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Audition Music Recommendations?

Author: MichiganJazz
Date: 2009-07-25 18:52

Hello everyone,

This is my first post, but I hope you don't mind me jumping right in. Of course I will contribute any knowledge/advice that I can, but I suspect that many of you know more than me already. =)

I am applying to graduate school for a Masters in Music Management. The school of music requires an audition for those who do not have an undergraduate degree in music (such as myself). I'm assuming it's used to weed out those who aren't serious about music as there are no performance or instrument classes required in the program.

The audition requires three moderate to advanced level pieces of differing style periods (including contemporary). Does anyone have any recommendations?

Thank you for your time. =)

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Re: Audition Music Recommendations?

Author: GBK
Date: 2009-07-25 19:06

Hard to recommend something without knowing about where you are playing wise [wink]

However, as a general rule, play something slightly below your level of playing so that you can play it musically (and perfect), rather than reach for something that is difficult with the hopes of trying to impress.

Take the safe road...

GBK

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Re: Audition Music Recommendations?

Author: MichiganJazz
Date: 2009-07-25 20:15

Thanks for your reply GBK!

I played clarinet in middle school, high school, and the first two years of college. I played alto sax and oboe in high school as well. At the same time I started teaching myself piano and took a class in college. I also took 6 months of guitar lessons, but it did nothing for my embouchure. ;-)

My last two solos were Mozart's Clarinet Concerto 2nd Movement Adagio and Brahms' Allegretto Grazioso. However, for the audition, the former seems too common and the later is too easy.

I do tend to pick pieces that are slightly below my ability, as you suggested. I do this so I can concentrate on expression rather than just moving my fingers around. =) My greatest musical accomplishment was moving someone to tears.

Unfortunately I'm embarrassed to say it's been a few years since I've consistently practiced so I have an uphill battle already.

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Re: Audition Music Recommendations?

Author: Katrina
Date: 2009-07-25 20:29

I think the Brahms movement would be just fine. I disagree that it's "too easy." Brahms is harder than it looks! It's a pretty piece and if you play it with outstanding musicality it'd show ya off!

Other options would be:

Part of the Weber Concertino (for technique)
Willson Osborne Rhapsody (solo clarinet...20th century)
_Almost_ anything from the Concert & Contest Collection (ed. Voxman...I assume this is where you got the 2 movements you mentioned above)...the Bergson is particularly "technical," the Bassi has some nice moments, etc....I'd steer clear from the Gade and the Gliere...
There are some nice arrangements of Handel sonatas out there (in a collection of solos) which may provide you with another style and with some technical challenges as well.

I may have more ideas later...

Katrina

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