Grad School Auditions.....?

[darkstar87]

Hey everyone, I've noticed several threads on audition repertoire, programming advice etc. which are very interesting to me. I will be auditioning for masters programs in the next year or so and am having a tough time figuring out what repertoire is appropriate. For most schools the requirements are basically the same as for bachelors auditions, but I'm assuming expectations are much higher. I'm wondering if even a Chopin ballade or scherzo would be enough to make an impression on the faculty. Would it be better to have a larger scale works such as Schumann fantasy, or symphonic studies, or pictures at an exhibition, brahms handel variations etc... things in that league of difficulty? I was hoping maybe some of you who may be professors or grad students might be able to give me an idea of the expectations for a masters audition.... thanks!

[quantum]

A higher level of difficulty would be expected, but that doesn't mean you need to play difficult music.  Much more important is your ability to express the music.  It would be much better to play a Chopin Ballade with insight and thoughtfulness than try technically impress by just getting by the notes of an uninspired interpretation of the Brahms Paganini Variations. 

[tsaij]

agreed with above -- obviously a certain level of technical proficiency is expected, but more important than that is a demonstration of musical maturity above what would be expected of incoming undergraduates.

that said, they do generally want to hear 'significant' works in audition. i'd prepare at least one or two hefty, really challenging pieces, things that will play to your strengths. but remember, a lot of things are too long to even hear excerpts in a fifteen or twenty minute audition. a lot of places will require a 'significant' work from the romantic repertoire, some places are more or less specific than others. but probably chopin, liszt, or schumann. playing ballades is dodgy business in my opinion (too overplayed), but i played the fantasy op. 49 and did just fine...

[lostinidlewonder]

For a masters you really want to go for something that demonstrates your technical prowess and complete musical understanding. You should play from each period to demonstrate this or at least play from two contrasting ones. You do not want to seem one dimensional and you should demonstrate that you can play/express each style with ease. There is a lot of Liszt that is played for masters Mephisto Waltz no 1 is a very common one his etudes also. Bach (Fantasia, Preludes and Fugues, Toccata), Haydn(Sonata) are often also chosen.

Your program would be balanced if it highlights a work which explores aspects of technique, one that deals with rhythmic use of the piano, one from the classical repertoire and then something you think would fit nice and which you think is appropriate to top it all off with.

[chris_goslow]

I will be auditioning for masters programs in the next year or so and am having a tough time figuring out what repertoire is appropriate.

Thanks for putting up your thread.  It's really interesting to read what other pianists are up to.  I am a professional who got a BA in music, but I have never gone further in my formal study.  I am curious:  what are you objectives in getting a Masters degree?

Thanks a lot.

--Chris

[darkstar87]

chris,

I want to continue to improve my piano playing by studying with teachers of the highest caliber. And get opportunities to be coached in chamber music, and continue learning about other aspects of music (ie. history, musicology etc) in a formal environment. And I believe having a masters will put me in a better position to find employment... You are a professional?  What types of work do you do?

[chris_goslow]

Hi, Darkstar
(since I don't know your actual name):

I am a professional music artist and currently am performing on a regular basis, playing piano shows in the Bay Area, mainly for retirement homes and Alzheimer's Care centers.  Also a recording artist, songwriter, vocalist, and I also teach piano some.

[prongated]

For mine, I did;

Bach P&F bk. II no. 18 G# minor
Schubert Sonata D959 A major
Schumann Sonata no. 1 F# minor
Ravel Jeux d'Eau
Chopin Revolutionary Etude

Probably not Brahms Handel Variations. Pictures is almost definitely not a good idea. Schumann Symphonic Etudes and Fantasy may be. Ballades or Scherzi are OK - as mentioned already especially for the Chopin, what will impress is how you play it, not the piece itself. It will also depend on the typical level of other students that are likely to apply in the school that you choose.