Undergraduate Repertoire Requirements

• All major scales – one/two octaves, ascending & descending
  • Live Auditions – applicants may or may not be asked to play any combination of scales chosen by faculty
  • Video Auditions – applicants should record three (3) scales: one major, one minor, one chromatic
• A solo work or movement of a multi-movement work
• A contrasting work, movement of a multi-movement work, or etude
• Possible sight reading for live auditions

• All major scales – one/two octaves, ascending & descending
  • Live Auditions – applicants may or may not be asked to play any combination of scales chosen by faculty
  • Video Auditions – applicants should record three (3) scales: one major, one minor, one chromatic
• A solo work or movement of a multi-movement work
• A contrasting work, movement of a multi-movement work, or etude
• An additional solo work, movement, etude or excerpts from the standard orchestra or wind band repertoire.
• Possible sight reading for live auditions

• Scales: C and G Major, D melodic minor (Segovia fingerings or equivalent) 

• Two contrasting pieces from the classical guitar repertoire (renaissance, baroque, classical, romantic, modern) Memorization preferred
• Sight-reading
• OPTIONAL- Perform/present any other musical achievements that illustrate the value you can provide to your chosen music profession
  (e.g., a fingerstyle song, an original song with or without vocals, videos, recordings, etc.)

1. Scales: C, G, E Major; D and A melodic minor (Segovia fingerings or equivalent) 
2. Three contrasting pieces from the classical guitar repertoire. Selections should contain a Bach piece or excerpt and one 20th century piece.  Memorization preferred
   (e.g., works by Milan, Dowland,  Aguado, Carcassi, Carulli, Giuliani, Sor, Tarrega, Brouwer,  Ponce, Tisserand, Villa-Lobos, York)  
3. Sight-reading

Music Education, Music Therapy, Theory/Composition

Candidates must prepare three (3) pieces total, chosen from list A, B, C, or D below. You may only choose one piece from each list, meaning you cannot choose two pieces from the same list. One of your three pieces must be memorized.

Performance

Candidates must prepare four (4) pieces, one each from Lists A, B, C, and D. At least two pieces must be memorized.

Piano Repertoire List

• LIST A: J.S. Bach, Rameau, Scarlatti, Soler or another Baroque composer
• LIST B: Beethoven, Haydn, Mozart or another Classical composer
• LIST C: Brahms, Chopin, Liszt, Mendelssohn, Rachmaninoff, Schubert, Schumann or another Romantic composer
• LIST D: Bartók, Copland, Debussy, Fauré, Granados, Kabalevsky, Poulenc, Prokofiev, Ravel, Scriabin, Stravinsky, Tcherepnin, Villa Lobos or another composer born since 1874
   

All applicants to the organ program should prepare three pieces of repertoire from the major periods of organ composition

• One Baroque piece, ideally a major work by J.S. Bach or one of his contemporaries (ie. Prelude & Fugue)
• Two pieces by Romantic or Contemporary composers, one of which being lyrical and the other virtuosic.
• Additionally, the applicant should prepare a hymn as if one were playing for an assembly. The hymn should include all stanzas preceded by an introduction.

A short diagnostic keyboard skills exam will also be conducted.

Any questions may be directed to Prof. John Miller at this email address: millerjoh@montclair.edu.

Music Education, Music Therapy, Theory/Composition concentrations

Candidates must prepare three (3) pieces, one each from Lists A, B, C, or D. One piece must be memorized.

Performance concentration

Candidates must prepare four (4) pieces, one each from Lists A, B, C, and D. One piece must be memorized.

Harpsichord Repertoire List

• LIST A Couperin, F.; Couperin, L.; Rameau; Rebel; or another French composer
• LIST B Froberger; Bach, J.S.; Bach, C.P.E.; Sweelinck; or another German or Flemish composer
• LIST C Scarlatti; Pasquini; Soler; Coelho; or another Italian or Iberian composer
• LIST D Gibbons; Byrd; Bach, J.C.; Blow; or another English composer

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

Some audition repertoire 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

Contact Eric Borghi at borghie@montclair.edu if you have any questions.

Two contrasting solo pieces from the standard repertoire, in each of the three areas of study: snare drum, timpani and mallet percussion.

Some audition repertoire 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

Contact Eric Borghi at borghie@montclair.edu if you have any questions.

• Prepare one (1) major and one (1) minor scale with corresponding arpeggios, two – three octaves (three octave preferred, but not required)
• Two contrasting works from the standard violin repertoire (one memorized preferred, but not required)
• A technical etude of your choice (examples: Kayser, Fiorillo, Dont, Gavines, Paganini, or suitable equivalents)

• Two (2) contrasting works from the standard viola repertoire that best displays the applicant’s current musical and technical abilities
• One (1) technical study or etude ( examples: Kayser, Mazas, or a suitable equivalent)

• Two (2) contrasting works from the standard cello repertoire that best displays the applicant’s current musical and technical abilities
• One (1) technical study or etude (examples: Dotzauer, Popper, Schroeder, or a suitable equivalent)

• One (1) scale of the applicants choice and corresponding arpeggio – major or minor, two or three octaves
• One (1) Technical Study (Etude)
• Two (2) contrasting pieces (for example: a concerto, sonata, or a single movement work)

• All major scales – one/two octaves, ascending & descending
  • Live Auditions – applicants may or may not be asked to play any combination of scales from faculty choice
  • Video Auditions – applicants should record three (3) scales: one major, one minor, one chromatic
• A solo work or movement of a multi-movement work
• A contrasting work, movement of a multi-movement work, or etude
• Possible sight reading for live auditions

• All major scales – one/two octaves, ascending & descending
  • Live Auditions – applicants may or may not be asked to play any combination of scales from faculty choice
  • Video Auditions – applicants should record three (3) scales: one major, one minor, one chromatic
• A solo work or movement of a multi-movement work
• A contrasting work, movement of a multi-movement work, or etude
• An additional solo work, movement, etude or excerpts from the standard orchestra or wind band repertoire.
• Possible sight reading for live auditions

Three (3) pieces chosen from the solo voice literature including:

• One art song in English
• One art song in a foreign language
• One additional song or aria of the candidate’s choice. May be from any genre or style of music that shows the candidate’s strengths

Four (4) pieces chosen from the solo voice literature including:

• One art song or aria from the 16th-18th century
• One 19th c. German or French art song
• One 20th c. art song in English
• One additional art song or aria of the candidate’s choice. May be in any language, style, or genre that shows the candidate’s strengths

Scales – one octave ascending & descending on solfege, numbers, letters, or a vowel of your choice. Please sing evenly.

• One (1) major scale in any key
• One (1) harmonic minor scale in any key

Repertoire – Scat singing (vocal improvisation) is encouraged but not required. All melodies should be sung with your own interpretation, but using the correct pitches.

• One (1) song from the Great American Songbook (Rodgers & Hart, Gershwin, Cole Porter, Irving Berlin, etc.) Sung in a swing feel, at a medium or medium-up tempo. Please sing three choruses with improvisation or an embellished melody on the second chorus. 
• One (1) jazz ballad
• One (1) of the following:
  1. A blues song in a jazz/swing feel, performed at medium tempo. Please include 2-3 choruses of improvisation or embellished melody.
  2. A song with a straight-eighth feel – Latin, Samba, or Bossa Nova. Please improvise or sing an embellished version of the melody on the second chorus.
  3. A song that exhibits your unique musical personality (such as a contrasting genre or an original composition)

Scales – please play for the full range of the instrument. Please play evenly.

• C Major (up to high F and down to low B)
• Eb Major (up to high F and down to low Bb)
• Gb Major (up to high F and down to low Bb)

Repertoire

• Billie’s Bounce by Charlie Parker OR Straight No Chaser by Thelonious Monk: played at a medium tempo with 4-5 improvised choruses
• One (1) jazz ballad with an improvised chorus
• One (1) of the following:
  1. An up-tempo song (quarter note = 250bpm or faster) – minimum of 2 improvised choruses
  2. A song with straight-eighth feel (Latin, Bossa Nova, ECM) – minimum of 1 improvised chorus
  3. A song that exhibits your unique musical personality (such as a contrasting genre or an original composition)

Scales – two octaves. Please play evenly

• E Major
• B Harmonic Minor

Repertoire

• Billie’s Bounce by Charlie Parker OR Straight No Chaser by Thelonious Monk: played at a medium tempo with 4-5 improvised choruses
• One (1) jazz ballad with an improvised chorus
• One (1) of the following:
  1. An up-tempo song (quarter note = 250bpm or faster) – minimum of 2 improvised choruses
  2. A song with straight-eighth feel (Latin, Bossa Nova, ECM) – minimum of 1 improvised chorus
  3. A song that exhibits your unique musical personality (such as a contrasting genre or an original composition)

Scales – two octaves. Please play evenly

• F Major
• Bb Major

Repertoire

• Billie’s Bounce by Charlie Parker OR Straight No Chaser by Thelonious Monk: played at a medium tempo with 4-5 improvised choruses
• One (1) jazz ballad with an improvised chorus
• One (1) of the following:
  1. An up-tempo song (quarter note = 250bpm or faster) – minimum of 2 improvised choruses
  2. A song with straight-eighth feel (Latin, Bossa Nova, ECM) – minimum of 1 improvised chorus
  3. A song that exhibits your unique musical personality (such as a contrasting genre or an original composition)

Scales – two octaves. Please play evenly

• G Mixolydian
• C Dorian
• F Melodic Minor

Repertoire – may record with a track or a live rhythm section. If using a track, be sure to mute the existing guitar.

• Billie’s Bounce by Charlie Parker OR Straight No Chaser by Thelonious Monk: played at a medium tempo, 2 choruses of comping followed by 4 choruses of improvisation
• One (1) solo version of a jazz ballad (chorded melody)
• One (1) of the following:
  1. An up-tempo song (quarter note = 250bpm or faster) – minimum of 1 improvised choruses
  2. A song with straight-eighth feel (Latin, Bossa Nova, ECM) – minimum of 1 improvised chorus
  3. A song that exhibits your unique musical personality (such as a contrasting genre or an original composition)

Scales – two octaves. Please play evenly

• G Major
• Ab Major

Repertoire – may record with a track or a live rhythm section. If using a track, be sure to mute the existing bass.

• Billie’s Bounce by Charlie Parker OR Straight No Chaser by Thelonious Monk: played at a medium tempo – 1 chorus of melody, 2 choruses of walking bass lines, 2 choruses of improvisation
• One (1) jazz ballad – improvised chorus
• One (1) of the following:
  1. An up-tempo song (quarter note = 250bpm or faster) – minimum of 1 improvised choruses
  2. A song with straight-eighth feel (Latin, Bossa Nova, ECM) – minimum of 1 improvised chorus
  3. A song that exhibits your unique musical personality (such as a contrasting genre or an original composition)

Acoustic Bass applicants only – an additional short classical etude that demonstrates your ability to play pizzicato & arco

If you are submitting videos, please position the camera to show the piano keys and yourself.

Scales – two octaves, hands together. No mistakes, at a fast tempo

• B Major
• G Harmonic Minor
• Ab Melodic Minor

Repertoire – may record with a track or a live rhythm section. If using a track, be sure to mute the existing piano.

• Billie’s Bounce by Charlie Parker OR Straight No Chaser by Thelonious Monk: played at a medium tempo, 2 choruses of comping followed by 4 choruses of improvisation
• One (1) jazz ballad with an improvised chorus – please play unaccompanied for a portion of the performance
• One (1) of the following:
  1. An up-tempo song (quarter note = 250bpm or faster) – minimum of 2 improvised choruses
  2. A song with straight-eighth feel (Latin, Bossa Nova, ECM) – minimum of 1 improvised chorus
  3. A song that exhibits your unique musical personality (such as a contrasting genre or an original composition)

Scales – two octaves, hands together. No mistakes, at a fast tempo

• B Major
• G Harmonic Minor
• Ab Melodic Minor

Repertoire – may record with a track or a live rhythm section. If using a track, be sure to mute the existing piano.

• Billie’s Bounce by Charlie Parker OR Straight No Chaser by Thelonious Monk: played at a medium tempo, 2 choruses of comping followed by 4 choruses of improvisation
• One (1) jazz ballad with an improvised chorus – please play unaccompanied for a portion of the performance
• One (1) of the following:
  1. An up-tempo song (quarter note = 250bpm or faster) – minimum of 2 improvised choruses
  2. A song with straight-eighth feel (Latin, Bossa Nova, ECM) – minimum of 1 improvised chorus
  3. A song that exhibits your unique musical personality (such as a contrasting genre or an original composition

Repertoire – may record with a track or a live rhythm section & soloist. If using a track, please be sure to mute the existing drum set.

• Billie’s Bounce by Charlie Parker OR Straight No Chaser by Thelonious Monk: played at a medium tempo. Please include:
  • 1 chorus of the melody on either sticks or brushes
  • 2 choruses of playing time and comping behind a soloist
  • 2 choruses of an improvised drum solo
• One (1) up-tempo song (quarter note = 250bpm or faster). Please include:
  • 2 choruses of playing time and comping behind a soloist
  • 2 choruses of trading eighths
• One (1) of the following:
  • a jazz ballad demonstrating the ability to play with brushes
  • a song with a straight-eighth feel (Latin, Bossa Nova, ECM)
  • A song that exhibits your unique musical personality (such as a contrasting genre or an original composition)