Auditions | Rider University

Keyboard Audition Information

Auditions are required for admission to all Westminster Choir College and some School of Fine and Performing Arts undergraduate programs; you can see a list of these programs and requirements below. Auditions are by appointment only. In order to request an audition date you must submit your completed application at least 4 weeks prior to the selected audition date.

Piano Performance (MM)

All of the following from memory:

1. A prelude & fugue from J.S. Bach’s Well-Tempered Clavier or other large works by Bach.
2. A full sonata by Haydn, Mozart, or Beethoven (excluding op. 49 & op. 79).
3. A large-scale Romantic work (e.g., Chopin, Schumann, Liszt, or Brahms).
4. A 20th-century work (e.g., Debussy, Ravel, Prokofiev, or Bartok).

Piano Pedagogy and Performance (MM)

All of the following - two must be from memory

1. A prelude & fugue from J.S. Bach’s Well-Tempered Clavier or other large works by Bach.
2. A full sonata by Haydn, Mozart, or Beethoven (excluding op. 49 & op. 79).
3. A large-scale Romantic work (e.g., Chopin, Schumann, Liszt, or Brahms).
4. A 20th-century work (e.g., Debussy, Ravel, Prokofiev, or Bartok).

All applicants will complete an interview with the Piano Pedagogy faculty at the audition.

Piano Accompanying and Coaching (MM)

1. R. Strauss: Ständchen (high key).
2. Barber: The Daisies (high key).
3. Fauré: Clair de lune (high key).
4. Debussy: Green (in G-flat).
5. A Schubert song, of the applicant’s choice. (The applicant will play the accompaniment while singing or speaking the vocal line).
6. A complete Beethoven sonata (excluding op. 27, no. 2; op. 49; and op. 79) or a comparable work from the solo piano literature, played from memory.
7. Applicants will be asked to sight-read works from the standard vocal literature as well as to sight-read in German and French.

A member of the voice faculty will perform the vocal literature. The candidate will have 30 minutes to rehearse with the vocalist.

Organ Performance (MM)

Applicants should prepare a program of no more than one half-hour, including a major work of J.S. Bach. The remainder of the program should include works of contrasting styles and periods, and should include at least one lyrical and one virtuosic selection. The quality of performance and choice of repertoire for the graduate degree must be at least at the level of a senior recital in organ.

·         Performance from memory is encouraged, but not required.

Recorded auditions must be submitted in video format and must show pedals. Complete instructions at www.rider.edu/recordedauditions

Updated on 10/12/2018