Audition Requirements for Keyboard
(Commercial Music)

In a prospective keyboard concentration audition, students must play three memorized works chosen from one or more genres (pop, rock, classical, jazz, country, urban, hip-hop, gospel, Latin) that exemplify their technical ability and artistic expression.  A committee of faculty will observe and engage the student in follow-up discussion. 
These pieces may be performed with a collaborative musician or recorded tracks.

 Recording and Production Concentration Students:

• Pieces should include a blues selection, up-tempo selection, and one additional selection.

Songwriting and Performance Concentration Students:

• Pieces should include a blues selection, up tempo selection, and one additional selection.
• One selection must be an original song/composition.

The following skills will also be explored in the audition:

• Chord voicings/spellings (comping and other patterns)
• Scales, arpeggios, and other technical patterns
• Sight-reading, both standard music notation and chord sheets
• Aural abilities

Criteria for Evaluation

• Technique
• Tempo and Rhythm
• Melody, Pitch, Harmony, Chord Voicing
• Expression and Dynamics

Equipment Available for Commercial Music Major Auditions (upon request):

• Piano/Keyboard
• Speaker with inputs for smart phone/laptop/Bluetooth.
• Microphone
• Amplifier for bass, guitar, and keyboard
• Drum kit (5-piece)
• Music stand

Online Submission Requirements:

If an in-person audition is not possible, students may upload videos to YouTube and submit unlisted links to Professor John Buteyn ([email protected]).  Please slate each video with your name and intended degree concentration.  In addition to the three requested pieces, also include:

• Two-octave major scales in A major and Bb major.
• A brief statement regarding your music reading and sight-reading abilities.