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American Guild of Organists

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Organ Auditions Guide 2017-2018

This guide is for auditions taking place during the 2017–2018 academic year.

You’ve put in a lot of hard work to get to the next level. Start your search here. All information is current as of press time and subject to change. Be sure to contact schools for up-to-date information.

Key: Bachelor’s = B; Master’s = M; Doctoral = D; Performer’s Certificate = PC; Artist Diploma = AD

Appalachian State University–Hayes School of Music • Boone, N.C.
Degree(s): B, M
Recorded pre-audition required: no
Audition dates: Jan. 20, 27, Feb. 10, 24
Application deadline: rolling admissions
Repertoire: one pre-1800 work; one post-1800 work; one 20th-century work
Additional skill demonstration: one hymn; possible sight-reading; aural skills assessment
Additional materials required at audition: audition form
828-262-6467
Email

Arizona State University • Tempe, Ariz.
Degree(s): B, M, D
Recorded pre-audition required: no
Audition dates: see Music.asu.edu
Application deadline: Dec. 1
Repertoire: B: one prelude and fugue from Eight Little Preludes and Fugues (formerly attr. Bach); two chorale preludes from Orgelbüchlein; one romantic or modern work. M/D: a 15–20 minute audition program for the Fritts organ including some pre-Bach; one work by Bach; a later work that can be played effectively without a swell box.
Additional skill demonstration: sight-reading, possible score analysis
480-965-5069
Email

Ball State University • Muncie, Ind.
Degree(s): B, M, D, AD
Recorded pre-audition required: no
Audition dates: B: Jan. 19, Feb. 11, 19; M/D/AD: by appointment
Application deadline: rolling admissions
Repertoire: B: one Baroque work, one contrasting 19th- or 20th-century work. M/D/AD: approximately 30 minutes including one major Bach work, one 19th-century work, and one 20th-century work.
Additional skill demonstration: sight-reading a hymn; playing a hymn
765-285-5400
Email

Baylor University • Waco, Tex.
Degree(s): B, M, D, PC
Recorded pre-audition required: no
Audition dates: Dec. 1, Jan. 13, 27, Feb. 24
Application deadline: rolling admissions
Repertoire: visit Baylor.edu/music/index.php?id=859314
Additional skill demonstration: sight-reading, hymn-playing
Additional materials required at audition: D: interview with admissions committee
254-710-6509
Email

Bob Jones University • Greenville, S.C.
Degree(s): B, M
Recorded pre-audition required: no
Audition dates: by appointment
Application deadline: rolling admissions
Repertoire: two works from varying periods
Additional skill demonstration: sight-reading
Additional materials required at audition: repertoire list
864-370-1800
Email

Boston University • Boston, Mass.
Degree(s): B, M, D, PC, AD
Recorded pre-audition required: yes
Audition dates: see website
Application deadline: rolling admissions
Repertoire: see website
617-353-3341
Email

Brigham Young University–Idaho • Rexburg, Idaho
Degree(s): B
Recorded pre-audition required: no
Audition dates: Jan. 26 or by appointment
Application deadline: Jan. 20
Repertoire: one Bach work; one work from another period. Applicants with no organ background but strong piano skills may be considered for organ study by performing a keyboard work of Bach and a significant work from another period on the piano.
Additional skill demonstration: one hymn; at the piano, one major and one minor scale in parallel motion (four octaves) and contrary motion (two octaves), and one major and one minor arpeggio (four octaves).
208-496-4964
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Carson-Newman University • Jefferson City, Tenn.
Degree(s): B
Recorded pre-audition required: no
Audition dates: Nov. 10, Jan. 27
Application deadline: rolling admissions
Repertoire: two pieces in contrasting styles
Additional skill demonstration: one prepared hymn
865-471-3328
Email

The Catholic University of America • Washington, D.C.
Degree(s): B, M
Recorded pre-audition required: no
Audition dates: Dec. 1, 5, Jan. 13, Feb. 3, 6, 24, 27
Repertoire: one Bach work; one 19th-century work; one 20th- or 21st-century work
Additional skill demonstration: sight-reading; hymn transposition
202-319-5414
Email

Central Michigan University • Mt. Pleasant, Mich.
Degree(s): B, M
Recorded pre-audition required: no
Audition dates: Jan. 19, Feb. 9, 10, 24, Mar. 16
Application deadline: rolling admissions
Repertoire: B: one Bach work (a prelude and fugue or chorale prelude); one 19th- or 20th-century work; memorization encouraged. Applicants with a strong piano background who wish to major in organ may prepare one prelude and fugue from Bach’s Well-tempered Clavier or a three-part invention/sinfonia; one movement of a Beethoven, Haydn, Hummel, or Mozart sonata; one Romantic, Impressionistic, or Contemporary work. M: one major Baroque work; one 19th-century work; one 20th- or 21st-century work; memorization encouraged
Additional skill demonstration: B: piano only: prepare all major and harmonic minor scales (four octaves); organ: combined manual and pedal memorized major scales. B/M: one prepared hymn
989-774-3281
Email

Cleveland Institute of Music • Cleveland, Ohio
Degree(s): B, M, D, PC, AD
Recorded pre-audition required: yes
Audition dates: Feb. 11, 25
Application deadline: Dec. 1
Repertoire: one Bach work; one 19th-century work; one 20th- or 21st-century work.
216-791-5000
Email

Colorado State University • Fort Collins, Colo.
Degree(s): B, M
Recorded pre-audition required: no
Audition dates: Dec. 8, Feb. 17, 19, 24
Application deadline: rolling admissions
Repertoire: see website
970-491-5529
Email

Columbus State University–Schwob School of Music • Columbus, Ga.
Degree(s): B, M, PC
Recorded pre-audition required: no
Audition dates: by appointment, Nov. 1–March 1
Application deadline: Nov. 1
Repertoire: one Bach prelude (toccata, fantasia) and fugue; one contrasting 19th-century work
Additional skill demonstration: sight-reading hymn at piano; one hymn with introduction at organ
706-649-7246
Email

Concordia University • Seward, Nebr.
Degree(s): B
Recorded pre-audition required: yes
Audition dates: recorded audition due: Oct. 31; live audition: Dec. 4
Application deadline: Oct. 31
Repertoire: two works in contrasting styles
Additional skill demonstration: one prepared hymn
Additional materials required at audition: aural skills and music theory exams
402-643-7282
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Duquesne University–Mary Pappert School of Music • Pittsburgh, Pa.
Degree(s): B, M, AD
Recorded pre-audition required: no
Audition dates: Dec. 1, Jan. 19, Feb. 2, 16, Mar. 2
Application deadline: rolling admissions
Repertoire: B: one Bach fugue; one Romantic work; one 20th- or 21st-century work. M/PC: 25–30 minute program
Additional skill demonstration: sight-reading a simple hymn, with pedals
Additional materials required at audition: music theory placement exam
412-396-5983
Email

East Carolina University • Greenville, N.C.
Degree(s): B, M, PC
Recorded pre-audition required: no
Audition dates: Dec. 2, Jan. 20, Feb. 10, Feb. 24, Mar. 17
Application deadline: rolling admissions
Repertoire: one Baroque work (preferably Bach), one Romantic work, one contemporary work (post-1950)
Additional skill demonstration: sight-reading; hymn-playing
Additional materials required at audition: repertoire list
252-328-1261
Email

The Eastman School of Music • Rochester, N.Y.
Degree(s): B, M, D, PC
Recorded pre-audition required: no
Audition dates: Feb. 2, 9, 16, 23
Application deadline: Dec. 1
Repertoire: B: one Baroque work; two works by Romantic or contemporary composers, one primarily lyrical, and one primarily virtuosic. M: not more than 30 minutes, including one work of Bach, and other works of contrasting styles and periods, including at least one lyrical and one virtuosic selection; memorization encouraged. D: not more than 30 minutes, including one work of Bach; memorization encouraged.
Additional materials: audition repertoire form; repertoire list
585-274-1060
Email

Florida State University • Tallahassee, Fla.
Degree(s): B, M, D
Recorded pre-audition required: no
Audition dates: Jan. 27, Feb. 10, 24
Application deadline: Dec. 1
Repertoire: B: three contrasting works; piano audition allowed. M/D: three works of contrasting styles and tempos, including one major Bach work. Recorded auditions acceptable.
850-644-6509
Email

Furman University • Greenville, S.C.
Degree(s): B
Recorded pre-audition required: no
Audition dates: Dec. 1, 2, Jan. 12, 13, Feb. 9, 10
Application deadline: Nov. 1
Repertoire: two contrasting works (10 minutes maximum); one piano work
Additional skill demonstration: exercises in pitch matching and aural aptitude; placement assessments for theory, aural skills, and keyboard; sight-reading.
864-294-2086
Email

Goshen College • Goshen, Ind.
Degree(s): B
Recorded pre-audition required: no
Audition dates: Nov. 10, Jan. 26, 27, Mar. 9
Application deadline: rolling admissions
Repertoire: 10 minutes, including at least two pieces or excerpts in contrasting styles
Additional materials required at audition: interview with music faculty; one reference from an instructor; short essay
574-535-7361
Email

Indiana University–Jacobs School of Music • Bloomington, Ind.
Degree(s): B, M, D, AD
Recorded pre-audition required: no
Audition dates: Jan. 12, 13, Feb. 2, 3, Mar. 2, 3
Application deadline: Nov. 1
Repertoire: maximum 30 minutes with contrasting pieces representing the pre-Classical (preferably a Bach work), Romantic, and contemporary periods; balance virtuosic works with at least one expressive work; memorization encouraged
Additional skill demonstration: sight-reading; keyboard skills; M/D/AD: figured bass; transposition; modulation
812-855-7998
Email

Ithaca College • Ithaca, N.Y.
Degree(s): B, M
Recorded pre-audition required: no
Audition dates: Dec. 9, Jan. 27, Feb. 3, 10
Application deadline: Jan. 10
Repertoire: three works from contrasting periods
Additional skill demonstration: sight-reading two hymns
607-274-3366
Email

Iowa State University • Ames, Iowa
Degree(s): B, M
Recorded pre-audition required: no
Audition dates: Feb.
Application deadline: rolling admissions
Repertoire: one Baroque work, one 19th-century work, one 20th- or 21st-century work; if no previous organ study, similar representative harpsichord and/or piano literature
Additional skill demonstration: sight-reading; hymn-playing
Additional materials required at audition: repertoire list
515-294-5496
Email

The Juilliard School • New York, New York
Degree(s): B, M, D, AD
Recorded pre-audition required: no
Audition dates: Feb. and Mar.
Application deadline: Dec. 1
Repertoire: one Bach prelude and fugue; one 19th-century work; one 20th- or 21st-century work; memorization encouraged
Additional skill demonstration: sight-reading
212-799-5000
Email

Kansas State University • Manhattan, Kansas
Degree(s): B, M
Recorded pre-audition required: no
Audition dates: by appointment
Application deadline: rolling admissions
Repertoire: B.Mus.: three contrasting pieces from different periods (one Bach work), no less than 15 minutes total; B.A.: two contrasting pieces from different periods; M: contrasting pieces from different periods (one Bach work), totaling 30 minutes.
Additional materials required at audition: repertoire list
785-532-3800
Email

Lawrence University • Appleton, Wisconsin
Degree(s): B
Recorded pre-audition required: no
Audition dates: Nov. 11, Jan.–Feb.
Application deadline: Jan. 15
Repertoire: one Bach work; two contrasting 19th- and/or 20th-century works
Additional skill demonstration: hymn sight-reading; easy organ music sight-reading
Additional materials required at audition: resume; music teacher recommendation
920-832-6500
Email

Luther College • Decorah, Iowa
Degree(s): B
Recorded pre-audition required: no
Audition dates: Nov. 11, 30, Feb. 10, 24, Mar. 2, or by appointment
Application deadline: rolling admissions
Repertoire: two contrasting pieces (Baroque and/or Romantic/contemporary)
Additional skill demonstration: one prepared hymn
Additional materials required at audition: repertoire list; recommendation from current organ teacher
563-387-1205
Email

Manhattan School of Music • New York, New York
Degree(s): M, D, PC
Recorded pre-audition required: no
Audition dates: Feb. 23–Mar. 2
Application deadline: Dec. 1
Repertoire: M/PC: one major Baroque work; one complete Romantic work; one complete contemporary work. D: full-length recital, including works from at least four contrasting periods, including the 20th century.
212.749.2802
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McGill University–Schulich School of Music • Montreal, Quebec
Degree(s): B, M, D, AD
Recorded pre-audition required: no
Audition dates: Feb. and Mar. (see Mcgill.ca/music for more information)
Application deadline: rolling admissions
Repertoire: see Mcgill.ca/music
Additional skill demonstration: see Mcgill.ca/music
Additional materials required at audition: Mcgill.ca/music
514-398-4546
Email

Mercer University–Townsend School of Music • Macon, Georgia
Degree(s): B, M, AD
Recorded pre-audition required: no
Audition dates: Dec. 2, Jan. 20, Feb. 16 (M), 17, Mar. 17
Application deadline: Feb. 9 (late applications may be considered)
Repertoire: B/MM–Performance: three pieces in contrasting styles (preferably one major Bach work and two pieces from the 19th–21st centuries). MM–Church Music: two pieces in contrasting styles, one of which should be based on a chorale or hymn
Additional skill demonstration: B/MM–Performance: one hymn, including introduction and two stanzas, the second of which should include a reharmonization; hymn sight-reading. AD: hymn sight-reading; sight-reading. MM–Church Music: two hymns in contrasting styles, including introduction and three stanzas, the second of which should include a reharmonization; hymn sight-reading; sight-reading.
478-301-2750
Email

Nazareth College • Rochester, New York
Degree(s): B, M
Recorded pre-audition required: no
Audition dates: Nov. 17, Dec. 8, Jan. 15, 26, Feb. 19, 23, Mar. 23, Apr. 13
Application deadline: rolling admissions
Repertoire: one Baroque work; one virtuosic Romantic or contemporary work; one lyrical Romantic or contemporary work
Additional skill demonstration: scales/arpeggios (two octaves); sight-reading; theory placement exam
585-389-2700
Email

Northern Illinois University • DeKalb, Illinois
Degree(s): B, M, PC
Recorded pre-audition required: yes
Audition dates: by appointment
Application deadline: Apr. 1
Repertoire: B: a polyphonic composition in three voices (e.g. a Rheinberger trio, a three-voice chorale setting of Dupré); a composition of the applicant’s choice of comparable difficulty of the Eight Little Preludes and Fugues (formerly attr. Bach). M/PC: one major Bach prelude and fugue; one movement from a Bach trio sonata; two contrasting movements from the 19th- or 20th-century French repertoire
Additional skill demonstration: B: Hymn sight-reading with soprano, alto, and tenor on one manual, bass in pedal; hymn sight-reading with soprano on one manual (right hand), alto and tenor on a second manual (left hand), bass in pedal; a few short pedal exercises selected by student; M/PC: sight-reading a trio of moderate difficulty
815-753-1546
Email

Oberlin Conservatory of Music • Oberlin, Ohio
Degree(s): B, M, AD
Recorded pre-audition required: no
Audition dates: Feb. 10, 24
Application deadline: Dec. 1
Repertoire: B: 3 or 4 contrasting pieces from the standard organ literature, including one Bach work. Applicants with a strong piano background may audition on piano. M: one major Bach prelude (toccata, fantasia) and fugue; four additional pre-1800 works representing other historic styles. AD: one pre-1700 work; one major Bach prelude (toccata, fantasia) and fugue; one Bach ornamented chorale; one major Romantic pre-1920 work; one major 20th- or 21st-century work
Additional skill demonstration: B: hymn sight-reading
Additional materials required at audition: AD: repertoire list; concert list (with venues) for at least the last 3 years
440-775-8413
Email

Pacific Lutheran University • Tacoma, Washington
Degree(s): B
Recorded pre-audition required: no
Audition dates: Feb. 23, 24, 25
Application deadline: rolling admissions
Repertoire: two contrasting works from different periods and styles
253-535-7255
Email

The Peabody Conservatory of The Johns Hopkins University • Baltimore, Maryland
Degree(s): B, M, D, PC, AD
Recorded pre-audition required: no
Audition dates: Feb. 19–22
Application deadline: Dec. 1
Repertoire: B: one Bach work; one 19th-century work; one post-1910 work. M/PC: one major Bach work; two additional works representing contrasting periods and styles. D: sufficient material to perform a full solo recital containing works demonstrating a diversity of periods and styles. AD: 70-minute recital representing at least three periods and at least two major works.
Additional skill demonstration: hymn sight-reading
Additional materials required at audition: repertoire list
667-208-6600
Email

Rice University–The Shepherd School of Music • Houston, Tex.
Degree(s): B, M, D, AD
Recorded pre-audition required: no
Audition dates: Jan. 23, Feb. 13
Application deadline: Dec. 1
Repertoire: B/M: one major Bach work (excluding BWV 553–560); two contrasting post-1750 works. D/AD: 45 minutes, memorized, including one major Bach work
Additional skill demonstration: sight-reading; harmonization
713-348-4854
Email

Rutgers University • New Brunswick, N.J.
Degree(s): B, M, D, AD
Recorded pre-audition required: no
Audition dates: by appointment
Application deadline: rolling admissions
Repertoire: B: one Bach prelude and fugue; one movement from a 19th-century work; one post-1900 work; M: one North German or French Classical work; one major Bach prelude and fugue; one major 19th-century work; one post-1960 work. D/AD: one North German or French Classical work; one chorale-based trio from Great Eighteen Chorales or Clavier-Übung III, or one movement from one of the six Bach sonatas; one major Bach prelude and fugue; one major 19th-century work; one post-1960 work.
Additional skill demonstration: B/M/D/AD: hymn sight-reading; M/D/AD: trio sight-reading
848-932-5241
Email

St. Anselm College • Manchester, N.H.
Degree(s): B
Recorded pre-audition required: no
Audition dates: by appointment
Application deadline: rolling admissions
Repertoire: one late Baroque prelude and fugue; one 19th-century work; one 20th-century work
Additional skill demonstration: two hymns; sight-reading a hymn or other piece of service music showing contrasting registration; two major and minor scales
Additional materials required at audition: two letters of recommendation
603-641-7277
Email

St. John’s University/College of St. Benedict • Collegeville, Minn./St. Joseph, Minn.
Degree(s): B, M
Recorded pre-audition required: yes
Audition dates: Jan. 15, Mar. 17, 18
Application deadline: rolling admissions
Repertoire: B/M: one smaller work from Baroque through 20th century. Piano audition optional.
Additional skill demonstration: two contrasting hymns; hymn and simple refrain sight-reading
320-363-2862
Email

St. Olaf College • Northfield, Minn.
Degree(s): B
Recorded pre-audition required: yes
Audition dates: Feb. 26, 27, Mar. 3, 4
Application deadline: Dec. 15
Repertoire: one Bach free work; two contrasting selections
Additional skill demonstration: one hymn, with or without free introduction or harmonization
Additional materials required at audition: sight-reading, sight-singing, aural skills examination
507-786-3983
Email

Salem College • Winston-Salem, N.C.
Degree(s): B, M
Recorded pre-audition required: yes
Audition dates: Feb. 10, 24
Application deadline: rolling admissions
Repertoire: B: two or more movements of a Bach free work (toccata/prelude/fantasia and fugue, trio sonata, concerto); a movement or complete Romantic work; a movement or complete 20th- or 21st-century work. M: one major Bach work; two contrasting 19th-, 20th-, or 21st-century major works.
Additional skill demonstration: B: two stanzas of a hymn with an introduction. M: hymn-playing
336-721-2798
Email

Samford University • Birmingham, Ala.
Degree(s): B, M
Recorded pre-audition required: yes
Audition dates: by appointment
Application deadline: Mar. 15
Repertoire: three contrasting works
Additional skill demonstration: piano scales
Additional materials required at audition: repertoire list
205-492-1395
Email

Sonoma State University • Rohnert Park, Calif.
Degree(s): B
Recorded pre-audition required: no
Audition dates: Nov. 4, Jan. 13, Mar. 10
Application deadline: Nov. 30
Repertoire: two contrasting works, one of which must be a Bach prelude and fugue or trio sonata; the other selection may be a hymn, choral prelude, or a contrasting work from any period. Students with no organ background may audition on the piano using the same guidelines.
Additional skill demonstration: two major scales; one minor scale in three forms
707-664-2324
Email

Southern Methodist University • Dallas, Tex.
Degree(s): B, M, PC, AD
Recorded pre-audition required: no
Audition dates: Dec. 2, Jan. 27, Feb. 3, 10, 24
Application deadline: Dec. 1
Repertoire: three pieces from different periods
Additional skill demonstration: hymn-playing, sight-reading, improvisation
Additional materials required at audition: repertoire list
214-768-2941
Email

Stetson University School of Music • DeLand, Fla.
Degree(s): B
Recorded pre-audition required: no
Audition dates: Jan. 27, Feb. 3, 17, 24
Application deadline: rolling admissions
Repertoire: works comparable to the Eight Little Preludes and Fugues (formerly attr. to Bach), the Brahms Chorale Preludes, or works of comparable or greater difficulty. Piano audition optional.
Additional skill demonstration: sight-reading; aural skills; theory exam
Additional materials required at audition: resume
386-822-8975
Email

Syracuse University–The Setnor School of Music • Syracuse, N.Y.
Degree(s): B, M
Recorded pre-audition required: no
Audition dates: Jan. 20, 27, Feb. 2, 3
Application deadline: Jan. 1
Repertoire: one Baroque work; one Romantic work; one post-1900 work, contrasting in style to the other two works
Additional skill demonstration: one hymn; sight-reading
Additional materials required at audition: repertoire list; resume
315-443-2769
Email

Trinity University • San Antonio, Tex.
Degree(s): B
Recorded pre-audition required: no
Audition dates: Sep. 23, Nov. 11, Jan. 20, Mar. 3, or by appointment
Application deadline: rolling admissions
Repertoire: two contrasting works, one preferably by Bach
Additional skill demonstration: one prepared hymn; hymn sight-reading; additional sight-reading possible at piano; possible keyboard facility at piano
Additional materials required at audition: organ and piano repertoire list
210-999-8249
Email

University of Alabama • Tuscaloosa, Ala.
Degree(s): B, M, D
Recorded pre-audition required: no
Audition dates: B: Feb. 19, Mar. 3; M/D: Feb. 18, Mar. 2
Application deadline: Mar. 2
Repertoire: one major Bach work; one French or German Romantic work; one 20th- or 21st-century work
Additional skill demonstration: sight-reading; hymn-playing; major and minor scales
Additional materials required at audition: Graduate students must write an essay on a music history topic of his/her choice, and must take a music theory exam.
205-348-3329
Email

University of Arizona–The Fred Fox School of Music • Tucson, Ariz.
Degree(s): B, M, D
Recorded pre-audition required: yes
Audition dates: Jan. and Feb.
Repertoire: one Bach work; one Romantic work; one work composed after 1970
Additional skill demonstration: a sample of hymn-playing or improvisation recommended
Additional materials required at audition: curriculum vitae
520-204-5691
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University of California–Los Angeles • Los Angeles, Calif.
Degree(s): B, M, D
Recorded pre-audition required: no
Audition dates: Feb.
Application deadline: Dec. 1
Repertoire: representative selection of Baroque, Romantic, and 20th-century/Contemporary works
Additional skill demonstration: sight-reading, hymn-playing
Additional materials required at audition: repertoire list
213-925-6234
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University of Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music • Cincinnati, Ohio
Degree(s): B, M, D, AD
Recorded pre-audition required: no
Audition dates: Jan. 13, 27
Application deadline: rolling admissions
Repertoire: B: two contrasting works from the standard organ literature. Applicants with a strong piano background may prepare a piano work from the standard repertoire as one of the two works. M/D/AD: three contrasting works including one 17th- or 18th-century work and two 19th-, 20th-, or 21st-century works.
Additional skill demonstration: sight-reading
513-556-9479
Email

University of Denver–Lamont School of Music • Denver, Colo.
Degree(s): B, M, PC, AD
Recorded pre-audition required: yes
Audition dates: Feb. 3, 10, 17
Application deadline: Dec. 15 (AD) Jan. 15 (B/M/PC)
Repertoire: B: 15–20 minutes, including a Bach work and a Romantic or contemporary work. M/PC: 15–20 minutes, including one major Bach work; one Romantic work; one contemporary work. AD: pre-screening audition video. Live audition: closed mini-recital and interview, 30 to 35 minutes
Additional materials required at audition: repertoire list
303-871-6973
Email

University of Florida • Gainesville, Fla.
Degree(s): B, M
Recorded pre-audition required: no
Audition dates: Jan. 20, 27, 28
Application deadline: Nov. 1
Repertoire: B: one pre-1800 work; one post-1800 work; one 20th-century or contemporary work. M: three pieces in contrasting styles
Additional skill demonstration: aural skills exam; sight-singing; music theory assessment
352-273-3181
Email

University of Houston • Houston, Tex.
Degree(s): B, M, D, PC
Recorded pre-audition required: no
Audition dates: graduate: Nov. 4, Feb. 3, Mar. 3, 4, or by appointment
Application deadline: rolling admissions
Repertoire: B: one Bach work or other Baroque work; two contrasting (one lyrical and one virtuosic) Romantic and/or contemporary work; memorization encouraged. M/D: 30 minutes including at least three contrasting musical periods and styles; memorization encouraged. P/C: video recording for preliminary evaluation required; 60 minutes including at least three contrasting musical periods and styles.
Additional skill demonstration: hymn sight-reading
Additional materials required at audition: theory and aural skills diagnostic exam
713-743-3009
Email

University of Iowa • Iowa City, Iowa
Degree(s): B, M, D
Recorded pre-audition required: no
Audition dates: Jan. 26, Feb. 16, or by appointment
Application deadline: Mar. 1
Repertoire: see website
319-335-1630
Email

University of Kansas • Lawrence, Kans.
Degree(s): B, M, D, PC
Audition dates: by appointment
Application deadline: rolling admissions
Repertoire: contact James Higdon
913-708-1213
Email

University of Michigan • Ann Arbor, Mich.
Degree(s): B, M, D
Recorded pre-audition required: no
Audition dates: Feb. 2, 9
Repertoire: see Music.umich.edu/departments/organ/auditions.htm
Additional materials required at audition: curriculum vitae; repertoire list
734-764-1591
Email

University of Minnesota School of Music • Minneapolis, Minn.
Degree(s): B, M, D
Recorded pre-audition required: no
Audition dates: Dec. 2 (B, only for spring 2017 admission); Jan. 20, 27
Application deadline: Dec. 1
Repertoire: B: three works of contrasting styles, including a Bach work; memorization recommended. M: 30 minutes of contrasting styles including a Bach work and a Romantic work; memorization recommended. D: 45 minutes of contrasting styles including a Bach work and 17th-, 19th-, and 20th-century works; memorization recommended.
Additional skill demonstration: B: several stanzas of a hymn; harmonization of a hymn tune; sight-reading; scales and arpeggios at piano; M: several stanzas of a hymn; harmonization of a hymn tune; improvisation; sight-reading a choral score or other open score using one or more C clefs
Additional materials: repertoire list; D: a sample of written work
612-624-3307
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University of North Carolina at Greensboro • Greensboro, N.C.
Degree(s): B, M, D
Recorded pre-audition required: yes (D only)
Audition dates: Dec. 1(D), 2, Jan. 26(D), 27, Feb. 9(D), 10, 23(D), 24, or by appointment (D)
Application deadline: rolling admissions
Repertoire: B: one prelude and fugue from Eight Little Preludes and Fugues (formerly attr. Bach), or another Bach prelude and fugue of greater length; one chorale prelude from Orgelbüchlein or a comparable chorale prelude by another Baroque composer; one brief 19th-, 20th-, or 21st-century work. M: one moderately difficult work by a predecessor of Bach or a non-German contemporary of Bach; one Bach prelude/toccata/fantasia and fugue or a movement of a trio sonata; one moderately difficult work written between 1820–1920; one post-1920 work; one of the above should be played from memory. D: pre-recorded audition due Jan. 3: a full recital representing at least four distinct historic styles, from which jurors will choose a 20–30 minute audition.
Additional skill demonstration: B: major and minor scales and arpeggios (4 octaves) at the piano. M: hymn-playing, once as written and once with a varied accompaniment, either previously published or of original construction. D: sight-reading.
Additional materials required at audition: M/D: brief interview
706-224-7789
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University of North Carolina School of the Arts • Winston-Salem, N.C.
Degree(s): High School, B, M, PC
Recorded pre-audition required: no
Audition dates: Jan. 26, Feb. 9, 23, or by appointment
Application deadline: rolling admissions
Repertoire: High School: two contrasting works from different stylistic periods. B: one Baroque work; one Romantic work; one 20th- or 21st-century work. M: one major free Bach work (including the trio sonatas); one Romantic work; one 20th- or 21st-century work.
Additional skill demonstration: hymn-playing
336-770-1550
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University of North Florida • Jacksonville, Fla.
Degree(s): B, M, PC
Recorded pre-audition required: no
Audition dates: Oct. 7, Jan. 20, Feb. 17, Mar. 17
Application deadline: rolling admissions
Repertoire: see Unf.edu/uploadedFiles/aa/coas/music/SOM_HANDBOOK.pdf
904-620-2961
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University of North Texas • Denton, Tex.
Degree(s): B, M, D, PC
Recorded pre-audition required: no
Audition dates: Jan. 27, Feb. 3, 24
Application deadline: rolling admissions
Repertoire: B: 20 minutes; recommended repertoire: several chorale preludes from Bach’s Orgelbüchlein required; other representative repertoire from Buxtehude, Brahms, Vierne (24 Pièces). M/D: 30 minutes, including one major Bach work; one major 19th-century work; one major 20th-century work.
Additional skill demonstration: sight-reading; hymn-playing
Additional materials required at audition: repertoire list
940-565-4094
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University of Notre Dame • South Bend, Ind.
Degree(s): M, D
Recorded pre-audition required: yes
Audition dates: Feb. 11, 12
Application deadline: rolling admissions
Repertoire: one major Bach work; two contrasting works
Additional skill demonstration: basic musicianship
Additional materials required at audition: repertoire list
574-631-1300
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University of Oklahoma–American Organ Institute • Norman, Okla.
Degree(s): B, M, D, PC
Recorded pre-audition required: no
Audition dates: B: Nov. 19; B/M/D/PC: Feb. 1, 2
Application deadline: rolling admissions
Repertoire: B: two or three works in contrasting styles choosing from: a Bach movement; a 19th-century French or German movement; a 20th-century work. M/D/PC: 30 minutes of Baroque, Romantic, and contemporary works
Additional skill demonstration: B: hymn sight-reading; anthem accompaniment sight-reading; M/D/PC: sight-reading, figured bass, transposition, harmonization
405-325-7829
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University of Oregon School of Music and Dance • Eugene, Oreg.
Degree(s): B, M, D
Recorded pre-audition required: no
Audition dates: by appointment
Application deadline: rolling admissions
Repertoire: three pieces of contrasting styles and eras
Additional skill demonstration: sight-reading
541-346-3791
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University of Redlands • Redlands, Calif.
Degree(s): B, M, AD
Recorded pre-audition required: no
Audition dates: Jan. 27, Feb. 3, 17
Application deadline: rolling admissions
Repertoire: two contrasting works from different stylistic periods
Additional skill demonstration: sight-reading; scales
909-748-8014
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University of Tennessee–Knoxville • Knoxville, Tenn.
Degree(s): B, M
Recorded pre-audition required: no
Audition dates: Feb. 3, 10, 17
Application deadline: rolling admissions
Repertoire: one Bach work; two works in contrasting styles
Additional skill demonstration: sight-reading; hymn-playing
Additional materials required at audition: repertoire list
865-521-0277
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University of Utah • Salt Lake City, Utah
Degree(s): B, M
Recorded pre-audition required: no
Audition dates: by appointment
Application deadline: Mar. 1
Repertoire: B: one Baroque work; one post-Baroque work. M: 20–30 minutes from at least three periods. See website for recommended repertoire.
801-581-6762
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Valparaiso University • Valparaiso, Ind.
Degree(s): B
Recorded pre-audition required: yes
Audition dates: Feb. 10, 17, 19
Application deadline: Feb. 10
Repertoire: two works in contrasting styles (a Bach work recommended)
Additional skill demonstration: one hymn with two stanzas; hymn sight-reading
219-464-5084
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Wartburg College • Waverly, Iowa
Degree(s): B
Recorded pre-audition required: no
Audition dates: Nov. 11, Jan. 20, Feb. 9, 17
Application deadline: rolling admissions
Repertoire: two contrasting works
319-352-8275
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West Chester University • West Chester, Pa.
Degree(s): B, M
Recorded pre-audition required: no
Audition dates: B: Tuesdays in Nov., Feb., Mar.; M: by appointment
Application deadline: Nov. 1
Repertoire: B: one Bach prelude and fugue; one 19th-century work; one 20th- or 21st-century work. M: one major Bach work; one 19th-century work; one 20th- or 21st-century work.
Additional skill demonstration: hymn-playing; scales; sight-reading
Additional materials required at audition: repertoire list; list of previous study; resume
610-738-0452
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Wheaton College-Conservatory • Wheaton, Ill.
Degree(s): B
Recorded pre-audition required: no
Audition dates: Dec. 2, Jan. 13, Feb. 17
Repertoire: two works of contrasting periods and styles (one fast and articulate; the other slow and lyrical); memorization encouraged; piano audition acceptable
Additional skill demonstration: one prepared hymn; sight-reading
630-752-5097
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Wichita State University • Wichita, Kans.
Degree(s): B, M, PC
Recorded pre-audition required: no
Audition dates: Nov. 18, Feb. 10, Apr. 7, or by appointment
Application deadline: rolling admissions
Repertoire: incoming freshmen: basic theory and keyboard skills. B, transfers, M/PC: one work from three of the following periods: pre-Bach; Bach; Romantic to the present
Additional skill demonstration: hymn-playing; scales; sight-reading
Additional materials required at audition: Transfer, M/PC: repertoire list
316-978-6218
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Willamette University • Salem, Oreg.
Degree(s): B
Recorded pre-audition required: no
Audition dates: Oct. 14, Nov. 11, Jan. 27
Application deadline: Nov. 15
Repertoire: piano: Bach or Mozart; organ: organ method book or standard organ repertoire
Additional skill demonstration: hymn-playing; scales; sight-reading
503-490-8874
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Yale Institute of Sacred Music • New Haven, Conn.
Degree(s): M, D
Recorded pre-audition required: yes
Audition dates: Feb. 22–25
Application deadline: Dec. 1
Repertoire: Recorded: one major Bach work; one Romantic work; one contemporary work. Live audition: works from the same three categories. Applicants strongly encouraged, though not required, to perform different works than those on recording.
Additional skill demonstration: sight-reading; other skills
203-432-9753
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