Audition Requirements: Organ and Harpsichord
ORGAN
The purpose of an audition is to demonstrate potential as a serious student of music. All students wishing to study organ at Eastern Michigan University must audition in person or by unedited, continuous recording. Arrangements of popular music are not permissible audition material.
Undergraduate
Undergraduate auditionees wishing to major or minor in organ may audition on the piano. If you choose to audition on the piano instead of on the organ, please include a work of J. S. Bach and a movement of a Classical sonata as part of your audition. Improvisation is welcomed at any audition.
Bachelor of Music - Performance
Perform three contrasting works, including a piece of J. S. Bach, a Romantic work, and a piece of your choice. Memory is encouraged. Perform a hymn, including creative treatment of one of the stanzas and/or the introduction.
Students may be asked to sightread and perform major and minor scales.
Bachelor of Music Education, Bachelor of Music Therapy, Bachelor of Arts, Bachelor of Science
Perform two contrasting pieces, including a work of J. S. Bach. Perform a hymn. Students may be asked to sightread and perform a major scale.
Minor
Perform two contrasting pieces, including a work of J. S. Bach. Perform a hymn. Students may be asked to sightread and perform a major scale.
Elective
Students wishing to take private lessons as an elective must schedule an audition.
Perform two contrasting pieces, including a work of J. S. Bach.
Graduate
All students applying for Master of Arts degree in organ are required bring a repertoire list to their audition. Improvisation is welcomed at any audition.
Master of Music in Performance - Organ
Perform three contrasting works, including two movements of a J. S. Bach work (Prelude and Fugue, or two movements of a trio sonata, for example), a Romantic work, and a piece of your choice. Memory is encouraged. Perform a hymn, including creative treatment of one of the stanzas and/or the introduction. Students may be asked to sightread and perform major and minor scales.
Graduate Assistantships in Accompanying
Graduate assistantships in accompanying are available. To apply, students must complete a Graduate Assistant Financial Form through the Graduate School. The audition includes a prepared piece, sightreading, and an interview. Students must submit a repertoire list and resumé of accompanying experience.
HARPSICHORD
The purpose of an audition is to demonstrate potential as a serious student of music. All students wishing to study organ at Eastern Michigan University must audition in person or by unedited, continuous recording. Arrangements of popular music are not permissible audition material.
Undergraduate
Undergraduate auditionees wishing to major or minor in harpsichord may audition on the piano. If you choose to audition on the piano instead of on the harpsichord, please include a work of J. S. Bach and a movement of a Classical sonata as part of your audition. Improvisation is welcome at any audition.
Bachelor of Music - Performance
Perform three contrasting works, including a prelude and fugue or movements from a dance suite of J. S. Bach, a French piece (for instance, by Couperin or Rameau), and a piece of your choice. Memory is encouraged. Students may be asked to sightread, to perform a continuo piece, and perform major and minor scales.
Bachelor of Music Education, Bachelor of Music Therapy, Bachelor of Arts, Bachelor of Science
Perform two contrasting pieces, including a work of J. S. Bach. Students may be asked to sightread and perform a major scale.
Minor
Perform two contrasting pieces, including a work of J. S. Bach. Students may be asked to sightread and perform a major scale.
Elective
Students wishing to take private lessons as an elective must schedule an audition.
Perform two contrasting pieces, including a work of J. S. Bach.
Graduate
All students applying for Master of Arts degree in harpsichord are required bring a repertoire list to their audition. Improvisation is welcomed at any audition.
Master of Music in Performance - Harpsichord
Perform three contrasting works, including a J. S. Bach Prelude and Fugue, or movements from a dance suite, a French Baroque work (for instance, by Couperin or Rameau), and a piece of your choice. Memory is encouraged. Perform a continuo part. Students may be asked to sightread and perform major and minor scales.
Graduate Assistantships in Accompanying
Graduate assistantships in accompanying are available. To apply, students must complete a Graduate Assistant Financial Form through the Graduate School. The audition includes a prepared piece, sightreading, and an interview. Students must submit a repertoire list and resumé of accompanying experience.
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If you have questions regarding auditions for organ or harpsichord, please contact Dr. Ruiter-Feenstra.
