Woodwinds Prescreening & Audition Procedures

Requirements for Woodwinds

Flute and Clarinet applicants must submit a prescreen video in order to be considered for an invitation to an in-person or recorded audition. Bassoon, Oboe, and Saxophone applicants do not have a prescreen requirement.

Step 1: Prescreen

Include ALL required repertoire for the degree level you are applying to, as listed in the dropdown menu below.
Upload your prescreen recordings directly to your application.
Prescreen Deadline: December 1.
Videos do not have to be a professional or studio recording, but the sound quality should be of high quality and should accurately reflect your musicianship.
Each piece or movement should be uploaded as a separate video. However, each individual video must be unedited.

Step 2: Audition

Applicants who pass the prescreen round will be invited to audition.

Prepare ALL of the required audition repertoire for the degree level you are applying to, as listed in the dropdown menu below.
Note that audition repertoire requirements may differ from prescreen requirements. However, applicants may choose to include selections from their prescreen submissions in the audition where requirements overlap.
MSM offers in-person and recorded final auditions, except for the Doctoral of Musical Arts & Artist Diploma programs, which require an in-person audition.

Carefully review the specific repertoire requirements for your instrument and degree level in the dropdown menu below.

Classical Bassoon
Step 1: Prescreen

There is no prescreen requirement for Classical Bassoon.

Step 2: Audition

Undergraduate: Bachelor of Music (BM) and Master of Music (MM)
- One of the following:
  
  Johann Hummel – Concerto in F, expositions of first and second movements
  
  W.A. Mozart – Concerto in B-Flat, expositions of first and second movements
  
  Camille Saint-Saëns – Sonata, complete first movement
  
  Alexandre Tansman – Sonatine, complete first and second movements, with no repeat in Movt. 1
  
  Antonio Vivaldi – One Concerto of the applicant’s choice, complete first and second movements
  
  Carl Maria von Weber – Andante and Hungarian Rondo, Andante only
  
  Carl Maria von Weber – Concerto, complete first and second movements
- One of the following suggested works or similar*:
  
  Jenni Brandon – Colored Stones, one movement
  
  Nancy Galbraith – Sonata, one movement
  
  William Grant Still – Three Songs, one movement
  
  Adolphus Hailstork – Bassoon Set, one movement
  
  Ulysses Kay – Sonata
  
  Jose Siqueira – Three Etudes, one movement
  
  Margie Giebling-Haigh – Sortilège
  
  Libby Larsen – Concert Piece, one movement
  
  Francisco Mignone – Waltzes, one complete waltz
  
  Jeff Scott – Elegy for Innocence
  
  Natalie Moller – Translations, one movement
*a work by a composer from an historically underrepresented racial/ethnic group, gender, and/or culture. Choosing works that represent the applicant’s own cultural background is also welcomed.
- Three of the following orchestral excerpts:
  
  Ludwig van Beethoven – Symphony No. 4, Movement 4, measures 15 – 25, 184 – 188, 300 – 303, 348 – end
  
  W.A. Mozart – Marriage of Figaro, overture, measures 139 – 171)
  
  Maurice Ravel – Bolero, solo
  
  Maurice Ravel – Piano Concerto
  
  Movement 1, rehearsal 9 – 10
  
  Movement 3, rehearsal 14 – 16, both parts combined
  
  Nikolai Rimsky-Korsakov – Scheherazade, Movement 2, solo and cadenzas
  
  Dmitri Shostakovich – Symphony no. 9, solos from movements 4 – 5
  
  Igor Stravinsky – Firebird, Berceuse, solo
  
  Igor Stravinsky – Rite of Spring, opening solos
  
  Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky – Symphony no. 4, Movement 2, solo to end
  
  Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky – Symphony no. 6, Movement 1, opening solo
*You are currently viewing the requirements for the Classical division at MSM. For graduate students interested in pursuing a degree program in Orchestral Studies, please see the Orchestral Performance Program requirements here. The Orchestral Performance program is a small, specialized curriculum that includes rigorous orchestral repertoire classes and regular mock auditions in place of traditional recital requirements.

Professional Studies (PS), Professional Performance Diploma (PPD), Doctor of Musical Arts (DMA), and Artist Diploma (AD)
- A 20-minute selection from a full-length recital featuring contrasting styles, including at least one of the following works:
  
  Margie Giebling-Haigh – Sortilège
  
  Libby Larsen – Concert Piece, one movement
  
  Francisco Mignone – Waltzes, one complete waltz
  
  Jeff Scott – Elegy for Innocence
  
  Natalie Moller – Translations, one movement
  
  Jose Siqueira – Three Etudes
- The following orchestral excerpts:
  
  Ludwig van Beethoven – Symphony No. 4, Movement 4, measures 15 – 25, 184 – 188, 300 – 303, 348 – end
  
  W.A. Mozart – Marriage of Figaro, overture, measures 139 – 171)
  
  Maurice Ravel – Bolero, solo
  
  Nikolai Rimsky-Korsakov – Scheherazade, Movement 2, solo and cadenzas
  
  Igor Stravinsky – Rite of Spring, opening solos
  
  Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky – Symphony no. 4, Movement 2, solo to end
  
  *a work by a composer from an historically underrepresented racial/ethnic group, gender, and/or culture. Choosing works that represent the applicant’s own cultural background is also welcomed.
*You are currently viewing the requirements for the Classical division at MSM. For graduate students interested in pursuing a degree program in Orchestral Studies, please see the Orchestral Performance Program requirements here. The Orchestral Performance program is a small, specialized curriculum that includes rigorous orchestral repertoire classes and regular mock auditions in place of traditional recital requirements.
Classical Clarinet
Step 1: Prescreen

All Degree Levels
- Two contrasting works of the applicant’s choice or single movements taken from full-length works representing two different styles and or periods.
  
  Accompaniment is required for all works that include accompaniment.
- Two orchestral excerpts of the applicant’s choice displaying a balance of technical and lyrical playing.
  
  Accompaniment is not required for orchestral excerpts.
- One etude of the applicant’s choice.
*You are currently viewing the requirements for the Classical division at MSM. For graduate students interested in pursuing a degree program in Orchestral Studies, please see the Orchestral Performance Program requirements here. The Orchestral Performance program is a small, specialized curriculum that includes rigorous orchestral repertoire classes and regular mock auditions in place of traditional recital requirements.

Step 2: Audition

Undergraduate: Bachelor of Music (BM)
- Two contrasting etudes of the applicant’s choice.
- Two complete works of the applicant’s choice from contrasting periods or styles.
- Two contrasting orchestral excerpts of the applicant’s choice.
- One of the following suggested works or similar*:
  
  Solo Clarinet
  
  Solhi al- Wadi: Piece “-5” for Clarinet Solo
  
  Andile Khumalo: Tracing Hollow Traces
  
  Jessie Cox: OR/UN for B-flat Clarinet
  
  Adolphus Hailstork: Three Smiles for Tracey
  
  Ed Bland: For Clarinet
  
  Sakari Dixon Vanderveer: Two Thoughts and a Fixation
  
  Paquito d’Rivera: “Lecuonerías” from The Cape Cod Files
  
  Chen Yi; Monologue (Impressions on the True Story of Ah Q)
  
  Anna Clyne: Snake and Ladder
  
  Isang Yun: Piri
  
  Germaine Tailleferre: Sonata for solo clarinet
  
  Coleridge-Taylor Perkinson: Finale for solo clarinet
  
  Katherine Hoover, Set for Clarinet
  
  Young Shin Choi: Dunsan Landscapes for clarinet solo (2006)
  
  * a work by a composer from an historically underrepresented racial/ethnic group, gender, and/or culture. Choosing a work that represents the applicant’s own cultural background is also welcomed.
Master of Music (MM)
- Two contrasting etudes of the applicant’s choice.
- Two complete works from contrasting periods and styles. One work must be a concerto and one work must be from the 20th or 21st century.
- Two contrasting orchestral excerpts of the applicant’s choice.
- One of the following suggested works or similar*:
  
  Solo Clarinet
  
  Solhi al- Wadi: Piece “-5” for Clarinet Solo
  
  Andile Khumalo: Tracing Hollow Traces
  
  Jessie Cox: OR/UN for B-flat Clarinet
  
  Adolphus Hailstork: Three Smiles for Tracey
  
  Ed Bland: For Clarinet
  
  Sakari Dixon Vanderveer: Two Thoughts and a Fixation
  
  Paquito d’Rivera: “Lecuonerías” from The Cape Cod Files
  
  Chen Yi; Monologue (Impressions on the True Story of Ah Q)
  
  Anna Clyne: Snake and Ladder
  
  Isang Yun: Piri
  
  Germaine Tailleferre: Sonata for solo clarinet
  
  Coleridge-Taylor Perkinson: Finale for solo clarinet
  
  Katherine Hoover, Set for Clarinet
  
  Young Shin Choi: Dunsan Landscapes for clarinet solo (2006)
  
  * a work by a composer from an historically underrepresented racial/ethnic group, gender, and/or culture. Choosing a work that represents the applicant’s own cultural background is also welcomed.
*You are currently viewing the requirements for the Classical division at MSM. For graduate students interested in pursuing a degree program in Orchestral Studies, please see the Orchestral Performance Program requirements here. The Orchestral Performance program is a small, specialized curriculum that includes rigorous orchestral repertoire classes and regular mock auditions in place of traditional recital requirements.

Professional Studies (PS), Professional Performance Diploma (PPD), Doctor of Musical Arts (DMA), and Artist Diploma (AD)
- A full-length recital from contrasting style periods including a work from the 20th or 21st century.
- Four orchestral excerpts of the applicant’s choice.
- One of the following suggested works or similar*:
  
  Solo Clarinet
  
  Solhi al- Wadi: Piece “-5” for Clarinet Solo
  
  Andile Khumalo: Tracing Hollow Traces
  
  Jessie Cox: OR/UN for B-flat Clarinet
  
  Adolphus Hailstork: Three Smiles for Tracey
  
  Ed Bland: For Clarinet
  
  Sakari Dixon Vanderveer: Two Thoughts and a Fixation
  
  Paquito d’Rivera: “Lecuonerías” from The Cape Cod Files
  
  Chen Yi; Monologue (Impressions on the True Story of Ah Q)
  
  Anna Clyne: Snake and Ladder
  
  Isang Yun: Piri
  
  Germaine Tailleferre: Sonata for solo clarinet
  
  Coleridge-Taylor Perkinson: Finale for solo clarinet
  
  Katherine Hoover, Set for Clarinet
  
  Young Shin Choi: Dunsan Landscapes for clarinet solo (2006)
  
  * a work by a composer from an historically underrepresented racial/ethnic group, gender, and/or culture. Choosing a work that represents the applicant’s own cultural background is also welcomed.
*You are currently viewing the requirements for the Classical division at MSM. For graduate students interested in pursuing a degree program in Orchestral Studies, please see the Orchestral Performance Program requirements here. The Orchestral Performance program is a small, specialized curriculum that includes rigorous orchestral repertoire classes and regular mock auditions in place of traditional recital requirements.
Classical Flute
Step 1: Prescreen

Undergraduate: Bachelor of Music (BM)
- W.A. Mozart – Concerto for Flute in G or Concerto for Flute in D, exposition of movement 2.
- One work of the applicant’s choice from the book Flute Music by French Composers published by Schirmer and compiled by L. Moyse.
- One additional work of the applicant’s choice other than the works from Flute Music by French Composers or the Concertos by W.A. Mozart.
- One movement of the applicant’s choice from a sonata composed in the Baroque era.
- Excerpts:
  
  Felix Mendelssohn – A Midsummer Night’s Dream, scherzo, 12 bars before P to the end.
  
  One additional orchestral excerpt of the applicant’s choice.
Master’s (MM), Professional Studies (PS), Professional Performance Diploma (PPD), Doctor of Musical Arts (DMA) & Artist Diploma (AD)
- W.A. Mozart – Concerto for Flute in G or Concerto for Flute in D, exposition of movements 1 and 2.
- One movement of a sonata by J.S. Bach.
- One work of the applicant’s choice from the book Flute Music by French Composers published by Schirmer and compiled by L. Moyse.
- Two additional, contrasting works of different styles or periods excluding W.A. Mozart and J.S. Bach.
- Excerpts:
  
  Igor Stravinsky – Firebird, Firebird Variation, entire movement, counting rests.
  
  One additional orchestral excerpt of the applicant’s choice.
*You are currently viewing the requirements for the Classical division at MSM. For graduate students interested in pursuing a degree program in Orchestral Studies, please see the Orchestral Performance Program requirements here. The Orchestral Performance program is a small, specialized curriculum that includes rigorous orchestral repertoire classes and regular mock auditions in place of traditional recital requirements.

Step 2: Audition

In addition to the recorded repertoire, virtual applicants may have a Zoom callback playing session.

Undergraduate: Bachelor of Music (BM)
- W.A. Mozart – Concerto for Flute in G Major or Concerto for Flute in D major, Exposition of Movement 1 and Movement 2.
- One work of the applicant’s choice from the book Flute Music by French Composers, published by Schirmer and compiled by L. Moyse.
- One additional work of the applicant’s choice, other than the Concertos by W.A. Mozart or Flute Music by French Composers.
- One movement of a Sonata or the Partita for Solo Flute by J.S. Bach.
- One of the following suggested works or similar*:
  
  Allison Loggins-Hull – Homeland
  
  Valerie Coleman – Danza de la Mariposa
  
  Adolphus Hailstork – Yuhwa or Flute Set
  
  Ulysses Kay – Prelude for Unaccompanied Flute (1943)
  
  Andre Meyer – Falling Skyward
  
  *a work by a composer from an historically underrepresented racial/ethnic group, gender, and/or culture. Choosing a work that represents the applicant’s own cultural background is also welcomed.
- Excerpts:
  
  Felix Mendelssohn – A Midsummer Night’s Dream, Scherzo, 12 bars before P to the end
  
  One additional excerpt of the applicant’s choice
Master of Music (MM)
- W.A. Mozart – Concerto for Flute in G Major or Concerto for Flute in D major, Exposition of Movement 1 and Movement 2.
- One work of the applicant’s choice from the book Flute Music by French Composers, published by Schirmer and compiled by L. Moyse
- One additional work of the applicant’s choice, other than the Concertos by W.A. Mozart or Flute Music by French Composers.
- One movement of a Sonata or the Partita for Solo Flute by J.S. Bach, or the Partita for Solo Flute by C.P.E. Bach.
- One of the following suggested works or similar*:
  
  Allison Loggins-Hull – Homeland
  
  Valerie Coleman – Danza de la Mariposa
  
  Adolphus Hailstork – Flute Set or Yuhwa
  
  Ulysses Kay – Prelude for Unaccompanied Flute (1943)
  
  Andre Meyer – Falling Skyward
  
  *a work by a composer from an historically underrepresented racial/ethnic group, gender, and/or culture. Choosing a work that represents the applicant’s own cultural background is also welcomed.
- Excerpts:
  
  Igor Stravinsky – Firebird, Firebird Variation, entire movement, counting rests.
  
  Two additional orchestral excerpts of the applicant’s choice.
*You are currently viewing the requirements for the Classical division at MSM. For graduate students interested in pursuing a degree program in Orchestral Studies, please see the Orchestral Performance Program requirements here. The Orchestral Performance program is a small, specialized curriculum that includes rigorous orchestral repertoire classes and regular mock auditions in place of traditional recital requirements.

Professional Studies (PS), Professional Performance Diploma (PPD), Doctor of Musical Arts (DMA), and Artist Diploma (AD)
- A full-length recital from contrasting style periods including a work from the 20th or 21st century.
- Four orchestral excerpts of the applicant’s choice, one of which must be Firebird, Firebird Variation (entire movement, counting rests).
- One of the following suggested works or similar*:
  
  Allison Loggins-Hull – Homeland
  
  Valerie Coleman – Danza de la Mariposa
  
  Adolphus Hailstork – Flute Set or Yuhwa
  
  Ulysses Kay – Prelude for Unaccompanied Flute (1943)
  
  Andre Meyer – Falling Skyward
  
  *a work by a composer from an historically underrepresented racial/ethnic group, gender, and/or culture. Choosing a work that represents the applicant’s own cultural background is also welcomed.
*You are currently viewing the requirements for the Classical division at MSM. For graduate students interested in pursuing a degree program in Orchestral Studies, please see the Orchestral Performance Program requirements here. The Orchestral Performance program is a small, specialized curriculum that includes rigorous orchestral repertoire classes and regular mock auditions in place of traditional recital requirements.
Classical Oboe
Step 1: Prescreen

There is no prescreen requirement for Classical Oboe.

Step 2: Audition

Undergraduate: Bachelor of Music (BM) and Master of Music (MM)
- Two contrasting etudes of the applicant’s choice.
- Two contrasting orchestral excerpts of the applicant’s choice.
- Three solo works of the applicant’s choice, one of which must be written by a composer of an underrepresented background. See below for a list of suggested works.
  
  One concerto
  
  One work composed in the 20th century
  
  One additional work of choice
Repertoire suggestions:
- Ruth Crawford-Seeger – Diaphonic Suite No. 1 for Oboe Solo, choose any movement
- Vivian Fine – Solo for Oboe, Second Solo for Oboe
- Amelia Kaplan – Up A Half Step for Oboe and iPhone
- Ulysses Kay – Suite for Oboe and Piano
- Alyssa Morris – Collision Etudes, choose from 1,2,3 or 5th movement
- Brian Nabor – Sonata for Oboe and Piano
- Gary Nash – A Million Numbered Streets for Oboe Solo
- Tina Nicholson – MOMENTS from WOMEN, Spicy Girl movement
- William Grant Still – Incantation and Dance for Oboe and Piano
- Clara Schumann – Three Romances, choose one movement
- Jeff Scott – Of Good and Evil, Fly with the Orishas
- Joan Tower – Toccanta for Oboe and Harpsichord
- Ellen Taaffe Zwillich – Concerto for Oboe
*You are currently viewing the requirements for the Classical division at MSM. For graduate students interested in pursuing a degree program in Orchestral Studies, please see the Orchestral Performance Program requirements here. The OP program is a small, specialized curriculum that includes rigorous orchestral repertoire classes and regular mock auditions in place of traditional recital requirements.

Professional Studies (PS), Professional Performance Diploma (PPD), Doctor of Musical Arts (DMA), and Artist Diploma (AD)
- A full-length recital from contrasting style periods including at least one work from the 20th century and at least one work written by a composer from an underrepresented background. See below for repertoire suggestions.
- Four orchestral excerpts of the applicant’s choice.
Repertoire suggestions:
- Ruth Crawford-Seeger – Diaphonic Suite No. 1 for Oboe Solo, choose any movement
- Vivian Fine – Solo for Oboe, Second Solo for Oboe
- Amelia Kaplan – Up A Half Step for Oboe and iPhone
- Ulysses Kay – Suite for Oboe and Piano
- Alyssa Morris – Collision Etudes, choose from 1,2,3 or 5th movement
- Brian Nabor – Sonata for Oboe and Piano
- Gary Nash – A Million Numbered Streets for Oboe Solo
- Tina Nicholson – MOMENTS from WOMEN, Spicy Girl movement
- William Grant Still – Incantation and Dance for Oboe and Piano
- Clara Schumann – Three Romances, choose one movement
- Jeff Scott – Of Good and Evil, Fly with the Orishas
- Joan Tower – Toccanta for Oboe and Harpsichord
- Ellen Taaffe Zwillich – Concerto for Oboe
*You are currently viewing the requirements for the Classical division at MSM. For graduate students interested in pursuing a degree program in Orchestral Studies, please see the Orchestral Performance Program requirements here. The OP program is a small, specialized curriculum that includes rigorous orchestral repertoire classes and regular mock auditions in place of traditional recital requirements.
Classical Saxophone
Step 1: Prescreen

There is no prescreen requirement for Classical Saxophone.

Step 2: Audition

Undergraduate: Bachelor of Music (BM)
- Two contrasting etudes of the applicant’s choice.
- Two complete works of the applicant’s choice from contrasting periods.
- Two contrasting orchestral excerpts of the applicant’s choice.
- OPTIONAL: One additional selection representing your musical interests and/or a work by a composer from an historically underrepresented racial/ethnic group, gender, and/or culture. Choosing works that represent the applicant’s own cultural background is also welcomed.
Master of Music (MM)
- Two contrasting etudes of the applicant’s choice.
- Two complete works of the applicant’s choice from contrasting periods. One work must be a concerto and one work must be from the 20th century.
- Two contrasting orchestral excerpts of the applicant’s choice.
- OPTIONAL: One additional selection representing your musical interests and/or a work by a composer from an historically underrepresented racial/ethnic group, gender, and/or culture. Works that represent the applicant’s own cultural background are also welcomed.
Professional Studies (PS), Professional Performance Diploma (PPD), Doctor of Musical Arts (DMA), and Artist Diploma (AD)
- A full-length recital from contrasting style periods including a work from the 20th century.
- Four orchestral excerpts of the applicant’s choice.
- Applicants are encouraged to submit diverse repertoire including but not limited to works by people from historically underrepresented racial/ethnic groups, genders, and/or cultures. Choosing works that represent the applicant’s own cultural background is also welcomed.
- OPTIONAL: One additional selection representing your musical interests and/or a work by a composer from an historically underrepresented racial/ethnic group, gender, and/or culture. Works that represent the applicant’s own cultural background are also welcomed.

Virtual Audition Instructions

Applicants will submit the required repertoire listed below as separate video recordings by February 1. Each selection or movement may be uploaded as a separate video. Professional or studio recordings are not required, but the sound quality should be as good as possible. Accompaniment is not required.

In addition to the requirements below, virtual applicants are asked to submit a short video introduction answering the following prompts:

What specifically motivates you to want to study at Manhattan School of Music?
What else do you want the faculty to know about you that they might not see in your application materials?

Questions?

admission@msmnyc.edu

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How to Apply

General Audition Information

Info For

Woodwinds

Prescreening & Audition Procedures

Step 1: Prescreen

Step 2: Audition

Classical Bassoon

Step 1: Prescreen

Step 2: Audition

Classical Clarinet

Step 1: Prescreen

Step 2: Audition

Classical Flute

Step 1: Prescreen

Step 2: Audition

Classical Oboe

Step 1: Prescreen

Step 2: Audition

Classical Saxophone

Step 1: Prescreen

Step 2: Audition

Virtual Audition Instructions

Questions?

Woodwinds Program Information

Helpful Links for Applying to MSM College Programs

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