Undergraduate Auditions
In addition to filling out a Slideroom portoflio, all students auditioning for the JMU School of Music need to attend a live audition/interview in their applied area. A typical piano audition/interview is 15 minutes.
All piano students will prepare the following:
- A minimum of two contrasting selections that demonstrate their technical and musical ability. The pieces could be chosen from the Baroque period through the 21st century. Examples of effective pairings might be pieces by Bach & Debussy, Haydn & Chopin, and Beethoven & Kuzmenko. Memorization is encourged.
- Scales. Students should prepare 2 different scales, played 4 octaves ascending and descending, evenly and with good fingering.
- Pianists interested in the Jazz Students concentration or minor should also prepare two selections, but one selection should be a jazz piece, and may also include some improvisation.
- All auditioning piano students should bring a repertoire list and a copy of their resume to the audition.
After you play, there will be time for a short interview with piano faculty. During the interview, prospective students will be asked about their musical background, their interest in JMU, and their musical aspirations. This is also a good opportunity for students to ask any questions they might have about the program, the School of Music, the university, or anything else!
For more information, please contact Dr. Lori Piitz: piitzle@jmu.edu
Return to Undergraduate Admissions
Master of Music Graduate Auditions
The application process for graduate music admissions involves submitting two applications:
1) The Graduate School Application
2) School of Music Application via Slideroom
You will be asked to upload a pre-screening video on your Slideroom application in addition to other materials. The video should contain approximately 20 minutes of music, including repertoire from three different style periods.
Areas will contact applicants that pass the pre-screening round to relay the next steps in the audition process. In conjunction with auditions, invited applicants will need to complete a writing prompt, solely for the purpose of assessing language skills. Date to be announced.
For more information, please contact Dr. Eric Ruple: rupleek@jmu.edu
Return to Master of Music Admissions
Doctor of Musical Arts Graduate Auditions
The application process for graduate music admissions involves submitting two applications:
1) The Graduate School Application
2) School of Music Application via Slideroom
You will be asked to upload a pre-screening video on your Slideroom application in addition to other materials. The video should contain approximately 30 minutes of music, including repertoire from three different style periods.
Areas will contact applicants that pass the pre-screening round to relay the next steps in the audition process. In conjunction with auditions, invited applicants will need to complete a writing prompt, solely for the purpose of assessing language skills. Date to be announced.
For more information, please contact Dr. Eric Ruple: rupleek@jmu.edu
