College auditioning 101.(Forum Focus: Independent Music Teachers)

As music teachers, it is our privilege to nurture high school students who are interested in pursuing music as their majors in college. Our responsibility is to ensure that the students we teach are well informed and prepared for what is arguably one of the most important parts of the entrance requirements for music majors: the audition.

Advance Planning

The college music audition season generally takes place from January through March. Several steps should be taken by the music teacher beginning no later than June of the year preceding the audition. These steps include: finding out the audition dates, application deadlines and audition requirements of the music schools and degree programs that interest the students. Most music schools list entrance and audition information on the school website. Teachers and students should start preparing audition requirements by July of the preceding summer at the latest to allow ample time for thorough preparation.

General Requirements

Most music schools require three to four audition pieces from different historical style periods for auditions. Some schools also require scales, etudes and sight reading. When selecting audition repertoire, it is important to consider the time limit for the audition. A student usually has 10 to 15 minutes to impress the audition committee. Pieces that are too slow or take too long to build up to the climax may not work well in the interest of time. Contrasts in keys, moods, textures and tempos are also points to consider when programming audition repertoire. Music teachers should select pieces that best demonstrate students' musical and technical abilities. The pieces must suit students' personalities and temperaments as well.

Rehearsing the Audition

Before auditions, it is advantageous for students to try out programs a few times in different kinds of performance situations, such as in a studio recital. High schools, churches, or retirement homes also provide opportunities to practice for varied audiences. And, for pianists, it is good experience to practice performing on unfamiliar instruments. If an accompanist is required or provided at the audition, the student needs to be comfortable performing with an accompanist, as well. The time restriction should be reinforced and students should know that they may ...