Piano

Audition Information

The goal of the music audition is to enable you to highlight your musical achievement and potential. You should select pieces from the repertoire list below that best demonstrate your current level of musicianship. We encourage you to consult with your music teacher and/or private lesson teacher when selecting and preparing your repertoire. If you have any questions about these requirements, need assistance selecting appropriate repertoire, or would like to schedule a free sample lesson, please contact:

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Each audition will include scales/basic skills, solo repertoire, sight-reading, and a secondary instrument audition

• Music must be memorized completely.  Pianists are also required to audition on a secondary instrument (please see below).
• Piano study primarily focuses on classical repertoire.  There may be opportunities to participate in the jazz ensemble during the course of study; however, there is no degree offered in jazz piano.  Selection(s) from genres other than classical may not be used for this audition; the specific requirements are as follows.
• Recommendation and Repertoire List
  • The applicant is requested to submit both a letter of recommendation from their piano teacher, and a list of the standard works that they have performed and/or studied during the past three years at the time of the application or by four weeks prior to the audition date, whichever comes later.  Both items should be sent electronically to Dr. Kanamaru at kanamaru@tcnj.edu.
  • Click here to view sample repertoire list

Solo Repertoire*

• The applicant for the Bachelor of Music in Music Education or Performance will be asked to perform three pieces from different style periods, choosing works which best represent their capabilities with regards to musicianship and technical facility, from the following categories.  All three selections must be performed from memory.
  • A set of Prelude and Fugue from the Well-Tempered Clavier*, or a Three-Part Sinfonia by J. S. Bach [*Excluding the Prelude and Fugue in C Major from WTC, Book I.]
  • One fast movement of a classical sonata by Haydn, Mozart**, or Beethoven*** [**Excluding K. 331 (K. 300i) ***Excluding Op. 49]
  • One composition of the applicant’s choice from the following list. In choosing a piece from the 19th or 20th Century repertoires, candidates for the Music Performance degree should choose a substantial work.
    • A virtuoso etude by Chopin (Op. 10 or 25), Moszkowski (Op. 72), or one of comparable difficulty
    • A 19th Century work
    • A 20th Century work
• The Applicant for the Bachelor of Arts degree will only be asked to perform two pieces from different style periods, choosing works which best represent their capabilities with regards to musicianship and technical facility, from the categories listed below.  Both selections must be performed from memory.          
  • A set of Prelude and Fugue from the Well-Tempered Clavier, one Three-Part Sinfonia, or two Two-Part Inventions by J. S. Bach.
  • One fast movement of a classical sonata by Haydn, Mozart**, or Beethoven. [**Excluding K. 331]

Basic Skills

• The applicant may be asked to demonstrate some basic skills such as Major and Minor (three forms) scales (four octaves) and/or basic cadence patterns in all inversions.

Sight Reading

• The applicant may be asked to play a piece (or part of a piece) at sight that is comparable in difficulty to a classical sonatina.

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Required secondary instrument audition for pianists

Pianists are asked to choose whether they will pursue a Keyboard – Vocal track or a Keyboard – Instrumental track and to audition on their secondary instrument.

• If you choose Keyboard – Vocal track, the vocal audition will include a short, prepared song of your choice, sight-reading, and vocalization. You may sing “My Country ‘Tis of Thee” or some other familiar song, instead of an art song, should you wish to do so.
• If you choose Keyboard – Instrumental track, the audition on your secondary instrument will include scales, sight-reading, and a short, 2 – 5 minute prepared piece of your choice. You may perform your part from one of your band pieces in lieu of a solo piece, should you wish to do so.

Thus, the audition for the secondary instrument is not meant to be seen in the same light as the audition for the primary instrument.  Rather, students must demonstrate through audition the ability to successfully participate in a curricular ensemble as determined by an ensemble Director and/or a studio instructor.

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*The solo repertoire listed on this page are available for purchase at major sheet-music retailers, including JWPepper, Sheet Music Plus, and Amazon.