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AUDITIONS & INTERVIEWS

Rackham Graduate Requirements and Dates

How to Apply for Admission

Audition Requirements:

Cello

Double Bass

Harp

Viola

Violin

Audition Schedule and Application Deadline Dates

General Rackham Graduate Audition and Interview Information

How to Apply for Admission

A master's degree in the applicant's proposed field of specialization, or its equivalent, is a prerequisite for admission to the D.M.A. in Strings Performance, except as noted for Harp.

To apply for admission, all applicants to the D.M.A. must submit an official application, transcripts, recommendations, and other materials as instructed below. Indicate your instrument on the application form. The deadline for applications is December 1 for the Fall Term and September 15 for the Winter Term.

International applicants whose language is not English must submit a Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) score or the Michigan English Language Battery (MELAB) score before the audition may be scheduled.

Applicants to the doctoral program in Violin, Viola, Cello, Double Bass, and Harp are required to submit for preliminary review a DVD or videotape of the first movement of the concerto intended for performance at the live audition, and a sonata demonstrating significant collaborative skills.  A copy of the comprehensive repertoire list should accompany the DVD or video recording.  All application materials should reach the office of Senior Associate Dean Steven M. Whiting by December 1.  An audition will be scheduled upon favorable evaluation of the application materials.  Doctoral applicants in string performance must audition live in Ann Arbor. 

Admission to the doctoral program does not guarantee that the student will ultimately complete the course requirements, become a candidate, or receive the degree. Admission implies only that the applicant has the requisite background and should be given the opportunity to demonstrate his or her ability. A master's degree in the applicant's proposed field of specialization is a prerequisite for admission.

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Cello

For admission to the D.M.A. program, each applicant must be prepared to play an audition consisting of the following:

1. A major concerto (all movements) such as the Dvorak, Schumann, or Haydn D Major, performed from memory
2. Either the Fourth, Fifth, or Sixth Suite of J. S. Bach
3. Works of the applicant's choice, including a sonata demonstrating significant collaborative skill (submitted on DVD or videotape)

Deviations from this audition repertoire must be approved by the departmental director of graduate studies or chair of the String Department. An accompanist is required for all auditions. An accompanist may be supplied by the School of Music, Theatre & Dance if requested in advance and confirmed.

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Double Bass

For admission to the D.M.A. program, each applicant must be prepared to play an audition consisting of the following:

1. A major concerto (all movements) such as the Bottesini B Minor or Koussevitzky, or a 20th-century concerto, performed from memory
2. A sonata or major concert piece
3. Works of the applicant's choice, including a sonata demonstrating significant collaborative skill (submitted on DVD or videotape)

Deviations from this audition repertoire must be approved by the departmental director of graduate studies or chair of the String Department. An accompanist is required for all auditions. An accompanist may be supplied by the School of Music, Theatre & Dance if requested in advance and confirmed.

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Harp

For admission to the D.M.A. program, harp applicants must present one etude of technical demand and at least forty-five minutes of advanced level recital repertoire, such as works by C.P.E. Bach, J.S. Bach, Britten, Caplet, Debussy, Fauré, Flagello, Grandjany, Mozart, Parish-Alvars, Ravel, Tournier, and Salzedo. All solos are to be performed from memory. An accompanist may be provided by the School of Music, Theatre & Dance if requested in advance and confirmed.

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Viola

For admission to the D.M.A. program, each applicant must be prepared to play an audition consisting of the following:

1. Either the Bartok, Walton, or Hindemith concertos (all movements), performed from memory
2. A major solo work
3. Works of the applicant's choice, including a sonata demonstrating significant collaborative skill (submitted on DVD or videotape)

Deviations from this audition repertoire must be approved by the departmental director of graduate studies or chair of the String Department. An accompanist is required for all auditions. An accompanist may be supplied by the School of Music, Theatre & Dance if requested in advance and confirmed.

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Violin

For admission to the D.M.A. program, each applicant must be prepared to play an audition consisting of the following:

1. A major 19th- or 20-century concerto (all movements), performed from memory
2. A complete sonata or partita of J. S. Bach
3. Works of the applicant's choice, including a sonata demonstrating significant collaborative skill (submitted on DVD or videotape)

Deviations from this audition repertoire must be approved by the departmental director of graduate studies or chair of the String Department. An accompanist is required for all auditions. An accompanist may be supplied by the School of Music, Theatre & Dance if requested in advance and confirmed.

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Audition Schedule and Application Deadline Dates

Audition Date	Application Deadline	Notes
11/21/2008	09/15/2008
01/16/2009	12/01/2008
01/30/2009	12/01/2008
02/06/2009	12/01/2008
02/13/2009	12/01/2008
02/20/2009	12/01/2008
03/27/2009	01/15/2009	no merit scholarship consideration

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