For general information about admission to the School of Music, visit
To view audition requirements for an instrument, choose the instrument from the following list:
Requirements for B.M. degrees in performance and performance/music education:
- One complete major work -- a concerto, sonata, or suite
- Two smaller works (or movements from a major work) of a contrasting style
- Major and minor scales
- Sight-reading
Requirements for all other music degrees:
- Approximately 15 minutes of music -- two or three works in contrasting styles
- Scales and arpeggios
- Sight-reading
Requirements for B.M. degrees in performance and performance/music education:
- Movement from a major work -- concerto, sonata, or suite -- preferably playing from memory
- Two contrasting movements from the J. S. Bach unaccompanied suites
- One technical étude or study
- Scales and arpeggios in three octaves, major and melodic minor
Requirements for all other music degrees:
- Approximately 15 minutes of music -- two or three works in contrasting styles demonstrating range of technique and musicianship (preferably from memory)
- Major and melodic minor scales
Requirements for B.M. degrees in performance and performance/music education:
- One complete major work -- a concerto, sonata, or suite
- Two smaller works (or movements from a major work) of a contrasting style
- Major and melodic minor scales in two octaves and a chromatic scale in three octaves, in 16th notes
- Sight-reading
Requirements for all other music degrees:
- Two works in contrasting styles
- Major and melodic minor scales in two octaves and a chromatic scale in three octaves, in 16th notes
- Sight-reading
Requirements for B.M. degrees in performance and performance/music education:
- Two contrasting movements from a sonata, suite, or concerto (transcriptions are permitted)
- One other complete composition, or two orchestral excerpts from the standard literature
- One technical étude
- Major scales in three octaves, minor scales in two octaves
Requirements for all other B.M. degrees (except jazz studies):
- Two contrasting movements of a sonata, suite, or concerto (transcriptions are permitted)
- One technical étude
- Major and minor scales in two octaves
(Double bass only; electric bass guitar is not offered.)
Requirements for the B.M. degree in jazz studies (all students must complete both a jazz and a classical audition):
Classical AuditionJazz Audition
- Two contrasting movements of a sonata, suite, or concerto (transcriptions are permitted)
- One technical étude
- Major and minor scales in two octaves
- Perform a blues selection, jazz standard, and ballad. Please choose selections from the provided list. For each selection, perform the melody, walk for one chorus, solo for one chorus, return to the head, and end accordingly. For one selection, demonstrate the ability to play "in 2."
- Sight-reading
Please note that we are not accepting auditions for fall 2009.
Requirements for B.M. degrees in performance and performance/music education:
- One complete major work -- a concerto, sonata, or suite
- Two smaller works (or movements from a major work) of a contrasting style
- Major and harmonic minor scales in two octaves; chromatic scale (from C to C) in three octaves
- Sight-reading
Requirements for all other music degrees:
- Two works in contrasting styles
- Major and harmonic minor scales in two octaves; chromatic scale (from C to C) in three octaves
- Sight-reading
Requirements for all B.M. degrees except jazz studies:
- Three pieces from the concert repertoire and from contrasting eras (e.g., works by Milan, Dowland, J. S. Bach, Weiss, Sor, Giuliani, Carcassi, Aguado, Tarrega, Villa-Lobos, Brouwer, Ponce)
- Scales (two and three octaves); arpeggio exercises for the right hand; slurs and trills for the left hand
- Sight-reading
- Performance from memory is not required but encouraged.
Note: All guitarists must audition on nylon string classical guitar.
Requirements for the B.M. degree in jazz studies (all students must complete both a jazz and a classical audition):
Classical Audition
- Two pieces from the concert repertoire and from contrasting eras. Suggested selections include works by Milan, Dowland, J. S. Bach, Weiss, Sor, Giuliani, Carcassi, Aguado, Tarrega, Villa-Lobos, Brouwer, Ponce, and York.
- Diatonic scales in first and second position utilizing i – m fingerings (in C major, D major, and E major)
- Selection of arpeggio exercises from Mauro Giuliani's 120 Studies for Right Hand Development
- Sight-reading in first and second position (in C major, G major, E minor, F major, D minor keys)
Note: The classical portion of the audition should be performed on a classical guitar (or any nylon string guitar), utilizing classical fingerpicking style.
Jazz Audition
- Be prepared to perform a blues selection, jazz standard, and ballad. Please choose selections from the provided list. For each selection, perform the head, comp for one chorus, solo for one chorus, return to the head, and end accordingly.
- Sight-reading
Requirements for B.M. degrees in performance and performance/music education:
- One complete, multi-movement work from any historical period (concerto, sonata, or suite)
- Two shorter works in contrasting style (may be individual movements from longer works)
- All major and minor scales, in quarter notes, quarter = 120 minimum
Requirements for all other music degrees:
- Major scales, one octave
- One multi-movement composition or three works of differing styles
- Sight-reading
For specific information on musical theater auditions, please see the "B.F.A. Musical Theater Additional Requirements" section in the Department of Theatre Arts website:
Or contact the department at
Department of Theatre Arts
Ithaca College
201 Dillingham Center
Ithaca, NY 14850-7293
(607) 274-3345
Requirements for B.M. degrees in performance and performance/music education:
- One complete major work -- a concerto, sonata, or suite
- Two smaller works (or movements from a major work) of a contrasting style
- Major and harmonic minor scales
- Sight-reading
Requirements for all other music degrees:
- Two prepared solo pieces in contrasting styles
- Major or harmonic minor scales
- Sight-reading
A typical audition program might include any of the preludes and fugues, trio sonatas, or large chorale works of J. S. Bach; a comparable work by Buxtehude or a French classic composer; and a romantic work by a composer such as Franck or Reger.
Other audition programs may be approved after discussion with the major teacher involved. Contact the School of Music with any questions.
Requirements for B.M. degrees in performance and performance/music education:
Mallets. 8 minutes. Marimba or vibes.
Marimba
- Two-mallet étude, comparable to or chosen from the following: Modern School for Marimba, by Morris Goldenberg ("39 Études" section); Tone-Row Exercises for Marimba, by Howard Zwickler; Style Studies, by John Bergamo
- Four-mallet solo (optional, but recommended)
- Scales and arpeggios in all major and minor keys (at least two octaves)
Vibes
- Étude, chosen from Vibraphone Technique, by David Friedman (Études 1-10)
- Four-mallet solo
- Scales and arpeggios in all major and minor keys (at least two octaves)
Timpani. 8 minutes.
- Étude, comparable to or chosen from the following: Modern Method for Timpani, by Saul Goodman (pp. 46-60); Etuden für Timpani, by Richard Hockrainer (nos. 10-25); Timpani Method, by Friese/Lepak (Section 3, nos. 5-15); or a solo using four drums
- Tuning and intonation suggested study guide: Timpani Method, by Friese/Lepak (Section 3, pp. 35-43)
Snare Drum. 8 minutes.
- Solo (concert style), comparable to or chosen from the following: Modern School for Snare Drum, by Morris Goldenberg (pp. 44-51); Portraits in Rhythm, by Anthony Cirone; 20th-Century Orchestral Snare Drum Studies, by Thomas McMillan
- Solo (rudimental style), comparable to or chosen from the following: Modern Rudimental Swing Solos, by Charles Wilcoxon; 14 Modern Contest Solos, by John S. Pratt
Drum Set (optional, but recommended). 6 minutes.
- Demonstration of knowledge of various contemporary styles, including jazz (swing), rock, various Latin beats
The audition normally is 30 minutes (drum set included). Substitutions for any of the above may be made by advance consultation with Gordon Stout, (607) 274-3427.
Requirements for all other B.M. degrees (except jazz studies):
Concert Snare Drum Solo
- Illustrating use of closed rolls, flams, ruffs, and rhythms
- Sight-reading
Timpani Solo
- Illustrating use of rolls and rhythms
Timpani Ear Training
- Demonstrating the ability to match pitches and tune the drums with the intervals of seconds, thirds, fourths, and fifths
Mallets
- Two- or four-mallet solo. Select music you feel represents the best of what you can perform at the time of your audition.
- All major and minor scales and arpeggios
- Sight-reading
General Audition Notes for Percussion
- It is fine if you do not have a four-mallet solo to play on marimba or vibes. Many students who come here have very little or no experience in this area. However, I would encourage you to play something with four mallets if you do have the experience.
- Multiple percussion solos are not recommended for the audition. Set-up time and logistics make this difficult.
- All required instruments will be provided for your warm-up and audition. You may bring your own snare drum or mallet instrument if it helps you to feel more comfortable. Do not plan on bringing your own drum set to the audition. Although I would most like to hear excellent performances on mallets, snare drum, timpani, and drum set, potential is equally important with achievement. Therefore, if you are not experienced in one or more areas of percussion, you are still encouraged to audition. Prepare whatever you can in your weaker areas of performance to help put together the best audition possible.
Requirements for the B.M. degree in jazz studies (all students must complete both a jazz and classical audition):Classical AuditionNOTE: Drum set and cymbals will be provided. You may supply your own cymbals if preferred.Marimba
- Two-mallet étude, comparable to or chosen from the following selections of Modern School for Marimba, by Morris Goldenberg: page 28, page 53 ("Exercise in 9/8 Rhythm"), page 55, page 60, or page 61
- Major scales in all keys
Timpani
- Two-drum étude, comparable to or chosen from the following selections of Modern Method for Timpani, by Saul Goodman: exercises 26-58 (pages 46-60)
Snare DrumJazz Audition
Étude comparable to or chosen from the following selections of Modern School for Snare Drum, by Morris Goldenberg: pages 44-51
- Perform a blues selection, jazz standard, and ballad. Please choose selections from the provided list. For each selection, play time for the head, play time for one chorus, trade fours for one chorus, return to the head, and end accordingly.
- Demonstrate proficiency in various jazz styles and tempos, including
- Slow, medium, and fast swing
- 3/4 swing
- Shuffle
- Bossa nova
- Samba
- Rock/funk
- Brush technique
- Sight-reading
Requirements for B.M. degrees in performance, collaborative emphasis, and performance/music education:
- J. S. Bach: A prelude and fugue from the Well-Tempered Clavier or three movements of a suite.
- A complete sonata by Beethoven (excluding op. 49), Schubert, or Mozart, or a Haydn sonata of comparable difficulty
- One large-scale (approximately 10 minutes) work or a group of shorter pieces from the 19th or 20th century representing lyrical and virtuoso styles
- Sight-reading
- All music is to be played from memory.
- For the collaborative emphasis program, an interview with the faculty conductor of the program is recommended.
Requirements for all other B.M. degrees (except jazz studies):
- A work of J. S. Bach
- A movement from a sonata by Haydn, Mozart, or Beethoven
- A third work of comparable difficulty of the candidate's choice (no jazz, pop, or self-composed pieces)
- Sight-reading
- All music is to be played from memory.
Requirements for minor in music:
- Three contrasting pieces (no jazz, pop, or self-composed pieces)
- One piece to be played from memory
Requirements for the B.M. degree in jazz studies (all students must complete both a jazz and classical audition):
Classical Audition
- Two works of contrasting styles from the classical repertory, at least one of which must be memorized
- All major scales from memory
- Sight-reading
Jazz Audition
- Be prepared to perform a blues selection, jazz standard, and ballad. Please choose selections from the provided list. For each selection, perform the head, comp for one chorus, solo for one chorus, return to the head, and end accordingly.
- Sight-reading
Requirements for all B.M. degrees (except jazz studies):
- At least two movements of a multi-movement work from the standard saxophone literature
- One shorter work in contrasting style (e.g., a movement from a larger piece, an étude, or a shorter piece)
- All major scales
- Sight-reading
Requirements for the B.M. degree in jazz studies (all students must complete both a jazz and classical audition):
Classical Audition
- Two selections in contrasting style (separate pieces, movements from a single piece, or études)
- All major scales from memory
- Sight-reading
Jazz Audition
- Be prepared to perform a blues selection, jazz standard, and ballad. Please choose selections from the provided list. For each selection, perform the head, solo once over the form, return to the head, and end accordingly.
- Sight-reading
Requirements for B.M. degrees in performance and performance/music education:
- One complete, multi-movement work from any historical period (concerto, sonata, or suite)
- Two shorter works in contrasting style (may be individual movements from longer works)
- Scales
- Sight-reading
Requirements for all other B.M. degrees (except jazz studies):
- Prepared solo piece(s)
- Scales
- Sight-reading
Requirements for the B.M. degree in jazz studies (all students must complete both a jazz and classical audition):
Classical Audition
- Two contrasting solo works or contrasting sections within a single work
- All major scales from memory
- Sight-reading
Jazz Audition
- Be prepared to perform a blues selection, jazz standard, and ballad. Please choose selections from the provided list. For each selection, perform the head, solo once over the form, return to the head, and end accordingly.
- Sight-reading
Requirements for all B.M. degrees (except jazz studies):
- Two movements from a multi-movement work (concerto, sonata, or suite) from any historical period
- One shorter work in a contrasting style (e.g., individual movements from multi-movement works, études, or shorter pieces)
- All major scales from memory
- Sight-reading
All those auditioning are expected to perform without accompaniment.
Requirements for the B.M. degree in jazz studies (all students must complete both a jazz and classical audition):
Classical Audition
- Two pieces of contrasting nature, such as single movements from multi-movement works (concertos, sonatas, or suites), études, or shorter pieces from any historical period. Two movements from the same piece may be used if they are contrasting in nature.
- All major scales from memory
- Sight-reading
Jazz Audition
- Be prepared to perform a blues selection, jazz standard, and ballad. Please choose selections from the provided list. For each selection, perform the head, solo once over the form, return to the head, and end accordingly.
- Sight-reading
Requirements for B.M. degrees in performance and performance/music education:
- One complete, multi-movement work (concerto, sonata, or suite) from any historical period
- Two shorter works in contrasting style (may be individual movements from longer works)
- All major and minor scales, in quarter notes, quarter = 120 minimum
Requirements for all other music degrees:
- All major scales
- Sight-reading
- Prepared solo
Requirements for B.M. in performance and performance/music education:
- Movement from a major work -- concerto, sonata, or suite -- preferably playing from memory
- Two contrasting movements from the J. S. Bach unaccompanied suites
- Étude or study
- Three-octave major and melodic minor scales
- Sight-reading
Requirements for all other music degrees:
- Two contrasting works for the standard viola repertoire. Playing from memory on at least one work is preferred.
- Étude or study
- Three-octave major and melodic minor scales in two or more keys
- Sight-reading
Requirements for B.M. degrees in performance and performance/music education:
- Concerto from standard violin repertoire -- first movement memorized
- Two contrasting movements from solo J. S. Bach sonatas and partitas
- Étude or study
- Three-octave scales and arpeggios in major and melodic minor
- Sight-reading
Requirements for all other music degrees:
- Two contrasting works from the standard violin repertoire. Playing from memory on at least one work is preferred.
- Étude or study
- Three-octave scales and arpeggios in major and melodic minor in two or more keys
- Sight-reading
Requirements for B.M. degrees in performance and performance/music education:
- Four memorized songs chosen from classical solo voice literature only. These four songs should be one 16th- to 18th-century Italian song or aria; one 19th-century German or 20th-century German or French art song; one 20th-century American or British art song.
- One additional song of your choice from traditional vocal literature. (Musical theater selections, jazz, or original compositions are not acceptable.)
Requirements for all other B.M. degrees (except jazz studies):
- Three memorized songs chosen from solo voice literature. These three songs must include one 16th- to 18th-century Italian art song or aria, and one 20th-century British or American art song.
- One additional song of your choice from traditional vocal literature. (Musical theater selections, jazz, or original compositions are not acceptable.)
Note on Accompaniment:
You must provide your own accompanist if you choose to audition at a regional audition site. If you are auditioning at Ithaca College, it is preferable that you furnish your own accompanist. You may make arrangements through the music office (607-274-3366) to use an Ithaca College accompanist. Your music -- original copies -- and a check for $30 (made payable to Ithaca College School of Music -- non-refundable) must be received a minimum of two weeks prior to the audition date. Mail the music and check to
The School of Music
Director of Music Admission
3322 Whalen Center
Ithaca College
Ithaca, NY 14850-7240Recorded accompaniment is unacceptable. We cannot honor late requests for accompanists.
Requirements for the B.M. degree in jazz studies (all students must complete both a jazz and classical audition):
Classical Audition
- Three memorized songs chosen from solo voice literature. These three songs must include one 16th- to 18th-century Italian art song or aria, and one 20th-century British or American art song.
- One additional song of your choice from traditional vocal literature. (Musical theater selections, jazz, or original compositions are not acceptable.)
Jazz Audition
- Perform a blues selection, jazz standard, and ballad. Please choose selections from the provided list. For each selection, sing the melody, improvise once over the form (using scat syllables), return to the melody, and end accordingly.
- Major scales to be sung in any key, and must be one octave, ascending and descending, and sung with letters, syllables, or on "la."
Note: If vocal jazz applicants would prefer to perform a song in a different key than indicated, they must bring three copies of the lead sheet in that key.
Note on Accompaniment:
You must provide your own accompanist if you choose to audition at a regional audition site. If you are auditioning at Ithaca College, it is preferable that you furnish your own accompanist. You may make arrangements through the music office (607-274-3366) to use an Ithaca College accompanist. Your music -- original copies -- and a check for $30 (made payable to Ithaca College School of Music -- non-refundable) must be received a minimum of two weeks prior to the audition date. Mail the music and check to
The School of Music
Director of Music Admission
3322 Whalen Center
Ithaca College
Ithaca, NY 14850-7240Recorded accompaniment is unacceptable. We cannot honor late requests for accompanists.
