1) Repertoire
Two contrasting styles from the following genres: Jazz, Latin, Pop/Rock/R&B, Classical
One piece should be slower and demonstrate your touch and expressivity on the piano
The other piece should be faster and demonstrate your technique and energy on the piano
In addition (not as a substitute), students are encouraged to perform an original composition. This is not required.
2) Scales
Prepare major scales with both hands in B, C, Db, and D – two octaves ascending and descending, eighth notes at a tempo of quarter note = 80.
3) Sight Reading
Sight reading will be assessed during the audition using two methods:
Read short single staff and grand staff excerpts.
Read a lead sheet (interpreting chord symbols) in two of the following three ways:
as an accompanist for vocals/melodic instruments (not playing the melody on the piano)
as a solo pianist, interpreting chord symbols and the melody
as in a jazz ensemble, playing left hand chords and right hand melody/improvisation
4) Schedule your audition.
There are three audition dates for the Fall 2013 Application process:
Friday, February 8th, Friday, March 8th, and Friday, April 5th, 2013
To schedule an audition time, please Peter Stoltzman at peter.stoltzman@ucdenver.edu or (303) 556-6626.
Out-of-state students may live video stream audition on the days listed above via Skype/Facetime.
Students who are unable to perform a live or video-streamed audition may submit a video recorded audition.
Video auditions must contain the type of repertoire and scales listed above at 10-15 minutes in length. Sight-reading will be assessed in person at a later date.
5) Audition Deferment
An Non-Audition Application Form is used for non-audition track Music Business and Recording Arts students. This document is also available at in the Arts Building, Suite 288 or at: Non-Audition_Application_Form_Fall_2013.pdf
6) Minors
The MEIS Department no longer accepts General Musicianship minors.
7) Questions
Please contact the Music & Entertainment Industry Studies Office at MEIS.Dept@ucdenver.edu or call: (303) 556-3480 with any questions.
Piano Audition Information (PDF)