Auditions: Carnegie Mellon University School of Music

Composition Portfolio Information

Composition (BM)

All Composition applicants are required to submit a portfolio for pre-screening review. Interview confirmations will be sent no less than two weeks before the scheduled date. Candidates who are unable to travel to campus in order to interview in person with the composition faculty panel will have the option to “audition by recording” when registering for an appointment.

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. 

Please see Pre-screening Instructions for details on how to submit your pre-screening. Media must be uploaded to the School of Music online application by December 1. Do not mail recorded audition media to the Office of Undergraduate Admission.

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. Applicants should bring a copy of their portfolio with them to the interview. It will not be necessary for applicants to perform excerpts of their works, either vocally or instrumentally, during the review.

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. 

Note: Interviews are only held on campus and not at regional sites.

                                                                                                                                                          Updated on 04/16/2019