Boston University
School of
Music | College of Fine Arts - Boston University
Keyboard Audition Information
Prescreening
Applicants to the following programs and instruments need to submit a prescreening video recording or portfolio for review before they can be invited to a live audition or interview.
Prescreening recordings and portfolios are due by December 1. Applicants will be notified of prescreening results in early January.
Piano (MM and Performance
Diploma)
Prescreen & Live audition Repertoire
The repertoire for the prescreening and live audition is the same.
Prescreening Only:
ONLY in the case of multi-movement works, the following is acceptable in prescreening video:
Complete works should be presented for the live audition. All works should be performed from memory. Concerto literature is not appropriate for the live audition.
Piano (DMA)
The repertoire for the prescreening and live audition is the same.
Applicants should prepare material equivalent to a master’s-level recital program.
Prescreening Only:
ONLY in the case of multi-movement works, the following is acceptable for a prescreening video:
Complete works should be presented for the live audition. Concerto literature is not appropriate for the live audition.
Piano (AD)
The repertoire for the prescreening and live audition is the same.
Applicants should prepare material equivalent to a master’s-level recital program.
Chamber music is not appropriate for the AD audition or prescreening recording. Concerto literature is not appropriate for the live audition.
Collaborative Piano (MM)
Prescreening
For the Master of Music prescreen, please present the following:
All repertoire must be performed with a partner.
Live Audition
Applicants must audition with all of the following repertoire. If requested, collaborative partners will be provided by the School. Applicants are urged to audition with their own collaborative partners whenever possible.
Vocal (Please prepare all songs in High Keys)
• Schubert Ganymed
• Brahms Wie Melodien
• Fauré La lune blanche lui dans les bois (from La Bonne
Chanson)
• Debussy C’est l’extase (from Ariettes Oubliées)
• Barber St. Ita’s Vision (from Hermit Songs)
Instrumental (Please prepare complete sonatas)
• Beethoven Violin
Sonata Op. 12 in D major
• Brahms Violin Sonata No. 2 in A major
Solo
• Work
or movement less than 10 minutes in length from the classical or romantic
repertoire; memorization not required.
• In addition, applicants will be asked to sight-read both vocal and
instrumental literature.
Collaborative Piano (DMA)
Prescreening
For the Doctor of Musical Arts prescreen, please present the following:
All repertoire must be performed with a partner.
Selections must include repertoire from at least three of the following categories:
French / German / American / 20th century
Live Audition
In the DMA program, collaborative pianists may choose to focus on either vocal or instrumental repertoire, or a combination of both. Audition repertoire choices reflect the intended focus. Applicants should choose one (either a. or b.) from each category. All songs should be prepared in the HIGH key.
Category 1
a. Beethoven Cello
Sonata No.3 in A major
b. Schubert (prepare all:) Im Frühling Rastlose Liebe
Category 2
a. Brahms Cello
Sonata No.2 in F major
b. Strauss (prepare all:) Cäcilie Glückesgenug
Category 3
a. Franck Violin
Sonata
b. Debussy Trois Chansons de Bilitis
Category 4
a. Shostakovich Cello
Sonata
b. Argento (prepare all:) Six Elizabethan Songs
Category 5
A movement or work of solo piano repertoire less than 10 minutes in length from the Classical, Romantic, or 20th-century repertoire; memorization not required.
In addition, applicants will be asked to sight-read both vocal and instrumental literature.
Organ (MM)
MM Repertoire
• A
work by J.S. Bach (a large chorale prelude, trio sonata, or major prelude and fugue)
or one of his contemporaries
• A major work from the Romantic repertoire
• A piece of contemporary music
• Applicants may also be asked to demonstrate other keyboard skills,
although it is understood that a candidate may not have had much experience in
this area.
Organ Master of Sacred Music
(MSM)
MSM Repertoire
• A
work by J.S. Bach (a large chorale prelude, trio sonata, or major prelude and
fugue) or one of his contemporaries
• A major work from the Romantic repertoire
• A piece of contemporary music
• Candidates may also be asked to demonstrate other keyboard skills,
although it is understood that a candidate may not have had much experience in
this area.
For further details of the MSM program see the School of Theology website.
MSM Audition Options
Submit a Prescreening
Recording by December 1st (accompaniment optional) in order to be
considered for a Boston Audition*
• View the video
recording guidelines
If you
pass prescreening, the Boston audition dates are:
• February 2, 2018
• February 9, 2018
Organ (DMA)
DMA Repertoire
• A
major work of J.S. Bach
• A work from before 1750
• A work from 1800 to 1900
• A work from after 1900 (until the present)
Of these, one should be lyrical, another brilliant, and they should represent at least two different nationalities.
Organ Artist Diploma (AD)
AD Repertoire
Applicants should prepare a 30-minute recital program demonstrating the applicant’s technique, musicality, scholarship, and artistry.
If you have any specific questions regarding repertory, please email Prof. Peter Sykes, Chair of Historical Performance.
*Artist diploma applicants are required to provide their own pianist for Boston auditions.
Harpsichord (MM) and Performance
Diploma (PD)
MM/PD Repertoire
• A
work by J.S. Bach.
• A work by an eighteenth-century French composer.
• A work from the seventeenth century.
Of the pieces listed above, one should be brilliant and another lyrical.
Harpsichord (DMA)
Live audition Repertoire
• A
major work by J.S. Bach.
• A work by an eighteenth-century French composer.
• A work from the seventeenth century.
• A sonata by Scarlatti or Soler.
Of the pieces listed above, one should be brilliant and another lyrical.
Harpsichord (AD)
Live audition Repertoire
Applicants should prepare a 30-minute recital program demonstrating the applicant’s technique, musicality, scholarship, and artistry. Chamber music is not appropriate for AD auditions.
Updated on 09/24/2018