Audition Information

Brass and Winds Audition Requirements:

• Scales may be asked.
• Two contrasting pieces from the standard solo literature of your instrument are preferred: one lyrical, one technical demonstrating both ends of your abilities. If you cannot perform anything from the standard solo literature, two contrasting etudes may be acceptable, but solo literature makes a better impression.

Percussion Audition Requirements:

• One snare drum piece
• One mallet piece using two or four mallets
• One timpani piece using two or four drums

Note: All three areas are desired, but consideration will still be given to those who are weak in one of the aforementioned instruments.

If you are interested in playing in Jazz Ensemble, please be prepared to audition on drum set as well, demonstrating various styles and grooves (Swing, Rock and Latin).

Piano Audition Requirements:

• Choose three of the following. All three are to be memorized.
  • Baroque Composition
  • Romantic Composition
  • Impressionistic or Contemporary Composition
  • A sonata-allegro movement from Haydn, Mozart or Beethoven

Note: Sight-reading, scales and arpeggios may be requested.

Organ Audition Requirements:

• One of each of the following pieces. Up to two of these pieces may be played on the piano.
  • Baroque Composition
  • Romantic Composition
  • Contemporary Composition

Note: Please be prepared for sight-reading and ear tests.

Violin Audition Requirements:

• One movement from a Bach unaccompanied sonata or partita.
• One movement from a concerto of your choice
• Sight-reading, scales and arpeggios may be requested
• If submitting an online audition, include one major and one minor scale of your choice (can be the same or different keys); both scales should be three octaves. (Additionally, see online submission guidelines below.)

Viola Audition Requirements:

• One movement from a Bach unaccompanied sonata, partita, or suite
• One movement from a concerto of your choice
• Sight-reading, scales and arpeggios may be requested
• If submitting an online audition, include three octave D Major scale (ascending & descending) and a three-octave D Major arpeggio. (Additionally, see online submission guidelines below.)

Cello Audition Requirements:

• One movement from a Bach unaccompanied suite
• One etude by Popper or Duport (or equivalent)
• One movement from the concerto of your choice
• Sight-reading, scales and arpeggios may be requested
• If submitting an online audition, include three octave Eb and A minor scale and arpeggio. (Additionally, see online submission guidelines below.)

Double Bass Audition Requirements:

• Major and Minor scales or an etude of your choice
• One movement from baroque or classical sonata or concerto, or a one-movement piece

Guitar Audition Requirements:

• One transcription of a work written before 1750
• One classical or romantic selection written for guitar

Harp Audition Requirements:

• Handel: B-Flat Concerto - first movement
• Tchaikovsky: Nutcracker ‘Waltz of the Flowers’ cadenza
• Two contrasting solo pieces of your choice

Note: If submitting an online audition, include one major and one minor scale of your choice (can be the same or different keys); both scales should be three octaves (additionally, see online submission guidelines below)

Voice Audition Requirements:

• Two contrasting classical art songs (one can be an aria from any opera or oratorio) in any language.
• Both pieces must be memorized.

(Acceptable selections may be found in the 24 or 26 Italian Art Songs and Arias published by G. Schirmer, and any art song, aria, or oratorio anthology or collection published by Hal Leonard or G. Schirmer.)

Note: An accompanist will be provided.

Commercial Music Audition Requirements:

• Students auditioning for the Commercial Music concentration on any instrument need to perform two songs from the contemporary music repertoire. These can be:
  • For instrumentalists — popular songs from the rock/pop/country genre or jazz standards.
  • For vocalists — popular songs from the rock/pop/country genre, jazz standards, Christian or music theatre repertoire.

• These pieces should be contrasting in style and demonstrate your musical and technical abilities on the instrument/voice. Original songs can be used within the audition and are encouraged for those interested in the Artist Development program track.

Note: All students auditioning for the Commercial Music emphasis are responsible for providing their own accompaniment for the audition. Students can either accompany themselves on piano or guitar (guitar not provided), or they can bring in a recorded accompaniment.

Composition Audition Requirements:

• The interview requirements for composition students are the same for both the B.A. and B.M. degrees.
• Students pursuing a B.A. with a composition emphasis do not need to audition on an instrument as their scores and recordings will be the primary factors in determining their acceptance to the Conservatory; a student may audition on an instrument if they would like to be considered for additional scholarship or ensemble placement.

While we prefer students to audition in person, we also recognize that not everyone will be able to do so, specifically with regards to students who live across the country or internationally. In cases like these, we accept recorded auditions via YouTube, due March 1. Simply upload a video recording (meeting the following requirements) and email the link to music@biola.edu. Those planning to audition via recording must adhere to the following guidelines:

• Performance of each piece should be continuous with no editing; this includes video cuts or audio editing (ie autotune, reverb, effects).
• Include the date of the performance, which should be no more than 6 months old.
• Include a typed copy of the entire performance program. There should be no talking or explanation on the recording itself. Any additional comments should be typed and submitted with the recording.
• All recorded audition submissions must be of highest quality sound and visual recordings.