Auditions/Interviews
Entrance Audition: Each prospective incoming music major, freshman or transfer, will be given an entrance audition and interview. The purpose of this audition/interview is to evaluate the student's level of preparation upon entering GC and to acquaint the music faculty with the student's potential. The audition must be completed before a student can be placed in the proper course work. For those students who have not auditioned before registration, an audition date will be arranged during the early part of the fall semester. If students do not audition, they will be placed in pre-music major coursework (does not count toward the major). Music Therapy students must undergo this audition in addition to their Music Therapy Entrance Audition. Any student not registered for applied lessons for more than two consecutive semesters must re-audition for acceptance into the program.
Requirements of the Entrance Audition/Interview: Prospective piano majors are expected to perform two compositions (performing from memory is strongly encouraged) of contrasting character from the classical piano repertoire. Prospective instrumental majors are expected to perform two solo compositions or etudes of contrasting character or two movements of a contrasting character from a large work. Prospective voice majors are expected to perform two songs from memory, at least one of which is from the standard classical vocal repertoire. Pieces with piano or orchestral accompaniment should be performed with piano accompaniment. If you choose not to bring your own, an accompanist will be provided. Music Therapy and composition majors who have an instrumental emphasis will audition on those instruments. Students will be asked to fill out a form that summarizes their musical training and experience (i.e. method books used, studies and literature studied). An audition tape may be used (audio or video) in cases where a live audition is impractical. However, such students, having been accepted into the department, will perform in an audition at the beginning of their first term, before they register for applied study.
Applied Study Admission Standards: While the audition for each program is essentially the same (two prepared solos of contrasting character), the standards for admission vary. For the B.A., B.M.E., and B.M.T., candidates must demonstrate sufficient technique to competently perform compositions at the level found in good secondary school ensembles, and must show potential for improvement. For the B.A./Performance, candidates must demonstrate sufficient technique and artistry to convince the faculty of their potential as performing artists of professional stature. B.M.T. students should contact the Music Therapy office for Program Admission Standards. Assessment is made in the areas of physical dexterity and finesse, intonation, rhythm and tempo, interpretation/artistry (particularly in phrasing, articulation, rhythmic finesse and nuanced dynamics), quality of memory, difficulty/sophistication of repertoire, understanding and communication of text (vocal), and stage presence.
Theory Placement Test: All prospective students will take a music theory placement exam and will be advised regarding their placement in the music theory/musicianship course sequence. Our music theory/musicianship sequence begins with basic concepts; however, we move quickly through these basics. To prepare for the rigors of elementary theory courses, students are advised to study carefully and memorize a.) all major and minor scales and the basic interval and chord forms; b.) all major and minor key signatures; c.) basic rhythm notation in simple and compound time. Strong familiarity with these basic elements will reduce your preparation time and give you much greater confidence in all of your music courses. Students found to be weak in basic skills will be required to complete online remedial theory preparation activities and retake the placement test before being allowed to register for the first music theory course. Students who are still found to be weak in these basic skills after completing the online activities will be registered for the remedial theory course and retake the theory placement test in spring semester.
Transfer Placement: Transfers into the program will have their music credits (music theory, music history, applied lesson, etc) evaluated by the music faculty. Some courses may have to be repeated. Also, all proficiency exams (keyboard, ear training, etc) must be passed at GC for admission to upper division study for the BA and BME degrees. Students wishing to have Music History credits accepted will have to take the Music History Diagnostic Exam. Transfer students are placed in the applied music syllabus based on the results of their audition. While applied study credits may transfer in from another school, a student may be asked to repeat one or more semesters of applied study to meet the standards and requirements of the applied syllabus (see 1.5 A). Students performing higher than their expected level may be given credit by audition and placed at the next higher level.
