Audition Pieces - Conservatory

[piano4567]

Hey, I'm auditioning for Guildhall, Trinity, Royal Academy and Royal College in November 2015.

I'm 19 currently and just dropped out of University, studying Music, for many personal reasons including that I've come to the realisation I desperately want to pursue piano.

The most difficult (technical as well as musically) pieces I've played to a performance standard are all of Chopin's scherzi, no 1 and 2 of Chopin's Ballades, Rachmaninov etude no 2 and 5 (op 33), Scriabin left hand prelude and nocturne, Beethoven's penultimate and last sonata, the Moonlight sonata, Rhapsody in Blue (first movement only) and quite a few of Bach's Prelude and Fugues.

I have been told playing the most 'mainstream' pieces can negatively impact my chances and I'm more than willing to play other lesser well known but equally virtuosic and beautiful pieces but have little clue where to start. So if you could recommend me some pieces to listen to that would be very much appreciated!

Things to perhaps (if you'd kindly) consider:
I find the multiple lines in Bach's preludes and fugues very hard to express and concentrate on individually.
Liszt and I have a terrible history together (I've honestly never played one piece of his well)
I'm a sucker for the Russian Romantics
I've NEVER played Minimal music outside of the odd ensembles during my time as a junior/senior in Royal Academy and Guildhall. I have practically no experience in this and would likely fail if I attempted it (which I can't consider since I've got one year before the auditions).

If it helps, I've accomplished my DipABRSM and studied at Guildhall until the age of 18. I am currently playing about 6 hours a day but am excited to up this to 8 hours if needs be, I do love a (realistic) challenge.

[piano4567]

Also, I read that they might have me do some sight reading etc. which is fine but I'm also worried about the interview process.

If they ask me why I dropped out of Uni and I reply with the truth (wasn't enjoying the course, wanted to practice more piano, depression became more manic and the manic periods lasted for longer etc) would that be inappropriate? :/ Would it make me an unreliable candidate, I guess.

[dcstudio]

they tend to look for this...

1.  that you play "musically"  and with a well-developed technique.

2.  that you have a solid understanding of-- and a foundational theory background--i.e.  that you can sight read a melody and harmonize it -- and play it in several styles--and transpose it. 

3.  that you are "teachable"...  this is a biggie.  Be confident express your commitment to learning from the "masters" ...  a little humility helps. 

as for why you dropped out...best to explain that without talking down any of the professors or the school. 

choose the pieces you play best--that you are most comfortable with.   Be bold and artistic and try to look like you are enjoying yourself when you audition.   Smile--thank them for the opportunity and be sincere.

rehearse everything--have mock auditions with your friends as judges...  this really helps a lot.

BEST OF LUCK TO YOU!!!

  YOU WILL DO GREAT

[jlskiles]

I am also preparing conservatory audition repertoire and, like you, I have the first Chopin ballade and the Rachmaninoff etude op. 33 no. 5, both of which I plan to use for the audition. I'm not familiar with the specific audition requirements for this place, but I know that most schools want to see a Chopin etude. Have you studied many of those?

[visitor]

do this. wow. wow. wow. wow.

[piano4567]

I am also preparing conservatory audition repertoire and, like you, I have the first Chopin ballade and the Rachmaninoff etude op. 33 no. 5, both of which I plan to use for the audition. I'm not familiar with the specific audition requirements for this place, but I know that most schools want to see a Chopin etude. Have you studied many of those?

I've studied quite a few of them but idk if it's okay to perform them at an audition. I'm currently playing a lot of etudes (Rachmaninov and Chopin) to build my technique though.

[olivewasabi]

Firstly, good luck and practice hard!

As for reason why you stopped the other course, simply state you had some health issues at the time that meant you could not continue at that moment. They usually aren't interested in anything further than that.

I agree entirely with everything that dcstudio mentioned too.

Musicality and technicality are biggies, but this doesn't mean that they are looking for you to play the most difficult piece in the world. If you can demonstrate your abilities BETTER in an easier piece that you're confident with, then go with that.
Also, choose a range of pieces that exhibit different techniques...they need to know you aren't a one show trick.

Oh, if you have a great handspan and can play Liszt, that's always impressive.
Consider Ravel, Gershwin, Bach, Mozart, Chopin, Debussy and Rachmaninov.

Practice as much as you can in front of people, (nursing homes often have pianos and welcome volunteers!), and video yourself playing to listen and watch back.
Good luck, I'm sure you will do super.

[jlskiles]

I've studied quite a few of them but idk if it's okay to perform them at an audition. I'm currently playing a lot of etudes (Rachmaninov and Chopin) to build my technique though.

I just looked at the audition requirements for the Royal Academy of Music, and it says,

"You should offer a free-choice programme of solo piano music (not concerto repertoire), minimum of three works (undergraduates: 20–40 minutes; postgraduates: 40–60 minutes). The programme can include movements of works and should show a wide diversity of character and style as well as evidence of technical accomplishment. The audition panel will select from this programme within the time limits available, but you may specify one work which you particularly wish to perform. Please note: Your programme should be played from memory, though complex contemporary music may be played from the score."

I would definitely use one or two Rachmaninoff Etudes and maybe some of the chopin etudes, but that could be too much Chopin if you use one or both ballades. It would be more impressive to play several Rachmaninoff Etudes from the set than one Rachy and one Chopin. Then, I would most likely use the second ballade rather than the first because it's less often played. Unfortunately, a Bach prelude and fugue is almost necessary to get accepted into major schools, so there's really no way around using one for the audition. I would definitely use one of the later Beethoven Sonatas (the whole thing) because they will be very impressed with a fine performance of that. The most important thing is that your audition repertoire covers a wide enough range of musical styles that it shows that you can play anything.

Am I forgetting anything here?

[piano4567]

Thanks for the great replies dcstudio, jlskiles and olivewasabi.  

So what I've gathered:
- go for technical pieces but make sure they're not a struggle by the time of the auditions
- I shouldn't be afraid of playing Chopin (probably gonna go with ballade no2 since I love it and it's been ages).
- Bach is a must
- have a complete classical sonata thrown in as well (will most likely go down the Beethoven or Schubert route)
- get used to performing the pieces
- etudes are good but don't play pieces by the same composer

[jlskiles]

Thanks for the great replies dcstudio, jlskiles and olivewasabi.  

So what I've gathered:
- go for technical pieces but make sure they're not a struggle by the time of the auditions
- I shouldn't be afraid of playing Chopin (probably gonna go with ballade no2 since I love it and it's been ages).
- Bach is a must
- have a complete classical sonata thrown in as well (will most likely go down the Beethoven or Schubert route)
- get used to performing the pieces
- etudes are good but don't play pieces by the same composer

Sounds good! The only thing I might add would be piece by a contemporary composer. I hate learning them, but they help cover a broader spectrum of styles. I'm actually in the middle of choosing a contemporary piece right now for my auditions.

[dcstudio]

my vote for your 20th century choice

Shostakovich - 3 fantastic dances

[piano4567]

Hmmmm I agree that I need a contemporary piece. However, Guildhall requires 3 contrasting pieces in the audition. And since I've got a Chopin ballade, Beethoven sonata and Bach prelude & fugue Idk where I'd fit in a contemp piece. Especially since the time limit for all of the auditions are around 20 mins as well.  
I'll probably learn one regardless, I'm thinking Shostakovich (as mentioned above) or one or two pieces from the Estampes.

[visitor]

 

[visitor]

 

or

[jlskiles]

Hmmmm I agree that I need a contemporary piece. However, Guildhall requires 3 contrasting pieces in the audition. And since I've got a Chopin ballade, Beethoven sonata and Bach prelude & fugue Idk where I'd fit in a contemp piece. Especially since the time limit for all of the auditions are around 20 mins as well.  
I'll probably learn one regardless, I'm thinking Shostakovich (as mentioned above) or one or two pieces from the Estampes.

It's always good to have more than they ask for!