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Audition Requirements and Music Theory Requirements/Fundamentals

All applicants for the BA program with a major in music or the BMus/MMus programs must (a) satisfy the general academic requirements for admission to the University and (b) present a successful audition on a principal instrument or voice.  The audition requirements for the various programs are listed in the links that follow. 

Audition dates for 2009-2010 admission are Friday, November 6, 2008 • Friday, February 6, 2009 • Friday, March 6, 2009 (scholarship deadline) • Thursday, May 7, 2009.  Audition Request Forms will be posted online in September 2008.

Students auditioning for the Department of Music must have applied and been accepted to Wayne State before audition times are scheduled.  Students should apply through admissions at least one month prior to Department of Music audition date.

AUDITION REQUIREMENTS
CONCENTRATION:

CONCENTRATION:

Where repertoire is listed, it is intended only to suggest a level of technical and musical difficulty. Applicants are welcome to prepare other appropriate works for the audition. Faculty hearing the audition may ask to hear movements or sections rather than complete works.

 

Master of Music in Conducting
Contact: Prof. Dennis J. Tini
(313) 577-2545
aa5272@wayne.edu

Interview required. Please bring resume and undergraduate transcript(s). In general, applicants should have:

  • a Bachelor of Music degree in choral music, conducting, vocal music education, vocal performance, piano, organ, church music, or in a related concentration with extensive choral conducting experience
  • a strong undergraduate background in theory, analysis, music history, ear training, and piano / keyboard
  • strong writing, research, and interpersonal communication skills
  • knowledge of diction in at least three foreign languages (German, French, Italian, Latin)

Audition requirements include:

  • open-score reading (SATB) at the piano
  • one prepared piano piece at the intermediate level, e.g., a two-part Invention or Sinfonia by Bach, or a movement from a Mozart or Beethoven sonata
  • one vocal selection from the standard art song repertoire of any historical period

 

Bachelor of Music, Master of Music in Theory/Composition
Contact: Dr. James Hartway
Director of Theory/Composition
(313) 577-1771
ac2554@wayne.edu

Bachelor of Music in Theory/Composition

Junior standing, interview required. Please bring transcript and examples of compositions. Admission to the Composition/Theory programs will be based primarily on grades in written theory, ear training, counterpoint, and related courses.

Master of Music in Theory/Composition

Interview required. Please bring transcript and portfolio of compositions (composition majors) or papers (theory majors). Admittance to graduate programs in Composition and Theory will be based on portfolios as well as undergraduate grades in written theory, ear training, counterpoint, and related courses.

 

Bachelor of Music in Jazz Studies, Master of Music in Jazz Performance 
Contact: Professor Chris Collins
Director of Jazz Studies
(313) 577-1780
ac4080@wayne.edu

ALL INSTRUMENTALISTS

  • major and minor scales
  • one prepared piece (applicant's choice)
  • sight reading
  • improvisation
  • theory placement examination
  • supply head charts for combo accompaniment

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS FOR:

DRUMMERS (FULL SET)

  • demonstrate ability to play different styles - bossa nova, Latin, jazz waltz, straight time, contemporary pop styles
  • demonstrate reading abiity

GUITAR, BASS (ELECTRIC OR ACOUSTIC)

  • read chord symbols
  • students should bring their own chords (amp is provided)

KEYBOARD PLAYERS, WOODWIND, BRASS PLAYERS

  • demonstrate technical ability and range

 

 

Bachelor of Music, Master of Music in Music Education
Instrumental Music Ed
Dr. Terese Volk
(313) 577-2674
ag7658@wayne.edu

Vocal Music Ed
Dr. Abigail Butler
(313) 577-2673
ag7752@wayne.edu

Bachelor of Music in Music Education

BRASS, STRING, AND WOODWIND PLAYERS

  • chromatic, major and minor scales
  • two prepared pieces (concert pieces, etudes, or movements of a sonata or concerto) in contrasting styles
  • sight reading
  • theory placement examination

PERCUSSIONISTS

  • theory placement examination
  • demonstrate percussion skills on snare drum, marimba or xylophone, and timpani, as follows:

Snare Drum

- long roll, open-closed-open, pp-ff-pp
- 5,7,9,13,17-stroke rolls
- flams, flam accent no. 1 & 2, ruff, paradiddles, ratamaque, flam tap
- sight reading
- solo piece (may be rudimental or not for snare drum only)

Marimba or Xylophone

- major scales, two octaves, keys of C,F,G,D,E,A,Bb,Eb,Ab
- chromatic scale
- major and minor arpeggios, two octaves, for each of above keys
- sight reading
- two or three-mallet solo

Timpani

- for two drums, tune major 2nds, 3rds, 4ths, 5ths, 6ths, 7ths; minor 3rds, 6ths; octaves
- perform page 19 in the Goodman Timpani Method plus any two exercises for two or three drums
- sight reading

VOCAL MUSIC EDUCATION APPLICANTS

Master of Music in Music Education

  • Must have undergraduate degree in music education and teaching certificate. Interview/Audition required.

 

Bachelor of Music in Music Business
Contact: Prof. Dennis J. Tini
(313) 577-2545
aa5272@wayne.edu

All Music Business candidates must supply a one-page professional resume along with a statement of your career objectives prior to your audition. Click here to view other preferred entrance requirements for Music Business candidates.

CLASSICAL GUITARISTS

  • one prepared piece (for example, studies by Sor, Brouwer, or Noad)
  • major and minor scales in several positions
  • sight reading
  • theory placement examination

CLASSICAL BRASS, STRING, AND WOODWIND PLAYERS

  • chromatic, major and minor scales
  • two prepared pieces (concert pieces, etudes, or movements of a sonata or concerto) in contrasting styles
  • sight reading
  • theory placement examination