The Institute of Music

In-person auditions will last approximately 20 minutes and will include your prepared performance, sight reading and a brief conversation with the audition committee.

Virtual auditions should meet all audition and repertoire requirements, but will not require sight reading and scale performance. Students auditioning virtually may be asked to have a virtual meeting with the applied faculty of their instrument.

At least two contrasting works from the standard repertoire, including movements of sonatas, concerti and other solo pieces. You will be asked to sight-read and demonstrate proficiency in both scales and arpeggios.

Two contrasting pieces from the standard repertoire, plus one orchestral excerpt.

1. Select one solo piece or etude from each of the following categories
• Snare drum: solo snare drum or etude from Peters, Cirone, Delecluse that demonstrates buzz rolls, flams, and different articulation strokes; 
• Marimba xylophone or vibraphone: solo piece or etude that demonstrates two and four-mallet technique;
• Timpani: solo piece or etude that demonstrates fundamental strokes tuning ability;
• Optional: piece that demonstrates skills on drum set or multiple percussion.
2. Sight-reading on snare drum and marimba
3. Two Octave Major Scales (quarter note = 80 bpm) with Arpeggio from memory

Students auditioning for the Bachelor of Musical Arts (B.M.A.)

Three selections, one from each of the following categories:

1. a prelude and fugue from the Well-Tempered Klavier by J.S. Bach
2. a movement from a sonata by Haydn, Mozart or Beethoven
3. a Romantic, Impressionist or Contemporary solo work of choice

In rare circumstances, exceptions to the above may be accepted — e.g. another contrapuntal work in lieu of Bach, an original composition as a contemporary work, etc. Please consult with and seek the approval of the piano faculty (mphang@depauw.edu) before the audition. 

Students auditioning for the Bachelor of Arts with a Major in Music (B.A.) or the Music Minor

Two stylistically contrasting piano pieces. Memorization is not required.

Students auditioning for music scholarship and lesson fee waivers who do not intend to major or minor in Music:

One or two piano pieces of applicant's choice, to best demonstrate their skills and interests. Memorization is not required.

1. Two contrasting movements from a J. S. Bach solo Sonata, Partita, or Suite or other unaccompanied Baroque work - memorized
2. A movement of a concerto or like concert work - memorization encouraged
3. A show piece, caprice, or similar work  - memorization not required

The presentation of an array of repertoire is encouraged; for example, works of Black, Indigenous, and other creators and Color, as well as works by female and gender non-conforming artists. Repertoire selection is another opportunity for our faculty to get to know you and we are eager to craft a performance tradition together that more equitably represents music makers in our time. Links to resources are provided below.

In addition to repertoire, the audition includes sight-reading and performing three-octave scales in a key of your choice. Working with a collaborative pianist is not required for audition

Repertoire Expansion Resource Databases: Institute for Composer Diversity, League of American Orchestra’s Database List, Boulanger Initiative, Philomel Project, Corelia Project

Vocalists will be required to perform two pieces of contrasting style: a classical or musical theatre piece in English and an art song or aria in Italian, French, or German. Both selections should be performed from memory and with piano accompaniment.

At least two contrasting works from the standard repertoire, including movements of sonatas, concerti and other solo pieces. You will be asked to sight-read and demonstrate proficiency in both scales and arpeggios.