Department of Music Auditions
An audition is required for applicants to the B.S., B.M. and B.F.A. Programs
For admission to the Bachelor of Science, Bachelor of Music or Bachelor of Fine Arts programs evidence of prior music training experience and musical aptitude is expected. Auditions and placement exams are required for all undergraduate programs. Deficiencies discovered through the placement exam may require remedial coursework. Acceptance into the music program is also contingent upon acceptance to LIU Post. Please see Admissions for more information.
Prospective undergraduate music majors may compete through audition for performance awards.
Auditions Schedule
Individual online auditions for Spring 2021 entry can be scheduled by emailing us at post-music@liu.edu.
Note: Applicants from abroad or distant geographical regions for whom travel to LIU Post to audition is not possible should submit a video recording of their audition performance either on DVD or via a web link (such as a YouTube video) in lieu of a live audition. Audio-only recordings will not be accepted.
Audition Requirements for the B.S. in Music and the B.M. in Music Education Programs
Note: If you are applying for the B.S. in Music you may choose to perform a classical or jazz audition according to the course of study you wish to follow. Applicants for the B.M. in Music Education are required to perform a classical audition.
Professional attire is expected.
For Instrumentalists (Classical):
- Two pieces of contrasting styles. These could be two complete pieces or individual movements from two different works.
- Major scales (B.M., B.S. applicants.)
- Additional requirements as deemed necessary by area director (M.A. applicants.)
- Sight-reading.
- Percussionists: audition repertoire should include: (1) advanced snare drum solo; (2) two- mallet keyboard piece (marimba, xylophone, or vibraphone); (3) two-drum timpani piece.
For Instrumentalists (Jazz):
- Demonstrate knowledge of scales and arpeggios.
- Sight-read an excerpt from a big band or combo arrangement.
- Perform (3) jazz compositions or standards of your choosing. Your 3 selections must include one up-tempo selection, one medium tempo and one ballad. We recommend that one of your selections be a different feel other than swing; i.e. samba, straight eighth, cha-cha, etc. One of your selections must be a blues. Please be prepared to play the melody and improvise on each tune (only a half-chorus is necessary on the ballad).
- Bassists: demonstrate your ability to play a "two-feel" and "walk" a bass line on each selection. Ability to demonstrate different Latin styles is encouraged. Doubling on electric bass is highly recommended. If you only play eclectic bass, we will encourage you to also study upright bass upon entering the program.
- Drummers: demonstrate the ability to use brushes on your ballad selection. You will be also asked to trade "4's" or "8's" on your medium or up-tempo selection. Ability to demonstrate different Latin styles is encouraged.
- Guitarists/Pianists: demonstrate your ability to "comp" on each selection.
- Presenting original compositions at your audition is highly recommended but not required.
For Vocalists (Classical):
- Two pieces of contrasting styles. One selection must be in a language other than English. The other Classical selection may be in English if desired, or another foreign language.
- Exploration of vocal range and aural abilities.
For Vocalists (Jazz):
- Two choruses of a medium swing jazz standard. Sing the melody and lyrics as notated on the first chorus and then embellish or improvise (scat) on some portion of the second chorus.
- A ballad from the Great American Songbook.
Accompanist: An accompanist will be provided if you require one, or you may bring your own accompanist if you wish.
Placement Exams: Along with the performance audition, evaluations in pitch perception, sight-singing, music theory and piano proficiency are required. These exams are used for appropriate placement in the musicianship sequence, and deficiencies discovered through the placement exams may require remedial coursework.
Audition Requirements for the B.F.A. in Music Technology, Entrepreneurship & Production Program
Professional attire is expected.
It is recommended that you seek the counsel of your musical mentor or private instructor when selecting your audition pieces. Below please find guidelines to assist your selection:
- A song from a well-known artist or band (any style)
- A transcription of a well-known artist's solo
- A composition from the instrumental/voice repertoire such as a movement, sonata, concerto, or etude
- A standard or jazz tune with your own improvisation
In addition to one selection from the list above, aspiring songwriters and composers may choose to play an original piece that features your individual style. Neither piece should exceed three minutes in length, for a total of no more than six minutes.
Accompanist: An accompanist will be provided. You may, however, provide your own accompanist or MP3 player if you require accompaniment for your prepared piece, particularly if the accompaniment is not notated. If you are playing to a track, please use a standard play-along/music-minus-one or karaoke track so that you are not playing your part along with the same part on the recording.
Placement Exams: Along with the performance audition, evaluations in pitch perception, sight-singing, music theory and piano proficiency are required. These exams are used for appropriate placement in the musicianship sequence, and deficiencies discovered through the placement exams may require remedial coursework.
CONTACT
College of Arts, Communications & Design
Dr. Jennifer Holmes, Dean
Kahn 100, Kahn Hall
Post-CACD@LIU.edu
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