Acceptable entering performance levels will be based on the applied levels required of Houghton College BM students for completion of the undergraduate curriculum in music education.

Piano

• Beethoven: first movement of any violin/piano sonata.
• Schubert (all songs in the original key): Ganymed, (Ab Major); Erstarrung (c minor).
• Debussy (all songs in the original key): Il pleure dans mon coeur (g# minor), Chevaux de Bois (E major).
• One significant solo work for piano representative of the major repertory, and which suitably demonstrates the applicant’s musical and technical accomplishments.
• Sight-reading.

Strings

• A first movement of a major concerto.
• A movement of an unaccompanied work by Bach.
• One other piece of the auditionee’s choice.

Students may bring their own collaborative partners for the audition if so desired. Upon request, Houghton College will provide collaborative partners if the request is made at least one month in advance of the scheduled audition date.

Prior to the audition/interview, two or three representative written scores of original compositions must be submitted, with a strong preference (but not requirement) that they be accompanied by recordings of the pieces submitted (recordings only are not acceptable). At least one of the submitted scores should be written for voice(s) and at least one for instrument(s). The “audition” will involve an interview with the composition faculty and with the Graduate Studies Committee.

The candidate should also prepare two to three pieces from the repertoire of the major instrument or voice representing his or her current level of ability.  If the major instrument is not piano or organ, one or two selections demonstrating the candidate’s level of keyboard skill are also required.

Each applicant will submit a video recording of his/her conducting as part of the application process via a DVD or unlisted YouTube link. It is requested, but not required, that the recording have both performance and rehearsal footage.

An on-campus interview and conducting audition is also required. Candidates invited to campus for audition and interview will be sent one to two pieces currently in the repertoire of the appropriate ensemble to prepare for a live rehearsal.

The candidate should also prepare a solo hearing of two to three selections in his/her principal solo performance area (i.e., a principal instrument for instrumental conductors and voice for choral conductors). For choral conducting candidates whose principal performing area is not voice, an instrumental hearing may be scheduled, but a voice hearing will also be required.

Brass instruments

• Two solo compositions.
• One etude.

These should demonstrate the performer’s current ability and musicianship. Solo numbers should come from the Baroque/Classical and 20th-century literature.

Flute

• One fast movement from a major concerto.
• One technically demanding etude.
• Two other selections of contrasting styles.

Wind Instruments

• One selection from the contemporary solo repertoire.
• At least 2 orchestral excerpts in contrasting styles.
• 2 other selections from the common practice period in contrasting styles.

Percussion

• One timpani.
• One mallet keyboard piece.
• One snare drum or multiple percussion piece.
• Sight-reading.

Guitar

• A complete Bach Lute Suite.
• A major work from the late 19th or early 20th centuries (Segovia repertoire included).
• One major contemporary work.

Stringed Instruments

• A first movement of a major concerto.
• A movement of an unaccompanied work by Bach.
• One other piece of the auditionee’s choice.
• Sight-reading.

Organ

Two to three pieces or movements in contrasting styles, including:

• a significant work (chorale-based or free) of J. S. Bach.
• two additional works from the 19th and/or 20th century.
• a hymn accompaniment would also be desirable.
• sight-reading.

Piano

Three selections from contrasting style periods and representative of the major literature for the instrument. At least one should demonstrate virtuosity commensurate with the candidate’s level of accomplishment. Audition also to include sight-reading.

Voice

Five selections combining these criteria:

• English plus at least two other languages.
• at least one aria from opera or oratorio.
• at least one selection from the Baroque repertory.
• at least one selection from the 20th century.
• at least one selection from the standard art song repertory.

These criteria may overlap. For example: A Bach Passion aria would cover three categories— aria, Baroque,and German; a Hoiby song would also cover three categories— art song, 20th century, and English.