For auditions taking place during the 2023–2024 academic year
All information is current as of press time and subject to change. Contact schools for up-to-date information. While every effort was made to include as many schools as possible, inclusion in the guide is voluntary. Contact us here with questions or updates.
Key:
B=Bachelor’s
M=Master’s
D=Doctoral
PC=Performer’s Certificate
AD=Artist Diploma
Appalachian State University–Hayes School of Music • Boone, N.C.
Degree(s): B, M, PC
Recorded pre-audition required: no
Audition date(s): Nov. 3; Jan. 20; Feb. 3, 10
Application deadline: Feb. 1
Repertoire: B: any work composed before 1751, two additional contrasting works, any standard hymn tune; M, PC: any three contrasting compositions, any two hymns; details on website
Additional skill demonstration: aural skills, sight-reading
Examinations: theory placement, taken online on audition day
Piano auditions: allowed
828-262-6467
belljr@appstate.edu
music.appstate.edu
Arizona State University • Tempe, Ariz.
Degree(s): B, M, D
Recorded pre-audition required: no
Audition date(s): TBA
Application deadline: Dec. 1
Repertoire: B: two contrasting organ works to demonstrate technique and stylistic understanding, ca. ten minutes; M and D: ca. 30 minutes of music, including some pre-Bach, a major Bach work, and a later work that can be played effectively on the Fritts organ
Additional skill demonstration: may be required to sight-read; interview about musical background and goals for study
Piano auditions: allowed
602-909-2810
kimberly.marshall@asu.edu
music.asu.edu
Assumption University • Worcester, Mass.
Degree(s): B
Recorded pre-audition required: no
Audition date(s): as needed
Application deadline: Mar. 1
Repertoire: three solo pieces in their entirety (composed specifically for organ; no organ arrangements of instrumental works); must include one complete work of J.S. Bach and two other contrasting compositions. Applicants must use relevant printed editions. No online sources, including IMSLP.
Additional skill demonstration: sight-read a short excerpt in four parts (using pedals), and an additional eight-to-ten-measure exercise
Additional materials required at audition: formal interview after audition with music and campus ministry faculty and staff
Piano auditions: not allowed
508-767-7508
j.bezdegian@assumption.edu
assumption.edu/admissions-financial-aid/undergraduate-admissions-and-financial-aid/scholarships-and-grants/organ-scholarship
Bard College • Annandale-on-Hudson, N.Y.
Degree(s): B
Recorded pre-audition required: no
Audition date(s): by appointment
Application deadline: Jan. 1
Repertoire: one Bach work, one movement from a 19th-century work, one post-1900 work
Additional skill demonstration: hymn sight-reading
Additional materials required at audition: organ and piano repertoire list
Piano auditions: allowed
845-758-7379
rlouprette@bard.edu
music.bard.edu
Baylor University School of Music • Waco, TX
Degree(s): B, M, D, PC
Recorded pre-audition required: no
Audition date(s): Dec. 1, Jan. 13, Jan. 27, Feb. 2, Feb. 17
Application deadline: Feb. 1
Repertoire: see website
Additional skill demonstration: see website
Additional materials required at audition: see website
Piano auditions: allowed
254-710-6668
jens_korndoerfer@baylor.edu
music.baylor.edu/organ
Brigham Young University • Provo, Utah
Degree(s): B, M
Recorded pre-audition required: no
Audition date(s): Jan. 27 (in person); video recordings also accepted
Application deadline: Dec. 1
Repertoire: see organ.byu.edu/admission-and-scholarship-application
Examinations: music fundamentals test administered during audition day
Piano auditions: allowed
801-422-3260
doncook@byu.edu
organ.byu.edu
California State University—Fullerton • Fullerton, Calif.
Degree(s): B, M, AD
Recorded pre-audition required: no
Audition date(s): first two weekends of February for fall 2024 entry; mid-October for spring 2025 entry
Application deadline: Nov. 30
Repertoire: B (freshmen): one of the Eight Little Preludes and Fugues (formerly attr. Bach), a movement from a Mendelssohn sonata or equivalent, a 20th- or 21st-century work (hymn- improvisations, e.g. Burkhardt or Manz, acceptable), any traditional hymn demonstrating use of pedal in bass line. (If you have no formal organ training, prepare the repertoire for pianists; see website for details.) Memorization optional. Indicate organ as your instrument in the emphasis box of the CSUF application and when signing up for your audition online. B (junior transfer students): a more difficult Bach prelude and fugue, such as BWV 578, a fast or moderato movement from a Mendelssohn sonata or equivalent, a contrasting 20th- or 21st-century work (may be toccata or scherzo style), a traditional hymn (two verses with introduction and second verse as a hymn improvisation for congregational singing). M: at least 30 minutes of music with works from three different stylistic periods. One of these works must include at least one movement that is contrapuntal; there must also be at least one work of high virtuosity. If a multi-movement work is performed, the complete work should be prepared. AD: please contact Alison Edwards, piano and organ area coordinator (aedwards@fullerton.edu), for requirements.
Additional skill demonstration: brief sight-reading example
Examinations: none (diagnostic/placement exams for undergraduate transfer and graduate students will be offered at a later time)
Piano auditions: allowed
657-278-8238
aedwards@fullerton.edu
fullerton.edu/arts/music
Capital University • Columbus, Ohio
Degree(s): B
Recorded pre-audition required: no
Audition date(s): TBA
Application deadline: rolling admissions
Repertoire: minimum of two selections (three preferred) of contrasting styles or periods, one from the following or equivalent: Prelude in G Minor or Prelude in F Major from the Eight Little Preludes and Fugues (formerly attr. Bach)
Additional skill demonstration: sight-read one hymn. Applicants who have not previously studied organ should play a two-part Bach invention or a comparable piece on the piano.
Piano auditions: allowed
614-236-6736
cbaker@capital.edu
capital.edu
College of Charleston • Charleston, S.C.
Degree(s): B
Recorded pre-audition required: no
Audition date(s): not necessary
Application deadline: rolling admissions
Repertoire: entrance audition not necessary, though audition by video, Zoom, or in person would be appreciated. Applicant would have the opportunity for trial lesson with faculty. For freshman organ major, playing at the level of Bach’s Orgelbüchlein or Eight Little Preludes and Fugues is recommended.
Additional skill demonstration: simple hymns and scales recommended
Piano auditions: not allowed
843-953-5927
harlowj@cofc.edu
music.cofc.edu
Colorado State University • Fort Collins, Colo.
Degree(s): B, M
Recorded pre-audition required: no
Audition date(s): Jan. 20; Feb. 10, 17
Application deadline: rolling admissions
Repertoire: B: two pieces, one from the German Baroque (a prelude and fugue or chorale prelude by Bach, Buxtehude, Bruhns, etc.) and a contrasting piece from the Romantic or contemporary repertoire (a Mendelssohn sonata movement, a Brahms chorale prelude, a piece by Langlais, etc.); M: one work (or representative movements) from each of the following four categories: pre-1750 (not Bach), J.S. Bach, Romantic, post-Romantic and contemporary. Additionally, a chorale prelude from the Baroque period, as well as a short lyric work composed after 1800, should be prepared.
Additional skill demonstration: B: hymn sight-reading, scales; M: sight-reading
Additional materials required at audition: letters of recommendation
Examinations: interview
Piano auditions: allowed
970-491-5529
smtd@colostate.edu
music.colostate.edu
Concordia University Chicago • River Forest, Ill.
Degree(s): B, M
Recorded pre-audition required: no
Audition date(s): Nov. 11; Feb. 17, 19
Application deadline: rolling admissions
Repertoire: two contrasting pieces, total of five to ten minutes
Additional skill demonstration: hymn playing (optional)
Additional materials required at audition: application form and letter of recommendation
Examinations: theory placement exam for intended music majors and minors
Piano auditions: allowed
708-209-3060
music@cuchicago.edu
cuchicago.edu
Concordia University Wisconsin • Mequon, Wis.
Degree(s): B, M
Recorded pre-audition required: no
Audition date(s): recorded; Feb. 10, 17
Application deadline: rolling admissions
Repertoire: two contrasting works, eight minutes maximum
Additional skill demonstration: one prepared hymn
Piano auditions: allowed
262-243-4265
johanna.anderson@cuw.edu
cuw.edu/music
Duquesne University–Mary Pappert School of Music • Pittsburgh, Pa.
Degree(s): B, M, AD
Recorded pre-audition required: no
Audition date(s): Nov. 17; Dec. 1; Jan. 19; Feb. 2, 16
Application deadline: rolling admissions
Repertoire: a Bach fugue, one piece from the Romantic period, one piece from the 20th or 21st century, a hymn of the applicant’s choosing
Additional skill demonstration: sight-read a simple hymn with pedals
Additional materials required at audition: audition portfolio submission prior to audition (duq.edu/auditionportfolio)
Examinations: undergraduate musicianship placement exam
Piano auditions: allowed
412-396-5064
musicadmissions@duq.edu
duq.edu/musicadmissions
East Carolina University • Greenville, N.C.
Degree(s): B, M, PC
Recorded pre-audition required: no
Audition date(s): Dec. 2; Jan. 20; Feb. 10, 17
Application deadline: rolling admissions
Repertoire: see website
Additional skill demonstration: see website
Additional materials required at audition: see website
Examinations: see website
Piano auditions: allowed
252-328-4281
musicadmissions@ecu.edu
music.ecu.edu
The Eastman School of Music • Rochester, N.Y.
Degree(s): B, M, D, AD
Recorded pre-audition required: no
Audition date(s): Fridays in February
Application deadline: Dec. 1
Repertoire: see website
Additional skill demonstration: see website
Additional materials required at audition: see website
Piano auditions: allowed
585-274-1060
admissions@esm.rochester.edu
esm.rochester.edu
Emory University • Atlanta, Ga.
Degree(s): B
Recorded pre-audition required: no
Audition date(s): contact Dr. Mitchener
Application deadline: Jan. 1
Repertoire: two pieces in contrasting styles
Piano auditions: allowed
404-727-6445
jemitc8@emory.edu
music.emory.edu
Florida International University–Wertheim School of Music • Miami, Fla.
Degree(s): B, M
Recorded pre-audition required: yes
Audition date(s): Nov. 18, Feb. 17, Mar. 16
Application deadline: rolling admissions
Repertoire: see website
Additional skill demonstration: see website
Additional materials required at audition: see website
Examinations: see website
Piano auditions: allowed
305-348-2896
music@fiu.edu
music.fiu.edu
Florida State University • Tallahassee, Fla.
Degree(s): B, M, D
Recorded pre-audition required: no
Audition date(s): Nov. 12 (freshman early action); Jan. 27; Feb. 10, 24
Application deadline: Dec. 1
Repertoire: B: three contrasting works; M, D: three contrasting works, including one major Bach work
Piano auditions: B: allowed; one major Bach work, one contrasting work
850-644-6102
musicadmissions@fsu.edu
music.fsu.edu
Furman University • Greenville, S.C.
Degree(s): B
Recorded pre-audition required: no
Audition date(s): Dec. 1; Jan. 26, 27; Feb. 23, 24; Mar. 1
Application deadline: rolling admissions
Repertoire: two contrasting solo organ works with a time limit of ten minutes total; organists may also prepare and perform a single work on the piano from any historical period. Memorization optional but preferred.
Additional skill demonstration: brief pitch matching and aural aptitude exercises
Piano auditions: allowed
864-294-2118
furmanmusicadmin@furman.edu
furman.edu/music
Gustavus Adolphus College • St. Peter, Minn.
Degree(s): B
Recorded pre-audition required: no
Audition date(s): Nov. 18 (early action), Feb. 18 (rolling)
Application deadline: rolling admissions
Repertoire: two contrasting works
Additional skill demonstration: one prepared hymn with introduction, standard harmonization, and alternate harmonization
Piano auditions: allowed
507-933-7447
cwinterf@gustavus.edu
gustavus.edu/music
Hillsdale College • Hillsdale, Mich.
Degree(s): B
Recorded pre-audition required: no
Audition date(s): before December
Application deadline: rolling admissions
Repertoire: one free work of Bach and one contrasting work from the 19th or 20th century
Additional skill demonstration: hymn playing, sight-reading
Additional materials required at audition: auditions are for merit scholarships, not admission, and are intended chiefly for applicants already admitted (or very likely to be admitted) to the college. Applicants should complete a separate scholarship application and submit a repertoire list.
Piano auditions: not allowed
517-607-2366
dstauff@hillsdale.edu
hillsdale.edu/admissions-aid/financial-aid/scholarships/music-scholarships/
Hope College • Holland, Mich.
Degree(s): B
Recorded pre-audition required: no
Audition date(s): Jan. 15; Feb. 15, 16
Application deadline: rolling admissions
Repertoire: two contrasting pieces: one by J.S. Bach, one post-1850; memorization encouraged
Additional skill demonstration: sight-reading (three staves), one hymn with pedals
Examinations: aural skills evaluation
Piano auditions: not allowed
616-395-7650
music@hope.edu
hope.edu/academics/music/auditions/index.html
Indiana University of Pennsylvania • Indiana, Pa.
Degree(s): B, M
Recorded pre-audition required: no
Audition date(s): see website; deadline Apr. 30
Application deadline: rolling admissions
Repertoire: three works of contrasting style commensurate to the undergraduate and graduate-degree levels of performance
Additional skill demonstration: sight-reading, one prepared hymn (include at least three registration changes)
Examinations: piano placement, music theory placement
Piano auditions: allowed
724-840-7308
orgel@iup.edu
iup.edu/music/undergrad/audition/keyboard.html
Iowa State University • Ames, Iowa
Degree(s): B
Recorded pre-audition required: no
Audition date(s): February and TBA
Application deadline: rolling admissions
Repertoire: one Bach work, one Romantic work, one 20th- or 21st-century work
Additional skill demonstration: sight-reading
Additional materials required at audition: background musical experiences
Piano auditions: not allowed
515-294-3831
minerva@iastate.edu
music.iastate.edu
The Juilliard School • New York, N.Y.
Degree(s): B, M, D, PC, AD
Recorded pre-audition required: no
Audition date(s): TBA
Application deadline: Dec. 1
Repertoire: Bach prelude and fugue, 19th-century work, 20th- or 21st-century work
Additional skill demonstration: sight-reading
Piano auditions: not allowed
212-799-5000
musicadmissions@juilliard.edu
juilliard.edu/admissions
Kansas State University • Manhattan, Kans.
Degree(s): B, M
Recorded pre-audition required: no
Audition date(s): before Mar. 2
Application deadline: rolling admissions
Repertoire: BM: three contrasting pieces from different stylistic periods (one of which should be a work by J.S. Bach); audition repertoire should be no less than 15 minutes long. BA and music minor: two contrasting pieces from different stylistic periods. M: contrasting pieces from different stylistic periods (one of which should be a work by J.S. Bach); audition repertoire should be 30 minutes long.
Additional materials required at audition: list of organ and piano repertoire studied
Piano auditions: allowed
785-370-6110
dpickeri@ksu.edu
k-state.edu/mtd/music/studios/keyboard
Lebanon Valley College • Annville, Pa.
Degree(s): B
Recorded pre-audition required: no
Audition date(s): contact secretary for personal audition
Application deadline: rolling admissions
Repertoire: three contrasting pieces: one Bach work, one lyrical work, one toccata-style work
Additional skill demonstration: sight-read a hymn
Examinations: ear-training exam
Piano auditions: allowed
717-867-6278
moorman@lvc.edu
lvc.edu
Mercer University–Townsend School of Music • Macon, Ga.
Degree(s): B, M, AD
Recorded pre-audition required: no
Audition date(s): Jan. 20, Feb. 10, Mar. 16
Application deadline: rolling admissions
Repertoire: three pieces in contrasting styles: free work of Bach or any North German composer, 19th- or early 20th-century Romantic work, modern/contemporary work
Additional skill demonstration: prepare one hymn with introduction and two stanzas (reharmonization on second stanza); sight-read one or two hymns
Additional materials required at audition: repertoire list
Examinations: M: music history and theory placement tests
Piano auditions: allowed
478-301-2750
mitchener_je@mercer.edu
music.mercer.edu
Mississippi College • Clinton, Miss.
Degree(s): B, M
Recorded pre-audition required: no
Audition date(s): TBA
Application deadline: rolling admissions
Repertoire: one pre-1750 work (Bach preferred), one work from between 1750 and 1900, one work from after 1900
Additional skill demonstration: one hymn
Piano auditions: allowed
601-925-3440
knupp@mc.edu
music.mc.edu
North Park University • Chicago, Ill.
Degree(s): B, PC
Recorded pre-audition required: no
Audition date(s): Feb. 10, 24
Application deadline: rolling admissions
Repertoire: piece of the applicant’s choice that reflects current musical skills; a second contrasting piece is encouraged but not required
Examinations: theory, aural skills, and keyboard placement exams
Piano auditions: allowed
773-244-4583
ematonte@northpark.edu
www.northpark.edu/smat
Oberlin Conservatory of Music • Oberlin, Ohio
Degree(s): B, AD
Recorded pre-audition required: yes
Audition date(s): see website
Application deadline: Dec. 1
Repertoire: prescreening video recordings: ten minutes of music of the applicant’s choice. Multiple excerpts of works allowed. Works may be repeated in the final audition. Prescreening recording deadline is Dec. 4.
Final audition (in-person or video-recorded): three or four standard contrasting works, including one Bach work; works by women and other minority-represented composers strongly encouraged
Additional skill demonstration: hymn sight-reading
Additional materials required at audition: music theory placement
Piano auditions: allowed
440-775-8210
jmoyer@oberlin.edu
oberlin.edu/organ
Ohio University • Athens, Ohio
Degree(s): B, M
Recorded pre-audition required: no
Audition date(s): Jan. 27; Feb. 10, 17, 19
Application deadline: Feb. 15
Repertoire: one Baroque work, contrasting works by other composers
Additional skill demonstration: scales, sight-reading
Piano auditions: not allowed
740-274-0093
barte@ohio.edu
ohio.edu/fine-arts/barte
Oklahoma City University • Oklahoma City, Okla.
Degree(s): B, M
Recorded pre-audition required: no
Audition date(s): by appointment
Application deadline: rolling admissions
Repertoire: B: one Baroque work, one Romantic or contemporary work; M: 30 minutes of music, including one major Baroque work and two Romantic or later works in contrasting styles
Additional skill demonstration: one prepared hymn
Additional materials required at audition: repertoire list
Piano auditions: not allowed
405-208-5650
mmplamann@okcu.edu
okcu.edu/music/admissions/auditions
Pacific Lutheran University • Tacoma, Wash.
Degree(s): B
Recorded pre-audition required: no
Audition date(s): Feb. 24–25
Application deadline: rolling admissions
Repertoire: two contrasting works from contrasting time periods
Piano auditions: not allowed
253-535-7602
music@plu.edu
plu.edu/organ
The Peabody Institute of the Johns Hopkins University • Baltimore, Md.
Degree(s): B, M, D, PC, AD
Recorded pre-audition required: no
Audition date(s): Feb. 19–23
Application deadline: Dec. 1
Repertoire: details at peabody.jhu.edu/academics/instruments-areas-of-study/organ/auditions
Examinations: D: pre-audition online exams
Piano auditions: not allowed
667-208-6600
peabodyadmissions@jhu.edu
peabody.jhu.edu
Pfeiffer University • Misenheimer, N.C.
Degree(s): B
Recorded pre-audition required: no
Audition date(s): as needed, must be scheduled with the music coordinator
Application deadline: rolling admissions
Repertoire: one work by J.S. Bach, two contrasting works
Additional skill demonstration: sight-reading; a prepared hymn is encouraged but not required
Additional materials required at audition: application to music program (separate from university application)
Examinations: music theory and ear training
Piano auditions: allowed
704-463-3142
elizabeth.harrison@pfeiffer.edu
pfeiffer.edu
Pittsburg State University • Pittsburg, Kans.
Degree(s): B, M
Recorded pre-audition required: no
Audition date(s): by appointment
Application deadline: rolling admissions
Repertoire: at least two contrasting works
Additional skill demonstration: sight-reading
Additional materials required at audition: repertoire list
Piano auditions: allowed
620-235-4467
smarchant@pittstate.edu
pittstate.edu/music
Rice University–The Shepherd School of Music • Houston, Tex.
Degree(s): B, M, D, AD
Recorded pre-audition required: no
Audition date(s): Jan. 22, 23; Feb. 12, 13
Application deadline: Dec. 1
Repertoire: see appropriate audition pages on website
Additional skill demonstration: see appropriate audition pages on website
Additional materials required at audition: all required materials are submitted with the application; please see the application pages for each degree
Examinations: D: online exams in music history and music theory
Piano auditions: not allowed
713-348-3578
pws2@rice.edu
music.rice.edu/admissions
Rollins College • Winter Park, Fla.
Degree(s): B
Recorded pre-audition required: no
Audition date(s): not yet available
Application deadline: rolling admissions
Repertoire: two contrasting works not to exceed ten minutes in performance length
Additional skill demonstration: scales
Additional materials required at audition: two copies of music for audition panel
Piano auditions: allowed
407-646-1527
sorr@rollins.edu
rollins.edu/music-department/index.html
Salem College • Winston-Salem, N.C.
Degree(s): B, M
Recorded pre-audition required: no
Audition date(s): TBD
Application deadline: rolling admissions
Repertoire: B: two contrasting movements/works; M: one major free Bach work (including the trio sonatas), one Romantic work, one 20th- or 21st-century work
Additional skill demonstration: one prepared hymn, sight-reading
Additional materials required at audition: repertoire list
Piano auditions: not allowed
405-535-8124
timothy.olsen@salem.edu
salem.edu/department/music
Seton Hill University • Greensburg, Pa.
Degree(s): B
Recorded pre-audition required: no
Audition date(s): by appointment
Application deadline: rolling admissions
Repertoire: two contrasting works: one Baroque or pre-Bach, one 19th or 20th century
Additional skill demonstration: scales on the piano, prepared hymn, sight-reading
Additional materials required at audition: description of the student’s interest in sacred music and desire to serve as a musician in a church
Examinations: general music department placement evaluations
Piano auditions: allowed
724-757-2345
mlong@setonhill.edu
setonhill.edu
Shepherd University • Shepherdstown, W.V.
Degree(s): B
Recorded pre-audition required: no
Audition date(s): Jan. 27; Feb. 10, 24; by appointment
Application deadline: rolling admissions
Repertoire: two works in contrasting styles
Additional skill demonstration: sight-reading
Additional materials required at audition: see website
Examinations: music theory placement, piano placement
Piano auditions: allowed
304-876-5555
mking@shepherd.edu
shepherd.edu/music
Southern Methodist University–Meadows School of the Arts • Dallas, Tex.
Degree(s): B, M, PC, AD
Recorded pre-audition required: no
Audition date(s): Feb. 10, 17
Application deadline: Jan. 15
Repertoire: three major works from different time periods (discuss repertory prior to audition with Prof. Engels)
Additional skill demonstration: sight-reading, hymn playing, improvisation
Piano auditions: not allowed
972-750-1443
sengels@smu.edu
smu.edu/meadows/areasofstudy/music/departments/organ
Stetson University School of Music • DeLand, Fla.
Degree(s): B
Recorded pre-audition required: no
Audition date(s): Jan. 27; Feb. 3, 17, 24
Application deadline: rolling admissions
Repertoire: works comparable to the Eight Little Preludes and Fugues (formerly attr. Bach), Bach’s Orgelbüchlein, or Brahms’s chorale preludes
Additional skill demonstration: sight-reading, aural skills
Additional materials required at audition: résumé
Piano auditions: allowed
386-822-7100
alflink@stetson.edu
stetson.edu/portal/music
Susquehanna University • Selinsgrove, Pa.
Degree(s): B
Recorded pre-audition required: no
Audition date(s): December–February
Application deadline: rolling admissions
Repertoire: two contrasting works
Additional skill demonstration: hymn playing, sight-reading
Additional materials required at audition: repertoire list
Examinations: music theory, aural skills
Piano auditions: allowed
570-372-4309
musicdept@susqu.edu
susqu.edu/music
Syracuse University–The Setnor School of Music • Syracuse, N.Y.
Degree(s): B, M
Recorded pre-audition required: no
Audition date(s): Jan. 27; Feb. 3, 10
Application deadline: Jan. 1
Repertoire: B: one Baroque work, two contrasting works (15–20 minutes total); M, D: 40 minutes of contrasting works, including one major Bach work
Additional skill demonstration: one prepared hymn, sight-reading
Additional materials required at audition: repertoire list, résumé
Examinations: music theory, aural skills
Piano auditions: not allowed
315-443-2769
alaver@syr.edu
vpa.syr.edu
Trinity University • San Antonio, Tex.
Degree(s): B
Recorded pre-audition required: no
Audition date(s): rolling auditions throughout the fall and spring; see website for reserved dates coinciding with Trinity in Focus weekends
Application deadline: rolling admissions
Repertoire: hymn of the applicant’s choice, work by J.S. Bach or his contemporaries (selections from the Eight Little Preludes and Fugues are acceptable), second contrasting work of the applicant’s choice
Additional skill demonstration: sight-reading may be incorporated at in-person auditions, as well as scales on the piano
Piano auditions: allowed
210-999-8249
dheller@trinity.edu
trinity.edu/academics/departments/music
University of Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music • Cincinnati, Ohio
Degree(s): B, M, D, AD
Recorded pre-audition required: yes
Audition date(s): Jan. 19, 20, 26, 27; Feb. 9, 10
Application deadline: rolling admissions
Repertoire: B: two contrasting pieces from the standard organ literature that demonstrate technical and musical skills: one from the 17th or 18th century and the other from the 19th, 20th, or 21st century. Memorization is not required. For applicants with a strong piano background who wish to major in organ, one of the two pieces may be a piano selection from the standard repertoire. M, D, AD: three contrasting pieces from the standard organ literature that demonstrate technical and musical skills: one from the 17th or 18th century and the other two from the 19th, 20th, or 21st century. Memorization is not required.
513-556-9520
ungerml@ucmail.uc.edu
ccm.uc.edu
University of Dubuque • Dubuque, Iowa
Degree(s): B
Recorded pre-audition required: no
Audition date(s): by appointment
Application deadline: rolling admissions
Repertoire: any selected keyboard repertoire that the student is currently studying
Piano auditions: allowed
563-589-3564
cbarland@dbq.edu
dbq.edu/Academics/UndergraduatePrograms/FineandPerformingArts/BAMusic/
University of Florida • Gainesville, Fla.
Degree(s): B, M, D, PC
Recorded pre-audition required: no
Audition date(s): Jan. 20, 21, 27, 28
Application deadline: Nov. 11
Repertoire: B: students who plan to begin study should demonstrate the same level of keyboard facility as entering pianists; those with previous study should be prepared to perform representative works from the classical repertory. M, D, PC: three works of contrasting styles: a major work of J.S. Bach, a composition of the Romantic period, and a 20th-century or contemporary composition.
Additional skill demonstration: sight-reading
Additional materials required at audition: repertoire list
Examinations: B: theory placement
Piano auditions: allowed
352-273-3181
lrellis@ufl.edu
arts.ufl.edu/sites/organ-studio/welcome
University of Iowa • Iowa City, Iowa
Degree(s): B, M, D
Recorded pre-audition required: no
Audition date(s): Feb. 9, 10, 16, 17
Application deadline: rolling admissions
Repertoire: see website
Additional skill demonstration: see website
Additional materials required at audition: see website
Examinations: see website
Piano auditions: allowed
319-335-1630
gregory-hand@uiowa.edu
music.uiowa.edu/future-students
University of Kansas • Lawrence, Kans.
Degree(s): B, M, D, PC
Recorded pre-audition required: no
Audition date(s): by appointment
Application deadline: rolling admissions
Repertoire: B: applicant’s choice, organ and/or piano; M, D, PC: one Bach work, two contrasting works
Piano auditions: allowed
402-541-3080
mbauer@ku.edu
music.ku.edu/organ
University of Michigan School of Music, Theatre, and Dance • Ann Arbor, Mich.
Degree(s): B, M, D
Recorded pre-audition required: no
Audition date(s): Jan. 26, Feb. 2
Application deadline: Dec. 1
Repertoire: B: three contrasting selections from the following categories: chorale preludes, free works (preludes/fantasias and fugues, etc.), or other compositions by composers of the Baroque era such as Bach, Buxtehude, Böhm, or Lübeck; works of the Romantic or late Romantic era by such composers as Mendelssohn, Franck, Langlais, or Reger; works written in a 20th/21st-century or modern idiom by such composers as Hindemith, Sowerby, or Albright. Selections should include a balance of lyricism, expression, and virtuosity. Memorization is not required but is strongly encouraged. Overlap of repertoire is permitted for the prescreening and live audition. M: program of not more than 30 minutes that includes a major work of Bach, Buxtehude, Lübeck, or other composer of the Baroque era. Other works should be from contrasting historical periods and styles and include a balance of lyricism, expression, and virtuosity. Memorization is not required but is strongly encouraged for performance candidates. Overlap of repertoire is permitted for the prescreening and live audition. D: same as M, except that while repertoire for the prescreening and live audition can include some overlap, a breadth of repertoire should be demonstrated between the two.
Piano auditions: not allowed
734-764-0593
smtd.admissions@umich.edu
smtd.umich.edu
University of North Carolina – Greensboro • Greensboro, N.C.
Degree(s): B, M, D, PC
Recorded pre-audition required: no
Audition date(s): Dec. 2, Jan. 27, Feb. 10, Feb. 24* (priority deadline for music scholarship consideration)
Application deadline: rolling admissions
Repertoire: BM (Organ): 1) A prelude and fugue at least 4 minutes in length from any time period. 2) A chorale prelude written before 1750. 3) One composition of your own choice from a style period different from the above. NOTE: Students who wish to begin organ study at UNCG should audition on piano. See website for piano audition requirements. BA: no audition required for admittance to the School of Music; audition required for organ studio. MM (Early Keyboard Instruments, organ concentration): contact Dr. Fancey (mjfancey@uncg.edu). MM (Organ): Applicants should prepare approximately 25 minutes of repertoire representing three contrasting style periods. Memorization is encouraged but not required. Applicants are encouraged to include a work written by a composer who reflects different racial, gender, gender identity, sexual identity, and cultural tradition than those found in the standard repertoire (this work could be from any style period). The repertoire should include: 1) a major work by J. S. Bach (a Prelude and Fugue; Concerto; Trio Sonata; Major Chorale Preludes from the Leipzig Chorales or the Clavierübung III), 2) a work written after 1950 of contrasting character. DMA: The applicant will prepare a 50- to 60-minute recital program, with appropriate literature in various style periods and one major work by J. S. Bach, from which a 20- to 30-minute audition will be performed. Memorization is encouraged but not required. A list of prepared pieces should be presented at the time of the live audition from which the committee will select representative pieces to be performed. Applicants are encouraged to include a work written by a composer who reflects different racial, gender, gender identity, sexual identity, and cultural tradition than those found in the standard repertoire (this work could be from any style period).
Additional skill demonstration: BM: Four 4-octave scales and arpeggios, your choice of 2 major and 2 minor, in keys with one or more accidental. MM: sight-read a hymn, short interview. DMA: Pre-screen required, sight read a hymn, short interview.
Additional materials required at audition: DMA and MM: list of past repertoire studied.
Examinations: N/A
Piano auditions: allowed
336-334-5789
musaud@uncg.edu
vpa.uncg.edu/music/degrees-and-programs/areas-of-study/keyboard/
University of North Carolina School of the Arts • Winston-Salem, N.C.
Degree(s): high school, B, M
Recorded pre-audition required: no
Audition date(s): TBD
Application deadline: rolling admissions
Repertoire: high school: two contrasting movements/works; B: three contrasting movements/works from different periods; M: one major free Bach work (including the trio sonatas), one Romantic work, one 20th- or 21st-century work
Additional skill demonstration: one prepared hymn, sight-reading; demonstration of improvisation skills encouraged
Additional materials required at audition: repertoire list
Piano auditions: not allowed
336-770-3254
olsent@uncsa.edu
uncsa.edu/admissions/music
University of North Texas • Denton, Tex.
Degree(s): B, M, D, AD
Recorded pre-audition required: no
Audition date(s): Jan. 25; Feb. 3, 27
Application deadline: rolling admissions
Repertoire: B: to include works from Bach’s Orgelbüchlein and shorter preludes and fugues, Brahms’s chorale preludes, Vierne’s Pièces en style libre; M, D: to include Bach’s mature preludes and fugues, trio sonatas, and larger chorale preludes, as well as larger 19th- and 20th-century French and German works of contrasting styles
Additional skill demonstration: sight-reading, hymn playing
Additional materials required at audition: repertoire list, portfolio of recital programs played, statement of career objectives, documentation of piano and/or harpsichord study
Piano auditions: not allowed
940-231-4955
jesse.eschbach@unt.edu
organ.music.unt.edu
University of Notre Dame • Notre Dame, Ind.
Degree(s): M, D
Recorded pre-audition required: yes
Audition date(s): see website for details
Application deadline: Dec. 15
Repertoire: one major Bach work, two contrasting works
Additional skill demonstration: sight-singing, aural skills, rhythm
Piano auditions: not allowed
574-631-1300
sacredmusic@nd.edu
sacredmusic.nd.edu
University of Oklahoma • Norman, Okla.
Degree(s): B, M, D
Recorded pre-audition required: no
Audition date(s): can be arranged at any time; early spring preferred
Application deadline: rolling admissions
Repertoire: up to 30 minutes of prepared music, demonstrating contrasting styles such as Baroque, Romantic, or contemporary; playing from memory is encouraged but not required; there will be ample time for questions and dialogue
Additional skill demonstration: graduate auditions may include one sight-reading piece, one figured-bass exercise, one transposition exercise, and one harmonization of a given melody
Piano auditions: allowed
214-697-9145
daminspritzer@ou.edu
ou.edu/finearts/music
University of Oregon School of Music and Dance • Eugene, Oreg.
Degree(s): B, M, PC
Recorded pre-audition required: no
Audition date(s): arrange with faculty
Application deadline: rolling admissions
Repertoire: three contrasting solo works from the Baroque, Romantic, and 20th or 21st century; need not be performed by memory. Solo works must be from the standard repertoire; no original or unpublished compositions may be used for the audition. Questions about repertoire should be directed to the organ faculty.
Additional skill demonstration: sight-reading
Piano auditions: allowed
541-729-8322
bbaird@uoregon.edu
musicanddance.uoregon.edu
University of South Carolina • Columbia, S.C.
Degree(s): B, M, D, PC
Recorded pre-audition required: no
Audition date(s): January and February
Application deadline: Dec. 1
Repertoire: one contrapuntal work by Bach or Buxtehude, one 19th-century work, one 20th-century work; memorization not required
Additional skill demonstration: sight-reading
Piano auditions: not allowed
803-777-4280
russelta@mailbox.sc.edu
sc.edu/study/colleges_schools/music/index.php
University of Southern California–Thornton School of Music • Los Angeles, Calif.
Degree(s): B, M, D, PC
Recorded pre-audition required: yes
Audition date(s): Jan. 20, 21, 27, 28; Feb. 3, 4
Application deadline: Dec. 1
Repertoire: B: three works; M, D: one major Bach work, one major Romantic work, one post-1950 work
Additional skill demonstration: one prepared hymn, sight-reading, scales
Examinations: D: written
Piano auditions: only for BM freshman audition
626-441-6814
laddthom@usc.edu
usc.edu/music
University of Tennessee–Knoxville • Knoxville, Tenn.
Degree(s): B, M, AD
Recorded pre-audition required: no
Audition date(s): Saturdays in February or by appointment
Application deadline: rolling admissions
Repertoire: B: one prelude and fugue from the Eight Little Preludes and Fugues (formerly attr. Bach) or another Baroque work of similar or advanced difficulty; two contrasting works, including one from the 20th or 21st century. M, AD: one free Bach work or one or more movements from a trio sonata; one contrasting Romantic work; one 20th- or 21st-century work.
Additional skill demonstration: one prepared hymn with introduction and two stanzas
Additional materials required at audition: repertoire list with works studied in lessons
Piano auditions: allowed
317-440-5795
ejohns76@utk.edu
music.utk.edu
University of Texas–San Antonio • San Antonio, Tex.
Degree(s): B, M, PC
Recorded pre-audition required: no
Audition date(s): Nov. 18, Feb. 17, Mar. 2, May 4
Application deadline: Feb. 1
Repertoire: three pieces in contrasting styles, preferably at least one by J.S. Bach.
Additional skill demonstration: sight-reading
Examinations: M: entrance/placement exams in history, theory, and aural skills
Piano auditions: allowed
801-735-9874
andrew.lloyd@utsa.edu
colfa.utsa.edu/music/prospective-students/audition-process.html
University of Toronto • Toronto, Ont.
Degree(s): B, M, D, PC, AD
Recorded pre-audition required: only for D
Audition date(s): late February
Application deadline: Nov. 25
Repertoire: B (organ performance): work by J.S. Bach, pre-Bach work, 20th- or 21st-century work, one other contrasting work (if program is less than 20 minutes). B (all other programs with organ as major instrument): any one J.S. Bach work or movement in trio form, two contrasting works/movements (ca. ten minutes total duration). M (performance): program of 45–60 minutes featuring one major work by Bach (excluding BWV 553–60) plus the applicant’s choice of either two movements (one fast, one slow) from a trio sonata or one fast movement from a trio sonata plus one chorale prelude (BWV 651–68 or 645–50); one substantial work by Franck, Widor, Vierne, Mendelssohn, Reger, etc.; and any major 20th- or 21st-century work. D: requires pre-audition video of 20–30 minutes with three contrasting works (styles, composers, tempos). Applicants successful at this phase will be invited to perform a live audition program of 60 minutes, demonstrating contrasts of style, composer, tempo, and registration.
Additional skill demonstration: B: short melodic passage to sing or play at sight, brief trio texture to play at sight, interval and chord-quality identification; M, D: interview only
Additional materials required at audition: provide scores of all works
Examinations: none
Piano auditions: not allowed
416-978-2079
kevin.komisaruk@utoronto.ca
music.utoronto.ca
University of Utah • Salt Lake City, Utah
Degree(s): B, M
Recorded pre-audition required: no
Audition date(s): by appointment
Application deadline: rolling admissions
Repertoire: B: one Baroque work, one post-Baroque work; M: 20–30 minutes from at least three periods (see website)
Piano auditions: not allowed
801-581-6762
kenneth.udy@utah.edu
music.utah.edu
University of Washington • Seattle, Wash.
Degree(s): B, M, D
Recorded pre-audition required: no
Audition date(s): Jan. 6, 20; Feb. 3
Application deadline: B: Nov. 15; M, D: Dec. 1
Repertoire: see website
Additional skill demonstration: additional keyboard skills may be included; please contact organ instructor and see website for more information prior to the audition
Piano auditions: not allowed
206-685-9872
somadmit@uw.edu
music.washington.edu
West Chester University—Wells School of Music • West Chester, Pa.
Degree(s): B, M, PC, AD
Recorded pre-audition required: no
Audition date(s): January through May
Application deadline: rolling admissions
Repertoire: one prelude/toccata and fugue by Bach, one large-scale 19th-century work (one movement acceptable), one large-scale 20th- or 21st-century work (one movement acceptable)
Additional skill demonstration: hymn playing, sight-reading, scales
Additional materials required at audition: lists of repertoire, jobs requiring keyboard skills, organ/piano teachers and dates of study, pertinent schools
Piano auditions: not allowed
610-692-3052
agreenlee@wcupa.edu
wcupa.edu
Wheaton College–Conservatory of Music • Wheaton, Ill.
Degree(s): B
Recorded pre-audition required: no
Audition date(s): Nov. 15: early action application deadline (auditions Dec. 2); Jan. 15: regular decision I application deadline (auditions Jan. 20); Feb. 15: regular decision II application deadline (auditions Feb. 24)
Application deadline: rolling admissions
Repertoire: two pieces demonstrating best efforts—one slow and lyrical, the other fast and articulate—and a hymn. Memorized auditions are encouraged but not required.
Additional skill demonstration: sight-reading, hymn playing
Additional materials required at audition: repertoire list
Piano auditions: allowed
630-752-5097
music@wheaton.edu
wheaton.edu/wheaton-college-conservatory-of-music
Wichita State University • Wichita, Kans.
Degree(s): B, M, PC
Recorded pre-audition required: yes
Audition date(s): first and second Saturdays in November and April
Application deadline: rolling admissions
Repertoire: B, level 1: piano repertoire or beginning organ piece; levels 2, 3, 4: one piece by Bach; M, PC: one piece by Bach, one 20th-century work
Additional skill demonstration: play two scales with cadences and arpeggios; sight-read a hymn, choosing registration; sight-read a simple pre-Bach piece
Additional materials required at audition: M, PC: demonstrate elementary knowledge of early French performance practice
Piano auditions: allowed
316-209-0076
lynne.davis@wichita.edu
wichita.edu/organ
Yale Institute of Sacred Music • New Haven, Conn.
Degree(s): M, D
Recorded pre-audition required: yes
Audition date(s): Feb. 23–25
Application deadline: Dec. 1
Repertoire: prerecorded: one major Bach work, one Romantic work, one contemporary work
Additional skill demonstration: sight-reading
Piano auditions: not allowed
203-432-9753
ism.admissions@yale.edu
ism.yale.edu