Auditions

All students who major in music must choose a major applied area in which to concentrate based on their principal instrument. This may be voice, piano, or instrumental (brass, woodwind, strings, or percussion.) Students should audition during the semester prior to beginning course work at Texas Southern University. Live auditions are held at least once a semester either during scheduled times or by appointment. You may also audition when one of our faculty members visits your campus or virtually, if needed.
The results of the audition will either be:
A) Unrestricted acceptance into the applied area with the permission to take music classes according to the curriculum.
B) Probationary acceptance into the applied area with the stipulation that

a. The probationary period will last no more than two (2) consecutive semesters from the date of the audition. The probationary period consists of Fall and Spring semesters. The probationary period can be successfully completed after one semester. However, after two semesters the student must satisfy the minimal requirement for acceptance or seek another major of study.
b. Students under the probationary status must enroll in the MUSA 111/112 for their applied lessons.
c. The student cannot take any 300/400 level music classes while on a probationary status.

Auditions Requirement

VOICE
Vocal students should prepare one selection in English and are strongly encouraged to prepare an additional song in a foreign language. This can include an operatic aria, spiritual, art song in any language, traditional or patriotic hymn such as The Star Spangled Banner; America the Beautiful, etc. Students will also:
a. Vocalize to determine range
b. Sight- read
c. Demonstrate their tonal memory

PIANO
Piano students should prepare two contrasting pieces at a level equivalent to Bach Three Part Inventions, Beethoven Op. 49 or early Haydn, Mozart sonatas OR a level equivalent to Bach Two-Part Inventions, Mozart Viennese Sonatinas, Clementi or Kuhlau Sonatinas. Students will also:
a. Perform all major scales (2-4 octaves)
b. Sight-read pieces such as those found in the Bach “Anna Magdalena Notebook” or Bartok “Mikrokosmos” Book 2 and 3

INSTRUMENTAL
Instrumental students should prepare two contrasting works such as a movement from a concerto and a movement of unaccompanied Bach. Students will also:
a. Perform one major and one melodic minor scale (2-3 octaves)
b. Sight-read

COMPOSITION
Composition students should bring a portfolio of compositions and share details about their intentions and process of composition.

JAZZ STUDIES
Students intending to major or minor in jazz should additionally prepare a piece within the jazz idiom that demonstrates proficiency on the instrument and various jazz styles (ie., big band, bebop, jazz etude, transcriptions). Students will also:
a. Improvise over 1-2 pieces
b. Sight-read
c. Perform a variety of scales (ie., major, minor, dorian, etc.) 1-2 octaves
Lastly, specific instruments should be able to demonstrate the following:
a. Execute melodies in a variety of styles (wind instruments, guitar, bass, piano)
b. Demonstrate comping and reading figures (guitar, bass, piano)
c. Demonstrate an ability to play a variety of time feels and set-up big band figures (percussion)