University Application | Undergraduate Catalog

How to Audition:

Admission is highly competitive for all music programs. We urge all students to complete admission applications and schedule appointments for the earliest possible dates. (Intended freshman should do so no later than March.)

Scheduling an audition: The Cali School of Music requires all music majors and minors to pass an audition and meet the University's admissions requirements. If you are interested in auditioning, you should first apply to the University (link above). After you have reviewed the audition requirements for your particular instrument and concentration below, complete the Cali School Audition Application designating which audition date you'd like to attend (link below). Both applications are due no later than two weeks before your requested audition date. You may not schedule an audition date until the University and Cali Shool applications are completed.

Audition dates for 2010-2011 will be announced soon.

See Jazz Audition information below.

Musical theater prospective students:
Please contact Prof. James or Prof. Richards for audition information. (See telephone and email information below.)

Contact Information:

Auditions Information (all concentrations except musical theater): 973-655-7610 or email musauditions@mail.montclair.edu

Musical Theater Auditions Information: Please contact Prof. Clay James (Coordinator of the Musical Theater program) directly at 973-655-7341, jamesbr@mail.montclair.edu) or Prof. Scott Richards at 973-655-2099, richardssc@mail.montclair.edu.

International students, or those at a significant distance from Montclair, should ask about alternative application and audition procedures.

The school strongly recommends that prospective students audition on the regularly scheduled dates.

Undergraduate candidates should be able to demonstrate vocal or instrumental performance ability, knowledge of elementary music theory, and evidence of serious musical study. Candidates should bring their own music. Except for those majoring in piano, organ, harpsichord, or percussion, candidates must also bring their own instruments or make arrangements with the school to have them available. Accompanists will be available on audition days. Please inform the school if an accompanist is needed.

Music Minor Auditions: 

An audition is required for the music minor. At this time, the Music Literature and the Music History/Theory minors are open to incoming students. The audition for any of the music minors is a modified version of the audition for the major.

THE AUDITION PROCESS:

1. Audition on primary instrument: See requirements below.

2. Audition on secondary instrument (optional) - Discuss this option when applying to audition. If accepted, permission is required for private study on a secondary instrument.

3. Music Audiation test - Required of all applicants, this test is done in groups, and includes exercises in identifying rhythms and melodies.

4. Music reading test - Required for all applicants, this is a test of abilities to match pitches; identify and sing intervals, triads, chords, and scale patterns; sing and identify melodies, and read rhythms on sight.

5. Music theory test - This placement test is required for transfer students and optional for others.

6. Music history syllabus review - Transfer applicants who wish to transfer their music history credits must submit a course syllabus for each music history course for faculty review and approval.

7. Music Education and Music Therapy concentration interviews - Required interview with a faculty member from the specific concentration in order to assess suitability for and understanding of the field. Candidates may request interviews in more than one area so that, if not accepted to the first choice but to their second, they may still be admitted to the Cali School.

8. Theory/Composition Portfolio Review - 
All Theory/Composition candidates must present a portfolio including at least three compositions. These may be original works or arrangements, but should exhibit the use of several different instruments or voices, especially in combinations of two or more. Submission of a recording that includes at least two compositions is strongly encouraged. Theorists should submit a portfolio of analyses of at least three works by three composers from different periods.

Musical Theater Audition Guidelines

—Submit an application to Montclair State University - Office of Admissions and be an incoming freshman or sophomore.
—Make an Audition Appointment through the Department of Theater and Dance by contacting Kim Whittan at (973) 655-7201. Since admission to these programs is highly competitive, all students are urged to complete admission applications and schedule appointments for the earliest possible dates. (Intended freshman should do so no later than March.)

—Three weeks prior to your audition time we should already have received the following information in order to make sure your file is complete:

—Attend an audition (see dates above) Students applying for Musical Theater will be asked to prepare and participate in the following:

Acting/Vocal Audition
1. Two contrasting songs, a ballad and up tempo from the classic American Musical Theater repertoire, e.g. Rodgers and Hammerstein, Kern, Porter, Gershwin etc, each no longer than 32 bars which show us your vocal best. It would not be out of the ordinary to start in the middle of a song if you so choose. Please bring sheet music in the appropriate key. An accompanist will be provided. Pre-recorded music is not allowed.

2. Two monologues chosen from any time period but one must be from a realistic contemporary play. Each should be no longer than 90 seconds and should offer as much contrast as possible. Choose roles in which you would be cast at this point in your career and which show you off to your best advantage. Monologues must be memorized.

Theory Placement Test
You will be given a Music Theory test prior to or immediately following your acting/vocal audition. This test is strictly for placement purposes and will have no bearing on your acceptance into the program. This placement test is designed as an indication to your music training and theory/sight reading skills.

Dance Placement Audition
Your dance placement class will last for one hour and will incorporate ballet and jazz technique. Please bring appropriate dance attire which will allow freedom of movement and ballet or jazz shoes. If this is not available, loose fitting attire and sneakers would be acceptable. Jeans and hard sole shoes are not. If you would like to demonstrate your tap skills, the appropriate shoes would also be required.

For questions concerning audition dates, times, or application status please contact us by calling Kim Whittam at (973) 655-7201 or email Clay James, Coordinator of Musical Theater, at jamesbr@mail.montclair.edu.

Jazz Studies Concentration Audition Requirements

General Audition Requirements

2010 – 2011 Audition Requirements for B.Mus. in Jazz Studies (MUJZ), for Freshman or Transfer students planning to enter in Fall 2010.

• All auditions must be submitted via CD or DVD format. Auditions do not need to be professionally recorded or produced, but it should be indicated if that is the case. Please enclose a listing of all musicians involved in the recording (including yourself!), or note that you are performing with an Aebersold or similar play-along. All CD tracks or DVD chapters should be clearly identified so that we may easily move from selection to selection. No audition materials will be returned.
   
• All applicants MUST submit: 1) Cali School of Music Application; 2) MSU Application; and 3) a DVD or CD postmarked on or before the date (to be announced). There can be no exceptions, and any materials received from applicants who have not completed all application documents will be discarded. You are welcome to submit your CD or DVD at any time prior to this, but results may not be available immediately. 
  
  Please send your DVD or CD to:
  Dr. Jeffrey Kunkel
  Coordinator of Jazz Studies
  Cali School of Music
  Montclair State University
  Montclair, NJ 07043
   
• Possible outcomes of the audition are as follows:
  • You are accepted as a Jazz Studies major. Placement tests in music theory and piano will occur for you at the beginning of the relevant semester.
  • You are not accepted as a Jazz Studies Major. You may apply again to enter.
  • You may be invited or required to perform an audition in person.
     
• If you have any questions, please e-mail Dr. Kunkel, at kunkelj@mail.montclair.edu.

Requirements for Jazz Guitar:

• Perform three contrasting jazz standards (for example, a medium blues, a Latin or Bossa or ECM style tune, and a medium-up or up tempo tune) in the following format.
  • You play the melody.
  • You solo for one two choruses.
  • You comp while another player solos (or comp at a louder volume than the play-along CD).
  • You play the head.
• Perform a solo version (chorded melody) of a ballad (either an arrangement or an original is acceptable).

Requirements for Jazz Saxophone, Trumpet, Trombone, Piano, Bass, or Voice:

All tunes may be recorded utilizing an Aebersold (or similar) play-along recording, or with other musicians.

• Perform a medium tempo blues in F or B-flat: head and three choruses. Bass players please note: After the melody, walk for two choruses before your solo, which may be only two choruses. Piano players please note: After the melody, comp for two choruses prior to your solo.
• Perform a ballad. Melody should be freely interpreted, along with one chorus of improvisation. Piano players please note: your ballad should be played without accompaniment.
• Perform a medium or up-tempo standard or jazz standard (may be swing or even eighth). Melody should be fairly close to the lead sheet (exact if selecting an up-tempo jazz tune), along with 2-3 choruses of improvisation. Bass players: after the melody, walk or play the appropriate groove (bossa, Latin, etc) for two choruses prior to your solo

*Vocalists please note: Scat singing is optional, not required. All melodies, including the blues, should be freely interpreted. If your blues head or up-tempo tune does not have lyrics, either compose something (vocalese) or use scat syllables to sing the head.

Jazz Drum Set Requirements:

• Perform the following snare drum rudiments (state what each one is before playing it):
  • Single, double and triple paradiddles
  • Five, seven, and none stroke rolls
  • Flam tap, flam accent
  • Single and double ratamacues
  • Press roll – soft (pp) to loud (ff), and back down to soft
• Demonstrate three contrasting styles or grooves (for example, you might choose from swing, funk, bossa, songo, 6/8 Latin, ECM even eighth, etc) using three separate selections. If you are sending in a recording featuring only yourself, please be sure to play time for 2 choruses of each selection. If you are utilizing a full group, standard jazz performance practice is acceptable, but any solos, including your own, should be limited to one chorus.
• Ted Reed Syncopation book, page 32: Play a jazz (swing) ride pattern in the right hand, hi hat on two and four, while demonstrating various coordination skills between the left hand and right foot.

PRIMARY INSTRUMENT AUDITION REQUIREMENTS

Brass
Percussion
Keyboard
Strings-Guitar-Harp
Voice
Woodwinds
 

Brass:

Trumpet

To Jazz Studies audition requirements

Music Education, Music Therapy, Theory/Composition concentrations:
- Chromatic and all major scales
- Two contrasting pieces from the standard solo repertoire (one may be an etude such as a characteristic study by Arban)
- Sight-reading

Performance concentration (in addition to above):
- Haydn or Hummel concerto
- Orchestral excerpts
 

French Horn

Music Education, Music Therapy, Theory/Composition concentrations:
- Chromatic and all major scales
- Two contrasting pieces from the standard solo repertoire, 10 minutes of music (one may be an etude)
- Sight-reading

Performance concentration (in addition to above):
- All minor scales
- Two contrasting etudes demonstrating technique and sound development
- One complete major work (concerto, sonata, or suite)

Trombone//Euphonium/Baritone Horn/Tuba

To Jazz Studies audition requirements

Music Education, Music Therapy, Theory/Composition concentrations:
- Chromatic and all major scales
- Two contrasting pieces from the standard solo repertoire, 10 minutes of music (one may be an etude)
- Sight-reading

Performance concentration (in addition to above):
- All minor scales
- One complete major work (concerto, sonata, or suite)

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Percussion

To Jazz Studies audition requirements

Music Education, Music Therapy, Theory/Composition concentrations:
- Timpani: Tuning, execution of single-stroke roll
- Snare drum: Selected technical rudiments (closed rolls, flams, and rhythms)
- Mallet instruments: All major and minor scales, I-IV-V arpeggios and a solo piece of the candidate's choice.

Performance concentration (in addition to above):
- Two prepared solo pieces from the standard repertoire, at least 10 minutes of music, on an instrument of the candidate's choice.

All auditionees are required to perform an etude demonstrating highest personal level of proficiency in each of the three areas of study: Snare Drum, Timpani, and Mallet Percussion (marimba, xylophone or vibraphone).

Some suggestions include:
Snare Drum - Anthony Cirone Portraits in Rhythm, Jacques Delecluse 12 Etudes or Keiskleiriana 1 or 2

Timpani - Saul Goodman Method Book Etudes, Jacques Delecluse 20 Etudes, Elliot Carter 8 Pieces for Timpani

Mallet Percussion - Morris Goldenberg Modern Method for Xylophone Etudes, J. S. Bach Sonatas and Partitas for Violin or Cello Suites, G. F. Handel Sonatas

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Keyboard:

To Jazz Studies audition requirements

Undergraduate - Music Education, Music Therapy, Theory/Composition:
Candidates must prepare three pieces, one each from Lists A, B, C, or D. One piece must be memorized. Candidates will also be expected to sight-read at the audition.

Undergraduate - Performance:
Candidates must prepare four pieces, one each from Lists A, B, C, and D. At least two pieces must be memorized. Candidates will also be expected to sight-read at the audition.

Organ

It is preferable that auditions take place in person. Please contact the Cali School to schedule your audition as well as pre-audition practice time. Questions pertaining to organ study may be addressed to the organ faculty. Memorization is optional.

Music Education, Music Therapy, Theory/Composition concentrations:
- A major work (prelude and fugue or equivalent) by J.S. Bach or one of his contemporaries.
- A work from the Romantic literature OR a work from the 20th century
- Sight-reading

Performance concentration:
- A major work (prelude and fugue or equivalent) by J.S. Bach or one of his contemporaries.
- A work from the Romantic literature*
- A work from the 20th century*
- Sight-reading

* Either the Romantic or 20th-century work should be of large scale.
 

Harpsichord

Music Education, Music Therapy, Theory/Composition:
- Candidates must prepare three pieces, one each from Lists A, B, C, or D. One piece must be memorized. Candidates will also be expected to sight-read or realize a figured bass at the audition.

Performance concentration:
- Candidates must prepare four pieces, one each from Lists A, B, C, and D. One piece must be memorized. Candidates will also be expected to sight-read or realize a figured bass at the audition.

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Violin

Music Education, Music Therapy, Theory/Composition concentrations:
- All major and minor scales, two or three octaves
- Two contrasting works from the standard repertoire, at least one memorized
- An etude by Dont or Fiorello
- Sight-reading

Performance concentration:
- All major and minor scales, two or three octaves
- A concerto from the standard repertoire; first movement with cadenza, memorized
- Two contrasting movements from a sonata or suite (preferably Bach)
- An etude (Dont, Fiorello, Kreutzer)
- Sight-reading
 

Viola

Music Education, Music Therapy, Theory/Composition concentrations:
- All major and minor scales, two or three octaves
- Two contrasting works form the standard repertoire
- A standard etude (Kayser, Mazas, Kreutzer, Bruni, or Fuchs)
- Sight-reading

Performance concentration (in addition to above):
- Two contrasting movements from a Bach sonata, partita, or suite
- A major work from the repertoire

Cello

For incoming freshmen:
- All major and minor scales, two or three octaves
- Two contrasting movements from an Italian Baroque sonata

For incoming sophomores (in addition to above):
- An etude by Duport, Popper, or a caprice by Piatti
- Two contrasting movements of a Bach suite

For incoming juniors and seniors (in addition to above):
- First movement of a Classical or Romantic cello concerto

Double Bass

To Jazz Studies audition requirements

- One or two major or minor scales
- An etude at the candidate's level of technical proficiency
- One or two movements of a sonata, concerto, or other solo work(s) demonstrating the candidate's musical ability and achievement on the instrument.

Guitar - Classical

Music Education, Music Therapy, Theory/Composition concentrations:
- Major and minor scales and arpeggios: lessons, exercises, & etudes by Segovia, Sagreras, Carlevaro, Aguado, Pujol, and others
- Sight-reading (1st, 2nd, 5th, or 7th position)
- Fingerboard harmony general knowledge of chords, scales, and arpeggios
- Perform three pieces in contrasting styles, two from memory (see Suggested Audition Materials)

Performance concentration (in addition to above):
- Perform a fourth piece from the Suggested Audition Materials (20­30 minutes of music, total)

Suggested Audition Materials
- Etudes: Sor, Aguado, Brower, Carulli, Carcassi, Tarrega, Sagreras, Villa Lobos, and others
- Concert repertoire: Longer compositions from a reliable Renaissance or Baroque transcription and/or a work originally written for guitar from the 19th or 20th century.
 

Guitar- Jazz

To Jazz Studies audition requirements
 

Harp

Music Education, Music Therapy, Theory/Composition concentrations:
- An etude of the candidates choice (Rolscha, Pizoli, Salzedo)
- Two pieces from the concert repertoire in contrasting style (e.g. Naderman or Krumpholtz: Sonatas; Grandjany: Two French Folksongs; Pratt: Little Fountain)
- Sight-reading

Performance concentration (in addition to above):
- One additional piece from the concert repertoire, 20 minutes of music, total, from memory
 

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Voice:

To Jazz Studies audition requirements

Music Education, Music Therapy, Theory/Composition concentrations:

Three memorized songs chosen from the solo voice literature including:
- One song in a language other than English
- One song in English
- One additional song of the candidate's choice (may be from a musical comedy)
- Sight-reading

Performance concentration:
- One memorized song or aria from 16th­18th century (Caccini, Caldara, Handel, etc.)
- One memorized 19th-century German or French art song
- One memorized 20th-century American or English song
- One additional memorized song or aria selected by the candidate
- Sight-reading

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Woodwinds:

To Jazz Studies audition requirements

Flute

Music Education, Music Therapy, Theory/Composition concentrations:
- All scales
- A standard French piece, such as Fauré: Fantasy, a Mozart concerto, Bach sonata, or Hindemith sonata

Performance concentration (in addition to above):
- A work by Bach or a Mozart concerto
- Any French work; e.g. Fauré, Enesco, Poulenc, Chaminade
 

Oboe, Clarinet, Bassoon, Saxophone

Music Education, Music Therapy, Theory/Composition concentrations:
- Chromatic and all major scales, full range of the instrument.
- Two prepared solo pieces in contrasting styles, 10 minutes of music
- Sight-reading

Performance concentration (in addition to above):
- All minor scales
- One complete major work (concerto, sonata, or suite)
- A contrasting selection of the candidates choice (may be an etude)

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