Benjamin T. Rome School of Music - Catholic University

Keyboard Audition Information

Graduate Audition Requirements

M.M. and D.M.A. in Piano Performance and Piano Pedagogy
Applicants should prepare a memorized 15-minute audition of classical repertoire. The audition should consist of three pieces in contrasting tempos and styles.

M.M. and D.M.A. in Chamber Music (Piano)
Applicants should prepare a 15-minute audition of classical repertoire. The audition should consist of three chamber music works in contrasting tempos and styles. The audition repertoire must be performed with an instrumentalist. Applicants may be asked to sight read. Memorization is not required.

M.M. and D.M.A. in Vocal Accompanying
Applicants should prepare a 15-minute audition of classical repertoire. The audition should consist of works in contrasting tempos and styles from the vocal repertoire. The audition repertoire must be performed with a vocalist. Applicants may be asked to sight read. Memorization is not required. Taped visual auditions are permitted for all piano degree programs. 

Artist Diploma
Applicants should prepare a memorized 15-minute audition of classical repertoire. The audition should consist of three pieces in contrasting tempos and styles.

All applicants, regardless of degree program, who audition in person are considered for performance-based music scholarship.  Doctoral degree applicants who would like to be considered for a scholarship need to play a live audition. Audition and financial aid forms are available online. Any questions should be directed to Dr. Ivo Kaltchev, Head of Piano Division.

Frequently Asked Questions

How is my private piano teacher chosen?
During the audition process, members of our piano faculty assess each student’s ability and level of development. With this information, students are placed in the studio most suitable for their development. Requests for specific teachers are considered.

Will I be able to find a practice room?
We have approximately 30 practice rooms, 12 of which have baby grand pianos. You should not have a problem finding practice room space. There is an option to reserve a practice room at the start of the school year so that it is your private space for that certain day and time. For more information regarding practice room reservations please contact Lee Polites.

Will I be able to work with other major teachers in my discipline? If I am a student of one teacher, will I be able to play chamber music for or perform in master classes of other teachers?
Yes. The piano department offers a piano sight reading class, as well as a piano ensemble class, taught by various piano faculty members. You will also take a chamber music class and be offered the opportunity to participate in multiple master classes as the year goes by.

Will I be able to take courses in other programs in the music school such as Music Ed, Musical Theatre, or Voice?
Yes. These programs welcome students from all majors. As long as it fits in your schedule, you are more than welcome to take a dance class, an education class, or even private voice instruction.

Are there a variety of solo and chamber music performance opportunities?
Yes. Catholic University offers pianists frequent opportunities to perform in solo and chamber recitals. Past performance venues include: the Bulgarian Embassy, the Kennedy Center, Ward Recital Hall’s piano series, and more. All piano majors are required to present two solo recitals, one junior year and one senior year.

Updated on 08/30/2018