Level expected at University

[geo_van_deaq]

I'm not sure what standard is expected at these schools (UK). I'm looking at places like York Uni and Leeds (not the college of music, I've told to avoid it by a few teachers). Apparently you need grade 8 distinction to be considered in some which is already a problem for me since I never really focused on them so only got to grade 5 officially and the applications are to be sent off in October.

Currently I'm learning:

the 1st movement of Mozart's K331

Debussy - Dancers of Delphi (nearly finished that), Girl With Flaxen Hair (nearly completed)

Chopin - Nocturne op 9 no 2 (I know it's overplayed to consider for an audition but my Dad asked if I could learn it for him) I'm also interested in learning op 9 no 1 and maybe no 3 but I think I'll leave that till next year when I've improved abit.

That's just a short list to give you an idea of my level, of course I'm finding them slightly challenging but I'm getting by comfortably.

I know I need something more advanced to be considered even if it isn't for a performance course and my current repertoire is miniscule and not advanced due to me not taking it seriously for 4 of 5 years of playing.

I'm thinking that Beethoven sonata or a Clementi one may be a good idea but I don't know the levels of them.

I suppose I may have to accept that I may not be ready to join a university music course (a decent one) this year but I'm definitely going to try my hardest to get something ready for the auditions which are probably going to be in nov - dec.

Any suggestions of pieces (particularly the Beethoven or Clementi) or advice will be greatly appreciated.

Thanks.

[mlsmithz]

There are almost certainly other people on these boards with a greater understanding of the UK system, but I remember hearing once that success in A-level Music requires Grade 8 in your instrument of choice and at least Grade 5 in Theory.  If you haven't taken the ABRSM theory exams, I took Grade 5 and passed with distinction when I was quite young, so that alone should tell you they're not very difficult.  As for audition pieces.... well, I suppose ideally you'd want to aim for pieces that are ABRSM Grade 8 standard or higher.  This typically includes most Beethoven sonatas except the ones excluded at most auditions in the United States: the two Op.14 sonatas (except possibly the finale of Op.14 No.2), the two Op.49 sonatas (they're really sonatinas, not sonatas), and Op.79. (In other words, the only one of Beethoven's four sonatas in G major considered Grade 8 or higher is Op.31 No.1!)

Let's think.... I know the first movement of Op.10 No.3 in D major showed up on the ABRSM Grade 8 syllabus a few years ago, and if you work hard you could learn the entire sonata in about three months (though this may come at the expense of other pieces in your repertoire).  The third movement of Op.31 No.3 showed up on a Grade 6 syllabus about fifteen years ago (when I was pondering taking Grade 6), but I'd say the other three movements are Grade 8 standard at least, and, again, if you work a bit you can learn this one in about three months.  If you're only going to perform a single movement of a Beethoven sonata (not sure if this is what they'd prefer - of course, the ABRSM syllabi only feature single sonata movements), then the first movements of those two would probably fit the criteria of many auditions.

But, again, I think I should defer to someone more familiar with the UK system, or with the sonatas of Clementi (I only ever studied the sonatinas and they're inappropriate for this sort of audition).

[geo_van_deaq]

Thanks for the reply. I suppose I'll look at op. 10 no. 3. I've also been looking at beethoven's 4th sonata, maybe I'm being too ambitious, but I think I might be able to manage the 1st movement at least in 3 months, but I'll give it abit more thought and another listen.

Any other suggestions?

[pooguy77]

If Op. 10 No. 3 is too hard, try Op. 10, No. 2. It is not as difficult, but if played well, it can be a very effective piece. I'm not so sure what the level is, but if you perform it well, you should be in good shape with this sonata. Try learning the 3rd mvt. first, it's the hardest out of the three in my opinion.

[thierry13]

If Op. 10 No. 3 is too hard, try Op. 10, No. 2. It is not as difficult, but if played well, it can be a very effective piece.

I think like you, but many consider op.10 no.2 as one of the hardest etudes... and I find it damn easy compared to many other etudes. But for many people it's a pregnant dog... so i wouldn't really recommend it.

[BoliverAllmon]

I think like you, but many consider op.10 no.2 as one of the hardest etudes... and I find it *** easy compared to many other etudes. But for many people it's a pregnant dog... so i wouldn't really recommend it.

they are talking Beethoven not Chopin.

[etudes]

they are talking Beethoven not Chopin.

ditto!
Beethoven sonatas

[Jacey1973]

I just graduated from a University music course in the UK and as far as i know i think they expected you to be grade 8 in your principal instrument - i don't think you need the distinction bit.

With my course i found there wasn't a huge amount of focus on performing anyway so i really wouldnt worry too much. I personally chose to specialise in performance after my 1st year but you don't have to which is the beauty of an academic degree. There is tons of other areas to choose from - music history, composing/orchestration, musical analysis, music technology (recording side of music etc) as well as perfoming and performance practise.

In my final year only a few of use chose to take the recital module however many other students achieved just as much with non performance subejects. In fact with my course you can choose to drop performing completely from the 2nd year onwards.

[grazioso]

Best thing to do is just look at the prospectuses form each place. They are all different.
Remember that universities dont put as much emphasis on the performing side and are more concerned with the analytical side of music.
It is a different emphasis to the music colleges and therefore the standard for performing needed is much higher. Work consistently and then choose a piece you know you can play well and your standard will be fine for unis.

[happyface94]

I'm uni level in music, first year, however in Canada we have 1 more year of college so this is the equivalent of your 2nd year of undergrad studies.

This is what I play :

Bach Prelude and Fugue 853?
Liszt Un Sospiro
Brahms Rhapsody B minor
Granados Goyesca no.4
Schubert Sonata no.13
Rach 1 1rst mouvement.

Last year I played :

Bach Prelude and Fugue
Scriabin study op8. no.12
Brahms Klavierstucke op.119 (no.1 and 4)
Liszt Année de Pelerinage 1, Cloches de Geneves (as a piece imposed by the government)
Korngold Marshenbielder (no.1)
Mozart Concerto no.23 1rst mov.

[stevie]

they are talking Beethoven not Chopin.

ahahahhahahahaha, i found this hilarious

[BoliverAllmon]

why

[stevie]

because i was thinking exactly the same thing, and saying that chopin's etude op10/3 is easier than op10no2 is hilarious in itself.

plus ive often seen them talked about on forums, and on radio etc.. and always thought they were discussing the chopin etudes...i keep forgetting there are beethoven sonatas with the same opuses, this clears up LAOT of confusion.

its just a bit hilarius, dontchathink bolly?

[geo_van_deaq]

Thanks for all the replies. I am aware of the different type of courses at the Universities I'm looking at (mainly York and Leeds). Leeds offers both a Music studies course and a performance one and I'll try for both. York only offers a music studies course and according to my teachers  is one of the top one to look at in Yorkshire. All the schools I'm looking at request an audition (assuming they've approved your application) for all types of courses so I'm gonna need to push myself above my current level to make an impression. All also give a sightreading test which may destroy me so I'm working through that Lorina Havill 'You Can Sight Read' book.

Does anyone have any suggestions for Clementi Sonatas?

Thanks