetta’s aria from La Traviata)

    Master's Degree in Piano Performance (Concentration in Collaborative Piano - Instrumental)
    Required Audition Repertoire:

    A memorized solo piano piece or movement of a solo piece (not exceeding 7 min.) from the following list:
    Prelude and Fugue from the Well-Tempered Clavier.
    Beethoven Sonata, excluding Op. 14, 49, 79.
    Romantic composition by Chopin, Schumann, Brahms, Liszt or Rachmaninoff.
    20th-century or 21st-century composition.
    Etude by Chopin, Liszt, Rachmaninoff, Scriabin, Ligeti or Debussy.

    Sight-reading
    Interview with Faculty

    For instrumental repertoire, applicants must be prepared to play three required pieces, one from each of the three lists below (A, B, and C):

    LIST A (Choose one)

    VIOLIN AND PIANO
    MOZART: Sonata No. 1 in C major K. 6
    MOZART: Sonata No. 35 in A major K. 526
    BEETHOVEN: Sonata No. 1 in D major Op.12
    BEETHOVEN: Sonata No. 5 in F major Op. 24 ("Spring Sonata")
    BEETHOVEN: Sonata No. 9 in A major Op. 47 ("Kreutzer Sonata")
    BEETHOVEN: Sonata No. 10 in G major Op. 96

    VIOLA (or GAMBA) AND PIANO
    BACH: Sonata in G major, BWV 1027
    BACH: Sonata in D major, BWV 1028
    BACH: Sonata in G minor, BWV 1029

    VIOLONCELLO (or GAMBA) AND PIANO
    BACH: Sonata in G major, BWV 1027
    BACH: Sonata in D major, BWV 1028
    BACH: Sonata in G minor, BWV 1029
    BEETHOVEN: Sonata in A major Op. 69


    LIST B (Choose one)

    VIOLIN AND PIANO
    BRAHMS: Sonata No. 1 in G major Op. 78 ("Rain Sonata")
    BRAHMS Sonata No. 2 in A major Op. 100
    BRAHMS: Sonata No. 3 in D minor Op. 108
    FRANCK: Sonata in A, M.8

    VIOLA AND PIANO
    BRAHMS: Sonata No. 1 in F minor Op. 120
    BRAHMS: Sonata No. 2 in E flat major Op. 120

    VIOLONCELLO AND PIANO:
    BRAHMS: Sonata in E minor Op. 38
    BRAHMS: Sonata in F major Op. 99
    FRANCK:Sonata in A, M.8

    LIST C (Choose one)

    VIOLIN AND PIANO
    DEBUSSY: Sonata in G minor L 140

    VIOLA AND PIANO
    Hindemith: Sonata in F, No. 4, Op. 11

    VIOLONCELLO AND PIANO
    SHOSTAKOVICH: Sonata in D minor Op. 40

    Ph.D.:
    Ph.D. applicants should prepare a full recital program, from which they will be asked to perform a maximum of 30 minutes. All doctoral auditions are to be performed live. A video audition may be submitted in exceptional circumstances. Please contact Marilyn Nonken directly at marilyn.nonken@nyu.edu for an appointment or with any questions.

    Suggested Ph.D. Program:
    Baroque: A Bach work containing a fugue.
    Classical: A Beethoven Sonata or a late Schubert Sonata.
    Romantic: A large-scale work by Chopin, Liszt, Brahms, Schumann.
    20th-century or 21st-century music: A significant work by Ravel, Debussy, Ives, Prokofiev, Stockhausen, Carter, etc.

    Violin:*

    Master's and Advanced Certificate:
    Two movements of unaccompanied Bach memorized
    A 20th Century composition
    A first or last movement from a standard Romantic concerto memorized
    A virtuosic solo piece is also suggested

    Ph.D. (Prepare the works in their entirety):
    An entire standard concerto (e.g. Beethoven, Brahnms, Tchaikovsky, Sibelius) memorized
    An unaccompanied Bach Fugue or the Chaconne
    At least one movement of a standard Classical sonata
    A 20th Century work

    Viola:*

    Master's and Advanced Certificate:
    One movement of a major work from the concerto repertoire memorized
    Three movements from an unaccompanied Bach Suite (originally for cello) or Sonata or Partitas (originally for violin) memorized
    One movement of a major work from the sonata repertoire
    A work or movement composed post 1960

    Ph.D. (prepare the works in their entirety):
    A major concerto, all movements memorized
    A major work from the sonata repertoire in its entirety
    An unaccompanied Bach Suite (originally for cello) or partita or sonata (originally for violin) in its entirety memorized
    An entire work composed past 1960

    Cello:*

    Master's and Advanced Certificate:
    Two contrasting movements from a Bach Suite memorized
    Two movements of a standard Concerto memorized
    A contemporary work
    A sonata: Brahms, Beethoven, Shostakovich or comparable work

    Ph.D. (prepare the works in their entirety):
    Three contrasting movements of a Bach suite memorized
    An entire concerto memorized
    A contemporary work in its entirety
    A complete Sonata: Brahms F major, Franck A Major, Chopin Sonata or Rachmaninoff Sonata

    Double Bass:*

    Master's and Advanced Certificate:
    First two movements of either Dittersdorf, Koussevitzky, Vanhal, or Bottesini concertos
    One movement of an unaccompanied Bach cello suite

    Ph.D.:
    In addition to the above, a short contemporary work.

    Harp:

    Master's and Advanced Certificate: Substitutions of equal level/ability may be made with a prior consultation with Prof. Rita Costanzi or Prof. Bridget Kibbey.

    1. One Schmidt Etude
    2. Faure Impromptu or Chatelaine en sa Tour
    3. Contemporary Piece of Applicant's Choice

    Ph.D. Substitutions of equal level/ability may be made with a prior consultation with Prof. Rita Costanzi or Prof. Bridget Kibbey.

    1. Bach - Grandjany Etude #2 : Fugue
    2. De Falla - Grandjany - Spanish Dance
    3. Britten Suite

    (* An accompanist is provided for string instrument auditions.)

    Flute:

    Master's:
    3 contrasting works from different style periods. Bring a copy of your resume to the audition.

    Ph.D.:
    4 contrasting works from different style periods Please include at least one contemporary work.
    In addition, the doctoral candidate should be prepared to present works which represent his/her areas of specialization.

    Oboe:

    Master's:
    3 contrasting works from different style periods. Bring a copy of your resume to the audition.

    Ph.D.:
    4 contrasting works from different style periods Please include at least one contemporary work.
    In addition, the doctoral candidate should be prepared to present works which represent his/her areas of specialization.

    Clarinet:

    Master's:
    3 contrasting works from different style periods. Bring a copy of your resume to the audition.

    Ph.D.:
    4 contrasting works from different style periods Please include at least one contemporary work.
    In addition, the doctoral candidate should be prepared to present works which represent his/her areas of specialization.

    Bassoon:

    Master's:
    3 contrasting works from different style periods. Bring a copy of your resume to the audition.

    Ph.D.:
    4 contrasting works from different style periods Please include at least one contemporary work.
    In addition, the doctoral candidate should be prepared to present works which represent his/her areas of specialization.

    Classical Saxophone

    Master's:
    3 contrasting works from different style periods. Bring a copy of your resume to the audition.

    Ph.D.:
    4 contrasting works from different style periods Please include at least one contemporary work.
    In addition, the doctoral candidate should be prepared to present works which represent his/her areas of specialization.

    French Horn:

    Master's:
    All major and minor scales.
    3 contrasting works from different style periods Orchestral Excerpts

    Ph.D.:
    4 contrasting works from different style periods Please include at least one contemporary work. Orchestral Excerpts
    In addition, the doctoral candidate should be prepared to present works which represent his/her areas of specialization. The audition committee is interested to hear works which the applicant has commissioned for their instrument.

    Trumpet:

    Master's:
    All major and minor scales.
    3 contrasting works from different style periods Orchestral Excerpts

    Ph.D.:
    4 contrasting works from different style periods Please include at least one contemporary work. Orchestral Excerpts
    In addition, the doctoral candidate should be prepared to present works which represent his/her areas of specialization. The audition committee is interested to hear works which the applicant has commissioned for their instrument.

    Trombone:

    Master's:
    3 contrasting works from different style periods Orchestral Excerpts

    Ph.D.:
    4 contrasting works from different style periods Please include at least one contemporary work. Orchestral Excerpts
    In addition, the doctoral candidate should be prepared to present works which represent his/her areas of specialization. The audition committee is interested to hear works which the applicant has commissioned for their instrument.

    Tuba:

    Master's:
    All major and minor scales.
    3 contrasting works from different style periods Orchestral Excerpts

    Ph.D.:
    4 contrasting works from different style periods Please include at least one contemporary work. Orchestral Excerpts
    In addition, the doctoral candidate should be prepared to present works which represent his/her areas of specialization. The audition committee is interested to hear works which the applicant has commissioned for their instrument.

    Percussion:

    Marimba: One major work from the four mallet solo marimba repertoire.
    Snare drum; One solo from the Delecluse 12 Etudes, of applicants choosing
    Timpani: One Carter Solo, of applicants choosing
    Multiple percussion: One solo from the major percussion repertoire, of applicants choosing
    Orchestra Excerpts; Select one major work for xylophone, snare drum and timpani, of applicants choosing.
    Chamber Music: Wind Trace (Part I: marimba/crotales starting at the 12/8 section)

    Jazz Composition:

    Applicants should submit a portfolio (DVD or CD plus scores) of up to four compositions, performed in a live setting.   Although the size of the ensembles may vary, the applicant should take care to present enough variety to demonstrate knowledge of the jazz language in both large and small ensemble formats.   CD submission is acceptable for composition majors only.  DVDs are encouraged where possible.  

    For further information please see the Jazz Studies Audition page.  After reviewing that information you may also contact the Jazz office at (212) 998-5442 or email jazzstudies@nyu.edu

    Jazz Performance (instrumental):

    Please submit a DVD with four selections of your choice that demonstrate the breadth and range of your work and a command of the jazz language.
    Fill out the information sheet for Jazz Studies submission of recorded materials, which you may download here. Include only this sheet with your submission.  Please do not include additional information.  Mail only these materials to:
    Dr. Gabriel Alegria, NYU Jazz Studies Program
    The Steinhardt School
    35 West 4th Street, Suite 777
    New York, NY 10012

    All audition DVDs must arrive by the dates listed below. Materials submitted after these dates may not be accepted.
    Early Decision: November 1
    Regular Decision: December 1 (please note updated Deadline)

    Jazz Performance (voice): piano or guitar skills required

    1. Taped audition via VHS videocassette or DVD ONLY.
    2. Three jazz standards of contrasting tempo and style accompanied by a live rhythm section.
    3. ADDITIONALLY, you must also demonstrate your ability to play piano or guitar accompanied by a bassist or both bass and drums. Choose two contrasting jazz standards demonstrating your ability to play melody, improvise and comp chord voicings.
    4. In addition to video submissions, CD projects may be submitted as supporting material.
      ONLY Video and DVD’s are accepted as the main source material for auditions.
      For further information please contact the Jazz office at (212) 998-5446 or email David Schroeder at ds38@nyu.edu


    Music Education:

    Contact Professor Nancy Shankman with any questions regarding masters and doctoral audition requirements at 212 998 5539 or Nancy.shankman@nyu.edu

    Performance Audition: Please prepare three pieces in contrasting styles.  If you are a composer, provide recorded examples of your compositions and/or scores.
    Bring the following to your audition:
        a.  A list of your repertoire
        b.  The names of teachers with who you have studied
        c.  The repertoire (with composers) that you will be performing for the audition

    Examples of Writing:
    For Masters’ applicants: Please provide an example of your writing (e.g., an essay you have written for an undergraduate course.)
    For Doctoral applicants: Please provide two examples of your writing (e.g., essays that were written for MA work that best represent your ability to conduct scholarly research and writing.


    Music Technology
    :

    Information here.


    Vocal Performance
    :

    (An accompanist is provided for all vocal auditions)

    For Classical Voice audition requirements, please see Classic Voice Auditions
    For Music Theatre audition requirements, please see Music Theatre Auditions

    For further information regarding Auditions or to speak to a Program Director or Advisor, please call Music and Performing Arts Professions at (212) 998-5424

    Department of Music and Performing Arts Professions - 35 W. 4th Street, Suite 777 - New York, NY 10012 - 212 998 5424