Piano Audition Requirements

Classical

Please prepare the following:

• Two contrasting pieces that demonstrate your playing ability and tone and might include works such as:
  • A prelude and fugue by Bach, movements of a Bach suite, or a Scarlatti sonata
  • A movement of a sonata by Beethoven, Haydn, or Mozart
  • A Chopin scherzo, ballade, waltz, or nocturne or a work by Brahms, Schumann, Liszt, or Mendelssohn
  • A 20th century work by Prokofieff, Bartok, Muczynski, Ravel, Debussy, Bolcom, or others
• An Etude: Could be chosen from those of Chopin, Moszkowski, Liszt, Rachmaninoff, Debussy, Scriabin, Prokofieff, Ligeti, Bolcom, or others.
• Video Introduction: Tell us about who you are as an artist. Record a short (2-5 minutes) video introduction, including information about your artistic journey, such as the kinds of classes or lessons you have taken, your artistic accomplishments, any awards you have won, groups you have participated in, artistic experiences that have been particularly meaningful, and anything else you would like for us to know about you as an artist.

If you are unable to present the suggested audition materials, please submit materials that clearly display your present level and potential.

Jazz

Please prepare two selections:

1. Please prepare one jazz standard from the following options, and include a performance of the melody followed by accompaniment chordal comping for one chorus followed a minimum of 24 bars of solos (two chorus minimum on Billie’s Bounce and Blue Bossa, one chorus minimum on 32 bar forms). Lead sheets and resources for the charts below can be found here.
   1. Billie’s Bounce 
   2. Oleo (or other piece written over the chord changes of I Got Rhythm)
   3. Take the A Train
   4. Blue Bossa
   5. Autumn Leaves
2. Please prepare one technical etude of your choice, which could include a transcription of a jazz solo or a classical etude or piece. Good suggestions can be found under the Classical repertoire section for your instrument group. 

If you are submitting a recorded audition, you may play solo or with a group. You can also play with a full band, guitarist, bassist, or backing track. If you are performing with other musicians, please make sure you can easily be identified.

Video Introduction: Tell us about who you are as an artist. Record a short (2-5 minutes) video introduction, including information about your artistic journey, such as the kinds of classes or lessons you have taken, your artistic accomplishments, any awards you have won, groups you have participated in, artistic experiences that have been particularly meaningful, and anything else you would like for us to know about you as an artist.

If you are unable to present the suggested audition materials, please submit materials that clearly display your present level and potential.

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For more detailed information on the Interlochen Arts Academy application process, please visit our How to Apply page.