School of Music Audition

Audition Material

Auditions last 10 to 15 minutes.

Classical Guitar

All auditioning students are required to perform on a nylon string guitar, and with proper classical guitar technique (no plectrum / pick)

For undergraduate performance majors (classical guitar)

Two contrasting works from different time periods.

Grade 1 pieces from the Texas UIL Prescribed Music List are acceptable. Follow this link: http://www.uilforms.com/pmlbs.asp?eve=405&gr1=1

Be prepared for a short sight-reading excerpt.

For undergraduate music therapy and theory & composition majors with guitar emphasis:

One Grade 2 piece from the UIL Prescribed Music List. Follow this link: http://www.uilforms.com/pmlbs.asp?eve=405&gr1=2

One study from Matteo Carcassi's Opus 60

Be prepared for a short sight-reading excerpt.

Graduate Guitar (Masters)

One movement from a J. S. Bach Lute Suite or from the Prelude, Fugue and Allegro (BWV 998)

Two contrasting works from different periods.

Music Therapy:

Those applying for admission as Music Therapy majors must interview with the Director of Music Therapy. Students should contact the Director of Music Therapy at musictherapy@shsu.edu or (936)294-1376 to schedule the interview, which can take place at any time during the application process.

Percussion:

Please see the Percussion Studio's own page for audition materials.

Piano:

Performance Majors

Students will perform up to 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, K. 282, 331, and 545). 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, 4 octaves ascending and descending (minimum speed: quarter note = 120) and an excerpt of sightreading.

Music Therapy Majors With a Piano Concentration

Students will perform an fast movement from a classical period sonata (same exclusions apply) and two contrasting period works. The sonata must be memorized, and memorization for the two contrasting works is optional. Scales and sightreading requirements remain the same.

New age, popular, contemporary Christian, and other similar styles of music will not be accepted.

Please contact Dr. Sergio Ruiz at (936) 294-1385 (sergioruiz@shsu.edu) to answer any questions.

String:

String players should present one or more movements from a Baroque work, a Classical or Romantic sonata, or concerto. Music may be used.

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.

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.