Undergraduate Audition Requirements

Undergraduate Applicants to Music Composition program (contemporary classical) must submit a portfolio of original compositions to the Music Department office no later than on audition day. The portfolio will consist of 3 scores of original compositions (no arrangements please), accompanied by audio recording of the pieces submitted (Audio-MIDI renditions are acceptable, although real audio is preferred.) The compositions should display:

1.  A diversity of styles, showing an understanding of avant-garde techniques
2.  Diverse instrumentation (for instance: solo, vocal, chamber ensemble, electronics, large  ensemble)
3.  Rhythmic and metric sophistication
4.  Harmonic inventiveness, and exploration of post-tonal harmonies
5.  Motivic and melodic artistry
6.  Textural refinement
7.  Strong sense of structure and form
8.  Attention to scoring details (dynamics, tempos, articulations, tonguing, bowings)

Audition Day meeting: All composition applicants may request to be scheduled for a 20-minute meeting with the Composition faculty on audition day to discuss the composition program and provide an opportunity to ask questions.

For more information contact Eliane Aberdam.