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Undergraduate Audition Requirements

Music | Brass and Woodwinds - excluding flute | Flute | Strings | Classical Guitar |
Percussion | Harp | Piano | Voice | Audition Dates

Undergraduate Auditions

Music

The school does not specify audition repertoire; rather, we encourage you to consult with your teacher to choose good literature that you can perform well. Bear in mind that the purpose of the audition is to gather evidence of both current ability and the potential to complete the preferred degree program. Thus, we look for pitch accuracy, correct and steady rhythm, physical coordination, the ability to make expressive musical statements, and disciplined work habits. Vocalists are required to audition with accompanist (NOTE: we encourage you to bring your own accompanist, but SUNY Fredonia will provide accompanists for both On and Off-Campus voice auditions). Instrumentalists may audition with their own accompanist, however it is not required and is not encouraged.

Candidates for the Bachelor of Music degree in Performance are expected to demonstrate a higher level of proficiency than applicants for other programs. The audition includes tests in pitch matching, sight reading, and sight singing. Students will also be asked to take a rudimentary theory test while on campus.

Students are encouraged to audition on-campus, if at all possible. We currently offer an off-campus audition in Long Island, NY (note:we do not audition percussionists at off-campus sites). There is a $15 fee for on-campus auditions; a $40 fee for off-campus auditions. Audition fees are non-refundable. Audition requests should be made at least FOUR weeks in advance. Space in some studios is limited, so you are urged to audition as early in the year as possible. Students wishing to be considered for music scholarships must audition no later than March.

Brass and Woodwinds -excluding flute

Perform two contrasting movements (slow-fast) from a sonata or concerto showing technique, tone and general musicianship. Contrasting etudes may be substituted. Also perform the chromatic scale (two-octaves) and all major scales legato and staccato.

Flute

Perform a representative work or movement from EACH of the following genres: Baroque, Classical and French Romantic. Also perform the chromatic scale (two-octaves) and all major scales legato and staccato.

Strings (Violin only)

Perform two contrasting works or complete movements from larger works, one of which must be memorized (e.g. a movement of unaccompanied Bach, a showpiece, or first movement of a standard concerto at level of Viotti, Mozart, or Bruch). One etude or caprice by Mazas, Dont, Kreutzer, Rode, etc. Three-octave scales and arpeggios in major and melodic minor in at least two different keys.

Strings (Viola, Cello, Bass)

Perform two contrasting movements showing facility, first through fifth positions (through fourth for cello and bass), vibrato, and such basic bowings as legato, detaché and martelé. NOTE: electric bass may NOT be used for the audition.

Classical Guitar

Perform a memorized solo from the standard repertoire and two etudes that utilize different techniques (i.e. arpeggio, scale, rest-stroke melody). Be prepared to perform from memory any two and three octave major and melodic minor scales (Segovia edition) with rest or free stroke (i-m; m-a). NOTE: electric guitar may NOT be used for auditions. Guitarists must call Professor Piorkowski before scheduling the audition (716-673-4641).

Percussion

Perform a solo and required materials on each of the following: snare drum, mallets, and timpani (the audition does not include drum set or multiple percussion). The solo for one must be upper-level in difficulty (NYSSMA level 5 or 6), while the others may be more moderate (NYSSMA level 3 or 4). Additional requirements –

Snare drum: in addition to the solo, everyone must play all 26 basic rudiments and sight-read.

Mallets: in addition to a 2-mallet solo, everyone must play all major scales (preferably 2 octaves), major arpeggios (preferably 2 octaves, in any form), and sight-read. Students who are advanced in this area may want to play both 2- and 4-mallet solos.

Timpani: in addition to the solo, everyone must demonstrate ability to tune the instruments, using a pitch pipe, tuning fork, or piano to get the pitches. Sight-reading is also required.

Percussion students must bring their own sticks, mallets, and copies of music to the audition.

Harp

Perform two contrasting movements (slow and fast) from a sonata or concerto that demonstrates technique, tonal control and general musicianship. Perform representative scales and arpeggios.

Piano

Perform three memorized solos in contrasting styles (e.g. Baroque, Classical, Romantic), and representative major and minor scales and arpeggios (four octaves).

Voice

Note: Beginning Fall 2007, voice applicants will be required to complete a piano placement exam as part of on-campus auditions. A Study Guide is available here

Perform three memorized selections (four if auditioning for Performance or Music Education) chosen from the standard classical vocal literature. The selections must include at least two languages and contrasting styles. Note: musical theatre, jazz, or other styles are not acceptable.

Composition

As the degree for the Bachelors of Music in Composition calls for a number of various skills and abilities, there are several steps in auditioning for the composition program.

Performance: Audition for and receive acceptance into the School of Music on the instrument (or voice) that they intend to participate in Applied Study with.

Scores: Supply a representative portfolio of 3-5 written scores and recordings (if available) to the Head of Composition (Dr. Deemer). Scores may be sent ahead of time or brought in person to the audition.

Interview: Participate in a face-to-face interview with Dr. Deemer.

Theory: A written exam will be given to composition candidates in addition to the rudimentary theory exam mentioned above.


Click here to download an Undergraduate Audition Request Form and application materials.


The School of Music receives many more applications than we are able to admit, so we strongly recommend auditioning before the final date – especially in areas of highest demand: voice, saxophone, flute, trumpet, trombone, percussion, and Sound Recording Technology.

Applicants for the B.F.A. Musical Theatre degree program must complete the Musical Theatre audition form that is available at the Theatre and Dance Home Page.

Contact Theatre Arts Department for more information at (716) 673-3596; an audition with representatives of the School of Music, Department of Theatre Arts, and the instructor in dance.


2007-08 Music Audition Schedule

On-campus auditions held in Mason Hall.

  • Saturday, November 10, 2007 (Spring 2008 admission only)
  • Friday, January 18, 2008 (Long Island - Suffolk County Community College in Selden)
  • Saturday, January 19, 2008 (Albany - Taconic Hills High School in Craryville)
  • Saturday, February 2, 2008
  • Saturday, February 9, 2008
  • Saturday, February 23, 2008
  • Saturday, March 1, 2008 (Note: scholarship decisions will be made after this date)
  • Saturday, March 29, 2008

School of Music - Mason Hall - SUNY Fredonia - Fredonia, NY 14063
(716) 673.3151 - music@fredonia.edu

© 2006 SUNY Fredonia