Keyboard Auditions
Notes for Keyboard Applicants:
- Applicants must submit a screening audition for review via the Audition and Screening Dropbox on your Applicant Portal.
- Screening recordings and recorded auditions must be audio/video recordings. Audio only recordings will not be accepted.
- Screening deadline: December 4.
- Final audition recordings deadline: February 1. Recordings submitted may not be those used for screening, even in circumstances where the repertoire performed is the same. In addition to submitting a recorded audition, applicants will be required to participate in a virtual meeting with applied faculty in their area of study.
- When choosing repertoire to satisfy requirements of your choice, we encourage exploring the works of composers from historically underrepresented groups, or other works that you find personally meaningful or diverse. Choosing repertoire is an opportunity to showcase works that best reflect your culture, gender or other forms of self-identity. Check the Oberlin Conservatory Library webpage Diversify your Repertoire for ideas to get started.
2023 - 2024 On-Campus Piano Audition Dates
Saturday, February 10, 2024
Sunday, February 11, 2024
Saturday, February 17*, 2024
Sunday, February 18*, 2024
*Professor Dang Thai Son is only available for on-campus auditions on these dates.
Screening Requirements
- One composition by Bach
- A sonata-allegro movement from a classical sonata
- One étude of virtuosity
- One other piece of the applicant’s choice
Final Audition Requirements
- One composition by Bach
- A complete classical sonata (Mozart, Haydn, Beethoven)
- One étude of virtuosity
- One composition from the romantic period
- One composition by a 20th or 21st century composer
Notes
All screenings and final auditions must be performed from memory. Please include a piece that is meaningful to you for personal or cultural reasons. For example, we encourage applicants to choose a work written by an underrepresented composer in accordance to Oberlin's commitment to equality, diversity, and social justice. The repertoire on the screening can, but need not be identical to that of the final audition recordings. If submitting the same repertoire, recordings submitted may not be the same as those used for screening.
2023 - 2024 On-Campus Organ Audition Date
Saturday, February 10, 2024
Screening Requirements:
- Ten minutes of music of the applicant's choice
Multiple excerpts of works are allowed. Works may be repeated in the final audition.
Final Audition Requirements:
- Three or four contrasting pieces from the standard organ literature that demonstrate the applicant's technical and musical skills
- Sight-reading of a four-part hymn harmonization is expected
Works by women and other minority-represented composers are strongly encouraged. At least one piece should be chosen from the works of J.S. Bach. Admission to the organ program for pianists with limited organ background will be considered on a case by case basis. These applicants may include a partial audition on the piano.