UH Moores School of Music - University of Houston

Percussion Audition Information

Prepared Literature 

l  All undergraduate applicants should demonstrate their skills in the following areas: Snare Drum, Timpani, and Mallet Percussion (Marimba and/or Xylophone).

l  Applicants must prepare two (2) Snare Drum Solos, one in concert style and one in rudimental style; two Keyboard solos, one using 2 mallets and one using 4 mallets (but only if the applicant has already studied 4 mallet playing); and one timpani piece.

l  Because of time constraints in the auditions, additional playing of drum set is not recommended. The following literature recommendations are provided only as samples of appropriate literature for an undergraduate audition.

l  Any piece is acceptable so long as it adequately demonstrates your technical and musical abilities on the instrument: 

Snare Drum  

Ø  Concert Solo – Etude from Anthony Cirone’s Portraits in Rhythm (particularly Etude 5, 12, 15, 2, 37, and 44)  

Ø  Rudimental Solo – John Pratt: 14 Contest Solos (any)

 Keyboard  

Ø  2 Mallet Solo – Masterpieces for Marimba or a good single solo 

Ø  4 Mallet Solo – Alice Gomez: Rain Dance or Jungle Walk; 

Ø  Mitchel Peters: Yellow After the Rain; 

Ø  Rich O’Meara: Restless; 

Ø  Paul Smadbeck: Etudes or Rhythm Song

Timpani  

  Solo – The Solo Timpanist (Vic Firth) Etude from Fundamental method for Timpani (Mitchell Peters), Modern Method for Timpani (Saul Goodman), or a similar text; or Concert Solo by Mitchell Peters (Rondino, Scherzo, Tribal Serenade, Primal Mood) 

l  Regardless of the literature you ultimately select to play, do not try to impress us by playing a difficult piece if you cannot play it correctly. It is much better to select a piece that is within your grasp and perform it well.

Sight-Reading 

l  In addition to the prepared literature, the audition will include sight-reading on Snare Drum and Marimba (2 mallet technique only).

l  The sight-reading portion of the audition is a very important dimension of your audition. Significant deficiencies in sight-reading in these areas often preclude otherwise skilled percussionists from admission into the program!

Timpani Tuning 

l  In addition to the above, you will be asked to match pitches and tune simple intervals on the timpani. Don’t worry! Most incoming students have not had comprehensive ear training prior to entering the Moores School of Music. This portion of the audition is simply to evaluate your current level of aural skills on timpani. 

l  Each undergraduate applicant is allotted a total audition time of 20 minutes. 

Other requirements & recommendations for you audition 

l  Compile a repertoire list: this is a list of all the solos and percussion ensembles you have played.

l  Compile a list of awards and honors you have received, both in music and in other areas.

l  Include a transcript from your school, or at least provide your current grade point average, class ranking, and SAT or ACT scores if you have taken them. 

l  All percussion instruments you may need will be provided; you may bring your own snare drum, but please do not bring keyboard instruments or timpani. Sticks and mallets will not be provided.

l  Please provide a copy of your music for the panel hearing you play

                                                                                                                      Updated on 05/03/2019