Listed below are the audition/prescreening procedures and repertoire for applicants to the orchestral performance program, separated by instrument. The audition repertoire below meets the requirements for all master of music and professional studies programs in orchestral performance at Manhattan School of Music. New this year: All orchestral performance applicants must audition live in New York City. New this year: Interview Component All applicants for the Graduate Program in Orchestral Performance are required to interview with the Assistant Dean and Manager. In this interview, the student should discuss her/his interest in the Program as well as orchestral and leadership experiences. Presentation,communication and organizational skills are important factors which show the serious commitment to the Orchestral Performance Program. It is encouraged for applicants to be prepared to demonstrate these qualities. The interview will be approximately 10 minutes in duration. It will take place on the same day as the Admissions Audition. To schedule an interview, the applicant should email Abby Fennessy, Manager of the Graduate Program in Orchestral Performance at afennessy@msmnyc.edu after receiving their audition time from the Office of Admissions. Applicants who wish to be considered for both the classical performance and the orchestral performance programs in Violin, Viola, Cello, Flute, and Clarinet must submit two separate applications and should expect separate prescreening/audition requirements and procedures. For all other instruments, an application submitted to the orchestral performance program will ensure automatic consideration for both the orchestral and classical programs. For more information about Manhattan School of Music's classical performance programs, please click here.
Bass Bassoon Cello Clarinet Flute Harp Horn Oboe Percussion Trombone Bass Trombone Trumpet Tuba Viola Violin
There is no prescreening requirement for this instrument.
Solo Works
Excerpts (Select three excerpts from group A, two from group B)
Excerpts
All orchestral cello applicants are required to submit an audio recording for prescreening purposes in order to receive an invitation to a live audition in New York City. The recording must include all of the repertoire as listed below. Prescreening recordings must be uploaded via www.musiccas.com. Please find information on how to upload prescreening materials here. It is not required that the format be a professional or studio recording, but the sound quality must be as good as possible.
All orchestral clarinet applicants are required to submit an audio recording for prescreening purposes in order to receive an invitation to a live audition in New York City. The recording must include all of the repertoire as listed below. Prescreening recordings must be uploaded via www.musiccas.com. Please find information on how to upload prescreening materials here. It is not required that the format be a professional or studio recording, but the sound quality must be as good as possible. ALL ORCHESTRAL CLARINET APPLICANTS MUST BE ACCOMPANIED ON THEIR PRESCREENING RECORDING.
All orchestral flute applicants (including MSM Alumni) are required to submit an audio recording for prescreening purposes in order to receive an invitation to a live audition in New York City. The recording must include all of the repertoire as listed below. Prescreening recordings must be uploaded via www.musiccas.com. Please find information on how to upload prescreening materials here. It is not required that the format be a professional or studio recording, but the sound quality must be as good as possible.
Solo Work
Technique
All of the above technique requirements should be prepared in all major and harmonic minor keys, over three octaves, and with various articulations.
Excerpts (prepare all)
All orchestral percussion applicants are required to submit a video recording for prescreening purposes in order to receive an invitation to a live audition in New York City. The recording must include all of the repertoire as listed below. Prescreening recordings must be uploaded via www.musiccas.com. Please find information on how to upload prescreening materials here. It is not required that the format be a professional or studio recording, but the sound quality must be as good as possible.
Snare Drum
Marimba
Xylophone
Tambourine
Timpani
Glockenspiel
Cymbals
All orchestral viola applicants are required to submit an audio recording for prescreening purposes in order to receive an invitation to a live audition in New York City. The recording must include all of the repertoire as listed below. Prescreening recordings must be uploaded via www.musiccas.com. Please find information on how to upload prescreening materials here. It is not required that the format be a professional or studio recording, but the sound quality must be as good as possible.
All orchestral violin applicants are required to submit an audio recording for prescreening purposes in order to receive an invitation to a live audition in New York City. The recording must include all of the repertoire as listed below. Prescreening recordings must be uploaded via www.musiccas.com. Please find information on how to upload prescreening materials here. It is not required that the format be a professional or studio recording, but the sound quality must be as good as possible.