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Artist Diploma Audition Dates, Pre-Screening and Live Audition Repertoire

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Audition Dates

  • All auditions for the Music Division take place in New York, at The Juilliard School. The School does not accept video auditions, under any circumstances.
  • 2012 Music Auditions week will start on Friday, March 2 (piano only), skip Saturday, and resume from Sunday, March 4 to Friday, March 9, 2012. No auditions will be scheduled outside of these dates, under any circumstances (excepting Opera Studies and Orchestral Conducting, see below).
  • All audition dates are subject to change and/or cancellation due to faculty availability.
  • In general, audition procedures for most majors, including callbacks if applicable, take place on the same day. Opera Studies and Orchestral Conducting applicants have audition procedures which take place over several days.
  • Audition dates and times are assigned by the Office of Admissions. Applicants to departments which have multiple audition dates may have the opportunity to request preferred dates among those listed (excepting Opera Studies and Orchestral Conducting). Admissions will contact non-pre-screened majors in December, and pre-screened majors (those applicants who pass pre-screening) in January to advise further (Opera Studies and Orchestral Conducting applicants will be notified of invitation to audition approximately one month before auditions).
  • Applicants should not make travel arrangements until their audition dates are confirmed in writing, via e-mail, by the Office of Admissions.
Department Audition Dates (some Dates TBD*)
Bassoon March 5 and 6 (if needed), 2012.
Bass Trombone March 5, 2012.
Cello March 5, 6, and 7, 2012.
Clarinet Dates TBD. 3 days during audition week.
Collaborative Piano March 7 and 8, March 9 (if needed), 2012.
Double Bass March 4, 2012.
Flute March 4 (if needed) and 5, 2012.
Guitar March 4, 2012.
Harp March 5, 2012.
Harpsichord Date TBD. 1 day during audition week.
Horn March 5 and 6, 2012.
Jazz Studies March 7, 8, and 9, 2012.
Oboe March 4 and 5, 2012.
Opera Studies December 17 - 19, 2011
Orchestral Conducting O. C. Exam and Interviews: February 24, 2012.
Conducting Callbacks: February 25, 2012.
*Conducting auditions will be held outside of the scheduled audition week due to the need for an orchestra.
Organ March 4 and 5 (if needed), 2012.
Percussion March 5 (if needed), March 6 - 8, 2012.
Piano March 2, 2012.
Trombone March 7 and 9, 2012.
Trumpet March 8 and 9, 2012.
Tuba March 5, 2012.
Viola March 5, 6, and 7, 2012.
Violin March 5 - 9, 2012.
Voice March 4 - 6, 2012.

*TBD Dates: we anticipate needing the number of days indicated in affected departments but have not yet been able to confirm faculty availability for specific dates. All dates should be confirmed no later than December 1, 2011. Please check back over the coming weeks.

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Pre-Screening (if applicable) and Live Audition Repertoire

Bassoon

  1. A full recital program which should reach a minimum of 60 minutes.
  2. Ten standard orchestral excerpts.

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Brass

Trumpet, Trombone, Bass Trombone, Tuba

  1. Two etudes showing the applicant’s level of technical and musical advancement.
  2. At least one major solo of the applicant’s choice.
  3. A representative number of standard orchestral excerpts.
  4. A complete concerto from the standard repertoire.

Trombone and Bass Trombone only, Major and minor scales.

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Cello

  • Cello is a pre-screened major. All applicants (with the exception of current Juilliard college students) must submit a pre-screening CD or cassette tape to be received by the application deadline in order to be considered for an invitation to a live audition.
  • Name and pre-screening repertoire should appear on both CD or cassette tape AND case.

Pre-Screening Repertoire

The pre-screening recording must include:

  • one movement from No. 1, and;
  • No. 2.

Live Audition Repertoire

  1. A complete concerto from the standard cello repertoire, such as Dvorak, Schumann, Haydn D or C, Lalo, Shostakovich, Barber, Herbert, Prokofiev Sinfonia Concertante, Elgar, or Saint-Saëns. Must be performed from memory.
  2. A Bach Prelude and one other movement from any Bach Suite. Must be performed from memory.
  3. One virtuoso piece from the following choices: Popper Spinning Song or Elfentanz, Paganini Moto Perpetuo, Fauré Papillons, Boccherini Sonata L’Imperatrice, Piatti Caprices or Popper Etudes, Davidoff At the Fountain, Schubert Arpeggione Sonata (1st movement), or Tchaikovsky Pezzo Capricioso.
  4. One work composed after 1945 such as works by Carter, Sessions, Dutilleux, Lutoslawski, Penderecki, Shapey, etc. which is 6-8 minutes in length. (The work may be either a complete short piece or a complete movement from a larger work.)
  5. A short lyrical piece such as Saint-Saëns The Swan, Fauré Après un Rêve, Chopin/Popper Nocturne No. 2 in E flat major, Op. 9, No. 2, Mendelssohn Songs Without Words, Chopin Sonata, slow movement, Schumann Five Pieces in Folk Style, 2nd movement, Schumann Fantasy Pieces, 1st movement, or the choice of the applicant.
  6. First movement of a Classical or Romantic sonata.

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Clarinet

  • Of Nos. 3 and 5, one must be a contemporary selection composed since 1970. Alternatively, an additional piece may be presented which meets this requirement.
  1. Major and minor scales.
  2. Two etudes showing the applicant’s level of technical and musical ability.
  3. At least one major solo of the applicant’s choice. Must be performed from memory.
  4. A representative number of standard orchestral excerpts.
  5. A complete concerto from the standard repertoire. Must be performed from memory.

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Collaborative Piano

  • Collaborative Piano is a pre-screened major. All applicants (with the exception of current Juilliard college students in the same major) must submit the following three items by the application deadline:
  1. A DVD or standard VHS videotape and;
  2. A complete repertoire list (instrumental and vocal) in addition to the list of required audition repertoire.
  3. A performance and education résumé or C.V.
    1. Name and pre-screening repertoire should appear on both DVD or video AND case.
    2. Please remember that the quality of your pre-screening recording may significantly affect the determination of the pre-screening jury. Review your pre-screening recording before sending it to ensure that it is of good quality.
  • Graduate and Post-Graduate levels only. Undergraduate programs are not available in this department.
  • All applicants must be fluent in spoken English.
  • Once an applicant’s audition program has been submitted, it may not be changed unless notification is received earlier than one month before the audition. All changes must be approved by the department chair.
  • A list of appropriate partners from The Juilliard School will be provided by mid-February.
    • It is necessary to contact your partners as soon as the list is made available. Rehearsals with partners may only be scheduled in the two weeks before the audition period. Applicants must use the partners provided by The Juilliard School.

Pre-Screening Materials

  1. A performance and education résumé or C.V.
  2. A complete repertoire list (instrumental and vocal) in addition to the list of required audition repertoire.
  3. A DVD or VHS of one movement/song from each of Nos. 1, 2, 3, and 4 of the live audition repertoire (a total of 4 songs/movements).

Live Audition Repertoire

All vocal repertoire must be performed in the original keys unless otherwise stated.

  1. Choose from one of the following:
    1. Beethoven Sonata in C minor, Op. 30, No. 2.
    2. Mozart Sonata in B-flat Major, KV. 454.
    3. Schubert (prepare complete list)
      • Im Frühling
      • Ganymed
      • Rastlose Liebe
      • Der Musensohn
      • Versunken, in the high key.
  2. Choose one of the following:
    1. Brahms Violin Sonata in D minor.
    2. Chopin Introduction and Polonaise Brillante (International Edition).
    3. Brahms (prepare complete list)
      • Von ewiger Liebe, Op. 43 (high key)
      • Botschaft, Op. 47
      • Wie Melodien zieht es mir, Op. 105 (high key)
      • Ständchen, Op. 106.
    4. Wolf (prepare complete list)
      • Ich hab’ in Penna
      • In dem Schatten meiner Locken
      • Die ihr schwebet
      • Bedeckt mich mit Blume
      • Und willst du deinem Liebsten.
  3. Choose one of the following:
    1. Fauré Violin Sonata in A Major, Op. 13.
    2. Franck Violin Sonata.
    3. Debussy Ariettes oubliées (complete).
    4. Poulenc Fiançailles pour rire (complete).
  4. Choose one of the following:
    1. Kreisler Liebesleid, Liebesfreud, and Tambourin Chinois (prepare complete list).
    2. Barber Hermit Songs (complete).
  5. Choose one of the following:
    1. Ravel Tzigane.
    2. Mahler Ich bin der Welt abhanden gekommen in either E-flat Major or F Major, without a singer.
  6. Sight-reading skills to be demonstrated by applicant in vocal and/or instrumental repertoire chosen by the faculty.
  7. Solo: one piano solo of your choice, not to exceed 10 minutes in length. (Memorization is not required.)
  8. A personal interview of the applicant will be conducted by the ­faculty in conjunction with the audition.
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Composition

The Artist Diploma in Music Performance is not available in Composition.

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Double Bass

  • Double Bass is a pre-screened major. All applicants (with the exception of current Juilliard college students) must submit a DVD or standard VHS videotape to be received by the application deadline in order to be considered for an invitation to a live audition.
  • Name and pre-screening repertoire should appear on both DVD or VHS AND case.
  • Applicants are expected to bring their own instrument for the audition. We regret that there is no instrument storage available at The Juilliard School for auditioning students.

Pre-Screening Repertoire

The pre-screening recording must include only No. 1 and No. 3 from the live audition repertoire. For No. 1, exposition of the first movement only (accompaniment is not required).

Live Audition Repertoire

  1. A complete concerto from the following choices: Dragonetti, Vanhal, Dittersdorf, Bottesini, Koussevitzky. Must be performed from memory.
  2. One 20th-century work composed since 1939. Examples include: Hindemith Sonata, Persichetti Parable, any work by Teppo Hauta-aho, or works of similar difficulty.
  3. Three contrasting orchestral excerpts of the applicant’s choice.
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Flute

  • Flute is a pre-screened major. All applicants (with the exception of current Juilliard college students) must submit a pre-screening DVD/standard VHS videotape OR CD/cassette tape to be received by the application deadline in order to be considered for an invitation to a live audition.
  • Name and pre-screening repertoire should appear on both DVD/VHS OR CD/cassette tape AND case.

Live Audition Callback Procedures

Applicants who are invited to a live audition may also be asked for a callback on the same date. The callback will include a second round of playing for the faculty. Applicants should be prepared to stay at The Juilliard School until 8 p.m. on the day of their scheduled audition, in the event that they are called back. Applicants who are not called back may reasonably conclude that they are not under consideration for admission. 

Pre-Screening Repertoire

Repertoire must be in this order:

  1. Mozart – Exposition of 1st and 2nd movements of Concerto in G Major or D Major, accompanied.
  2. Two contrasting movements selected from works of different styles or periods, accompanied (excluding Mozart).
  3. Mendelssohn Scherzo from A Midsummer Night’s Dream – 2 measures before P to the end.
  4. Two orchestral excerpts selected from the following choices:
    1. Beethoven Eroica Symphony – Last movement – measures 172–200.
    2. Beethoven Leonore Overture No. 3 – measures 328–360.
    3. Brahms Symphony No. 4 – Last movement – measures 93–105.
    4. Debussy Afternoon of a Faun – measures 1–4.

Live Audition Repertoire

  • At least one of Nos. 2, 3, or 4 must be performed from memory in its entirety.
  1. A complete J.S. Bach sonata, partita, or suite.
  2. A complete Mozart concerto.
  3. A complete 20th or 21st-century concerto.
  4. Two additional complete works of contrasting styles and periods.
  5. Six standard orchestral excerpts displaying a balance of technical and lyrical playing.
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Guitar

  • The D.M.A. program is not available in this department.
  • All compositions must be performed from memory.
  1. A complete suite, sonata, or partita of J.S. Bach.
  2. A composition by a 19th century composer.
  3. A substantial work (nine minutes or more in length) by a representative 20th-century composer. Examples include (but are not limited to): Britten Nocturnal; Brouwer Black Decameron; Walton Five Bagatelles; Henze Royal Winter Music, Tower Clocks; Ginastera Sonata.
  4. A substantial work (nine minutes or more in length) in a style contrasting with No. 3 above. A selection from the Classical period would be appropriate, or a piece by a more “tonal” 20th-century composer, such as Rodrigo, Ponce, Torroba, Turina, Lauro, or Villa-Lobos. (Note: If using Villa-Lobos, you may submit a set of works totaling nine minutes or more).
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Harp

  • All auditioning students may use The Juilliard School harps to practice and audition. Juilliard harps:
    • Lyon-Healy (style 23) 
    • Lyon-Healy (style 85)
  1. Both of the following two studies:
    1. No. 1 by Bochsa (Op. 34), Martenot edition.
    2. No. 10 by Pozzoli from Studies of Moderate Difficulty.
  2. A composition of the degree of difficulty of the Fantasie on a Theme of Haydn by Grandjany or Feerie (Prelude and Dance) by Marcel Tournier.
  3. Two contrasting short works:
    1. One Classical.
    2. One by a 20th-century composer, such as the Largo from the Violin Sonata No. 5 by Bach by Grandjany, or the Toccata from Sarabanda e Toccatta by Nino Rota.
  4. Fugue in D minor by Bach, No. 2, from the Bach-Grandjany Etudes.
  5. A large work for harp such as the Impromptu by Gabriel Fauré or one sonata from the standard repertoire for harp by Hindemith, Houdy, or Germaine Tailleferre.
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Harpsichord

  1. A toccata by Frescobaldi or Froberger.
  2. A pavan and a galliard by W. Byrd.
  3. A suite of pieces lasting at least 12 minutes by a French 17th- century composer.
  4. A slow and a fast sonata by D. Scarlatti.
  5. Two preludes and fugues, one from WTC I, and the other from WTC II by J.S. Bach, take all repeats.
  6. A partita or English suite by J.S. Bach, take all repeats.
  7. An allemande and a courante by F. Couperin, take all repeats.
  8. A suite of pieces by J.P. Rameau that includes one of the following: Les Soupirs, L’Entretien des muses, Fanfarinette, Les Triolets, or L’Enharmonique; take all repeats.
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Historical Performance

  • Master of Music and Graduate Diploma only. Undergraduate programs, Artist Diploma, and D.M.A. are not available in this department.
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Horn

  • Horn is a pre-screened major. All applicants (with the exception of current Juilliard college students) must submit a pre-screening DVD/standard VHS videotape OR CD/cassette tape to be received by the application deadline in order to be considered for an invitation to a live audition.
  • Name and pre-screening repertoire should appear on both DVD/VHS OR CD/cassette tape AND case.

Pre-Screening Repertoire

  1. Exposition from Mozart concertos 2 or 4 OR the first page of either Strauss concerto (No. 1 - until the 11 bars of rest halfway down the page on most editions; No. 2 - the first page of the horn part).
  2. Please choose one excerpt from each group (for a total of two excerpts):

Group A

  • RAVEL: Piano Concerto in G major (horn 1, movement 1, rehearsal numbers 25 - 26).
  • BEETHOVEN: Symphony No. 7 in A major,  op. 92 (horn 1, movement 1, measures 84-102).
  • WAGNER: from Gotterdammerung (Siegfried's Short Call).

Group B

  • SHOSTAKOVICH: Symphony No. 5 in D minor, op. 47 (horn 1, movement 1, low tutti).
  • BEETHOVEN: Symphony No. 3 in E-flat major, op. 55, "Eroica" (Scherzo trio, horn 2, measures 171-205).
  • R. STRAUSS: Don Quixote (Variation VIII, horn 2, six measures before rehearsal 59 to eight measures after rehearsal 62).

Live Audition Repertoire

  1. Two etudes showing the applicant’s level of technical and musical advancement.
  2. At least one major solo of the applicant’s choice.
  3. A representative number of standard orchestral excerpts.
  4. A complete concerto from the standard repertoire.

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Jazz Studies

  • Jazz is a pre-screened major. All applicants (with the exception of current Juilliard college students) must submit a pre-screening CD or cassette tape to be received by the application deadline in order to be considered for an invitation to a live audition.
  • Name and pre-screening repertoire should appear on both CD or cassette tape AND case.
  • All pre-screening selections must include the accompaniment as listed. Performances of the selections below should be between three and four minutes in length. Applicants are encouraged to incorporate timbral and vocal effects into their performances to demonstrate the human aspect of jazz music.
  • In addition to the pre-screening recording, A. D. applicants are required to submit two compositions for pre-screening. One composition should be over the blues or rhythm changes form; the other composition may be over a form of the applicant’s choice. While there are no specifications regarding orchestration, applicants must submit printed, transposed scores, with parts. Recordings of original compositions are not required but may be submitted, if available.

Live Audition Procedures

  • All compositions must be performed from memory.
  • The repertoire for the live audition is the same as the pre-screening repertoire.
  • First round auditions will be approximately 15-20 minutes. Applicants should be prepared to play the audition repertoire from the pre-screening recording. A rhythm section will be provided for the audition where needed.
  • Callbacks will be scheduled on the same day as the first round. The callback will include: 
    1. performing again for the faculty.
    2. a demonstration of applicants’ knowledge of ear training through playing and an aural exam.
    3. a brief personal interview with a member of the Jazz Studies staff.
  • Applicants should be prepared to stay at The Juilliard School until 10 p.m. on the day of the scheduled audition, in the event that they are called back. Applicants who are not called back may reasonably conclude that they are not under consideration for admission. 

Pre-Screening and Live Audition Repertoire

  • Applicants must choose one selection from each category in addition to the requirements for their specific instrument.
  • Rhythm section instruments should demonstrate the ability to accompany a soloist on one of these selections.
Saxophone
In addition to one selection from each category, a selection must be performed on flute and/or clarinet to demonstrate doubling capability. Accompanists should include piano or guitar, bass and drums.

Trumpet and Trombone
In addition to one selection from each category, a selection must be performed using a plunger mute. Accompanists should include piano or guitar, bass and drums.

Guitar
In addition to one selection from each category, an additional selection of your choice must be performed solo. Accompanists should include bass and drums.

Piano
In addition to one selection from each category, an additional blues selection of your choice should be performed in stride and boogie-woogie styles of solo piano playing. Accompanists should include bass and drums.

Bass
Bass applicants are required to perform the melodies of each selection chosen, perform a solo and play bass line accompaniments that are appropriate for these selections (i.e., walking bass line, two feel, groove, etc.). Accompanists should include piano or guitar, and drums.

Drums
In addition to one selection from each category, drummers should perform the following unaccompanied material and solo requirements. Accompanied selections should not exceed three to four minutes in length. Accompanists should include piano or guitar and bass.
  • Unaccompanied Material — Please state the type of example that you are demonstrating on the recording for clarity. Each example should be approximately one to one and a half minutes in length.
    1. Perform a swing groove at a slow, medium and fast tempo using sticks.
    2. Perform a swing groove at a slow, medium and fast tempo using brushes.
    3. Perform the shuffle rhythm, first with no accent, then with an accent or backbeat on 2 and 4.
  • Soloing
    1. Perform a 12 bar blues at a medium to fast tempo trading (alternating) choruses between the straight time and soloing for 6 choruses.
    2. Perform the following grooves: New Orleans, 6/8 Afro Cuban, and Bossa Nova.

***Note — The keys for all of the selections below are in concert pitch.

Categories:

  1. Up-Tempo Swing
    1. Just One of Those Things — Cole Porter (F Major)
    2. Cherokee — Ray Noble (B-flat Major)
  2. Blues
    1. Ba-Lue Bolivar Ba-Lues-Are — Thelonious Monk (B-flat Major)
    2. Turnaround — Ornette Coleman (C Major)
  3. Ballad
    1. But Beautiful — Jimmy Van Heusen (G Major)
    2. I Fall in Love Too Easily — Jule Styne (E-flat Major)
  4. Odd Meter Selection
    1. Seventh Avenue — Victor Lewis (F minor)
    2. Katrina Ballerina — Woody Shaw (G minor)
  5. Grooves
    1. Bolivia — Cedar Walton (E-flat Major)
    2. Pensativa — Carlos Antonio Jobim (G-flat Major)
  6. Medium Swing
    1. A Beautiful Friendship — Donald Kahn (C Major)
    2. Beatrice — Sam Rivers (F Major)
  7. Two Original Compositions, as noted above.
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Oboe

  • Either No. 2 or No. 3 must be a complete major work which is not less than 10 minutes in length.
  1. Two etudes showing the applicant’s level of technical and musical ability.
  2. A slow/fast pair of movements or a complete shorter work from any Baroque or Classical piece, not less than 8 minutes in length (may include repeats).
  3. A sonata or concerto movement (or pair of movements) or a short work (or pair of short works) in a style other than Baroque or Classical, not less than 6 minutes in length.
  4. Three orchestral excerpts demonstrating slow, fast, and articulated passages.
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Opera Studies

  • The minimum age for admission is 21. In general, successful applicants to Opera Studies have already obtained undergraduate and graduate degrees or their equivalent in education or experience.
  • Opera Studies is a pre-screened program. All applicants (with the exception of current Juilliard college students) must submit a standard CD or cassette tape to be received by the application deadline in order to be considered for an invitation to a live audition.
  • Name and pre-screening repertoire should appear on both CD or cassette tape AND case.
  • Please remember that the quality of your pre-screening recording may significantly affect the determination of the pre-screen jury. Try to avoid distortion of the voice, excessive “buzz,” and lack of balance between the piano accompaniment and the voice. Review your pre-screening recording before sending it to ensure that it is of good quality.
Live Audition Procedures
  • First-round auditions will be held December 17, 2011 (all day Saturday).
  • Singing callbacks will be on Sunday, December 18 (evening only).
  • Final callbacks consisting of individual interviews and coachings will be held on Monday, December 19.
  • Called back applicants must be available for all portions of the callbacks on December 18 & 19 in order to be considered for admission.
Pre-Screening Repertoire
  1. An aria in English (not a translation).
  2. An aria in Italian.
  3. An aria in either French or German.
  4. A fourth aria in a language of the applicant’s choice.
Live Audition Repertoire In addition to the pre-screening repertoire, Opera Studies applicants must perform the following:
  1. An aria from the 20th or 21st century.
  2. An optional 6th work of the applicant’s choice, which is not an aria.
  3. A memorized dramatic monologue, which is approximately 3 minutes in length. The monologue must be from a theatrical work, and may not be a poem or song lyrics. Applicants may be asked to show their ability to take direction through the presentation of this monologue.

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Orchestral Conducting

  • Master of Music, Graduate Diploma, and Artist Diploma only. The D.M.A. is not available in this department.
  • Orchestral Conducting is a pre-screened major. All applicants (with the exception of current Juilliard college students) must submit the required pre-screening materials (résumé and recordings, as noted below) by the application deadline in order to be considered for an invitation to a live audition.
  • Our preferred method of receiving your pre-screening materials is online, through our CitizenGroove portal. You will need to create an online account before uploading your materials, but there is no charge to submit your videos online. Please note: you must submit your online application for admission BEFORE you upload your materials to CitizenGroove.
  • If you are unable to submit your pre-screening materials online, you may submit them by post, but they must be received by the application deadline. All DVDs and VHS should include timings - make each selection to be viewed a separate, clearly marked chapter on the DVD. Do not include highly produced material such as interviews, introductory material, or biographies. All DVDs and VHS should be in a format compatible with technology used in the United States. For those submitting DVDs created on a computer, it is best to test the DVD on a DVD player before submitting it as computer-generated DVDs may not be compatible with our equipment. All DVDs and VHS should be clearly labeled with:
    1. applicant’s name
    2. orchestra conducted
    3. repertoire
    4. dates excerpts were recorded
Pre-Screening Requirements
  • All candidates must submit a professional résumé.
  • In addition to the résumé, all applicants must submit a DVD or standard VHS videotape. Audio recordings are not acceptable.
  1. Include four to five excerpts showing various musical styles, artistic and technical challenges, and gestural/expressive abilities. Only standard orchestral repertoire, operatic works, and contemporary works should be included on the DVD. Do not include Pops, Jazz, Band, or Broadway repertoire.
  2. Each excerpt should be no more than 5 minutes in length, unedited.
  3. At least one example of both a rehearsal and a performance of the same work should be included.
  4. Videos must be representative of the applicant’s recent work.
  5. The applicant should be clearly visible.
  6. Please clearly mark timings and/or chapters (DVDs).
Live Audition Repertoire
  • Each applicant must have the following mandatory materials prepared for the auditions. Applicants must bring their own scores to the audition.
    1. Stravinsky Rite of Spring (1947), rehearsal numbers 104–121.
    2. Copland Appalachian Spring, opening to rehearsal number 16 (full orchestra version).
    3. Beethoven Symphony No. 4.
    4. Haydn Symphony No. 101.
    5. Schumann Symphony No. 2.
    6. Dvorak Symphony No. 8.
Audition Procedures Selected applicants will be invited for a live audition which will include:
  1. All applicants invited to audition must bring with them an essay addressing the following topics: “Why do you conduct? What do you hope to get out of the conducting program at Juilliard?”
  2. Examinations in basic musicianship, dictation, score terminology, languages, repertoire, music history, etc.
  3. A personal interview to determine the applicant’s knowledge of the audition repertoire, his/her ability to play from an open score, and to sight-sing. As part of this interview, you will also be given the opportunity to perform a short solo piece of your choice on your primary instrument.
  4. At the conclusion of the interview and testing, select applicants who have demonstrated sufficient knowledge in the testing and interview will be invited to appear in front of the Juilliard Orchestra. In general, this callback will take place the following day. An additional interview may take place at the conclusion of the orchestra session.
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Organ

  • Organ auditions will take place on The Juilliard School’s Holtkamp organ in Paul Hall. A complete list of stops and specifications will be sent with the audition schedule letter. This information can also be accessed here.
  • While memorization is not required, it is encouraged.
  • Applicants may be asked to sight-read.
  1. A prelude and fugue for organ by Bach or other composer of the late Baroque period.
  2. The first or third movement from a trio sonata of Bach.
  3. An organ composition by a representative Romantic composer.
  4. A work composed since 1930.
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Percussion

  • Percussion is a pre-screened major. All applicants (with the exception of current Juilliard college students) must submit a DVD or standard VHS videotape to be received by the application deadline in order to be considered for an invitation to a live audition.
  • Name and pre-screening repertoire should appear on both DVD or VHS AND case.
Pre-Screening Repertoire
 
1. Mallets
  1. Two mallets – any 2 mallet movement from J.S. Bach Sonatas and Partitas for solo violin or Suites for solo cello – no repeats.
  2. Four mallets – a 2–3 minute excerpt from a work of your choice.
2. Snare Drum
  1. Long Roll ♩= 80.
  1. Wilcoxon – Rhythmania from Modern Rudimental Swing Solos.
    • Play beginning to downbeat of m. 16 ♩= 100.
  2. Delecluse – Etude No. 1 from 12 Etudes pour caisse claire.
    • Play beginning to downbeat of m. 46 ♩= 76.
3. Timpani
  1. Long roll ♩= 80.
  1. Goodman – Modern Method for Timpani – Etude No. 72.
  2. Tchaikovsky – Symphony No. 4 – First movement, 2 before T to 3 before U ♩= 80.
Live Audition Repertoire
  • If invited to a live audition, applicants should bring four copies of all materials.
  1. Mallets
    1. Two-mallet solo of your choice.
    2. Four-mallet solo of your choice.
    3. Knowledge of scales and arpeggios.
    4. Sight-reading.
    5. Four standard orchestral excerpts.
  2. Snare Drum
    1. Etudes from Cirone Portraits in Rhythm or Delecluse 12 Etudes or the equivalent.
    2. Knowledge of rudiments and ornaments.
    3. Ability to roll at all dynamic levels.
    4. Sight-reading.
    5. Four standard orchestral excerpts.
  3. Timpani
    1. Etudes from Goodman method, Firth, Delecluse, or Hochrainer books or the equivalent.
    2. Ability to tune accurately.
    3. Ability to roll at all dynamic levels.
    4. Sight-reading.
    5. Four standard orchestral excerpts.
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Piano
  • Piano is a pre-screened major. All applicants (with the exception of current Juilliard college students) must submit a pre-screening DVD or standard VHS videotape to be received by the application deadline in order to be considered for an invitation to a live audition.
  • Name and pre-screening repertoire should appear on both DVD or VHS AND case.
  • It is not necessary that the repertoire prepared for the live audition be identical to the pre-screening materials. However, both the pre-screening and the live audition repertoire must meet the requirements below.
  • All pieces must be performed from memory. Exceptions may be permitted only in the case of some 20th and 21st-century pieces. Permission must be granted by the Juilliard piano faculty upon request.
  • Applicants whose programs do not meet the following requirements will not be scheduled for an audition. Any changes to the audition program made after submitting the application must be approved by the department chair.

Pre-Screening Repertoire

The pre-screening recording must include only No. 2 and No. 3 from the live audition repertoire.

Live Audition Repertoire

  • The entire audition program should reach a minimum of 60 minutes. Shorter programs may be subject to approval by the piano faculty.
  1. Any major work by Bach. Preludes and Fugue are permitted.  (No transcriptions permitted.) 
  2. Choose one of the following:
    1. One of the following Beethoven sonatas Op. 2, Nos. 2 or 3; Op. 7; Op. 10, No. 3; Op. 22; Op. 28; any sonata later than Op. 28, excluding Op. 49 and 79.
      OR
    2. One of the following Schubert sonatas: Op. 42, Op. 78, Op. 53, Op. 143, any of the three post­humous sonatas, Wanderer Fantasie.
  3. Two substantial works by different composers, one of which must be chosen from Group A. The second piece may be by another composer from Group A or one from Group B.
    Group A: Chopin, Schumann, Brahms, Liszt, Mendelssohn.
    Group B: A work written in the late 19th or early 20th century. This includes, but is not limited to, the following composers: Tchaikovsky, Mussorgsky, Scriabin, Rachmaninoff, Busoni, Fauré, Debussy, Ravel, and Grieg.
  4. A substantial 20th or 21st-century work by a composer post-dating Impressionism.
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Viola

  • Viola is a pre-screened major. All applicants (with the exception of current Juilliard college students) must submit a pre-screening CD or cassette tape to be received by the application deadline in order to be considered for an invitation to a live audition.
  • Name and pre-screening repertoire should appear on both CD or cassette tape AND case.
  • All compositions except for duo sonatas should be memorized.
Pre-Screening Repertoire The pre-screening recording must include:
  1. Two movements of No. 1 and,
  2. First movement of No. 2 OR No. 3 from the live audition repertoire.
Live Audition Repertoire
  • Of Nos. 2 and 3, one must be a 20th or 21st-century composition
  1. A complete solo Bach suite, sonata, or partita.
  2. A complete sonata or equivalent work for viola, solo or with piano. In the interest of encouraging exploration of a wider range of repertoire, we would like to exclude from this requirement the two Brahms Sonatas, the Schubert Arpeggione, and the Rebecca Clarke Sonata.
  3. A complete concerto excluding the Bartok, Walton and Hindemith “Der Schwanendreher” again encouraging exploration of wider repertoire.
  4. A short work for viola, solo or with piano, up to about 10 minutes duration composed after 1945 by composers such as Babbitt, Carter, Persichetti, Penderecki, Kurtag, Ligeti, Zimmermann etc.
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Violin

  • Violin is a pre-screened major. All applicants (with the exception of current Juilliard college students) must submit a pre-screening CD or cassette tape (no DVDs) to be received by the application deadline in order to be considered for an invitation to a live audition.
  • Name and pre-screening repertoire should appear on both CD or cassette tape AND case.
Pre-Screening Repertoire
  1. A slow and fast movement from a 19th or 20th-century concerto.
  2. One movement from an unaccompanied Bach sonata or partita.
  3. One Paganini caprice.
Live Audition Repertoire
  • Of Nos. 1 and 4, one must be a contemporary selection composed since 1939.
  • All compositions must be performed from memory except for duo sonatas. Memorization of music since 1939 is encouraged but optional.
  • Please minimize piano accompaniment interludes.
  1. A complete concerto from the Romantic period or 20th century.
  2. A complete Bach sonata or partita.
  3. A Classical sonata for violin and piano. If the Beethoven Concerto is chosen for No. 1, a Romantic or 20th-century sonata should be played.
  4. Two contrasting brilliant concert pieces.
  5. Two Paganini caprices.
  6. A complete concerto by Mozart.
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Voice (Artist Diploma in Music Performance)

  • Voice is a pre-screened major. All applicants (with the exception of current Juilliard college students) must submit a pre-screening CD or cassette tape to be received by the application deadline in order to be considered for an invitation to a live audition.
  • Name and required pre-screening repertoire should appear on both CD or cassette tape, AND case.
  • The quality of your pre-screening recording may significantly affect the determination of the pre-screening jury. Tips: avoid distortion of the voice, excessive “buzz,” and lack of balance between the piano accompaniment and the voice. Review your pre-screening recording before sending it to ensure that it is of good quality and represents your best work to date.
  • Pre-screening repertoire selections must include accompa­niment and must show contrast in musical styles, tempos, and languages.
In addition to the standard application materials, all candidates must submit a professional résumé. A photograph is optional.
  
Pre-Screening Repertoire
  1. An Italian art song or aria from 18th century or before.
  2. A song in English (not a translation).
  3. A third selection in any language.
  4. An opera aria from any period, in any language. (An oratorio aria may not be used to fulfill this requirement.)
  5. One German Lied.
  6. One French Melodie.
  7. Another aria of the applicant’s choice
Live Audition Repertoire
  • All compositions must be performed from memory.
Selected candidates should present a full recital that includes two arias and also fulfills the language requirements of the pre-screening repertoire. The recital program should be expansive in the sense that a variety of musical periods, styles, and languages should be represented.
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