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.
  • When choosing repertoire to satisfy requirements of your choice, we encourage exploring the works of Black and other underrepresented composers, 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.

2022 - 2023 On-Campus Piano Audition Dates

Thursday, January 26, 2023
Friday, January 27, 2023
Saturday, January 28, 2023
Saturday, February 18, 2023 (international students only)
Sunday, February 19, 2023 (international students only)

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 for Bachelor of Music

  • 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

Final Audition Requirements the Oberlin-Como Piano Academy

Applicants must prepare a program of 50-60 minutes, including the following:

  • A prelude and fugue (4 or 5 voices) from the Well-Tempered Clavier, or another major work of Bach
  • A complete classical sonata of Mozart, Haydn, or Beethoven
  • One étude of virtuosity
  • A substantial romantic work
  • Any remaining work(s) to be chosen by the applicant

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, you do not need to re-record the music if you feel the recordings fully showcase your musical ability.

2022 - 2023 On-Campus Organ Audition Date

Saturday, January 28, 2023
Saturday, February 18, 2023

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. 

Auditions and Interview Overview