SFCM | San Francisco Conservatory of Music

Composition audition

Acceptance into the Composition program at SFCM requires pre-screening.

Live auditions at the Conservatory are required of the following applicants:

• Anyone residing in California

Regional auditions are available for the following applicants:

• Applicants residing outside of California

Final audition recordings are accepted from the following applicants:

• Undergraduate applicants residing outside of California
• Graduate applicants residing outside the United States
• Composition applicants and Technology and Applied Composition applicants are strongly encouraged to audition at either a San Francisco audition or at a regional audition site. However, if unable to make a live audition, undergraduate and international applicants may submit a final piano recording to accompany their portfolio.
• Final recordings must be submitted online through the formal Application, found here, no later than December 1.

PRE-SCREENING

Applicants must submit three or more scores in various media and a recording (audio or audio-visual) of each score in their pre-screening portfolio by December 1. Scores must show evidence of original musical thought, along with the fundamentals of compositional technique. While electronic compositions are acceptable, applicants must also demonstrate competence with traditional notation in the scores submitted. Computer-generated scores should be checked for correct transpositions, appropriate accidentals, and normal spellings. MIDI recordings are acceptable in exceptional cases, but acoustic performances are strongly recommended.

FINAL AUDITION REQUIREMENTS

1. Pre-screening portfolio contents, as described in the pre-screening section above will be discussed at the live audition.
2. Demonstrated ability at the piano. It is strongly recommended that this be done at a live audition, either at the Conservatory or at one of the regional audition sites. Undergraduate applicants who live outside California may submit a final audio-visual recording electronically in their application. Applicants may also be asked to realize figured bass at the piano, score-read a chamber work, and/or sight-read a simple piano work. Should piano not be the candidate's primary instrument, the applicant is welcome to upload an electronic recording of a performance on their primary instrument with their portfolio. Applicants must still complete the piano evaluation requirement. Three complete works or movements should be prepared from the following periods: baroque, classical, romantic, and 20th/21st century. When choosing the 20th/21st century category, the applicant is encouraged to perform one of his or her own compositions.
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4. Updated on 08/10/2018