Audition & Interview Requirements

Degree Page: Composition (B.M.)

Additional Application Requirements:

1. Two (2) scores of original works (with sound files, if possible). 

Audition Requirements:

SNARE DRUM:

Choose a solo by Delécluse, Whaley, Aleo, or a piece of similar difficulty.

MALLETS:

Two-mallet marimba or xylophone  (choose one of the following, or equivalent):

• J.S. Bach Violin Concerto in A minor
• J.S. Bach cello suites
• George Hamilton Green xylophone rag
• Gene Koshinski solo from Two

Four-mallets:

Choose a four-mallet solo that shows your current technical and musical ability. This could be Yellow After the Rain by Mitchell Peters, Two Mexican Dances by Gordon Stout, a movement or two of Reflections on the Nature of Water by Jacob Druckman, or something else that shows your current abilities.

TIMPANI:

If you would like to perform timpani on your audition, you may choose one of the following (or equivalent):

Solo/Etudes by:

• Vic Firth
• Alexander Lepak
• John Beck
• Richard Hochrainer
• Saul Goodman

DRUM SET:

If you have prior drum set ability, we would be happy to hear you play different styles (swing, rock, funk, others). Your drum set ability is not included as a part of your admission decision for the percussion department, but knowing your comfort on drum set can be helpful for us in your first year at IC when we are assigning parts in percussion ensemble or large ensembles. So, there is no penalty for playing for us - we would love to hear you!

Interview Requirements:

1. Speak with a member of our Composition faculty and ask any specific questions you may have about the Composition degree program.

Degree Page: Jazz Studies (B.M.)

Audition Requirements:

1. Choose one (1) song from each of the following categories:
   1. One (1) 12-bar blues, in the key and tempo of your choice, with a melody/head of your choice.
   2. One (1) jazz standard.
   3. One (1) ballad.
2. Sing the melody of one (1) of your prepared pieces. This is so we can hear your sense of pitch and tonality, not for vocal quality, style, or time feel.

For song ideas, please see the recommended repertoire below. Another good source for songs is JazzStandards.com. If you have prepared a transcription of an improvised solo (either published or self-transcribed), you are encouraged to perform that as well.

Plan the rundown (arrangements) for your tunes so that the total amount of music is no more than 10 minutes.

Interview Requirements:

1. Speak with a member of our Jazz Studies faculty and ask any specific questions you may have about the Jazz Studies degree program. Approximately 10 minutes.

Additional Thoughts:

Try to relax. These things can make us tense. An audition is just a chance for you to meet us and for us to learn about you and your musicianship. We’re excited to hear you!

Degree Page: Music (B.A.)

Audition Requirements:

SNARE DRUM:

Choose a solo by Delécluse, Whaley, Aleo, or a piece of similar difficulty.

MALLETS:

Two-mallet marimba or xylophone  (choose one of the following, or equivalent):

• J.S. Bach Violin Concerto in A minor
• J.S. Bach cello suites
• George Hamilton Green xylophone rag
• Gene Koshinski solo from Two

Four-mallets:

Choose a four-mallet solo that shows your current technical and musical ability. This could be Yellow After the Rain by Mitchell Peters, Two Mexican Dances by Gordon Stout, a movement or two of Reflections on the Nature of Water by Jacob Druckman, or something else that shows your current abilities.

TIMPANI:

If you would like to perform timpani on your audition, you may choose one of the following (or equivalent):

Solo/Etudes by:

• Vic Firth
• Alexander Lepak
• John Beck
• Richard Hochrainer
• Saul Goodman

DRUM SET:

If you have prior drum set ability, we would be happy to hear you play different styles (swing, rock, funk, others). Your drum set ability is not included as a part of your admission decision for the percussion department, but knowing your comfort on drum set can be helpful for us in your first year at IC when we are assigning parts in percussion ensemble or large ensembles. So, there is no penalty for playing for us - we would love to hear you!

Degree Page: Music Education (B.M.)

Audition Requirements:

SNARE DRUM:

Choose a solo by Delécluse, Whaley, Aleo, or a piece of similar difficulty.

MALLETS:

Two-mallet marimba or xylophone  (choose one of the following, or equivalent):

• J.S. Bach Violin Concerto in A minor
• J.S. Bach cello suites
• George Hamilton Green xylophone rag
• Gene Koshinski solo from Two

Four-mallets:

Choose a four-mallet solo that shows your current technical and musical ability. This could be Yellow After the Rain by Mitchell Peters, Two Mexican Dances by Gordon Stout, a movement or two of Reflections on the Nature of Water by Jacob Druckman, or something else that shows your current abilities.

TIMPANI:

If you would like to perform timpani on your audition, you may choose one of the following (or equivalent):

Solo/Etudes by:

• Vic Firth
• Alexander Lepak
• John Beck
• Richard Hochrainer
• Saul Goodman

DRUM SET:

If you have prior drum set ability, we would be happy to hear you play different styles (swing, rock, funk, others). Your drum set ability is not included as a part of your admission decision for the percussion department, but knowing your comfort on drum set can be helpful for us in your first year at IC when we are assigning parts in percussion ensemble or large ensembles. So, there is no penalty for playing for us - we would love to hear you!

Interview Requirements:

1. Speak with a member of our Music Education faculty to discuss any teaching experiences you have had, share any future teaching aspirations, and ask any specific questions you may have about the Music Education degree program. Approximately 10 minutes.  

Degree Page: Music Education and Performance (B.M.)

Audition Requirements:

SNARE DRUM:

Choose a solo by Delécluse, Whaley, Aleo, or a piece of similar difficulty.

MALLETS:

Two-mallet marimba or xylophone  (choose one of the following, or equivalent):

• J.S. Bach Violin Concerto in A minor
• J.S. Bach cello suites
• George Hamilton Green xylophone rag
• Gene Koshinski solo from Two

Four-mallets:

Choose a four-mallet solo that shows your current technical and musical ability. This could be Yellow After the Rain by Mitchell Peters, Two Mexican Dances by Gordon Stout, a movement or two of Reflections on the Nature of Water by Jacob Druckman, or something else that shows your current abilities.

TIMPANI:

If you would like to perform timpani on your audition, you may choose one of the following (or equivalent):

Solo/Etudes by:

• Vic Firth
• Alexander Lepak
• John Beck
• Richard Hochrainer
• Saul Goodman

DRUM SET:

If you have prior drum set ability, we would be happy to hear you play different styles (swing, rock, funk, others). Your drum set ability is not included as a part of your admission decision for the percussion department, but knowing your comfort on drum set can be helpful for us in your first year at IC when we are assigning parts in percussion ensemble or large ensembles. So, there is no penalty for playing for us - we would love to hear you!

Interview Requirements:

1. Speak with a member of our Music Education faculty to discuss any teaching experiences you have had, share any future teaching aspirations, and ask any specific questions you may have about the Music Education degree program. Approximately 10 minutes.

Degree Page: Music in Combination with an Outside Field (B.M.)

Audition Requirements:

SNARE DRUM: 

Choose a solo by Delécluse, Whaley, Aleo, or a piece of similar difficulty.

MALLETS:

Two-mallet marimba or xylophone  (choose one of the following, or equivalent):

• J.S. Bach Violin Concerto in A minor
• J.S. Bach cello suites
• George Hamilton Green xylophone rag
• Gene Koshinski solo from Two

Four-mallets:

Choose a four-mallet solo that shows your current technical and musical ability. This could be Yellow After the Rain by Mitchell Peters, Two Mexican Dances by Gordon Stout, a movement or two of Reflections on the Nature of Water by Jacob Druckman, or something else that shows your current abilities.

TIMPANI:

If you would like to perform timpani on your audition, you may choose one of the following (or equivalent):

Solo/Etudes by:

• Vic Firth
• Alexander Lepak
• John Beck
• Richard Hochrainer
• Saul Goodman

DRUM SET:

If you have prior drum set ability, we would be happy to hear you play different styles (swing, rock, funk, others). Your drum set ability is not included as a part of your admission decision for the percussion department, but knowing your comfort on drum set can be helpful for us in your first year at IC when we are assigning parts in percussion ensemble or large ensembles. So, there is no penalty for playing for us - we would love to hear you!

Degree Page: Performance (B.M.)

Audition Requirements:

SNARE DRUM:

Choose a solo by Delécluse, Whaley, Aleo, or a piece of similar difficulty.

MALLETS:

Two-mallet marimba or xylophone  (choose one of the following, or equivalent):

• J.S. Bach Violin Concerto in A minor
• J.S. Bach cello suites
• George Hamilton Green xylophone rag
• Gene Koshinski solo from Two

Four-mallets:

Choose a four-mallet solo that shows your current technical and musical ability. This could be Yellow After the Rain by Mitchell Peters, Two Mexican Dances by Gordon Stout, a movement or two of Reflections on the Nature of Water by Jacob Druckman, or something else that shows your current abilities.

TIMPANI:

If you would like to perform timpani on your audition, you may choose one of the following (or equivalent):

Solo/Etudes by:

• Vic Firth
• Alexander Lepak
• John Beck
• Richard Hochrainer
• Saul Goodman

DRUM SET:

If you have prior drum set ability, we would be happy to hear you play different styles (swing, rock, funk, others). Your drum set ability is not included as a part of your admission decision for the percussion department, but knowing your comfort on drum set can be helpful for us in your first year at IC when we are assigning parts in percussion ensemble or large ensembles. So, there is no penalty for playing for us - we would love to hear you!

Degree Page: Sound Recording Technology (B.M.)

Pre-screen Requirements:

1. One (1) mallet solo.
2. One (1) timpani solo (if available).
3. One (1) rudimental or orchestral snare drum solo (can be played on practice pad).
4. Optional: demonstration of drum set styles.

Audition Requirements:

SNARE DRUM:

Choose a solo by Delécluse, Whaley, Aleo, or a piece of similar difficulty.

MALLETS:

Two-mallet marimba or xylophone  (choose one of the following, or equivalent):

• J.S. Bach Violin Concerto in A minor
• J.S. Bach cello suites
• George Hamilton Green xylophone rag
• Gene Koshinski solo from Two

Four-mallets:

Choose a four-mallet solo that shows your current technical and musical ability. This could be Yellow After the Rain by Mitchell Peters, Two Mexican Dances by Gordon Stout, a movement or two of Reflections on the Nature of Water by Jacob Druckman, or something else that shows your current abilities.

TIMPANI:

If you would like to perform timpani on your audition, you may choose one of the following (or equivalent):

Solo/Etudes by:

• Vic Firth
• Alexander Lepak
• John Beck
• Richard Hochrainer
• Saul Goodman

DRUM SET:

If you have prior drum set ability, we would be happy to hear you play different styles (swing, rock, funk, others). Your drum set ability is not included as a part of your admission decision for the percussion department, but knowing your comfort on drum set can be helpful for us in your first year at IC when we are assigning parts in percussion ensemble or large ensembles. So, there is no penalty for playing for us - we would love to hear you!

Interview Requirements:

1. Meet with members of the SRT faculty, practice critical listening skills, and discuss your background in audio engineering thus far. Approximately 20 minutes.

Degree Page: Sound Recording Technology (B.M.)

Pre-screen Requirements:

1. Two jazz standards that contrast in style or tempo. See below for recommended repertoire.

Audition Requirements:

1. Choose one (1) song from each of the following categories:
   1. One (1) 12-bar blues, in the key and tempo of your choice, with a melody/head of your choice.
   2. One (1) jazz standard.
   3. One (1) ballad.
2. Sing the melody of one (1) of your prepared pieces. This is so we can hear your sense of pitch and tonality, not for vocal quality, style, or time feel.

For song ideas, please see the recommended repertoire below. Another good source for songs is JazzStandards.com. If you have prepared a transcription of an improvised solo (either published or self-transcribed), you are encouraged to perform that as well.

Plan the rundown (arrangements) for your tunes so that the total amount of music is no more than 10 minutes.

Interview Requirements:

1. Speak with a member of our Jazz Studies faculty and ask any specific questions you may have about the Jazz Studies degree program. Approximately 10 minutes.
2. Meet with members of the SRT faculty, practice critical listening skills, and discuss your background in audio engineering thus far. Approximately 20 minutes.

Additional Thoughts:

Try to relax. These things can make us tense. An audition is just a chance for you to meet us and for us to learn about you and your musicianship. We’re excited to hear you!

Program Page: Music Minor

Audition Requirements:

SNARE DRUM:

Choose a solo by Delécluse, Whaley, Aleo, or a piece of similar difficulty.

MALLETS:

Two-mallet marimba or xylophone  (choose one of the following, or equivalent):

• J.S. Bach Violin Concerto in A minor
• J.S. Bach cello suites
• George Hamilton Green xylophone rag
• Gene Koshinski solo from Two

Four-mallets:

Choose a four-mallet solo that shows your current technical and musical ability. This could be Yellow After the Rain by Mitchell Peters, Two Mexican Dances by Gordon Stout, a movement or two of Reflections on the Nature of Water by Jacob Druckman, or something else that shows your current abilities.

TIMPANI:

If you would like to perform timpani on your audition, you may choose one of the following (or equivalent):

Solo/Etudes by:

• Vic Firth
• Alexander Lepak
• John Beck
• Richard Hochrainer
• Saul Goodman

DRUM SET:

If you have prior drum set ability, we would be happy to hear you play different styles (swing, rock, funk, others). Your drum set ability is not included as a part of your admission decision for the percussion department, but knowing your comfort on drum set can be helpful for us in your first year at IC when we are assigning parts in percussion ensemble or large ensembles. So, there is no penalty for playing for us - we would love to hear you!

Blues Heads can show your knowledge of the blues form and rich bluesy landscape of jazz. Some well-known blues heads are::

• Blue Monk
• Au Privave
• Now’s the Time
• Blues for Alice
• Tenor Madness
• Straight, No Chaser
• Centerpiece
• Route 66

Standards can show your knowledge of time feel, style and improvisation. Standards can be jazz tunes such as:

• Perdido
• In Walked Bud
• Well, You Needn’t
• Epistrophy
• Confirmation
• Donna Lee
• Ornithology
• Dolphin Dance
• Goodbye Pork Pie Hat
• A Night in Tunisia

Standards could also be songs from the Great American Songbook, such as:

• All the Things You Are
• All of Me
• Blue Skies
• My Romance
• How High the Moon
• Take the 'A' Train
• What Is This Thing Called Love?
• Sweet Georgia Brown
• Cherokee
• Stompin’ at the Savoy
• There Is No Greater Love (a.k.a. No Greater Love)
• On the Sunny Side of the Street

Ballads are a chance to show your musicality, phrasing and intonation. Some possible ballads include:

• Body and Soul
• How Deep Is the Ocean
• But Beautiful
• Darn That Dream
• Round Midnight
• Lover Man
• Embraceable You
• Sophisticated Lady
• Prelude to a Kiss
• In a Sentimental Mood