The most important part of your School of Music application is your audition. Many of our programs allow for flexibility in choosing either a live on-campus audition, or a recorded audition. Scroll down to learn more about prescreening, scheduling your audition, and final audition repertoire requirements.
Audition Format
Live On-Campus Auditions
BU School of Music hosts most live auditions throughout January and February. Applicants who plan to attend a live audition should verify their instrument’s prescreening requirements. For instruments which do not require prescreening, applicants will be invited to schedule their live audition via the Acceptd portal.
Final Recorded Auditions
We’d love to see you audition or interview on our BU campus! However, many applicants* may choose to submit a final video audition in lieu of a live audition. This can be completed through our online portal, Acceptd.
*Artist Diploma and Opera Institute applicants are required to submit a prescreening recording, and if invited, attend a live audition. A live audition for these programs is required.
Doctor of Musical Arts (DMA) Alternative Auditions
For certain department areas, final recorded auditions or virtual-live auditions may be permitted for Doctor of Musical Arts (DMA) applicants on a case-by-case basis to support an equitable audition process. Please write to Zachary Schwartz, Director of Admissions, to inquire about this process and appropriate audition procedures for your instrument.
Final Audition Requirements
Select your type of instrument below to view the final requirements before finalizing your application/audition process! Applicants should follow these guidelines for all final live auditions, as well as recorded auditions.
Bassoon
Bachelor of Music (BM), Master of Music (MM), and Performance Diploma (PD) Repertoire
- 3 contrasting movements from 3 different musical periods. One work should be from the major solo repertoire. A solo étude is acceptable for one of the selections. Accompaniment is not required
- 3 contrasting orchestral excerpts
- Sight-reading may be requested
Doctor of Musical Arts (DMA) and Artist Diploma (AD) Repertoire
- Applicants should prepare material equivalent to a master’s-level recital program
- Artist Diploma applicants are required to provide their own pianist for Boston auditions
Cello
Bachelor of Music (BM) Repertoire
- 1 movement of an unaccompanied Bach suite
- 1 movement of a standard concerto or sonata
- Prepare to play an étude or study
- All major and minor scales, arpeggios, and sight-reading may be requested in the audition
Master of Music (MM) and Performance Diploma (PD) Repertoire
- 1 movement of an unaccompanied Bach suite
- 1 movement of a standard concerto
- 1 movement of a standard sonata with piano (preferably from a different style period than the Bach and concerto)
We strongly suggest memorization of Bach and the concerto.
Doctor of Musical Arts (DMA) and Artist Diploma (AD) Repertoire
- A complete unaccompanied Bach suite
- A complete standard concerto
- A complete standard sonata with piano (preferably from a different style period than the Bach and concerto)
- Artist Diploma applicants are required to provide their own pianist for Boston auditions
We strongly suggest memorization of Bach and the concerto.
Clarinet
Bachelor of Music (BM) Repertoire
- Applicants should prepare two works or movements of contrasting styles
Master of Music (MM) and Performance Diploma (PD) Repertoire
Applicants should prepare three contrasting works from the:
- Classical period
- Romantic period
- Contemporary period
Orchestral excerpts can be substituted for one or two of the solo works.
Doctor of Musical Arts (DMA) and Artist Diploma (AD) Repertoire
- Applicants should prepare material equivalent to a master’s-level recital program
- Artist Diploma applicants are required to provide their own pianist for Boston auditions
Sight-reading and playing by ear may also be tested for all applicants of all levels.
Collaborative Piano
Master of Music (MM) Repertoire
Auditioning pianists must perform with a partnering singer and instrumentalist in the in-person final audition. Boston area auditioning pianists must bring their own collaborating partners to the audition. Pianists coming from out of town who are unable to bring their own collaborating partners can contact Professor Shiela Kibbe to make arrangements. For the audition, you will need to prepare:
- Vocal: Four classical art songs in original keys:
- Schubert Ganymed (A flat major)
- Debussy C’est l’extase (E major)
- Brahsm Ståndchen Op. 106 (G major)
- Barber St. Ita’s Vision, from Hermit Songs (high key)
- Instrumental: Two complete (all movements) duo sonatas:
- One sonata for violin or cello by Beethoven
- One sonata for violin or cello by Brahms
Auditioning pianists will be asked to sight-read vocal and instrumental repertoire and may be asked to read the text of any art song from their audition repertoire.
Doctor of Musical Arts (DMA) Repertoire
All auditioning pianists are asked to submit their complete audition repertoire list to Professor Shiela Kibbe by early January to ensure the availability of on-campus collaborating instrumentalists and singers. Boston area auditioning pianists must supply their own collaborative partners.
For the audition, you will need to choose one component from each of the four listed categories:
- Debussy Ariettes Oubliées (complete; high key) or Fauré – Violin Sonata in A Major, Op.13
- German lieder (high keys; prepare all)
- Schubert – Im Frühling882
- Schubert – Suleika I720
- Schubert – Rastlose Liebe 138
- Schumann – Mondnacht 39a
or
Beethoven – Violin or Cello sonata (complete)
- German lieder (high keys; prepare all)
- Brahms – Die Mainacht 43
- Brahms – Botschaft47
- Strauss – Cäcilie27
- Strauss – Ständchen17
or
Brahms – Violin or Cello sonata (complete)
- Barber – Hermit Songs (high key; complete)
or
Franck – Violin Sonata
Auditioning pianists will be asked to sight-read vocal and instrumental repertoire and may be asked to read the text of any art song from their audition repertoire.
Composition
Bachelor of Music (BM) Repertoire
- Submit at least three (3) original compositions in good manuscript form. Your portfolio should demonstrate talent, some knowledge of contemporary music, and technical skill
- Submitting audio recordings of your submitted compositions is encouraged but not required. Please note that your compositions should be in digital format as they will be uploaded in Acceptd.
Scores are due by the following deadlines:
- November 1 for undergraduate Early Decision and Spring Transfer applicants
- January 10 for undergraduate Regular Decision applicants
- March 1 for fall transfer applicants (We strongly suggest fall transfer applicants adhere to the Regular Decision timeline)
Composition applicants are accepted based on the strength of the composition portfolio and academic record.
Applicants who wish to study with a faculty member on their primary instrument (instrumental/vocal) are required to audition. Composers should check the guidelines for audition requirements for the appropriate instrument.
Composition applicants who do not successfully place into an applied faculty member’s studio or who do not wish to take a primary studio audition will enter the piano track and may study with an advanced graduate student on piano. This piano track focuses on the keyboard skills necessary as a composer, and not those of a performer.
There is no formal interview process required for undergraduate composers with our composition faculty, but students are welcome to reach out to department chair Dr. Martin Amlin.
Master of Music (MM) and Doctor of Musical Arts (DMA) Score Submission and Interview Requirements
Applicants who pass the prescreening must complete an interview (either in-person or via Zoom) with members of our Composition & Theory faculty:
- Applicants should have a copy of their portfolio available for the interview
- Candidates may be required to participate in various placement tests or proficiencies on the day of the interview
- A performance audition is not required for admission to graduate programs in composition
Visit our Audition Dates page to find out when Composition interviews take place.
Choral Conducting
Master of Music (MM) and Doctor of Musical Arts (DMA) Repertoire
Applicants will be asked to:
- Have an individual interview with the faculty
- Rehearse with BU choral ensembles
- Complete a general musicianship examination
- More information will be available in early-January via email.
Choral Conducting is open to both MM and DMA Applicants for Fall 2025.
Orchestral Conducting
Master of Music (MM) and Doctor of Musical Arts (DMA) Repertoire
Applicants will be asked to:
- Have an individual interview with the faculty
- Rehearse with BU ensembles
- Complete a general musicianship examination
- More information will be available in early-January via email.
Orchestral Conducting is open to both MM and DMA Applicants for Fall 2025.
Double Bass
Bachelor of Music (BM) Repertoire
- A movement from Bach Cello Suites
- A movement from the standard solo literature, or the 1st Movement from a standard bass concerto, including the published cadenza
- Two (2) standard orchestral excerpts
- Memorization is not required
Master of Music (MM) and Performance Diploma (PD) Repertoire
- A movement from Bach Cello Suites
- 1st movement from a standard bass concerto, including the published cadenza
- Three (3) standard orchestral excerpts
- Any solo piece of the applicant’s choosing
- Memorization is not required
Doctor of Musical Arts (DMA) and Artist Diploma (AD) Repertoire
- A complete unaccompanied Bach suite
- A complete standard concerto
- A complete sonata
- Memorization is not required
- Artist Diploma applicants are required to provide their own pianist for Boston auditions
Euphonium
Bachelor of Music (BM) Repertoire
- Two contrasting solo works
- One étude or study
- Two or three orchestral excerpts
Master of Music (MM) and Performance Diploma (PD) Repertoire
- One piece from the Baroque or Classical period
- One piece from the Romantic period
- One contemporary piece
- Orchestral excerpts
Doctor of Musical Arts (DMA) and Artist Diploma (AD) Repertoire
- Applicants should prepare material equivalent to a master’s-level recital program
- Artist Diploma applicants are required to provide their own pianist for Boston auditions
Flute
Bachelor of Music (BM) Repertoire
- Applicants should prepare two contrasting movements from either a Mozart Concerto or a Bach Sonata
- One additional piece of your choosing from the standard flute repertoire that exemplifies a different style, such as but not limited to Chaminade Concertino, Faure Fantasy, Piece pour Flute Seule by Ibert, Hue Fantasie, Dutilleux Sonatine, Hindemith Sonata and Prokofiev Sonata
- If the work is through-composed, it should be prepared in its entirety
- If a multi-movement work, prepare two contrasting movements
- Two contrasting standard orchestral excerpts — one lyrical and one technical
Master of Music (MM) and Performance Diploma (PD) Repertoire
- Applicants should prepare a movement of a sonata or concerto from four contrasting works and from the following eras:
- The Baroque
- The Classical
- The Contemporary (late 20th century and 21st century—demonstrating some use of extended techniques)
- Either the Romantic or the French School of the 1800s or mid-1900s (complete sonatas and concertos are not required)
- Applicants should also prepare the major flute solos from all of the following orchestral works:
- Ravel Daphnis et Chloe
- Mendelssohn A Midsummer Night’s Dream (scherzo)
- Debussy Prélude à l’après-midi d’un faune (opening 4 bar solo, continue at rehearsal #2)
- Prokofiev, Peter and the Wolf, Opus 67 (opening solo)
Doctor of Musical Arts (DMA) and Artist Diploma (AD) Repertoire
- Applicants should prepare material equivalent to a master’s-level recital program, including music from the Baroque Era, Classical Era (concertos are acceptable), French or Romantic Era, and a piece composed within the last 50 years. Pieces that demonstrate some knowledge and use of extended techniques should be included. Your selections should represent approximately 60 minutes of music and the committee may choose from this material
- Artist Diploma applicants are required to provide their own pianist for Boston auditions
Harp
Bachelor of Music (BM) Repertoire
- Orchestral excerpts
- Two contrasting solo works, one of which should be an original composition for harp (the other work may be a transcription)
- One étude
Master of Music (MM) and Performance Diploma (PD) Repertoire
Applicants must be prepared to perform three compositions:
- 1 from the Baroque or Classical period
- 1 from the Romantic period
- 1 from the Contemporary period
- Applicants may also offer orchestral excertps
Doctor of Musical Arts (DMA) and Artist Diploma (AD) Repertoire
- Applicants should prepare material equivalent to a master’s-level recital program
Horn
Bachelor of Music (BM) Repertoire
- 1st movement of a Mozart Concerto
- A movement of a solo work of your choice
- One etude from Kopprasch 60 Studies, Gallay 12 studies opus 57, Maxime Alphonse book 3, or Kling 40 Studies
- Three contrasting excerpts from the orchestral repertoire
Master of Music (MM), Performance Diploma (PD), and Doctor of Musical Arts (DMA) Repertoire
- 1st movement of a Mozart Concerto
- One movement of an additional solo work of your choice
- One etude from Gallay 12 studies opus 57, Maxime Alphonse book 4-5, Kling 40 Studies, or equivalent level
- 3 excerpts from list A and 3 excerpts from list B (Optional: one excerpt may be chosen from an orchestral piece not listed here, written by an historically excluded composer):
List A
- Beethoven Symphony No. 3 — Trio (horn 2)
- Beethoven Symphony No. 9, Movement 3 (horn 4)
- Mahler Symphony No. 1, Movement 3 — Low Tutti (horn 2)
- Mahler Symphony No. 3, Movement 1 — Recap (horn 4)
- Mendelssohn Symphony No. 3, Movement 2 (horn 4)
- Shostakovich Symphony No. 5, Movement 1 — Low Tutti (horn 2)
- Tchaikovsky Symphony No.4 — Opening (horn 4)
List B
- Beethoven Symphony No. 7, Movement 1 (horn 1)
- Brahms Symphony No. 2 or No. 3 — Solos (horn 1)
- Ravel Pavane Opening Solo (horn 1)
- Strauss Till Eulenspiegel — Opening (horn 1)
- Strauss Ein Heldenleben — Opening (horn 1)
- Tchaikovsky Symphony No. 5, Movement 2 — Solo (horn 1)
- Wagner Short Call (horn 1)
Artist Diploma (AD) Repertoire
- Applicants should prepare material equivalent to a master’s-level recital program
- Artist Diploma applicants are required to provide their own pianist for Boston auditions
- Memorization is required for the concerto/concerti and optional (but recommended) for the remaining repertoire
Oboe
Bachelor of Music (BM) Repertoire
- Applicants should prepare solo works and études or studies written expressly for the instrument
- As well as be prepared to play passages from the orchestral repertoire, all scales and arpeggios, and sight-read
- Auditions are usually performed without accompaniment
- Consider works that demonstrate cantilena style (slow tempo, legato melodic lines, sustained phrasing, singing tone quality) and technical facility (fast tempo, variety in rhythm, correct phrasing, tone quality, clean articulation)
- Sonata No. 1 or No 2. by Handel
- First movement from Sonata by Hindemith
- First movement, F Major Quartet, K.370 by Mozart
- Symphony No. 4 (slow movement) by Tchaikovsky
- Symphony No. 3 (“Eroica”) by Beethoven
- Symphonies by Brahms, Schumann, or Mozart
Master of Music (MM) and Performance Diploma (PD) Repertoire
- One piece from the Baroque or Classical period
- One piece from the Romantic period
- One contemporary piece
- Orchestral excerpts
Doctor of Musical Arts (DMA) and Artist Diploma (AD) Repertoire
- Applicants should prepare material equivalent to a master’s-level recital program
- Artist Diploma applicants are required to provide their own pianist for Boston auditions
Percussion
NOTE: Prescreen videos are NOT required for percussion BM, MM, or PD auditions.
Bachelor of Music (BM) Repertoire
Snare:
- One concert solo or etude of your choice
- Suggested composers: Delecluse, Cirone, Peters, or similar
- One rudimental solo or etude of your choice
- Suggested composers: Pratt, Tompkins, Wilcoxon, or similar
Timpani:
- One solo or etude of your choice
- Suggested composers: Hochrainer, Woud, Firth, Goodman, Carroll, or similar
Keyboard:
- One two-mallet solo or etude of your choice
- Suggested works: a movement of J.S. Bach’s Violin Sonatas and Partitas, G.H. Green Rags, solos from MassChap Xylophone Collection, or similar. If you use a transcription (like Bach) for one of your mallet solos, please use a contemporary solo for the other
One four-mallet solo or etude of your choice:
- Suggested works: a movement from J.S. Bach’s Violin Sonatas and Partitas, Cello Suites, or Lute Suites; works from the Intermediate Marimba Masterworks books, works by Eric Sammut, Joe W. Moore III, or Keiko Abe. If you use a transcription (like Bach) for one of your mallet solos, please use a contemporary solo for the other
Master of Music (MM) and Performance Diploma (PD) Repertoire
Snare:
- One concert solo or etude of your choice. Suggested composers: Delecluse, Cirone, Peters, or similar
- One rudimental solo or etude of your choice. Suggested composers: Pratt, Tompkins, Wilcoxon, or similar
Timpani:
- One solo or etude of your choice. Suggested composers: Hochrainer, Woud, Firth, Goodman, Carroll, or similar
Keyboard:
- One two-mallet solo or etude of your choice. Suggested works: a movement of J.S. Bach’s Violin Sonatas and Partitas, G.H. Green rags, solos from MassChap Xylophone Collection, or similar. If you use a transcription (like Bach) for one of your mallet solos, please use a contemporary solo for the other
One four-mallet solo or etude of your choice:
- Suggested works: a movement from J.S. Bach’s Violin Sonatas and Partitas, Cello Suites, or Lute Suites; works from the Intermediate Marimba Masterworks books, works by Eric Sammut, Joe W. Moore III, Pius Cheung, or Keiko Abe. If you use a transcription (like Bach) for one of your mallet solos, please use a contemporary solo for the other.
Two excerpts from the orchestral repertoire:
- Each on snare drum, timpani, and xylophone (six excerpts total)
Doctor of Musical Arts (DMA) and Artist Diploma (AD) Repertoire
- Applicants should prepare material equivalent to a master’s-level recital program
Piano
Bachelor of Music (BM) Repertoire
- One work or movement of a work by J.S. Bach
- One movement of a sonata from the Classical period (Haydn, Mozart, Beethoven, or similar)
- One work or movement of a work from the Romantic period (Chopin, Schubert, Liszt, Brahms, or similar)
- One work or movement of a work from the twentieth century (Debussy, Ravel, Copland, Bartók, or similar)
Memorization is mandatory for all who audition for Performance. For all other majors (Music Education, Composition), memorization is highly recommended. Concerto literature is not recommended for the live audition. Arrangements of popular music, jazz compositions, reductions, simplifications, and/or transcripts of original compositions are not acceptable for auditions.
Master of Music (MM) and Performance Diploma (PD) Repertoire
- One work from the Baroque
- One work from the Classical
- One work from either the Romantic or Contemporary period
Complete works should be presented for the live audition. All works should be performed from memory. Concerto literature is not recommended for the live audition.
Doctor of Musical Arts (DMA) and Artist Diploma (AD) Repertoire
- Applicants should prepare material equivalent to a master’s-level graduation recital program
Complete works should be presented for the live audition. Concerto and chamber literature are not recommended for the live audition.
Saxophone
Bachelor of Music (BM) Repertoire
Applicants should prepare the following:
- Solo works
- Études
Sight-reading may be given at the audition.
Below are examples of the literature appropriate for an audition. You should consider works that demonstrate cantilena style (slow tempo, legato melodic lines, sustained phrasing, singing tone quality) and technical facility (fast tempo, variety in rhythm, correct phrasing, tone quality, clean articulation):
- Sonata by Paul Creston or Bernard Heiden
- Glazunov’s Concerto
- Paule Maurice’s Tableaux de Provence
Candidates should play contrasting movements or sections of one-movement works. One slow and one fast étude by Ferling and one étude from Karg-Elert 25 Caprices, Book 1 (or a work of comparable difficulty).
Master of Music (MM) and Performance Diploma (PD) Repertoire
- Applicants should prepare three contrasting works. One piece should be from the standard repertoire
- Applicants may also offer orchestral excerpts suitable their own instrument
Doctor of Musical Arts (DMA) and Artist Diploma (AD) Repertoire
- Applicants should prepare material equivalent to a master’s-level recital program
- Artist Diploma applicants are required to provide their own pianist for Boston auditions
Trombone (Bass)
Bachelor of Music (BM) Repertoire
- Applicants should prepare two contrasting solo works and should be selected from works with a minimum difficulty of Cameos by Jacob, Concerto for Bass Trombone by Lebedev, or Ballade by Ewazen. Solo works will be performed without accompaniment at the live audition.
- Applicants should prepare 3 orchestral excerpts. Some examples include:
- The Creation, Haydn
- The Ride of the Valkyries or Lohengrin, Prelude to Act lll, Wagner
- La Gazza Ladra, Rossini
- Chorale, Symphony #1, Brahms
- Hungarian March, Berlioz
- Symphony #3 “The Rhenish,” Schumann
Master of Music (MM) and Performance Diploma (PD) Repertoire
- Two contrasting solo pieces
- An étude or study
- Four orchestral excerpts
Solo works will be performed without accompaniment at the live audition.
Doctor of Musical Arts (DMA) Repertoire
- Applicants should prepare contrasting solo pieces and orchestral excerpts
Solo works will be performed without accompaniment at the live audition.
Artist Diploma (AD) Repertoire
- Applicants should prepare material equivalent to a master’s-level recital program
- Artist Diploma applicants are required to provide their own pianist for Boston auditions
Trombone (Tenor)
Bachelor of Music (BM) Repertoire
- Two contrasting solo works
- Three orchestral excerpts
Excerpt examples include:
- Requiem, Tuba Mirum, tenor trombone solo, Mozart
- Hungarian March, Berlioz
- The Ride of the Valkyries or Lohengrin, Prelude to Act lll, Wagner
- Bolero, 1st Trombone solo, Ravel
- La Gazza Ladra, Rossini
- 2nd Trombone solo from Russian Easter Overture, Rimsky-Korsakov
- Chorale, 1st Trombone part, Symphony #1, Brahms
- 1st trombone solo, Symphony #3, Saint-Saens
Solo works will be performed without accompaniment at the live audition.
Master of Music (MM) and Performance Diploma (PD) Repertoire
- Two contrasting solo pieces
- An étude or study
- Four orchestral excerpts
Solo works will be performed without accompaniment at the live audition.
Doctor of Musical Arts (DMA) Repertoire
- Applicants should prepare contrasting solo pieces and orchestral excerpts.
Solo works will be performed without accompaniment at the live audition.
Artist Diploma (AD) Repertoire
- Applicants should prepare material equivalent to a master’s-level recital program
- Artist Diploma applicants are required to provide their own pianist for Boston audition
Trumpet
Bachelor of Music (BM) Repertoire
- Characteristic Study #1 from J.B. Arban Complete Conservatory Method for Trumpet (Cornet) or a comparable technical etude
- Etude #2, 4, or 6 from Théo Charlier 36 Études Transcendantes or a comparable lyrical etude
- One movement from a solo of the applicant’s choosing
- Three excerpts (all Trumpet 1) chosen by the applicant among:
- Copland: An Outdoor Adventure (Lyrical Solo)
- Mahler: Symphony No. 5 (mvt. 1, opening solo)
- Mussorgsky/Ravel: Pictures at an Exhibition (Opening Promenade)
- Ravel: Piano Concerto in G (mvt. 1, Figure 2 to 3)
- Respighi: Pines of Rome (mvt. 2 offstage solo)
- Stravinsky: Petrushka (Ballerina’s Dance)
Sight-reading and playing by ear will also be tested.
Master of Music (MM) and Performance Diploma (PD) Repertoire
- Étude #1, 3, or 5 from Marcel Bitsch Vingt Études or a comparable technical etude
- Étude #2, 4, or 6 from Marcel Bitsch Vingt Études or a comparable lyrical etude
- Arthur Honegger Intrada
- Orchestral excerpts (all Trumpet 1):
- J.S. Bach: Magnificat (mvt. 1, mm. 1-15) or a comparable excerpt or solo passage on piccolo trumpet
- Schumann: Symphony No. 2 (mvt. 1, mm. 1-13)
- Gershwin: Concerto in F (mvt. 2, m.5 to Figure 1)
Sight-reading and playing by ear will also be tested.
Doctor of Musical Arts (DMA) Repertoire
- Two movements (one slow, one fast) from a Baroque-era concerto
- J. Haydn Concerto in E flat (mvt. 1, with cadenza composed by the applicant)
- One movement from a post-1930 sonata for trumpet and piano
- One movement from a post-tonal work
- Orchestral excerpts (all Trumpet 1):
- Bartók: Concerto for Orchestra (mvt. 5, mm. 211-254)
- Bernstein: Symphonic Dances from West Side Story (Mambo, mm. 508-541)
- Rimsky-Korsakov: Scheherazade (mvt. 4, Letters C-D and T-U)
Sight-reading and playing by ear will also be tested.
Artist Diploma (AD) Repertoire
- Material equivalent to a master’s-level recital program
- Artist Diploma applicants are required to provide their own pianist for Boston auditions
Scales, arpeggios, and sight-reading may be given at the audition.Tuba
Bachelor of Music (BM) Repertoire
Master of Music (MM) and Performance Diploma (PD) Repertoire
Doctor of Musical Arts (DMA) and Artist Diploma (AD) Repertoire
Viola
Bachelor of Music (BM) Repertoire
- One movement of an unaccompanied Bach Suite
- One movement of a standard concerto or sonata
- An étude or study
- One (1) major and one (1) minor scales and arpeggios
- Sight-reading may be requested in the audition.
Master of Music (MM) and Performance Diploma (PD) Repertoire
- One movement of an unaccompanied Bach Suite
- One movement of a standard concerto (Walton, Hindemith, Bartok, or the equivalent)
- One movement of a Romantic or a 20th-century sonata with piano
Doctor of Musical Arts (DMA) and Artist Diploma (AD) Repertoire
- A complete unaccompanied Bach suite
- A complete Romantic or 20th-century sonata with piano
- A complete standard concerto (Walton, Hindemith, Bartok, or the equivalent)
- Artist Diploma applicants are required to provide their own pianist for Boston auditions
Violin
Bachelor of Music (BM) Repertoire
Applicants should prepare at least two solo works, one from memory. We suggest:
- One movement of solo Bach
- One movement of a standard concerto or sonata
An accompanist will be provided at the live audition for any pieces with piano accompaniment.
Master of Music (MM) and Performance Diploma (PD) Repertoire
Applicants should prepare one movement from each of the following:
- An unaccompanied Bach sonata or partita
- A standard concerto
- A standard sonata with piano (preferably from a different style period)
- A virtuoso show piece
We strongly suggest memorization for the Bach, the concerto, and the show piece. An accompanist will be provided at the live audition for any pieces with piano accompaniment.
Doctor of Musical Arts (DMA) and Artist Diploma (AD) Repertoire
Applicants should prepare the following:
- A complete unaccompanied Bach sonata or partita
- A complete standard concerto
- A complete standard sonata with piano (preferably from a different style period)
- A virtuoso showpiece
- We strongly suggest memorization for the Bach, the concerto, and the show piece.
- Doctor of Musical Arts applicants will be provided with an accompanist at the live audition for any pieces with piano accompaniment. Artist Diploma applicants are required to provide their own pianist for Boston auditions
Voice and Opera
Bachelor of Music (BM) Repertoire
Applicants are asked to prepare three songs from memory from the classical art song repertoire:
- Of the three selections, one must be in Italian and one in English
- The third selection may be in Italian, English, German or French and should be chosen from the art song literature in those languages
- If English is not your native language, please also include an additional piece in your native language
Master of Music (MM) and Performance Diploma (PD in Voice Performance) Repertoire
Applicants should prepare and perform from memory a total of five (5) selections as follows:
- One art song in German
- One art song in French
- One art song in English
- One art song OR Baroque aria in Italian
- One operatic OR oratorio aria
The Performance Diploma in Voice Performance (PD in Voice) program is separate from the Opera Institute (PD in Opera) program.
Opera Institute (Performance Diploma in Opera) Repertoire
- Five (5) opera arias (one of which must be in English) of contrasting style, displaying the applicant’s abilities in various languages, musical periods, and styles. The arias may be the same or different ones used for the prescreening recording
- One (1) classical or contemporary monologue from a published play (non-musical) in English which may be called at the audition OR the callback session
- Bring 3 resumes and 3 repertoire lists to give to the Opera & Voice faculty panel
The Opera Institute (PD in Opera) program is separate from the Performance Diploma in Voice Performance (PD in Voice) program.
Doctor of Musical Arts (DMA) and Artist Diploma (AD) Repertoire
- Applicants should prepare an audition program of recital length in four languages: English, Italian, German, and French. Two contrasting arias, one aria from an oratorio, and at least one song composed since 1950
- Artist Diploma applicants are required to provide their own pianist for Boston auditions