Graduate Piano Audition Requirements

Master of Music: Piano Performance or Piano Performance/Pedagogy; Graduate Performance Certificate
Auditioning students are required to perform a solo program that includes one selection from each of the following categories:

• A major work from the Baroque era
• A complete Classical sonata
• A major composition from the 19th, 20th, or 21st century
• The addition of a virtuosic etude is encouraged but not required of piano performance applicants.

Students will also be assigned a quick-study piece roughly one week prior to the audition. All repertoire must be performed from memory, with the exception of this quick-study piece and any contemporary works of particular complexity. (Please email faculty for questions regarding this.)

A comprehensive repertoire list, including both solo and chamber repertoire that has been studied and performed, should be submitted with the application. Please email this directly to Keyboard Division co-chairs, Dr. Christopher Fisher (fisherc@ohio.edu) and Dr. Emely Phelps (emely.phelps@ohio.edu).

Master of Music in Collaborative Piano
The audition for the graduate collaborative piano program will consist of the following:

• One major solo piano work performed from memory that demonstrates your technical ability and musicianship.
• Two contrasting instrumental works, one of which must be a sonata movement. The second work may be another sonata movement or substantial standalone piece, such as Schumann Fantasiestücke or Britten Lachrymae.
• Two art songs representing linguistic variety
• One aria
• One quick-study piece to be assigned roughly one week prior to the audition

The list of repertoire to be performed at the applicant’s audition must be submitted along with your application. Once an applicant’s audition program has been submitted, any changes must be approved by Dr. Phelps.

Additionally, applicants to collaborative piano must submit their complete solo, chamber, and collaborative repertoire lists, including songs, arias, sonatas/multi-movement works, concerti, selected scenes or complete operas. Please email these directly to Dr. Emely Phelps at emely.phelps@ohio.edu.

Master of Music: Piano Principals
Majors: Music Therapy, Music Education, Conducting
Auditioning students will perform one composition from two of the following categories. Memorization is optional but preferable.

• Baroque
• Classical
• Contrasting selection from the 19th, 20th, or 21st century

KEYBOARD GRADUATE ASSISTANTSHIPS
Auditioning students who wish to be considered for a graduate assistantship must submit a dossier that contains the following materials:

• Resume or C.V.
• Two Letters of Recommendation
• Essay: Teaching Experience, Collaborative Piano Background, and Professional Aspirations
• Philosophy of Teaching (required for Performance/Pedagogy students; optional for other degree tracks)
• Strongly encouraged but not required: video showing teaching in group and/or private settings, or collaborative performance experience

All supplementary materials should be emailed to Keyboard Division co-chairs, Dr. Christopher Fisher (fisherc@ohio.edu) and Dr. Emely Phelps (emely.phelps@ohio.edu).

AUDITION FORMAT

In-person auditions will take place on January 27th, February 10th, February 17th, and February 19th, 2024. After submitting an application, applicants can schedule their audition date and time by contacting Ms. Debbie McAdoo (mcadood@ohio.edu). In-person auditions will include a live audition in front of the piano faculty. Additional information sessions, current student interactions, music building tours and a noontime luncheon will also be offered.

We are also happy to accommodate virtual auditions for those for whom travel and/or other extenuating circumstances prevent an in-person audition. Virtual auditions can take place either live via Yamaha Disklavier, or by submitting an audition recording via YouTube, Vimeo, or similar service. Please email Dr. Fisher and Dr. Phelps directly for further details.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
All applications and auditions must be received and completed by March 1st in order to receive full scholarship and graduate assistantship consideration.

For additional information regarding keyboard studies at the Ohio University School of Music, please contact:

Dr. Christopher Fisher and Dr. Emely Phelps
Co-Chairs, Keyboard Division
Email:  fisherc@ohio.edu • emely.phelps@ohio.edu
Phone: 740.243.2165 • 301.639.3448