Graduate Audition Requirements
Additional application requirements for specific Master of Music programs:
Music Education
(MM Music Education, MM Music Education Studies, MusB/MM Multi-Award)
The master's in Music Education offers you several curricular options, and in many cases the university's application for graduate study is all that is required for consideration of admission. One of the options, however, involves performance study and a culminating recital. Those interested in the "recital option" must audition either before beginning coursework or before completing 12 credit hours.
An audition/interview request form is part of the graduate studies application. The full application must be completed (including transcripts and letters of recommendation) before any audition or interview will be scheduled.
Music Performance (Conducting, Voice, or Instrumental)
An audition is required (see details below). Please select from the general audition dates when submitting the Graduate Audition/Interview Request Form (which is part of the Application for Graduate Study), and the entire application must be completed (including transcripts and letters of recommendation) before the audition will be scheduled. View details in the university catalog.
Music Composition
An interview is required, and original scores with recordings must be submitted. The Graduate Audition/Interview Request Form should be submitted along with Application for Graduate Study, and the entire application must be completed (including transcripts and letters of recommendation) before the interview will be scheduled. Please note: a performance audition is not required.
View details in the university catalog.
Music Therapy
In the application for graduate study, the 2 letters of recommendation should include one from a clinical and one from an academic supervisor. No interview or audition is required.
View details in the university catalog.
Audition detail by instrument or area of study:
Piano | Collaborative Piano | Voice | Strings | Woodwinds | Brass
Percussion | Conducting - Instrumental | Conducting - Choral
Theory/Composition
Piano
Perform at least three memorized compositions, each representing different periods (one contrapuntal work and at least one sonata movement); and minor scales and arpeggios.
Collaborative Piano
Applicants will find repertoire requirements for auditions here.
Voice
Perform five memorized selections, including one opera or oratorio aria, in a minimum of four languages and representing a variety of styles and periods. Recital Track (MM-Music Education) – perform four memorized selections in a minimum of three languages.
Strings
Perform several compositions (sonata or concerto movements, or pieces), which demonstrate both technical competence and contrasts of musical style; play scales and arpeggios through three octaves.
Woodwinds
Perform at least two movements from each of several different major works selected from contrasting style periods in the standard repertoire for the instrument. An accompanist is preferred, but not required.
Brass
Perform two solos, one representative of pre-twentieth century styles and the other from the contemporary period, and several standard orchestral excerpts. The audition may include sight-reading.
Percussion
Perform solos, two excerpts from the orchestral repertoire, and specific required materials on each of the following: snare drum, mallets, and timpani.
Additional requirements:
Snare drum: in addition to the two excerpts from the orchestral repertoire and solos, everyone will be asked to play from the 26 basic rudiments and sight-read. Solos should reflect 1) a rudimental style with open rolls and precise rudimental stickings and 2) an orchestral-style solo or etude to demonstrate closed orchestral style rolls..
Mallets: in addition to a 2-mallet solo, everyone must play from requested
major and minor scales and major and minor arpeggios, in any form of your choice, for two octaves, and sight-read. Graduate students should prepare both a 2- and a 4-mallet solo and choose two excerpts from the orchestral repertoire, may be one xylophone and one glockenspiel, or two xylophone, etc.
Timpani: in addition to the solo, everyone must demonstrate ability to tune the instruments for the selected solo, using a pitch pipe, tuning fork, or piano to get the pitches. The solo does not have to have tuning changes within the piece. Sight-reading is also required as well as two excerpts from the orchestral repertoire.
Note: Percussion students must bring their own sticks, mallets, and copies of music to the audition. Students are encouraged to communicate with Dr. Stonefelt in preparation for the audition for clarification of the materials and procedures in any of the three percussion areas. Call 716-673-5832 or email Karolyn.Stonefelt@fredonia.edu. We welcome both in-person and virtual auditions.
Conducting: Instrumental
Candidates will conduct a rehearsal of the College Symphony Orchestra, Wind Ensemble or other curricular wind ensemble, which will include two compositions as listed below:
1. A composition representing the classical period (i.e., a Mozart, Haydn or early Beethoven symphony or the closest equivalent band literature).
2. A composition representing the Romantic period (i.e., a movement of a Dvorak, Brahms or Tchaikovsky symphony, or the closest equivalent in band literature).
The candidate should be prepared to submit three compositions for each of the above from which the committee will choose the literature to be rehearsed. If the candidate wishes to use music available at Fredonia, she/he should be certain to determine that the literature is in the School of Music Ensemble Library. The candidate must check directly with Dr. Paula Holcomb or Dr. David Rudge. In dealing with the literature in the audition rehearsal, the candidate should display a considerable knowledge of instrumental techniques and rehearsal procedure.
Conducting: Choral
The on site audition will consist of:
1) Interview with the Coordinator of Choral Ensembles
2) Performance of a prepared piece in the applicant's field, piano or vocal
3) Demonstration of vocal sight reading skills
4) Fifteen minute audition with a Fredonia select choral ensemble of two pieces of contrasting styles. Pieces will be determined in consultation with Coordinator of Choral Ensembles and applicant. In dealing with the literature in the audition rehearsal, the candidate should display a considerable knowledge of diction, vocal technique and rehearsal procedure.
Theory/Composition
Prospective students must present a portfolio (tapes, CDs, scores, papers, analyses, etc.) to be examined by the Coordinator of Music Theory or Composition or her/his designee. In the case of applicants who are unable to arrange a visit to campus, the portfolio must be submitted by mail. A personal interview may be requested; acceptance of application without an interview will be at the discretion of the Coordinator of Music Theory or Composition.
A complete graduate application packet must be on file in the Office of Graduate Studies for acceptance in any graduate degree program.
Questions?
Music Education:
Contact Dr. Katherine Levy, Music Education Area Head
Music Performance - Conducting:
Dr. Paula Holcomb, Director of the Wind Ensemble, or Dr. Vernon Huff, Director of Choral Ensembles
Music Performance - Voice or Instrumental:
Contact Sarah Hamilton, Associate Director of Academic Affairs
Theory/Composition:
Contact Dr. Gordon Root, Theory Area Head, or Dr. Rob Deemer, Music Composition Area Head
Music Therapy:
Contact Dr. Heeyoun Cho, Music Therapy Area Head
Collaborative Piano:
Contact Dr. Anne Kissel, Head of Collaborative Piano