Conservatory Audition repertoire

[pianoman98]

Hi everyone,

In 2 years I will be auditioning to conservatories such as NEC, Oberlin, etc (I'll try for Juilliard but I won't have high hopes). My teacher and I have started thinking about rep:

1. Bach prelude and fugue (I don't have any idea for this yet, suggestions?)
2. Complete classical sonata: Beethoven op 31/1 in G major
3. Chopin Étude: op 25/11 (have not talked with teacher about this piece yet, other suggestions?)
4. Other composers étude: Debussy octaves étude
5. Big Romantic piece: Liszt Vallee d'obermann (have not talked about with teacher yet, other possibilities include chopin ballade 3, which is learned, chopin ballade 1, or schumann abegg variations)
6. Prokofiev sonata 3

What is everyone's opinion on this program? The undecided categories are bach, big romantic, and chopin étude. I really like Vallee and winterwind, but am not sure what my teacher will say. Any other suggestions for pieces?

[pianoman1349]

Chopin Etude: Op 10 #4 is really effective for auditions and competitions.

Bach:  I personally use the C# major, BK 1 prelude and fugue as my go-to/no fuss prelude and fugue ... it's a very pleasant, no frills bach work.

Romantic: Pick something you actually like playing.  Generally, I like Liszt more than Chopin as it's less contraversial (relatively) ... although I auditioned with the Chopin Ballade no 4

[pianoman98]

Thanks for the suggestions! I will definitely think about the C sharp major (not familiar with it). How was your audition? Could you share a little of the application process experience and audition day experience? Also, how much do you think the awards and performance list and the past repertoire list on the application form matter? Those will definitely be my weakest point as I did not take piano seriously until during freshmen year (something I regret). Thanks!

[nanabush]

I had a similar experience - I didn't really take a serious liking to piano until I was about 14-15 and was starting Grade 9 piano.  I enjoyed lessons, but something clicked then and I was like "NEED MORE MUSIC TO PLAY!!!!".

The only 'awards' I ever got were 1st prize in sight reading (I am just randomly good at sight reading) and that was all.  I was constantly outplayed by people 4 years younger than me haha.

But anyways, I finished my ARCT a few years later (this is in Canada) and auditioned and got into my University.  I luckily had some leeway and had a couple pieces to pick from for each 'list' required for the audition.

Most sane professors want to see the 'artist' in you, not how hard of music you chose.  I just picked pieces that I loved playing, and loved playing for people, and happened to fit in the criteria for the audition.  I did play the Chopin Op 10 #4 for one of my juries in University, and I have to agree - It's fun as hell when you wrap your fingers around it.

Find music that you just want to sink your teeth into and do justice to it.  I'd avoid gravitating towards pieces just because they seem difficult and flashy.  Competitions are for showing off, and treating an audition like a competition will stress you out to no end.  (Unless you are auditioning for Julliard, which is brutally competitive and the thought of auditioning there scares me).

[bechsteina160]

If you decide to do the Chopin Op. 10 No. 4, then why not change the Debussy etude for something else. Have you ever played Rachmaninov Etude Tableau Op. 33 No. 7? It is really beautiful and can leave a strong impression IMHO.