UM School of Music, Theatre & Dance - University of Michigan

Keyboard Audition Information

Piano Performance (MM & SM)

Pre-screening Requirements

Applicants to Master of Music in Chamber Music (Piano), the Master of Music in Piano Performance, or the Specialist in Music in Piano Performance must upload by December 1 an unedited recording of at least three contrasting pieces for preliminary examination before an audition will be scheduled. Movements of larger works are acceptable. Upon an affirmative evaluation, an audition may be scheduled.

The pre-screening recording requirement is waived for current SMTD undergraduate piano majors applying to the MM program.

Audition Repertoire

1. A major work of J. S. Bach, such as a prelude and fugue from the Well-Tempered Clavier, a suite, or a partita
2. A complete Classical sonata, for example, one of Mozart, Haydn, Beethoven, or Schubert
3. A work of your choice from the 19th or 20th century
4. An etude of virtuosity

Memorization is required.

In addition to requesting an audition date on the online application, submit a complete alphabetized repertoire list that includes specific pieces from larger works and a list of all undergraduate and graduate theory courses that you have completed.

Applicants must meet all repertoire requirements listed above. Failure to prepare the full audition program will eliminate you from consideration.

Teacher Request & Contact Policies

At the audition, you will be asked to fill out a Teacher Request Form, which will indicate to the piano department which teacher(s) you are interested in studying with if you are admitted to the School of Music, Theatre & Dance. This is an important form, but it is not given to the piano faculty until after your audition, to avoid preferential adjudication. It has no bearing at all on your acceptance to the school, and is used only for contact and administrative purposes after your audition.

Before auditioning, the Piano Department encourages each prospective student to feel free to contact anyone on the faculty for answers to questions about auditions, study at Michigan, or anything else that may be related to your interest in the School of Music, Theatre & Dance. After your audition, primary contact from the Piano Department will be with the teacher listed as first choice on your form, unless that teacher has given permission to second or third choices to contact you. This is simply for clarity and efficiency of communication. You may continue to initiate contact with any member of the faculty you wish, and may change your first choice designation after your audition, but the department will ask you to be very clear about your preferences so we can determine studio assignments as soon as possible, according to which professor has space for which students in the coming year.

Admission/Scholarship Decisions

Admission to the School of Music, Theatre, and Dance is based upon evaluation of your application as a whole, and also your audition evaluations. Admission decisions are made by the Office of Admissions and are generally decided within five to seven weeks after your audition. All auditionees are considered for merit scholarships (provided they audition before the final date of consideration; please see Scholarships/Financial Aid for updated information) with decisions being made and sent to applicants by early April. Admitted students may receive several letters from different offices at the University of Michigan concerning scholarships and need-based grants and loans; be sure to be in contact with the School of Music, Theatre & Dance Admissions Office concerning your total award package.

Piano Performance (DMA)

Admission to the doctoral program does not guarantee that the student will ultimately complete the course requirements, become a candidate, or receive the degree. Admission implies only that the applicant has the requisite background and should be given the opportunity to demonstrate his or her ability.

General Requirements

To apply for admission, submit your official application, transcripts, recommendations, and other materials as instructed below. The deadline for applications is December 1 for the fall term. No applications are considered for the winter term in any DMA program offered by the Department of Piano.

International applicants whose language is not English must submit a Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) score of 100 or higher on the Internet based test (250 on the computer based test or 600 on the paper test) or the Michigan English Language Battery (MELAB) score of 83 or higher before the audition may be scheduled.

Pre-screening Requirements

Applicants to the doctoral program in Piano Performance are required to upload an unedited recording for preliminary review before a live audition may be scheduled. The recording submitted should be approximately 30 minutes in length, consisting of contrasting repertoire from at least two stylistic periods. The specific repertoire for the screening recording is left up to the applicant. Individual movements of a larger work are acceptable. In addition, please upload a comprehensive list of your repertoire, including chamber music studied, with your recording.

All recordings must be submitted below by December 1. Your audition cannot be scheduled until your pre-screening materials have been received and approved.

The pre-screening recording requirement is waived for current University of Michigan graduate piano majors applying to the DMA program.

Audition/Interview

For admission to the DMA program, prepare the following complete works from memory:

• A major Baroque composition
• A major Classical composition (e.g., a sonata by Mozart, Beethoven, etc.)
• A major Romantic piece (for example, Chopin, Brahms, Schubert, Schumann, Liszt)
• A selection of the applicant’s choice

Your audition may also include a brief interview with the faculty.

Teacher Request and Contact Policies, and Admission/Scholarship Decisions

At the audition, you will be asked to fill out a Teacher Request Form, which will indicate to the piano department which teacher(s) you are interested in studying with if you are admitted to the School of Music, Theatre & Dance. This is an important form, but it is not given to the piano faculty until after your audition, to avoid preferential adjudication. It has no bearing at all on your acceptance to the school, and is used only for contact and administrative purposes after your audition.

Before auditioning, the Piano Department encourages each prospective student to feel free to contact anyone on the faculty for answers to questions about auditions, study at Michigan, or anything else that may be related to your interest in the School of Music, Theatre & Dance. After your audition, primary contact from the Piano Department will be with the teacher listed as first choice on your form, unless that teacher has given permission for second or third choices to contact you. This is simply for clarity and efficiency of communication. You may continue to initiate contact with any member of the faculty you wish, and may change your first choice designation after your audition, but the department will ask you to be very clear about your preferences so we can determine studio assignments as soon as possible, according to which professor has space for which students in the coming year.

Piano Pedagogy and Performance (MM)

Pre-screening Requirements

Applicants to Master of Music in Piano Pedagogy & Performance must upload by December 1 an unedited recording of at least three contrasting pieces for preliminary examination before an audition will be scheduled. Movements of larger works are acceptable. Upon an affirmative evaluation, an audition may be scheduled.

The pre-screening recording requirement is waived for current University of Michigan undergraduate piano majors applying to the MM program.

Audition Repertoire

1. A major work of J. S. Bach, such as a prelude and fugue from the Well-Tempered Clavier, a suite, or a partita
2. A complete Classical sonata, for example, one of Mozart, Haydn, Beethoven, or Schubert
3. A work of your choice from the 19th or 20th century
4. An etude of virtuosity

Memorization is required.

In addition to requesting an audition date on the online application, submit a complete alphabetized repertoire list that includes specific pieces from larger works and a list of all undergraduate and graduate theory courses that you have completed.

Applicants must meet all repertoire requirements listed above. Failure to prepare the full audition program will eliminate you from consideration.

Interview: Piano Pedagogy & Performance (MM)

Applicants to the Master of Music in Piano Pedagogy & Performance degree will have a pedagogy interview at the time of the audition in Ann Arbor in addition to the performance audition detailed above.

Teacher Request & Contact Policies

At the audition, you will be asked to fill out a Teacher Request Form, which will indicate to the piano department which teacher(s) you are interested in studying with if you are admitted to the School of Music, Theatre & Dance. This is an important form, but it is not given to the piano faculty until after your audition, to avoid preferential adjudication. It has no bearing at all on your acceptance to the school, and is used only for contact and administrative purposes after your audition.

Before auditioning, the Piano Department encourages each prospective student to feel free to contact anyone on the faculty for answers to questions about auditions, study at Michigan, or anything else that may be related to your interest in the School of Music, Theatre & Dance. After your audition, primary contact from the Piano Department will be with the teacher listed as first choice on your form, unless that teacher has given permission to second or third choices to contact you. This is simply for clarity and efficiency of communication. You may continue to initiate contact with any member of the faculty you wish, and may change your first choice designation after your audition, but the department will ask you to be very clear about your preferences so we can determine studio assignments as soon as possible, according to which professor has space for which students in the coming year.

Admission/Scholarship Decisions

Admission to the School of Music, Theatre, and Dance is based upon evaluation of your application as a whole, and also your audition evaluations. Admission decisions are made by the Office of Admissions and are generally decided within five to seven weeks after your audition. All auditionees are considered for merit scholarships (provided they audition before the final date of consideration; please see Scholarships/Financial Aid for updated information) with decisions being made and sent to applicants by early April. Admitted students may receive several letters from different offices at the University of Michigan concerning scholarships and need-based grants and loans; be sure to be in contact with the School of Music, Theatre & Dance Admissions Office concerning your total award package.

Piano Pedagogy & Performance (DMA)

Pre-screening Requirement

Applicants to the doctoral program in Piano Pedagogy & Performance are required to upload an unedited recording for preliminary review before a live audition may be scheduled. The recordings submitted should be approximately 30 minutes in length, consisting of contrasting repertoire from at least two stylistic periods. The specific repertoire for the screening recording is left up to the applicant. Individual movements of a larger work are acceptable. Please upload a comprehensive list of your repertoire, including chamber music studied, with your recording.

Additionally, applicants are required to submit a video recording of sample teaching. The video should be at least 30 minutes in length and should include both private and group teaching, if possible.

All pre-screening materials must be uploaded below by December 1. Your audition cannot be scheduled until your pre-screening materials have been received and approved.

Audition & Interview

For admission to the DMA program, prepare the following complete works from memory:

• A major Baroque composition
• A major Classical composition (e.g., a sonata by Mozart, Beethoven, etc.)
• A major Romantic piece (for example, Chopin, Brahms, Schubert, Schumann, Liszt)
• A selection of the applicant’s choice

In total, the process will include a performance audition, a teaching demonstration, and an interview with the Piano Pedagogy faculty.

Teacher Request and Contact Policies, and Admission/Scholarship Decisions

At the audition, you will be asked to fill out a Teacher Request Form, which will indicate to the piano department which teacher(s) you are interested in studying with if you are admitted to the School of Music, Theatre & Dance. This is an important form, but it is not given to the piano faculty until after your audition, to avoid preferential adjudication. It has no bearing at all on your acceptance to the school, and is used only for contact and administrative purposes after your audition.

Before auditioning, the Piano Department encourages each prospective student to feel free to contact anyone on the faculty for answers to questions about auditions, study at Michigan, or anything else that may be related to your interest in the School of Music, Theatre & Dance. After your audition, primary contact from the Piano Department will be with the teacher listed as first choice on your form, unless that teacher has given permission for second or third choices to contact you. This is simply for clarity and efficiency of communication. You may continue to initiate contact with any member of the faculty you wish, and may change your first choice designation after your audition, but the department will ask you to be very clear about your preferences so we can determine studio assignments as soon as possible, according to which professor has space for which students in the coming year.

Collaborative Piano (MM)

Pre-screening Requirements

Must be met by December 1st to be considered for an audition

1. Applicants should upload an unedited video recording of two contrasting art songs for voice and piano, and one movement (or shorter work) for instrument and piano.
2. Applicants should upload a comprehensive list of repertoire. This should include works for solo piano, voice and piano, instrument(s) and piano and operatic material.
3. International applicants whose first language is not English must submit a Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) score of 88 or higher on the Internet based test, a 6 or higher on the IELTS, or a score of 82 or higher on the Michigan English Language Battery (MELAB).

Audition Requirements

The first portion of your audition will be played for a committee of the piano faculty. You should prepare and memorize a major composition (e.g. a sonata) for piano solo, demonstrating technical and musical command of the keyboard.

For the second portion of your audition you will be requested to perform the following for the collaborative faculty:

1. Choose one of the following
• Brahms: Clarinet Sonata in F minor, first movement
• Franck:  Violin Sonata in A, second movement
• Schumann: Fantasy Pieces For Clarinet and Piano
2. All of the following (in the specific key indicated)
• Schumann: Wehmut, op 39 (E)
• Schubert: Liebesbotschaft (G)
• Debussy: Green (A-flat)
• Barber: The Daisies (F)
• Strauss: Nichts! (A)

This repertoire does not need to be memorized. Sight-reading and foreign language diction may also be examined as part of your audition.

If it is not possible to bring the necessary soloists with you for your audition, the school will do its best to provide you with partners and rehearsal time. If this is requested, your application should specify for which works you require soloists.

In special circumstances, an unedited video recording will be considered in lieu of a live audition for applicants living outside of North America. If you wish to upload an audition recording, contact Prof. Martin Katz (partner@umich.edu) for permission and instructions before proceeding.

Collaborative Piano (DMA)

Prerequisites

Master’s degree in piano, collaborative piano, or an equivalent

Demonstrated pronunciation and comprehension ability from two European languages into English Repertoire including approximately one-third of the repertoire requirement for achieving the degree (see repertoire requirement). Significant performance experience to suggest successful completion of the degree

Pre-screening Requirements

Applicants to the DMA in Collaborative Piano program are required to upload an unedited video recording of two contrasting vocal pieces and one movement of a larger instrumental work. These should all consist of repertoire with a significant role for the piano.

Additionally, applicants will be required to upload a comprehensive list of collaborative repertoire, both vocal and instrumental.

The pre-screening recording requirement is waived for current U-M graduate collaborative piano majors applying to the DMA program. Contact the Auditions Coordinator (music.auditions@umich.edu) to obtain a pre-screening waiver.

All recordings must be uploaded below by December 1. Your audition cannot be scheduled until all of your materials have been received and approved. If any of the above materials are missing, no audition date will be given.

Audition/Interview

Prepare a sixty-minute program, including at least three diverse styles or periods of music. A minimum of twenty minutes each of vocal and instrumental repertoire must be included. A maximum of fifteen minutes of solo piano repertoire may be included. Your proposed audition program will be approved or amended in advance by Professor Martin Katz.

Sight-reading and language proficiency will be examined during the audition.

If it is not possible to bring the necessary soloists with you for your audition, the school will do its best to provide you with partners and rehearsal time. If this is requested, your application should specify for which works you require soloists.

In special circumstances, an unedited video recording will be considered in lieu of a live audition for applicants living outside of North America. If you wish to upload a recorded audition, please contact Professor Katz (partner@umich.edu) for permission and instructions before proceeding.

Carillon, Harpsichord, Organ (MM), Harpsichord, Organ, Sacred Music (DMA)

Application Requirements

To be considered for the MM in Performance programs in Carillon, Harpsichord, and Organ, completes the SMTD Graduate application as well as an Artistic Profile by December 1.

Once your application materials have been reviewed, those who are approved to audition will be notified of their audition date via email.

Carillon (MM)

Audition Requirements

Applicants should prepare three pieces:

• Two significant compositions for carillon, at least one of which is contemporary
• An arrangement or transcription of any music from any genre for carillon

In addition, applicants should be prepared to demonstrate (where applicable) ability in improvisation and arranging.

Early Keyboard Instruments (MM)

Audition Requirements

Applicants may audition on harpsichord, fortepiano, or organ. If you audition on one instrument, prepare 30 minutes of music. You are encouraged to audition on two instruments, allocating the time between them as you wish. Memorization is not required.

• If auditioning on harpsichord, prepare a thirty-minute program consisting of 17th-century music, music of Bach, and music of Scarlatti or another 18th-century composer.
• If auditioning on fortepiano, prepare a sonata of Haydn or Mozart and a work of Beethoven or Schubert.
• If auditioning on organ, prepare a 17th-century French or German work, a major prelude and fugue of Bach, and another work of your choice.

Harpsichord (MM)

Audition Requirements

Prepare a thirty-minute program that includes 17^th and 18^th-century repertoire, works in French and Italian styles, and a piece of J.S. Bach. Memorization is not required.

Organ & Sacred Music (MM)

Audition Requirements

Prepare at least fifteen to twenty minutes of music including:

• A major work of J. S. Bach (e.g., a prelude and fugue, trio sonata, large chorale prelude, or equivalent)
• A composition of the Romantic period
• A contemporary composition

Memorization is recommended if you are applying for admission to the MM in Organ Performance program, but is optional if you are applying to the Church Music program.

Harpsichord (DMA)

Audition Requirements

Prepare a program that includes a 16^th-century work, a 17^th-century French suite with a prélude non mesuré, a toccata and contrapuntal work of Frescobaldi, a larger work of J.S. Bach, an ordre of François Couperin, and two sonatas by Domenico Scarlatti. Memorization is not required.

Organ (DMA Performance & Sacred Music)

Audition Requirements

Prepare a minimum of twenty minutes of music including:

• A major work of J.S. Bach (e.g., a prelude and fugue, trio sonata, large chorale prelude, or equivalent)
• A composition of the Romantic period
• A contemporary composition

Memorization is recommended if you are applying for admission to the DMA Organ Performance program, but is optional if you are applying in Sacred Music.

Updated on 10/05/2018