Auditions Carnegie Mellon University School of Music

Composition Portfolio Information

Composition (MM)

All Composition applicants are required to submit a portfolio for pre-screening review. Applicants will be notified in early January if they are invited to interview. Interview confirmations will be sent no less than two weeks before the scheduled date.

Pre-screening portfolio requirements:

      l  Three manuscripts of original compositions showing the artists range in genre, training and ability. 

l  An audio recording of a live performance of each of the submitted compositions. If a live performance is not possible, an electronically generated audio recording will be acceptable. 

l  Although arrangements of works by other composers are welcome, they will be considered supplementary to the basic requirement for three original works. 

Interview portfolio reviews:

At the in-person portfolio review, applicants will meet with the composition faculty panel to discuss personal compositional processes, background and future goals. To a great extent, the composition portfolio review resembles an interview. It will not be necessary for applicants to perform excerpts of their works, either vocally or instrumentally. Applicants should, however, bring a copy of their portfolio with them to the interview. Composition candidates are not required to complete a separate instrumental or vocal audition. Candidates may be required to participate in various placement tests or proficiencies on the day of the portfolio review.

Please note that interviews are only held on campus and not at regional sites.

                                                                                                                                                   Updated on 04/17/2019