dancedramamusic

Master of Music and Graduate Diploma Audition Dates, Pre-Screening and Live Audition Repertoire

On this page:

Audition Dates

  • All auditions for the Music Division take place in New York, at The Juilliard School (excepting Historical Performance applicants who may opt to audition live in Paris). 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 Orchestral Conducting, see grid 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. Composition 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. Admissions will contact non-pre-screened majors in December, and pre-screened majors (those applicants who pass pre-screening) in January to advise further.
  • 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.
Composition Composition Exam: March 4, 2012.
Composition Interviews: March 5 and 6, 2012.
Double Bass March 4, 2012.
Flute March 4 (if needed) and 5, 2012.
Guitar March 4, 2012.
Harp March 5, 2012.
Historical Performance Paris: March 5, 2012.
New York: March 7, 8, and 9, 2012.
Horn March 5 and 6, 2012.
Jazz Studies March 7, 8, and 9, 2012.
Oboe March 4 and 5, 2012.
Orchestral Conducting O.C. Exam and Interviews: February 24, 2012.
Conducting Callback: 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 and 5 - 9, 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.

Back to top

Pre-Screening (if applicable) and Live Audition Repertoire

Bassoon

  1. Two complete works of contrasting styles and periods; one must be a concerto.
  2. Four or more standard orchestral excerpts.

Back to top

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.

Back to top

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 orElfentanz, Paganini Moto Perpetuo, Faure 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.

Back to top

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.

Back to top

Collaborative Piano

  • Collaborative Piano is a pre-screened major. All applicants 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 the following (a total of 4 songs/movements):
    1. Two selections from No. 1 of the live audition repertoire.
    2. One movement from each of No. 2a and No. 2b of the live audition repertoire.

Live Audition Repertoire

  • All vocal repertoire must be performed in the high keys unless otherwise stated.
  1. Vocal: There are four required songs.
    1. Brahms Meine Liebe ist grün.
    2. Schubert Frühlingstraum.
    3. Barber St. Ita’s Vision, in the original key.
    4. Debussy Green.
  2. Instrumental: There are three required choices.
    1. Mozart Sonata for Piano and Violin in B-flat Major, KV. 454 OR Beethoven Sonata for Piano and Violin in C minor, Op. 30, No. 2 OR Beethoven Sonata for Piano and Cello, Op. 102, No. 1.
    2. Brahms Sonata for Violin and Piano No. 2 in A Major, Op. 100 OR Franck Sonata for Violin and Piano.
    3. Kreisler Liebesfreud OR Tambourin Chinois for violin and piano.
  3. Sight-reading skills to be demonstrated by applicant in vocal and/or instrumental repertoire chosen by the faculty.
  4. Solo: one piano solo of your choice, not to exceed 10 minutes in length. (Memorization is not required.)
  5. A personal interview of the applicant will be conducted by the ­faculty in conjunction with the audition.

Back to top

Composition

  • Composition is a pre-screened major. All applicants (with the exception of current Juilliard college students) must submit scores and recordings (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, case, and scores.
  • In addition to the standard application materials, all candidates must submit two letters of recommendation from music teachers.
  • Any applicant who would like compositions returned after the audition process must submit a return envelope of the proper size with the appropriate postage.

Pre-Screening Requirements

  1. Two scores of contrasting styles composed within the last two years. Each score should be circumscribed to present the seven minutes of music which represents your most accomplished work (two seven-minute selections, for a total of fourteen minutes).
  2. Recordings which are cued to the same section of music should accompany the scores.
  3. A short written statement which describes the scores or the process of composing the scores.
  4. A complete listing of the applicant’s compositions with orchestrations and dates of performances.

Live Audition Procedures

  1. Selected applicants will be scheduled for personal interviews with the faculty.
  2. Interviews will include a discussion of the scores submitted for the pre-screening.
  3. Applicants must bring two additional scores with recordings to the interviews.
  4. All applicants will complete musicianship testing in score analysis, rhythmic dictation, harmonic analysis, counterpoint, and score identification.

Back to top

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.

Back to top

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.

Back to top

Guitar

  • 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).

Back to top

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.

Back to top

Harpsichord

  • Master of Music and Graduate Diploma Harpsichord applicants, please refer to the Historical Performance audition requirements.

Back to top

Historical Performance

  • Master of Music and Graduate Diploma only. Undergraduate programs, Artist Diploma, and D.M.A. are not available in this department.
  • Eligible instruments are baroque violin, viola da gamba, baroque cello, baroque double bass, baroque flute, baroque oboe, baroque bassoon, plucked instruments, and harpsichord. 
  • In addition to the standard application materials (see Application Requirements), all applicants must submit one letter of recommendation. The letter should address the applicant’s ability as a performer and potential for a career in music, especially as it pertains to period-instrument performance; musical and scholarly curiosity; and aptitude for and experience in ensemble performance. The letter should also indicate the length of time and capacity in which the recommender has known the applicant.
  • In addition to the Criteria for Acceptance listed at the beginning of this section, applicants in Historical Performance will also be assessed on their stylistic aptitude and awareness.

Live Audition Procedures

  • All auditions must be played on a historically-appropriate instrument at A=415.
  • Violinists must use at least gut A and E strings.
  • Cellists must use at least a gut A string. 
  • All string players must use a baroque bow.
  • Harpsichordists will have two audition instruments available:
    • Flemish style, two manuals, 2x8’ and 4’ and buff stops; GG to f''' by Bruce Kennedy, at A=415 in Kirnberger temperament
    • French style, two manuals, 2x8' and 4' and buff stops; FF to f''' by William Dowd, at A=440 in mean tone temperament
  • A harpsichordist and a singer (for plucked instruments) will be provided for auditions, although applicants may bring their own accompanist.
  • The accompanying harpsichord used for auditions will be at A=415 in Kirnberger temperament.

Live Audition Callback Procedures

  • Callbacks will take place on the same day as applicants’ first round auditions. 
  • Applicants selected for callbacks may be asked to play audition repertoire not requested during the first round.
  • Applicants may be requested to incorporate musical or stylistic suggestions from the audition panel, and to describe their experience with historically-informed performance.
  • All applicants who are called back may be asked to sight read either alone or in the context of a small ensemble comprised of members of the faculty.
  • Applicants who are not called back may reasonably conclude that they are no longer under serious consideration for admission.

Live Audition Repertoire

Baroque Violin

  1. The divisions on "John come kiss me now" from The Division Violin by Thomas Baltzar (facsimile reprinted by Kings Music).
  2. The 1st and 2nd movements from any solo violin sonata (or partita) by J. S. Bach.
  3. Two contrasting movements from one of the following:
    1. Il ritratto dell’amore by François Couperin
    2. Sonate à la Maresienne by Marin Marais
    3. A sonata from Op. 5 or Op. 9 by Jean-Marie Leclair.
  4. One complete sonata from Op. 5, Nos. 1-6 by Arcangelo Corelli (with the "Corelli" embellishments as published by Estienne Roger in 1710 OR embellishments of the applicant's choice). 
  5. One of the following caprices (capriccios) from L'Arte del violino by Pietro Antonio Locatelli (from the reprint of the 1733 Amsterdam edition published by Muziekuitgeverij Saul B. Groen):
    1. Concerto No. 1, 3rd movement.  
    2. Concerto No. 11, 1st or 3rd movement.

Viola da Gamba

  1. One complete sonata by J.S. Bach for viola da gamba and harpsichord.
  2. One suite by Marais from Books 2 or 4, to include a Prelude, Allemande, Sarabande, and one character piece.
  3. Tobias Hume: Captaine Hume's Pavan (No. 46) or Death (No. 12) and Life (No. 13), or similar from The First Part of Ayres, 1605.
  4. Division or diminution piece by Christopher Simpson from The Division Viol, or the Art of Playing Upon a Ground (E minor, or D minor or major) or the divisions on "Ancor che col partire" or "Suzanne un jour" by Rognoni.
  5. One movement by Forqueray, from Suite 1, 4, or 5.

Baroque Cello

  1. A complete ricercare for unaccompanied cello by Domenico Gabrielli.  
  2. Three movements from a suite for solo cello by J. S. Bach. 
  3. A complete sonata by Geminiani, Vivaldi, or Hellendaal. 
  4. A complete concerto by F. J. Haydn or C.P.E. Bach, with the solo cello playing the bass line in any orchestral tuttis longer than four measures. 
  5. A complete sonata by Jean Barrière or a complete work of the applicant’s choice from the High Baroque through the early Classical eras (no later than Mozart).

Baroque Double Bass

  1. A complete concerto for double bass/Viennese bass by Sperger, Cimador, Vanhal, Hofmeister, Pichl or Dittersdorf. 
  2. A complete accompanied (transcribed) Baroque sonata (e.g. by J. S. Bach, Handel, Gabrielli, Corelli, Marcello, Abel, Telemann, Boismortier, etc.). 
  3. An unaccompanied solo work from the 16th or 17th century, (e.g. from the canzona/viola bastarda repertoire for the G-Violone: Bonizzi, Rognoni, Selma y Salaverde, etc.) or two movements of a transcribed solo cello suite by J. S. Bach. 
  4. The following orchestral excerpts:
    1. "The people that walked in darkness" (from the beginning to rehearsal B), from Messiah by G. F. Handel
    2. Overture to Orchestral Suite No. 2, BWV 1067, by J. S. Bach (up to measure 70)
    3. Bass solos from Symphony No. 6 ("Le Matin") by F. J. Haydn.

Baroque Flute

  1. A complete sonata by J. S. Bach.
  2. Two contrasting movements from a concerto by any of the following composers:
    1. C.P.E. Bach
    2. Michel Blavet
    3. Jean-Marie Leclair
    4. W. A. Mozart
    5. J. J. Quantz.
  3. Four contrasting movements from a suite by J-M Hotteterre. 
  4. The obbligato flute part from two contrasting arias (one slow, one fast) by J. S. Bach, chosen from the Passions, the B minor Mass, and/or the cantatas.

Baroque Oboe

  1. Two contrasting movements from a concerto by Vivaldi or J. S. Bach. 
  2. Four movements from a suite by J-M Hotteterre, Philidor, Robert de Visée or other 17th- or early 18th-century French composer.  
  3. Two contrasting movements of a sonata in the Italian style by Geminiani, G. F. Handel (except the “Fitzwilliam” sonata in B-flat), G. P. Telemann, or Vivaldi. 
  4. Two contrasting arias with obbligato oboe from a cantata by J. S. Bach.

Baroque Bassoon

  1. Two contrasting movements of a solo concerto by Antonio Vivaldi. 
  2. A complete sonata or suite by Boismortier or other 18th-century French composer. 
  3. Sonata for Bassoon in F minor or either of the sonatinas (A minor or C minor) by G. P. Telemann. 
  4. Overture to Orchestral Suite No. 1, BWV 1066, by J. S. Bach or the Overture to G. F. Handel's “Water Music” Suite in F Major, HWV 348.

Plucked Instruments

  • Applicants should be prepared to play theorbo and one other instrument.
  • In addition to the repertoire listed below, all applicants will be required to play a short continuo excerpt with a singer. Specific repertoire for the continuo excerpt will be provided approximately two weeks in advance of the audition date. A singer will be provided for the audition and contact information for rehearsal (if desired) of the continuo excerpt will be made available at the same time as the music.

Theorbo:
Three contrasting movements of the applicant's choice from the Saizenay manuscript and a toccata (other than IV), corrente, or gagliarda and one of the Partite Variate from Intavolatura di Liuto by Alessandro Piccinini.

Baroque Lute:
Three contrasting movements by Sylvius Leopold Weiss from the Dresden or British Museum manuscripts for 11- or 13-course lutes.

Baroque Guitar:
A complete suite by Robert de Visée and a passacalle (from Passacalles y obras) by Santiago de Murcia.

Archlute:
A toccata, corrente, or gagliarda and a recercar or canzone by Alessandro Piccinini, 1623.

Ten-course Lute:
Prelude, fantasie, and three contrasting dances from Nicolas Vallet's Secretum Musarum, 1615.

Harpsichord

  1. A toccata by Frescobaldi or Froberger. 
  2. A pavan and a galliard by William Byrd. 
  3. A complete sonata by Domenico Scarlatti. 
  4. Two preludes and fugues, one from WTC I, the other from WTC II by J. S. Bach; all repeats must be observed. 
  5. A complete partita or English suite by J. S. Bach; all repeats must be observed. 
  6. A suite by Rameau that includes one of the following: Les Soupirs, L’Entretien des muses, Fanfarinette, Les Triolets, or L’Enharmonique; all repeats must be observed.

Back to top

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.

Back to top

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.

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: 
    • performing again for the faculty.
    • a demonstration of applicants’ knowledge of ear training through playing and an aural exam.
    • 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.
    • Perform a swing groove at a slow, medium and fast tempo using sticks. 
    • Perform a swing groove at a slow, medium and fast tempo using brushes. 
    • Perform the shuffle rhythm, first with no accent, then with an accent or backbeat on 2 and 4.
  • Soloing
    • Perform a 12 bar blues at a medium to fast tempo trading (alternating) choruses between the straight time and soloing for 6 choruses. 
    • 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. Bohemia After Dark — Oscar Pettiford (G minor)
    2. All God’s Chillun Got Rhythm — Bronislaw Kaper/Gus Kahn/Walter Jurmann (F Major)
  2. Blues
    1. Mr. Day — John Coltrane (G-flat Major)
    2. Isotope — Joe Henderson (C Major)
  3. Ballad
    1. I Remember Clifford — Benny Golson (E-flat Major)
    2. Chelsea Bridge — Billy Strayhorn (B-flat minor)
  4. Selection in 3/4 Time
    1. Blue Daniel — Frank Roselino (D Major)
    2. Little Niles — Randy Weston (B-flat minor)
  5. Grooves
    1. Nica’s Dream — Horace Silver (B-flat minor)
    2. Desafinado — Antonio Carlos Jobim (F Major)
  6. Medium Swing
    1. My Shining Hour — Harold Arlen/Johnny Mercer (C Major)
    2. Strollin’ — Horace Silver (D-flat Major)

Back to top

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.

Back to top

Orchestral Conducting

  • Master of Music, Graduate Diploma, and Artist Diploma only. Undergraduate programs and D.M.A. are not available in this department.
  • Orchestral Conducting is a pre-screened major. All applicants 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. 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 audio-visual recordings as follows (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.

Back to top

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.

Back to top

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.

Back to top

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, as well as one etude by Chopin.

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. Bach: Any major work. A prelude and fugue is acceptable. (No transcriptions permitted.)
  2. One of the following:
    1. An entire sonata by Beethoven (excluding Opp. 14, 49, and 79), or
    2. One of the following Haydn sonatas: Hob. 20, 23, 32, 46, 49, 50, 52, or
    3. One of the following Mozart sonatas:  K. 281, 284, 310, 332, 333, 457, 533, or 576, or
    4. One of the following Schubert sonatas: D. 568, 664, 784, 845, 850, 894, 958, 959, 960, or the Wanderer Fantasie, D. 760.
  3. A substantial composition by Chopin, Schumann, Brahms, Liszt, or Mendelssohn. (Etudes, nocturnes, short dances, waltzes, or comparable pieces are not acceptable.)
  4. Two virtuosic etudes:
    1. one by Chopin, and
    2. one by Bartók, Debussy, Ligeti, Liszt, Prokofiev, Rachmaninoff, Scriabin, or Stravinsky.
  5. A substantial work, or a collection of shorter works, of the applicant’s choice which is:
    1. in a different style and by a composer other than those selected for the previous requirements, and
    2. not less than six minutes.

Back to top

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 such as the Bartok, Hindemith Kammermusik no. 5, Konzertmusik, or Der Schwanendreher or the Walton, etc.
  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.

Back to top

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. Two contrasting movements from an unaccompanied Bach sonata or partita. No repeats please, unless ornamented. A dance section and its double constitute one movement.
  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.

Back to top

Voice

  • 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.

Live Audition Repertoire

  • All compositions must be performed from memory.
  • Please note: there is no callback for graduate Voice.

In addition to the pre-screening repertoire above, applicants must perform the following:

  1. An additional German Lied.
  2. An additional French Melodie.
  3. A 20th or 21st-century art song in any language.
  4. If English is not your native speaking language, please prepare an additional song in your native language.

Back to top