Music Scholarship Auditions

Keyboard

• Perform two works from two different periods.
• For pianists, at least one of these pieces must be played from memory.
• Be prepared to play at least one major scale.
• You may be asked to sight-read music.

All percussion players should be prepared to play in at least two of the following areas. In addition, sight-reading will be requested if desired by the audition committee.

• Snare Drum - A rudimental or concert solo or etude. Appropriate examples include: Portraits in Rhythm by Anthony Cirone, The Solo Snare Drummer by Vic Firth, The Rudimental Cookbook by Edward Freytag, or Modern Contest Solos by John Pratt. Comparable solos are also accepted. 
• Keyboards - (xylophone, marimba or vibraphone; 2, 3 or 4 mallets): chromatic scale, a few major scales in up to 3 sharps or 3 flats; a solo or etude that showcases 2, 3 or 4 mallet technique.
• Timpani - (2, 3, or 4 drums): basic tuning (fourths, fifths and octaves), a solo or etude

All State/All Region music is appropriate, as is a solo or etude from Regional or State solo contests. 

We typically do not listen to auditions on drum set. Drum-set auditions will occur when auditioning for the jazz ensembles and/or pep bands.

If you're unsure, just email Dr. Clanton at jclanton@pittstate.edu 

Strings

• Perform any major or minor scale up to three sharps and three flats.
• Perform examples of two contrasting styles drawn from etudes or solos - an accompanist is not necessary for your audition.
• You may be asked to sight-read as desired by the audition committee.
• Memorization is not required for the audition.

Voice

• Perform two songs/arias in contrasting styles and tempi.
• One of the two songs/arias should be performed in a second language (required of performance majors only).
• Memorization is required.
• You may be asked to sight-read and perform simple vocalises.
• An accompanist will be provided if you do not wish to provide your
  own. Please provide copies of your repertoire for the accompanist.

Woodwinds and Brass

All woodwind and brass players should be prepared to play:

• Perform several major scales up through 3 sharps and 3 flats.
• Perform a full range chromatic scale ascending and descending.
• Perform a couple of short excerpts from a solo or etude (an accompanist is not necessary for your audition).
• You may be asked to sight-read as desired by the audition committee.

** It is suggested that you ask your band director or private teacher for help in deciding what solos or etudes would be appropriate for this process.