Piano Prescreening & Audition Procedures - Manhattan School of Music

Information for prospective piano students applying to Manhattan School of Music.

Piano Prescreening Requirements

Piano applicants are required to submit a video recording for prescreening purposes for consideration for 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 directly to your application. It is not required that the format be a professional or studio recording, but the sound quality should be as good as possible. All recordings must be unedited and all works must be performed from memory.

Undergraduate (BM)

Two works of contrasting style. You may include individual movements of multi-movement works. Playing time should total approximately 15-20 minutes. Please choose works that best represent your individual artistry.
Graduate (MM)

Two works of contrasting style. You may include individual movements of multi-movement works. Playing time should total approximately 15-20 minutes. Please choose works that best represent your individual artistry.
Professional Studies (PS) & Professional Performance Diploma (PPD)

A complete solo recital program representing at least three contrasting style periods. Playing time should total approximately 60-70 minutes.
Doctor of Musical Arts (DMA) & Artist Diploma (AD)

A complete solo recital program representing at least three contrasting style periods. Playing time should total approximately 60-70 minutes. Please note: current Manhattan School of Music students are not exempt from the prescreening requirement for the Doctor of Musical Arts and the Artist Diploma programs.

Piano Audition Requirements

Virtual Audition Instructions

Applicants will submit the required repertoire below as separate video recordings by February 1, 2022. Please record a separate video for each selection or movement listed for your degree. Video files should be clearly labeled with the composer’s name and title of the piece. All works should be performed from memory. Applicants may choose to include selections from their prescreening submissions in the audition. Professional or studio recordings are not required, but the sound quality should be as good as possible.
Undergraduate (BM)
- One Prelude and Fugue or another work containing a fugue by J.S. Bach
- A complete sonata by Joseph Haydn, W.A. Mozart, Franz Schubert, or Ludwig van Beethoven.
- A complete work written in the 19th century.
- A complete work written in the 20th or 21st centuries.
Please feel free to include additional works that you believe will enhance your program.
Graduate (MM)
- A complete work from the Baroque era.
- A complete sonata by Joseph Haydn, W.A. Mozart, Franz Schubert, or Ludwig van Beethoven.
- A complete work written in the 19th century.
- A complete work written in the 20th or 21st centuries.
Please feel free to include additional works that you believe will enhance your program.
Professional Studies (PS), Professional Performance Diploma (PPD) Doctoral (DMA) & Artist Diploma (AD)

A full-length recital which includes pieces from four contrasting style periods. One piece MUST be a contemporary work.