School of Music Audition

Audition Material

Auditions last 10 to 15 minutes.

Piano:
Pianists should bring thirty minutes of memorized repertoire representing a minimum of three of the following four style periods: Baroque, Classical, Romantic, Impressionist/ Contemporary. Required: A complete sonata by Haydn, Mozart, or Beethoven (excluding Opus 49). Recommended: Prelude and Fugue from the Well-Tempered Clavier, a solo piece from the Romantic repertoire, and a work by a representative 20th Century/Contemporary composer. The student will also be asked to play all Major and minor scales (minimum speed: quarter note = 120) and an excerpt of sightreading. Please contact Dr. Sergio Ruiz at (936) 294-1385 (sergioruiz@shsu.edu) to answer any questions.
Voice:

Music Education and Performance with a Voice Emphasis:

Students are to prepare two songs, one in a foreign language. Graduate students are to prepare a program of six memorized songs, representing major style periods and languages (English, Italian/Latin, German, French) from which the voice faculty will choose selections for the audition. Incoming Freshman must be from the "Texas UIL Prescribed Music List" (solos) or other standard classical vocal repertoire. No contemporary christian, musical theatre, country, pop or jazz music is allowed. Music must be memorized. Taped accompaniments are not allowed. Please bring a copy of the sheet music to the audition to share with the accompanist that is provided. Prepare the music with ALL the notes on the page, double-sided, and in a three ring binder. These scores must be in the keys in which you will sing. You will probably have a chance to briefly work with the accompanist prior to your audition. All prospective undergraduate students are asked to sight-read a short musical phrase. You may also be asked to repeat short melodic passages (played on the piano) to demonstrate tonal memory capabilities and vocalize.

Music Therapy with Voice Emphasis:

Prepare to sing two songs of your choice from memory. At least one of the two selections must be from the "Texas UIL Prescribed Music List" (solos) or other standard classical vocal repertoire. The second selection should be in the style most comfortable to you and should demonstrate your musical skill in areas such as pitch and rhythm accuracy, expression, and range. Acceptable selections might include Classical pieces, folk songs, spirituals, and Broadway show tunes. You may bring your own accompanist or one will be provided for the audition. Self-accompaniment (your choice of instrument) on the second selection is also an option where stylistically appropriate.

String:
String players should present one or more movements from a Baroque work, a Classical or Romantic sonata, or concerto. Music may be used.
Wind:
Wind players shold prepare one or two solos or etudes, which demonstrate technical facility as well as lyrical, expressive playing. Sight-reading and/or major scales may be requested. An accompanist is not necessary. Music may be used.
Percussion:
Percussionists should be prepared to perform snare drum rudiments in addition to solos and/or etudes on other percussion instruments.