Requirements for Pre-screening/Portfolios & Auditions/Interviews

Updated 09/18/2024

Free Resources for Performing Arts Technology Applicants

Here is a current list of free Digital Audio Workstations (DAWs) that you are welcome to utilize for any pre-screening submissions:

• Avid Pro Tools Intro (PC and Mac)
• Audacity (PC and Mac)
• Aurdour (PC and Mac)
• Garage Band (Only Mac)
• Reaper (PC and Mac)
• Soundtrap (Browser based DAW)

MA in Media Arts

There are two components to complete to apply to the MA:

1. U-M application to the Rackham Graduate School
2. Artistic Profile for the School of Music, Theatre & Dance

Both components are due by December 1. Applications are considered for the Fall Term only; we do not consider students mid-year.

Questions about content for the application or the digital upload may be addressed to PAT Director of Graduate Studies Anıl Çamcı, [email protected] or SMTD Admissions Counselor Corrie Bird, [email protected].

Rackham Graduate School Application (for review by the Graduate School)

• Curriculum Vitae/Resumé: Your cv/resumé should include educational history; research and relevant professional experiences; outcomes and artifacts such as performances, publications, and recordings; teaching experience; professional affiliations, volunteer activity and community engagement; honors and awards.
• Transcripts The Graduate School requires official transcripts (or “academic records” as referred to by some international schools) for each Bachelor’s, Master’s, or Professional degree earned or in progress. How to submit your transcript(s)
• Academic Statement of Purpose: (2,000 words or fewer; submit the same Academic Statement of Purpose here and in your Artistic Profile.)
  • A comprehensive statement about your:
    • academic and research goals, including specific research topic(s) that you would like to investigate. The statement should demonstrate your awareness of contemporary problems in the field.
    • preparation for the doctoral degree with an account of relevant experiences and how they will be brought to bear on your studies;
    • long term goals. What would you like to do after completing the program, and how will this doctoral degree help you accomplish those goals;
    • community impact. Address how your participation in the program could make a positive impact on the U-M and broader research communities.
    • suitability for this specific program. Why is it a good fit for you?
• Personal Statement: (500 words or fewer)  How have your background and life experiences, including cultural, geographical, financial, educational or other opportunities or challenges, motivated your decision to pursue a graduate degree at the University of Michigan? For example, if you grew up in a community where educational, cultural, or other opportunities were especially lacking, you might discuss the impact this had on your development and interests. This should be a discussion of the journey that has led to your decision to seek a graduate degree. (Submit the same Personal Statement here and in your Artistic Profile.)
• English language proficiency:  applicants whose native language is not English must demonstrate English proficiency by providing an official score report from TOEFL, ECPE, MET, or IELTS. Please see the International Applicants page for details.
• The Graduate Record Examination (GRE) is not required.

SMTD Artistic Profile (for review by the PAT faculty and SMTD Admissions)

• Upload a portfolio of your best work in any medium (often 3-5 works). This is pivotal in establishing artistic and academic potential. Examples of portfolio pieces include original electro-acoustic compositions, slides of paintings, interactive art, video, a website, or software.
• A written statement of purpose, of what the student intends to accomplish through graduate study in the media arts.
• Unofficial Transcripts from all previous college or university Bachelor’s, Master’s, Professional, or Doctoral degrees earned or in progress.
• Curriculum Vitae/Resumé should include educational history; research and relevant professional experiences; outcomes and artifacts such as performances, publications, and recordings; teaching experience; professional affiliations, volunteer activity and community engagement; honors and awards.
• Recommendations from at least three persons able to evaluate your potential for graduate study in media arts.
• All applicants whose native language is not English must submit a score from an English proficiency examination. Results from an English language test (TOEFL, ECPE, MET, or IELTS) must be submitted with their application and admission materials. SMTD requires a minimum qualifying score of 6 on the IELTS exam or an 88 on the TOEFL exam.

Interview Requirements (In Person or Online)

Upon evaluation of all these admissions materials, applicants may be invited to an interview with members of the program faculty.

Applicants should provide a maximum 15-minute presentation that demonstrates their preparation for the program and potential for success, as well as their goals and objectives if they were to be admitted to the program. Applicants may include excerpts of items from their application portfolio as well as work that didn’t appear in the portfolio in their presentation. The presentation is followed by a 15-minute Q&A with the faculty.

Applicants must have completed an undergraduate degree in related fields (e.g., music, music technology, engineering, media arts, computer science) prior to entering the Master program.

PhD in Performing Arts Technology

Current SMTD MA in Media Arts students are eligible to apply during their first year of enrollment. If admitted, students may complete the second year of the M.A. concurrently with the first year of the Ph.D.

There are two components to complete to apply to the PhD:

1. U-M application to the Rackham Graduate School
2. Artistic Profile for the School of Music, Theatre & Dance

Both components are due by December 10. Applications are considered for the Fall Term only; we do not consider students mid-year. Applicants must have completed undergraduate and master’s degrees in related fields (e.g., music, music technology, engineering, media arts, computer science) prior to entering the PhD program.

Questions about content for the application or the digital upload may be addressed to PAT Director of Graduate Studies Anıl Çamcı, [email protected] or SMTD Admissions Counselor Corrie Bird, [email protected].

Rackham Graduate School Application (for review by the Graduate School)

• Curriculum Vitae/Resumé: Your cv/resumé should include educational history; research and relevant professional experiences; outcomes and artifacts such as performances, publications, and recordings; teaching experience; professional affiliations, volunteer activity and community engagement; honors and awards.
• Transcripts The Graduate School requires official transcripts (or “academic records” as referred to by some international schools) for each Bachelor’s, Master’s, Professional, or Doctoral degree earned or in progress. How to submit your transcript(s)
• Academic Statement of Purpose: (2,000 words or fewer; submit the same Academic Statement of Purpose here and in your Artistic Profile.)
  • A comprehensive statement about your:
    • academic and research goals, including specific research topic(s) that you would like to investigate. The statement should demonstrate your awareness of contemporary problems in the field.
    • preparation for the doctoral degree with an account of relevant experiences and how they will be brought to bear on your studies;
    • long term goals. What would you like to do after completing the program, and how will this doctoral degree help you accomplish those goals;
    • community impact. Address how your participation in the program could make a positive impact on the U-M and broader research communities.
    • suitability for this specific program. Why is it a good fit for you?
• Personal Statement: (500 words or fewer)  How have your background and life experiences, including cultural, geographical, financial, educational or other opportunities or challenges, motivated your decision to pursue a graduate degree at the University of Michigan? For example, if you grew up in a community where educational, cultural, or other opportunities were especially lacking, you might discuss the impact this had on your development and interests. This should be a discussion of the journey that has led to your decision to seek a graduate degree. (Submit the same Personal Statement here and in your Artistic Profile.)
• English language proficiency:  applicants whose native language is not English must demonstrate English proficiency by providing an official score report from TOEFL, ECPE, MET, or IELTS. Please see the International Applicants page for details.
• The Graduate Record Examination (GRE) is not required.

SMTD Artistic Profile (for review by the PAT faculty and SMTD Admissions)

Please upload:

Curated Portfolio of prior work

The portfolio should consist of 3-5 pieces of work in any medium, such as: publications, electroacoustic compositions, documentation of performances, recordings, audiovisual works, software programs or frameworks, documentation of original digital musical instruments or other hardware devices, or technical reports. Each item should be accompanied by a brief narrative describing its underlying principles or concepts, techniques employed, and production details (where, when, and how it was produced). In the case of collaborative works, the applicant should clearly describe their own role and those of everyone else involved in the project.

Curriculum Vitae/Resumé: Your cv/resumé should include educational history; research and relevant professional experiences; outcomes and artifacts such as performances, publications, and recordings; teaching experience; professional affiliations, volunteer activity and community engagement; honors and awards.

Unofficial Transcripts: from all previous college or university Bachelor’s, Master’s, Professional, or Doctoral degrees earned or in progress.

Writing Requirements

• Scholarly Writing: A sample of a significant and refined piece of writing. Examples may include: a chapter of a Master’s thesis, a term paper, an honors thesis, a conference paper, or a journal article.
• Academic Statement of Purpose: (2,000 words or fewer; submit the same Academic Statement of Purpose here and to the graduate school.)
  • A comprehensive statement about your
    • academic and research goals, including specific research topic(s) that you would like to investigate. The statement should demonstrate your awareness of contemporary problems in the field.
    • preparation for the doctoral degree with an account of relevant experiences and how they will be brought to bear on your studies;
    • long term goals. What would you like to do after completing the program, and how will this doctoral degree help you accomplish those goals;
    • community impact. Address how your participation in the program could make a positive impact on the U-M and broader research communities.
    • suitability for this specific program. Why is it a good fit for you?

• Personal Statement: (500 words or fewer)  How have your background and life experiences, including cultural, geographical, financial, educational or other opportunities or challenges, motivated your decision to pursue a graduate degree at the University of Michigan? For example, if you grew up in a community where educational, cultural, or other opportunities were especially lacking, you might discuss the impact this had on your development and interests. This should be a discussion of the journey that has led to your decision to seek a graduate degree. (Submit the same Personal Statement here and to the graduate school.)
• Three (3) Letters of Recommendation: select individuals who can attest to your potential for artistic growth in the field-at-large and in the PhD in Performing Arts Technology.
• English language proficiency:  applicants whose native language is not English must demonstrate English proficiency by providing an official score report from TOEFL, ECPE, MET, or IELTS. Please see the International Applicants page for details.

Interview Requirements (In Person or Online)

Upon evaluation of all these admissions materials, applicants may be invited to interview online with members of the program faculty.

Applicants should provide a maximum 15-minute presentation that demonstrates their preparation for the program and potential for success, as well as their goals and objectives if they were to be admitted to the program. Applicants may include excerpts of items from their application portfolio as well as work that didn’t appear in the portfolio in their presentation. The presentation is followed by a 15-minute Q&A with the faculty.

Audition Requirements (MM in Piano Performance, MM in Piano Chamber Music, & SM in Piano Performance)

Auditions will be offered in both in-person and video-recorded formats. For Piano Performance, in-person auditions are always preferable to recorded ones, although there will be no penalty in terms of admission or scholarship consideration if a recorded audition is chosen. Equal consideration is given to both formats. 

Writing Requirements

• Academic Statement of Purpose: Upload a 2-3 page written statement about your  academic and research background, your career goals, and how this graduate program will help you meet your career and educational objectives.
• Personal Statement: Upload a personal statement indicating how your background and life experiences, including cultural, geographical, financial, educational or other opportunities or challenges, motivated your decision to pursue a graduate degree at the University of Michigan. For example, if you grew up in a community where educational, cultural, or other opportunities were either especially plentiful or especially lacking, you might discuss the impact this had on your development and interests. This should be a discussion of the journey that has led to your decision to seek a graduate degree. Please do not repeat your Academic Statement of Purpose.

Pre-Screening Requirements

All applicants to Master of Music in Chamber Music (Piano), the Master of Music in Piano Performance, and the Specialist in Music in Piano Performance must complete the online application and upload an unedited video recording of at least three contrasting pieces for preliminary examination by December 1, 2024. Movements of larger works are acceptable, and the video must be recorded with the hands and profile of the applicant visible at all times. Upon an affirmative evaluation, an in-person audition may be scheduled.

Those who are granted an in-person audition may choose to submit a recording of their audition in place of a live audition. All works listed in the audition requirements (below) must be performed from memory and in their entirety, and the video must be  recorded with the hands and profile of the applicant visible at all times. The deadline for submission of recorded auditions is Thursday, February 13, 2025.

Note: the recorded format is intended for those applicants for whom travel to Michigan would be impossible, or a financial or otherwise personal hardship. In order to ensure equitable consideration of all applicants, those who choose to submit a recorded audition for the February 13 deadline will not have the option to switch to an in-person audition since they will be reviewed at the same time as the in-person auditions. No links from YouTube, Google drive, or any other file-hosting services; only original files will be accepted.

Audition Repertoire: MM in Piano Performance & MM in Piano Chamber Music

1. A major work of J. S. Bach, such as a prelude and fugue from the Well-Tempered Clavier, a suite, or a partita
2. A complete Classical sonata, for example, one of Mozart, Haydn, Beethoven, or Schubert
3. A work of your choice from the 19th, 20th, or 21st centuries (excluding works that are considered to be “classical”, as in 2. above. Schubert may be considered as either a classical or a romantic composer.)
4. An etude of virtuosity
5. (Recorded audition only) A speaking video which addresses the following prompts: 1) Please state your name and the degree(s) for which you are applying; 2) What are your goals for graduate study as a graduate pianist, and your career? 3) What kinds of repertoire are you interested in pursuing in your next degree?

Audition Repertoire: SM in Piano Performance

• Sixty minutes of music must be offered, including at least three complete major works of at least three different stylistic periods.
• (Recorded audition only) A speaking video which addresses the following prompts: 1) Please state your name and the degree(s) for which you are applying; 2) What are your goals for graduate study as a graduate pianist, and your career? 3) What kinds of repertoire are you interested in pursuing in your next degree?

Memorization is required for all degrees. Audition repertoire may duplicate repertoire submitted for pre-screening. No links from YouTube, Google drive, or any other file-hosting services; only original files will be accepted.

Additionally, please submit a complete, alphabetized repertoire list of all the major works you have studied from Bach Inventions and higher in terms of difficulty.

Applicants must meet all repertoire requirements listed above. Failure to prepare the full audition program will eliminate you from consideration.

Teacher Request & Contact Policies

While filling out your SMTD Artistic Profile, you will be asked to indicate your Studio Preferences, which will indicate to the piano department which teacher(s) you are interested in studying with if you are admitted to the School of Music, Theatre & Dance. It has no bearing at all on your acceptance to the school, and is used only for contact and administrative purposes after your audition has been submitted.

Before your audition, the Piano Department encourages each prospective student to feel free to contact anyone on the faculty for answers to questions about auditions, study at Michigan, or anything else that may be related to your interest in the School of Music, Theatre & Dance. After your audition has been performed/submitted, primary contact from the Piano Department will be with the teacher listed as first choice in your Artistic Profile, unless that teacher has given permission to second or third choices to contact you. This is simply for clarity and efficiency of communication. You may continue to initiate contact with any member of the faculty you wish, and may change your first choice designation after your audition has been performed/submitted, but the department will ask you to be very clear about your preferences so we can determine studio assignments as soon as possible, according to which professor has space for which students in the coming year.

Admission/Scholarship Decisions

Admission to the School of Music, Theatre, and Dance is based upon evaluation of your application as a whole, including your audition evaluations. Admission decisions are made by the Office of Admissions and are generally decided by mid-March. All auditionees are considered for merit scholarships (provided they audition before the final date of consideration; please see Scholarships/Financial Aid for updated information) with decisions being made and sent to applicants by early April. Admitted students may receive several letters from different offices at the University of Michigan concerning scholarships and need-based grants and loans; be sure to be in contact with the School of Music, Theatre & Dance Admissions Office concerning your total award package.

DMA in Piano Performance

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.

General Requirements

To apply for admission, submit your official application, transcripts, recommendations, and other materials as instructed below. The deadline for applications is December 1, 2024 for Fall 2025. No applications are considered for the winter term (starting January 2023) in any DMA program offered by the Department of Piano.

International applicants whose language is not English must submit a qualifying English language test score that meets or exceeds SMTD’s minimums before an in-person audition will be scheduled, or before the recorded audition will be reviewed (for those who choose the recorded option).

Writing Requirements

• Statement of Purpose: Upload a 2-3 page written statement about your academic and research background, your career goals, and how this graduate program will help you meet your career and educational objectives.
• Personal Statement: Upload a personal statement indicating how your background and life experiences, including cultural, geographical, financial, educational or other opportunities or challenges, motivated your decision to pursue a graduate degree at the University of Michigan. For example, if you grew up in a community where educational, cultural, or other opportunities were either especially plentiful or especially lacking, you might discuss the impact this had on your development and interests. This should be a discussion of the journey that has led to your decision to seek a graduate degree. Please do not repeat your Academic Statement of Purpose.

Pre-Screening Requirements

All applicants to the doctoral program in Piano Performance are required to upload an unedited video recording for preliminary review before a full audition is considered. The pre-screening recording should be approximately 30 minutes in length, consisting of contrasting repertoire from at least two stylistic periods. Hands and performer profile should be visible at all times. The specific repertoire for the screening recording is left up to the applicant. Individual movements of a larger work are acceptable. In addition, please upload a comprehensive list of your repertoire (chamber music) with your recording.

Those who pass the pre-screening will be offered a full audition in February, 2025.

Audition Requirements

Auditions will be offered in both in-person and recorded formats.

Those who are granted an in-person audition may choose to submit a recording of their audition in place of a live audition. All works listed in the audition requirements (below) must be performed from memory and in their entirety, and the video must be  recorded with the hands and profile of the applicant visible at all times. The deadline for submission of recorded auditions is Tuesday, February 25, 2025.

Note: the recorded format is intended for those applicants for whom travel to Michigan would be impossible, or a financial or otherwise personal hardship.

For admission to the DMA Performance program, prepare performances of the following complete works from memory:

• A major Baroque composition
• A major Classical composition (e.g., a sonata by Mozart, Beethoven, etc. Schubert may be considered either a classical or romantic composer.)
• A major Romantic piece (for example, Chopin, Brahms, Schubert, Schumann, Liszt)
• A selection of the applicant’s choice
• (Recorded audition only) A speaking video which addresses the following prompts: 1) Please state your name and the degree(s) for which you are applying; 2) Please tell us why you want to pursue a DMA, and what your career goals are. Please also tell us what repertoire you are interested in studying during your next degree; 3) What piece from your current audition program is most interesting to you, and why?
• No links from YouTube, Google drive, or any other file-hosting services; only original files will be accepted.

Teacher Request and Contact Policies, and Admission/Scholarship Decisions

While filling out your SMTD Artistic Profile, you will be asked to indicate your Studio Preferences, which will indicate to the piano department which teacher(s) you are interested in studying with if you are admitted to the School of Music, Theatre & Dance. It has no bearing at all on your acceptance to the school, and is used only for contact and administrative purposes after your audition has been submitted.

Before your audition, the Piano Department encourages each prospective student to feel free to contact anyone on the faculty for answers to questions about auditions, study at Michigan, or anything else that may be related to your interest in the School of Music, Theatre & Dance. After your audition is performed/submitted, primary contact from the Piano Department will be with the teacher listed as first choice in your Artistic Profile, unless that teacher has given permission for second or third choices to contact you. This is simply for clarity and efficiency of communication. You may continue to initiate contact with any member of the faculty you wish, and may change your first choice designation after your audition has been performed/submitted, but the department will ask you to be very clear about your preferences so we can determine studio assignments as soon as possible, according to which professor has space for which students in the coming year.

MM in Piano Pedagogy & Performance 

Writing Requirements

• Academic Statement of Purpose: Upload a 2-3 page academic statement of purpose about your academic and research background, your career goals, and how this graduate program will help you meet your career and educational objectives.
• Personal Statement: Upload a personal statement indicating how your background and life experiences, including cultural, geographical, financial, educational or other opportunities or challenges, motivated your decision to pursue a graduate degree at the University of Michigan. For example, if you grew up in a community where educational, cultural, or other opportunities were either especially plentiful or especially lacking, you might discuss the impact this had on your development and interests. This should be a discussion of the journey that has led to your decision to seek a graduate degree. Please do not repeat your Academic Statement of Purpose.

Pre-screening Requirements

Applicants to Master of Music in Piano Pedagogy & Performance must upload by December 1 an unedited recording of at least three contrasting pieces for preliminary examination before an audition will be scheduled. Movements of larger works are acceptable. Upon an affirmative evaluation, an audition may be scheduled.

The pre-screening recording requirement is waived for current University of Michigan undergraduate piano majors applying to the MM program.

Audition Repertoire

Auditions will be offered in both virtual and in-person formats for the Fall 2025 admission season. For applicants who elect to audition in person, please prepare the following repertoire, to be performed on the date of your in-person visit. For applicants who elect to audition virtually, please prepare the following repertoire, to be submitted by no later than January 31, 2025.

1. A major work of J. S. Bach, such as a prelude and fugue from the Well-Tempered Clavier, a suite, or a partita
2. A complete Classical sonata, for example, one of Mozart, Haydn, Beethoven, or Schubert
3. A work of your choice from the 19th or 20th century
4. An etude of virtuosity

Memorization is required.

Please submit a complete alphabetized repertoire list that includes specific pieces from larger works and a list of all undergraduate and graduate theory courses that you have completed.

Applicants must meet all repertoire requirements listed above. Failure to prepare the full audition program will eliminate you from consideration.

Interview: Master of Music in Piano Pedagogy & Performance

Applicants to the Master of Music in Piano Pedagogy & Performance degree will have a pedagogy interview at the time of the audition in Ann Arbor in addition to the performance audition detailed above. Applicants who elect to audition virtually will have their interview online via Zoom on the same day as the in-person auditions and interviews.

Teacher Request and Contact Policies, and Admission/Scholarship Decisions

While filling out your SMTD Artistic Profile, you will be asked to select your studio preference, which will indicate to the piano department which teacher(s) you are interested in studying with if you are admitted to the School of Music, Theatre & Dance. It has no bearing at all on your acceptance to the school, and is used only for contact and administrative purposes after your audition material has been submitted.

Before your audition, the Piano Department encourages each prospective student to feel free to contact anyone on the faculty for answers to questions about auditions, study at Michigan, or anything else that may be related to your interest in the School of Music, Theatre & Dance. After your audition has been performed/submitted, primary contact from the Piano Department will be with the teacher listed as first choice on your form, unless that teacher has given permission for second or third choices to contact you. This is simply for clarity and efficiency of communication. You may continue to initiate contact with any member of the faculty you wish, and may change your first choice designation after your audition, but the department will ask you to be very clear about your preferences so we can determine studio assignments as soon as possible, according to which professor has space for which students in the coming year.

Admission to SMTD is based upon evaluation of your application as a whole. Admission decisions are made by the Office of Admissions and are generally decided within four to five weeks after your audition. All auditionees are considered for merit scholarships with decisions being made and sent to applicants by early April. Admitted students may receive several letters from different offices at the University of Michigan concerning scholarships and need-based grants and loans; be sure to be in contact with the SMTD Admissions Office concerning your total award package.

DMA in Piano Pedagogy & Performance Requirements

Writing Requirements

• Academic Statement of Purpose: Upload a 2-3 page academic statement of purpose about your academic and research background, your career goals, and how this graduate program will help you meet your career and educational objectives.
• Personal Statement: Upload a personal statement indicating how your background and life experiences, including cultural, geographical, financial, educational or other opportunities or challenges, motivated your decision to pursue a graduate degree at the University of Michigan. For example, if you grew up in a community where educational, cultural, or other opportunities were either especially plentiful or especially lacking, you might discuss the impact this had on your development and interests. This should be a discussion of the journey that has led to your decision to seek a graduate degree. Please do not repeat your Academic Statement of Purpose.

Pre-screening Requirements

Applicants to the doctoral program in Piano Pedagogy & Performance are required to upload an unedited recording for preliminary review before a live audition may be scheduled. The recordings submitted should be approximately 30 minutes in length, consisting of contrasting repertoire from at least two stylistic periods. The specific repertoire for the screening recording is left up to the applicant. Individual movements of a larger work are acceptable. Please upload a comprehensive list of your repertoire, including chamber music studied, with your recording.

Additionally, applicants are required to submit a video recording of sample teaching. The video should be at least 30 minutes in length and should include both private and group teaching, if possible.

All pre-screening materials must be uploaded below by December 1. Your audition cannot be scheduled until your pre-screening materials have been received and approved.

Audition Repertoire

Auditions will be offered in both virtual and in-person formats for the Fall 2025 admission season. For applicants who elect to audition in person, please prepare the following repertoire, to be performed on the date of your in-person visit. For applicants who elect to audition virtually, please prepare the following repertoire, to be submitted to your Artistic Profile by no later than February 20, 2025. No links from YouTube, Google drive, or any other file-hosting services; only original files will be accepted.

• A major Baroque composition
• A major Classical composition (e.g., a sonata by Mozart, Beethoven, etc.)
• A major Romantic piece (for example, Chopin, Brahms, Schubert, Schumann, Liszt)
• A selection of the applicant’s choice

Additionally, we will ask you to provide a demonstration of your group teaching:

• For virtual auditions: A teaching video (at least 15 minutes) of group piano class instruction. This may be a video of either in-person instruction or an online/remote/virtual class. Upon your approval to audition, you will be asked to make arrangements to instruct a group piano class, for which we would provide a piece to teach that class. We will send the piece to you 10 days prior to your scheduled teaching session, and you will be required to submit the recording of your teaching session by no later than January 31, 2025. As such, you will need to schedule your teaching session before January 31 in order to meet this deadline, and to have the full 10 days to prepare for the instruction of the piece we will provide. Please contact [email protected] to inform us of your intent to audition virtually, so that we can arrange to send you your assigned piece.
• For in-person auditions: You will be required to teach a U-M group piano class on site, for which we will provide a piece to teach the class. We will send the piece to you 10 days before your scheduled audition date.

Interview: Doctor of Musical Arts in Pedagogy & Performance

Upon submission/completion of your audition, you will then be asked to meet with faculty to discuss your training with a special focus on your teaching experience, pedagogy coursework and research. Other topics of discussion will be the program and its curriculum, your previously-submitted recordings, your future and career goals, and more. Applicants who elect to audition virtually will have their interview online via Zoom on the same day as the in-person auditions and interviews.

Teacher Request and Contact Policies, and Admission/Scholarship Decisions

While filling out your SMTD Artistic Profile, you will be asked to select your studio preference, which will indicate to the piano department which teacher(s) you are interested in studying with if you are admitted to the School of Music, Theatre & Dance. It has no bearing at all on your acceptance to the school, and is used only for contact and administrative purposes after your audition material has been submitted.

Before your audition, the Piano Department encourages each prospective student to feel free to contact anyone on the faculty for answers to questions about auditions, study at Michigan, or anything else that may be related to your interest in the School of Music, Theatre & Dance. After your audition has been performed/submitted, primary contact from the Piano Department will be with the teacher listed as first choice on your form, unless that teacher has given permission for second or third choices to contact you. This is simply for clarity and efficiency of communication. You may continue to initiate contact with any member of the faculty you wish, and may change your first choice designation after your audition, but the department will ask you to be very clear about your preferences so we can determine studio assignments as soon as possible, according to which professor has space for which students in the coming year.

Admission to SMTD is based upon evaluation of your application as a whole. Admission decisions are made by the Office of Admissions and are generally decided within four to five weeks after your audition. All auditionees are considered for merit scholarships with decisions being made and sent to applicants by early April. Admitted students may receive several letters from different offices at the University of Michigan concerning scholarships and need-based grants and loans; be sure to be in contact with the SMTD Admissions Office concerning your total award package.

MM in Collaborative Piano

Writing Requirements

• Academic Statement of Purpose: Upload a 2-3 page academic statement of purpose about your academic and research background, your career goals, and how this graduate program will help you meet your career and educational objectives.
• Personal Statement: Upload a personal statement indicating how your background and life experiences, including cultural, geographical, financial, educational or other opportunities or challenges, motivated your decision to pursue a graduate degree at the University of Michigan. For example, if you grew up in a community where educational, cultural, or other opportunities were either especially plentiful or especially lacking, you might discuss the impact this had on your development and interests. This should be a discussion of the journey that has led to your decision to seek a graduate degree. Please do not repeat your Academic Statement of Purpose.

Pre-screening Requirements

Upload to the SMTD Artistic Profile:

1. Four unedited video recordings selected from the repertoire listed. No links from YouTube, Google drive, or any other file-hosting services; only original files will be accepted. This repertoire does not need to be memorized.

• Choose one of the following
  • Brahms: any fast movement of the violin, clarinet or cello sonatas (except Op. 38, 1st movement)
  • Franck:  Violin Sonata in A, second or fourth movement
  • Beethoven: any fast movement of the violin or cello sonatas
  • Fauré: Violin Sonata in A, first, second, or fourth movements
• Choose two of the following (in original keys)  ​​If performing with a partner isn’t possible because of the pandemic, the applicant should play & sing at least one of the songs.
  • Debussy: Il pleure dans mon coeur, Green, or C’est l’extase
  • Strauss: Allerseelen
  • Brahms: Meine Liebe ist grün
  • Schubert: Liebesbotschaft 
  • Fauré: Green, En sourdine, or Mandoline
  • Schumann:  Du Ring an meinem Finger
  • Barber: St. Ita’s Vision
• One song/instrumental/solo work by a composer who has been traditionally underrepresented by virtue of their gender, race, ethnicity, or cultural heritage.

2. Recommended:  1-3 additional videos of other collaborative playing you’ve done in the last 18 months. Recordings of past recitals or performances are encouraged. We also welcome examples of coaching, teaching, and/or conducting work.

3. A comprehensive list of your repertoire. This should include works for solo piano, voice and piano, instrument(s) and piano, and operatic material.

4. A speaking video in which you answer these questions in a casual format:  1) Why study collaborative piano?  2) What experience in collaborating do you have?  3) How and where do you see yourself 5 years from now? 10 years from now?

Questions regarding video submissions should be sent to [email protected].

MM Audition/Interview Requirements (in person or online)

Auditions will be offered in both in-person and online formats. For Collaborative Piano, in-person auditions are preferable to online ones, although there will be no penalty in terms of admission or scholarship consideration if an online audition is chosen. Equal consideration is given to both formats. For those who need to schedule an online audition, please contact [email protected] for assistance.

Students who advance to this stage of the application process will meet in person or online with the collaborative piano faculty for live playing, sight-reading, foreign language diction, and a review of your training, current work, and future goals.

Prepare the repertoire listed below. This repertoire does not need to be memorized.

• Choose one of the following
  • Brahms: any fast movement of the violin, clarinet or cello sonatas (except Op. 38, 1st movement)
  • Franck:  Violin Sonata in A, second or fourth movement
  • Beethoven: any fast movement of the violin or cello sonatas
  • Fauré: Violin Sonata in A, first, second, or fourth movements

• Choose four of the following (in original keys)
  • Barber: St. Ita’s Vision
  • Brahms: Meine Liebe ist grün or Botschaft
  • Fauré: Green or Mandoline
  • Schubert: Liebesbotschaft 
  • Schumann: Du Ring an meinem Finger
  • Strauss: Allerseelen
• Choose one of the following (in original keys)
  • Jaime León: Pequeña, Pequeñita
  • Florence Price: The Glory of the Day was in Her Face 
  • Fanny Mendelssohn-Hensel: Abendbild
• One solo piece under 10 minutes (either a movement of a larger work or a stand alone piece)

Applicants may bring their own vocalists and instrumentalists or may request on their application to be matched with collaborative partners from SMTD for in-person auditions.

SM in Collaborative Piano

Writing Requirements

• Academic Statement of Purpose: Upload a 2-3 page academic statement of purpose about your academic and research background, your career goals, and how this graduate program will help you meet your career and educational objectives.
• Personal Statement:Upload a personal statement indicating how your background and life experiences, including cultural, geographical, financial, educational or other opportunities or challenges, motivated your decision to pursue a graduate degree at the University of Michigan. For example, if you grew up in a community where educational, cultural, or other opportunities were either especially plentiful or especially lacking, you might discuss the impact this had on your development and interests. This should be a discussion of the journey that has led to your decision to seek a graduate degree. Please do not repeat your Academic Statement of Purpose.

Pre-screening Requirements

Upload to the SMTD Artistic Profile:

1. Unedited video recordings of 30 minutes of works for instrument(s) and piano. Repertoire is the applicant’s choice, and must include at least one work for orchestral accompaniment. This repertoire does not need to be memorized.
2. Recommended: 1-3 additional videos of other collaborative playing you’ve done in the last 18 months. Recordings of past recitals or performances are encouraged. We also welcome examples of coaching, teaching, and/or conducting work.
3. A comprehensive list of your repertoire for instrument(s) and piano. Do include works for instrument(s) and orchestra.
4. A list of your proposed live audition program for advance approval.
5. A speaking video in which you answer these questions in a casual format:  1) Why study collaborative piano?  2) What experience in collaborating do you have?  3) How and where do you see yourself 5 years from now? 10 years from now?

SM Audition/Interview Requirements (in person or online)

Auditions will be offered in both in-person and online formats. For Collaborative Piano, in-person auditions are preferable to online ones, although there will be no penalty in terms of admission or scholarship consideration if an online audition is chosen. Equal consideration is given to both formats.

Students who advance to this stage of the application process will meet in person or online with the collaborative piano faculty for live playing and sight-reading, a discussion of one or more of your recordings, and a review of your training, current work, and future goals.

Prepare an audition program with approximately 30 minutes of music for instrument(s) and piano that showcases your highest level of musical and technical expertise. Repertoire is the applicant’s choice, but your proposed audition program must be approved by Professor Ana María Otamendi,  and should include at least three (3) musical styles, at least one work by a composer who has been traditionally underrepresented by virtue of their gender, race, ethnicity, or cultural heritage, and at least one work for orchestral accompaniment. This repertoire does not need to be memorized and may include repertoire submitted on your prescreening videos. Questions regarding video submissions should be sent to Prof. Otamendi ([email protected]). Email her with your proposed audition program to begin a dialogue.

Applicants may bring their own vocalists and instrumentalists (recommended) or may request on their application to be matched with collaborative partners from SMTD for in-person auditions.

SM in Vocal Collaboration & Coaching

Writing Requirements

• Academic Statement of Purpose: Upload a 2-3 page academic statement of purpose about your academic and research background, your career goals, and how this graduate program will help you meet your career and educational objectives.
• Personal Statement: Upload a personal statement indicating how your background and life experiences, including cultural, geographical, financial, educational or other opportunities or challenges, motivated your decision to pursue a graduate degree at the University of Michigan. For example, if you grew up in a community where educational, cultural, or other opportunities were either especially plentiful or especially lacking, you might discuss the impact this had on your development and interests. This should be a discussion of the journey that has led to your decision to seek a graduate degree. Please do not repeat your Academic Statement of Purpose.

Pre-screening Requirements

Upload to the SMTD Artistic Profile:

1. Unedited video recordings of 30 minutes of works for voice(s) and piano. Repertoire is the applicant’s choice, and should include at least one aria originally for voice and orchestra. This repertoire does not need to be memorized.
2. Recommended: 1-3 additional videos of other collaborative playing you’ve done in the last 18 months. Recordings of past recitals or performances are encouraged. We also welcome examples of coaching, teaching, and/or conducting work.
3. A comprehensive list of your repertoire for voice and piano. Do include repertoire for voice and orchestra.
4. A list of your proposed live audition program for advance approval.
5. A speaking video in which you answer these questions in a casual format:  1) Why study collaborative piano?  2) What experience in collaborating do you have?  3) How and where do you see yourself 5 years from now? 10 years from now?

SM Audition/Interview Requirements (in person or online)

Auditions will be offered in both in-person and online formats. For Collaborative Piano, in-person auditions are preferable to online ones, although there will be no penalty in terms of admission or scholarship consideration if an online audition is chosen. Equal consideration is given to both formats.

Students who advance to this stage of the application process will meet in person or online with the collaborative piano faculty for live playing, sight-reading, foreign language diction, and a discussion of one or more of your recordings, and a review of your training, current work, and future goals.

Prepare an audition program with approximately 30 minutes of music for voice(s) and piano that showcases your highest level of musical and technical expertise. Repertoire is the applicant’s choice, but your proposed audition program must be approved by Professor Otamendi, and should include at least three (3) musical styles, at least one aria originally for voice and orchestra, and at least one work by a composer who has been traditionally underrepresented by virtue of their gender, race, ethnicity, or cultural heritage. This repertoire does not need to be memorized and may include repertoire submitted on your prescreening videos. Questions regarding video submissions should be sent to Prof. Otamendi ([email protected]). Email her with your proposed audition program to begin a dialogue.

Applicants may bring their own vocalists and instrumentalists (recommended) or may request on their application to be matched with collaborative partners from SMTD for in-person auditions.

DMA in Collaborative Piano Requirements

Prerequisites

Master’s degree in piano, collaborative piano, or an equivalent.

Demonstrated pronunciation and comprehension ability from two European languages into English. Repertoire including approximately one-third of the repertoire requirement for achieving the degree (see repertoire requirement). Significant performance experience to suggest successful completion of the degree.

Writing Requirements

• Academic Statement of Purpose: Upload a 2-3 page academic statement of purpose about your academic and research background, your career goals, and how this graduate program will help you meet your career and educational objectives.
• Personal Statement: Upload a personal statement indicating how your background and life experiences, including cultural, geographical, financial, educational or other opportunities or challenges, motivated your decision to pursue a graduate degree at the University of Michigan. For example, if you grew up in a community where educational, cultural, or other opportunities were either especially plentiful or especially lacking, you might discuss the impact this had on your development and interests. This should be a discussion of the journey that has led to your decision to seek a graduate degree. Please do not repeat your Academic Statement of Purpose.

Pre-screening Requirements

Upload to the SMTD Artistic Profile:

1. Unedited video recordings of 40 minutes of works for voice(s) and piano, instrument(s) and piano, and solo work. A minimum of 15 minutes each of vocal and instrumental repertoire must be included. No more than 10 minutes of solo work may be included.
2. Repertoire is the applicant’s choice and should include at least three diverse styles or periods of music, at least one work for orchestral accompaniment. The repertoire does not need to be memorized. In your elective choices, you are encouraged to present repertoire by composers who have been traditionally underrepresented by virtue of their gender, race, ethnicity, or cultural heritage.
3. Highly recommended:  1-5 additional videos of other collaborative playing you’ve done in the last 24 months. Recordings of past recitals or performances are encouraged. We welcome examples of coaching, teaching, and/or conducting work.
4. A comprehensive list of your repertoire for voice and piano. Do include repertoire for voice and orchestra.
5. A list of your proposed live audition program for advance approval.
6. A speaking video in which you answer these questions in a casual format:  1) Why study collaborative piano?  2) What experience in collaborating do you have?  3) How and where do you see yourself 5 years from now? 10 years from now?

DMA Audition/Interview Requirements (in person or online)

Auditions will be offered in both in-person and online formats. For Collaborative Piano, in-person auditions are preferable to online ones, although there will be no penalty in terms of admission or scholarship consideration if an online audition is chosen. Equal consideration is given to both formats.

Students who advance to this stage of the application process will meet in person or online with the collaborative piano faculty for live playing, sight-reading, foreign language diction, and a discussion of one or more of your recordings, and a review of your training, current work, and future goals.

Prepare a professional level audition program with approximately 60 minutes of music for voice(s) and piano, instrument(s) and piano, and solo piano work that showcases your point of view as an artist, while demonstrating your highest level of musical and technical expertise.  A minimum of 20 minutes each of vocal and instrumental repertoire must be included. No more than 20 minutes of solo work may be included. The repertoire does not need to be memorized.

Repertoire is the applicant’s choice, but your proposed audition program must be approved by Professor Otamendi, and should include at least three diverse styles or periods of music, at least one work with orchestral accompaniment, and at least one work by a composer who has been traditionally underrepresented by virtue of their gender, race, ethnicity, or cultural heritage. Questions regarding video submissions should be sent to Prof. Otamendi ([email protected]). Email her with your proposed audition program to begin a dialogue.

Applicants may bring their own vocalists and instrumentalists (recommended) or may request on their application to be matched with collaborative partners from SMTD for in-person auditions.

MM in Fortepiano Performance

Writing Requirements

• Academic Statement of Purpose: Upload a 2-3 page academic statement of purpose about your academic and research background, your career goals, and how this graduate program will help you meet your career and educational objectives.
• Personal Statement: Upload a personal statement indicating how your background and life experiences, including cultural, geographical, financial, educational or other opportunities or challenges, motivated your decision to pursue a graduate degree at the University of Michigan. For example, if you grew up in a community where educational, cultural, or other opportunities were either especially plentiful or especially lacking, you might discuss the impact this had on your development and interests. This should be a discussion of the journey that has led to your decision to seek a graduate degree. Please do not repeat your Academic Statement of Purpose.

Fortepiano

Prepare a sonata of Haydn or Mozart, a work of Beethoven or Schubert, and a work of your choice appropriate to the instrument.

Faculty Contact Policies

Before auditioning, the Piano Department encourages each prospective student to feel free to contact anyone on the faculty for answers to questions about auditions, study at Michigan, or anything else that may be related to your interest in SMTD. After your audition, primary contact from the Piano Department will be with the teacher listed as first choice on your form, unless that teacher has given permission to second or third choices to contact you. This is simply for clarity and efficiency of communication. You may continue to initiate contact with any member of the faculty you wish, and may change your first choice designation after your audition, but the department will ask you to be very clear about your preferences so we can determine studio assignments as soon as possible, according to which professor has space for which students in the coming year.

Master of Music & Specialist in Music Programs

Written Requirements

• Academic Statement of Purpose: Upload a 2-3 page academic statement of purpose about your academic and research background, your career goals, and how this graduate program will help you meet your career and educational objectives.
• Personal Statement: Upload a personal statement indicating how your background and life experiences, including cultural, geographical, financial, educational or other opportunities or challenges, motivated your decision to pursue a graduate degree at the University of Michigan. For example, if you grew up in a community where educational, cultural, or other opportunities were either especially plentiful or especially lacking, you might discuss the impact this had on your development and interests. This should be a discussion of the journey that has led to your decision to seek a graduate degree. Please do not repeat your Academic Statement of Purpose.

Video Requirements and Live Audition/Interview Requirements (in-person or online)

Accompanists are neither required nor provided for string auditions.

Cello

PRE-SCREENING: Upload to your SMTD Artistic Profile the following unedited videos. All solo literature must be performed from memory:

• An etude or contemporary composition of your choice representing your current level of technical development
• Two (2) contrasting movements from one of the Bach unaccompanied suites
• An allegro movement from the standard cello concerto literature; students who choose to play the Elgar or Shostakovich concerto first movement should also prepare the second movement
• A speaking video in which you answer these questions in a casual format:  1) Why do you want an advanced degree in performance? 2) Where do you see yourself 5 years from now? 10 years from now? What would you like to be doing?
• RECOMMENDED: 1-5 additional videos of other playing you’ve done in the past 18 months. Recordings of past solo or chamber music recitals or performances are encouraged.

AUDITION: Students who advance to this stage of the application process will meet in person or online with faculty for an audition and a brief discussion of your work and career goals.

Prepare an audition program that showcases your point of view as an artist, while demonstrating your highest level of musical and technical expertise.

• Two (2) movements of a standard cello concerto
• Two (2) contrasting movements of one of the Bach unaccompanied suites
• An etude or contemporary composition of your choice

In your elective choices, you are encouraged to present repertoire by composers who have been traditionally underrepresented by virtue of their gender, race, ethnicity, or cultural heritage.

Memorization of solo literature (e.g. unaccompanied and concerto repertoire) is expected. Your audition program may include repertoire submitted on your prescreening videos. An accompanist is not expected nor required.

Double Bass 

PRE-SCREENING: Upload to your SMTD Artistic Profile the following unedited videos. All solo literature must be performed from memory.

Please take note of our commitment to engaging diverse repertoire and skill sets, as well as our SMTD Strategic Plan to build equity and inclusion in all that we do. https://smtd.umich.edu/smtd-acts-against-racial-injustice

• Applicants are asked to present 15 minutes of their best playing. Please consider showing an expressive and technical range of musical styles and repertoire that will provide more insight for assessment of an applicant’s qualifications and potential to thrive and contribute in the U-M community. Recommend 3-5 videos or selections.
• A speaking video in which you answer these questions in a casual format:  1) Why do you want an advanced degree in performance? 2) Where do you see yourself 5 years from now? 10 years from now? What would you like to be doing?
• RECOMMENDED: 1-5 additional videos of other playing you’ve done in the past 18 months. Recordings of past recitals or performances are encouraged, including jazz or other genres of music.

AUDITION: Students who advance to this stage of the application process will meet in person or online with faculty for an audition and a brief discussion of your work and career goals.

Prepare an audition program of 20 minutes of music that showcases your point of view as an artist, while demonstrating your highest level of musical and technical expertise.

In your elective choices, you are encouraged to present repertoire by composers who have been traditionally underrepresented by virtue of their gender, race, ethnicity, or cultural heritage.

Memorization of solo literature (e.g. unaccompanied and concerto repertoire) is expected. Your audition program may include repertoire submitted on your prescreening videos. An accompanist is not expected nor required.

Harp  

PRE-SCREENING: Upload to your SMTD Artistic Profile the following unedited videos. All solo literature must be performed from memory:

• Four octaves of ascending and descending arpeggios in two keys, alternating hands.
  • EX: ascend from the bass wires and play: LH, RH, LH, RH (turnaround); then descend
    Fingering: 4321 per hand placement, consistently

• Four octaves of a scale in your chosen key, RH and LH played simultaneously;
  • EX:  key of C major:  Begin on 5th octave (RH) and 6th octave (LH) oct. C’s; turnaround on 2nd octave C for RH and 3rd octave C for LH;  descend to starting place.
    Fingering 43214321, etc. using whatever fingering you prefer at the turnaround.

• One substantial étude
• One orchestral excerpt from standard audition repertoire
• Two advanced works of contrasting style/time period, from Baroque to current century
• A speaking video in which you answer these questions in a casual format:  1) Why do you want an advanced degree in performance? 2) Where do you see yourself 5 years from now? 10 years from now? What would you like to be doing?
• RECOMMENDED: 1-5 additional videos of other playing you’ve done in the past 18 months. Recordings of past solo or chamber music recitals or performances are encouraged.

AUDITION: Students who advance to this stage of the application process will meet in person or online with faculty for an audition and a brief discussion of your work and career goals.

Prepare an audition program that showcases your point of view as an artist, while demonstrating your highest level of musical and technical expertise.

• Two advanced works of contrasting style/time period, from Baroque to current century
• One substantial étude
• Two orchestral excerpts from standard audition repertoire

In your elective choices, you are encouraged to present repertoire by composers who have been traditionally underrepresented by virtue of their gender, race, ethnicity, or cultural heritage.

Memorization of solo literature (e.g. unaccompanied and concerto repertoire) is expected. Your audition program may include repertoire submitted on your prescreening videos. An accompanist is not expected nor required.

Viola 

PRE-SCREENING: Upload to the SMTD Artistic Profile the following unedited videos. All solo literature must be performed from memory:

• One movement of a standard sonata (such as Brahms, Schubert, Clarke, etc.)
• Two (2) contrasting movements of a Bach sonata, partita, or unaccompanied suite
• One movement from a 20th century viola concerto
• A speaking video in which you answer these questions in a casual format:  1) Why do you want an advanced degree in performance? 2) Where do you see yourself 5 years from now? 10 years from now? What would you like to be doing?
• RECOMMENDED: 1-5 additional videos of other playing you’ve done in the past 18 months. Recordings of past solo or chamber music recitals or performances are encouraged.

AUDITION: Students who advance to this stage of the application process will meet in person online with faculty for an audition and a brief discussion of your work and career goals.

Prepare an audition program that showcases your point of view as an artist, while demonstrating your highest level of musical and technical expertise.

• One movement of a standard sonata
• Two (2) contrasting movements of a Bach sonata, partita, or unaccompanied suite
• One movement from a 20th century viola concerto

In your elective choices, you are encouraged to present repertoire by composers who have been traditionally underrepresented by virtue of their gender, race, ethnicity, or cultural heritage.

Memorization of solo literature (e.g. unaccompanied and concerto repertoire) is expected. Your audition program may include repertoire submitted on your prescreening videos. An accompanist is not expected nor required.

Violin 

PRE-SCREENING: Upload to the SMTD Artistic Profile the following unedited videos. All solo literature must be performed from memory:

• Two (2) movements from an unaccompanied Bach sonata or partita (repeats not expected). The Chaconne may be performed alone to satisfy this requirement as well.
• The first five (5) minutes of the first movement of a concerto written between 1800 and 1950. If you select the Shostakovich Concerto Op. 1, play the fourth movement and cadenza instead of the first movement.
• A speaking video in which you answer these questions in a casual format:  1) Why do you want an advanced degree in performance? 2) Where do you see yourself 5 years from now? 10 years from now? What would you like to be doing?
• RECOMMENDED: 1-5 additional videos of other playing you’ve done in the past 18 months. Recordings of past solo or chamber music recitals or performances are encouraged.

AUDITION: Students who advance to this stage of the application process will meet in person or online with faculty for an audition and a brief discussion of your work and career goals.

Prepare an audition program that showcases your point of view as an artist, while demonstrating your highest level of musical and technical expertise.

• Two (2) contrasting movements of a concerto
• Two (2) contrasting movements of a Bach sonata or partita (repeats not expected). The Chaconne may be performed alone to satisfy this requirement as well.
• One Paganini caprice of choice
• One piece of choice from the 20th century

In your elective choices, you are encouraged to present repertoire by composers who have been traditionally underrepresented by virtue of their gender, race, ethnicity, or cultural heritage.

Memorization of solo literature (e.g. unaccompanied and concerto repertoire) is expected. Your audition program may include repertoire submitted on your prescreening videos. An accompanist is not expected nor required.

Doctor of Musical Arts Programs 
SMTD provides funding for those admitted to the DMA equal to the full cost of tuition, health insurance, and a small stipend. As such, this is a highly competitive admissions and audition process. We encourage you to carefully curate your application and audition materials to present only your very best work.

Written Requirements

• Academic Statement of Purpose: Upload a 2-3 page academic statement of purpose about your academic and research background, your career goals, and how this graduate program will help you meet your career and educational objectives.
• Personal Statement: Upload a personal statement indicating how your background and life experiences, including cultural, geographical, financial, educational or other opportunities or challenges, motivated your decision to pursue a graduate degree at the University of Michigan. For example, if you grew up in a community where educational, cultural, or other opportunities were either especially plentiful or especially lacking, you might discuss the impact this had on your development and interests. This should be a discussion of the journey that has led to your decision to seek a graduate degree. Please do not repeat your Academic Statement of Purpose.

Video Requirements

Upload to the SMTD Artistic Profile the following unedited videos:

• Three or more (3+) advanced works that demonstrate your mastery of standard repertoire for your instrument. Choose repertoire that showcases not only your musical proficiency, but your highest level of technical expertise as well.
  • At least one of your choices must be performed from memory.
  • One work must be performed with a collaborative pianist. Harpists are exempt from this requirement.
  • For multi-movement works like solo Bach, concerti, and sonatas, submit at least two (2) contrasting movements for prescreening. If subsequently invited to the live audition, complete works (all movements) will be required.
  • In your elective choices, you are encouraged to present repertoire by composers who have been traditionally underrepresented by virtue of their gender, race, ethnicity, or cultural heritage.
• A speaking video in which you answer these questions in a casual format: 1) Why do you want an advanced degree in performance? 2) What would you like to be doing 5 years after receiving a doctoral degree?
• HIGHLY RECOMMENDED: 1-5 additional videos of other playing you’ve done in the last 24 months. Recordings of past solo or chamber music recitals or performances are encouraged. We also welcome examples of teaching, coaching, and/or conducting work.

DMA Audition/Interview Requirements (Online and In-person)

Students who advance to this stage of the application process will be invited to meet online with faculty for a preliminary round of auditions, with a short interview included. Preliminary auditions may be performed with or without an accompanist.

After the preliminary round of auditions has completed, candidates will be selected for invitation to a final round of in-person auditions/interviews. A U-M accompanist will be arranged and provided for the final round of auditions; for candidates who will be providing their own accompanist, please contact [email protected] to inform us of your intent to do so.

Prepare a professional level audition program with approximately 60 minutes of music that showcases your point of view as an artist, while demonstrating your highest level of musical and technical expertise. Complete works are required, and memorization of solo literature is expected. In your elective choices, you are encouraged to present repertoire by composers who have been traditionally underrepresented by virtue of their gender, race, ethnicity, or cultural heritage. Your audition program may include repertoire submitted on your prescreening videos. Repertoire selections can be used for both rounds of auditions.

MM/SM in Voice Performance

Writing Requirements

• Statement of Purpose: Upload a 2-3 page academic statement of purpose about your academic and research background, your career goals, and how this graduate program will help you meet your career and educational objectives.
• Personal Statement: Upload a personal statement indicating how your background and life experiences, including cultural, geographical, financial, educational or other opportunities or challenges, motivated your decision to pursue a graduate degree at the University of Michigan. For example, if you grew up in a community where educational, cultural, or other opportunities were either especially plentiful or especially lacking, you might discuss the impact this had on your development and interests. This should be a discussion of the journey that has led to your decision to seek a graduate degree. Please do not repeat your Academic Statement of Purpose.

MM/SM Performance Pre-screening and Audition Requirements

Upload the following video recordings to the SMTD Artistic Profile:

Six (6) memorized classical selections. Repertoire is the applicant’s choice, and should showcase your highest level of musical and technical proficiency. Please follow these guidelines to choose your repertoire.

• Because of our historic legacy and ongoing passion for promoting inclusivity in the vocal arts, at least one selection must be written by a composer who has been traditionally underrepresented by virtue of their gender, race, ethnicity, or cultural heritage. This piece should also be in a classical art song style, inclusive of spirituals, or an aria from oratorio or opera.
• Include a selection in each of these languages: English, French, German, and Italian
• One selection must have been written after 1940
• Only one selection may be an operatic or oratorio aria
• Only one secco recitative (i.e. not written for orchestral accompaniment) from an 18th century opera or oratorio. The selection must be a minimum of eight measures in length and in a language other than English.

A speaking video in which you answer these questions. The format can be casual:

• Why do you want an advanced degree in voice performance?
• Why do you want an advanced degree from Michigan?
• What interests do you have outside of classical vocal performance?
• Where do you see yourself 5 years from now? 10 years from now? What would you like to be doing?

OPTIONAL: Upload 1-3 additional videos of other singing or performance you’ve done in the last 18 months. Recordings of past recitals or performances are encouraged.

For your video submissions, please note that we do not accept links from YouTube, Google Drive, or any other file-hosting services. Only original files will be accepted. 

An accompanist is required for all recorded selections. However, if you are unable to arrange for an accompanist, you are allowed to use Accompanist or another recorded track resource.

For recordings, the Department of Voice & Opera recommends using an iPhone, smartphone, or similar recording device to create recordings, with a recommended microphone placement of 4’–8′ from the singer. At the start of your first video, please state your name and the type of recording equipment you are using.

MM/SM Performance Live In-Person or Online Audition/Interview Requirements

Students who advance to this stage of the application process will be asked to attend a group meeting with the faculty to discuss the school, the curriculum, performance opportunities, and more. Those same applicants will also be asked to meet with the voice faculty for an audition and/or interview that will review your training, current work, future goals, and a discussion of one or more of your recordings. Candidates who elect to complete this part of the process online will be invited for an interview only, with a detailed review and discussion of your performance recordings to be included. Please have your scores available for reference for all of your audition repertoire and previously submitted recordings.

A U-M accompanist will be provided for applicants auditioning in Ann Arbor.

Required Materials

To apply for admission, all applicants must submit an Artistic Profile and an official application, transcripts, and recommendations. The deadline for applications is December 1.

International applicants whose language is not English must submit a Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) score or an alternative test selected from the list here.

No action will be taken on your application until your application file is complete.

DMA Voice

SMTD provides funding for those admitted to the DMA equal to the full cost of tuition, health insurance, and a small stipend. As such, this is a highly competitive admissions and audition process. We encourage you to carefully curate your application and audition materials to present only your very best work.

Written Requirements

• Statement of Purpose: Upload a 2-3 page academic statement of purpose about your academic and research background, your career goals, and how this graduate program will help you meet your career and educational objectives.
• Personal Statement: Upload a personal statement indicating how your background and life experiences, including cultural, geographical, financial, educational or other opportunities or challenges, motivated your decision to pursue a graduate degree at the University of Michigan. For example, if you grew up in a community where educational, cultural, or other opportunities were either especially plentiful or especially lacking, you might discuss the impact this had on your development and interests. This should be a discussion of the journey that has led to your decision to seek a graduate degree. Please do not repeat your Academic Statement of Purpose.

DMA Performance Pre-screening and Audition Requirements

Upload the following video recordings to the SMTD Artistic Profile:

Eight (8) memorized classical selections. Repertoire is the applicant’s choice, and should showcase your highest level of musical and technical proficiency. Please follow these guidelines to choose your repertoire.

• Because of our historic legacy and ongoing passion for promoting inclusivity in the vocal arts, at least one selection must be written by a  composer who has been traditionally underrepresented by virtue of their gender, race, ethnicity, or cultural heritage. This piece should also be in a classical art song style, inclusive of spirituals, or an aria from oratorio or opera.
• Selections must demonstrate facility in each of the following languages: French, German, Italian, and English
• A twentieth-century work. The twentieth-century work should not be an arrangement by a twentieth-century composer (e.g., Copland’s Old American Songs) but an actual composition by a twentieth-century composer.
• Only one operatic aria
• Only one oratorio aria
• Only one secco recitative (i.e. not written for orchestral accompaniment) from an 18th century opera or oratorio. The selection must be a minimum of eight measures in length and in a language other than English.

A speaking video in which you answer these questions. The format can be casual:

• Why do you want a doctoral degree in voice performance?
• What draws your attention to the DMA program at Michigan?
• Based on your previous performance and vocal technique studies, what has most influenced your own approach to singing?
• What interests do you have outside of vocal performance?
• Where do you see yourself 5 years from now? 10 years from now? What would you like to be doing?

OPTIONAL: 1-5 additional videos or YouTube links of other singing or performance you’ve done in the last 24 months. Recordings of past recitals or performances are encouraged.  We also welcome examples of teaching.

An accompanist is required for all recorded selections.

For recordings, the Department of Voice & Opera recommends using an iPhone, smartphone, or similar recording device to create recordings, with a recommended microphone placement of 4’–8′ from the singer. At the start of your first video, please state your name and the type of recording equipment you are using.

DMA Performance In-Person Audition/Interview Requirements

Students who advance to this stage of the application process will be asked to attend a group meeting with the faculty to discuss the school, the curriculum, performance opportunities, and more. These same students will also be asked to meet for individual auditions (see DMA audition repertoire requirements, above) and interviews with the voice faculty that will review your training, current work, future goals, and performances of one or more of your previously-submitted material. Please have your scores available for reference for all of your audition repertoire and previously submitted recordings. An accompanist will be provided for applicants auditioning in Ann Arbor.

Required Materials

To apply for admission, all applicants to the DMA must submit an Artistic Profile and an official application, transcripts, and recommendations. The deadline for applications is December 1.

International applicants whose language is not English must submit a Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) score or an alternative test selected from the list here.

No action will be taken on your application until your application file is complete.

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, or its equivalent, is a prerequisite for admission.

MM and SM in Performance Programs: Winds & Brass

Pre-screening Policy

Pre-screening is required for all applicants to the MM/SM Performance programs Winds & Brass. Upon a favorable evaluation of your materials, an online audition may be scheduled.

All pre-screening materials should be uploaded through the Artistic Profile by the December 1 deadline. Hard copies of pre-screening materials will not be considered.

Writing Requirements (all instruments)

• Statement of Purpose: Upload a 2-3 page academic statement of purpose about your academic and research background, your career goals, and how this graduate program will help you meet your career and educational objectives.
• Personal Statement:Upload a personal statement indicating how your background and life experiences, including cultural, geographical, financial, educational or other opportunities or challenges, motivated your decision to pursue a graduate degree at the University of Michigan. For example, if you grew up in a community where educational, cultural, or other opportunities were either especially plentiful or especially lacking, you might discuss the impact this had on your development and interests. This should be a discussion of the journey that has led to your decision to seek a graduate degree. Please do not repeat your Academic Statement of Purpose.

Audition Requirements by Instrument

Bassoon

Pre-Screening Requirements

Please upload the following works to the SMTD Artistic Profile in their entirety unless otherwise noted. Piano accompaniment is preferred, but not required.

• W. A. Mozart: Concerto in B flat, KV 191. Movement 1, complete with cadenza
• One etude of your choice, taken from the studies by Milde, Jancourt, Bitsch, Orefici, Giampieri, Bertoni, Garfield or Lacour.
• One movement of a work for solo bassoon or bassoon and piano from the 20th or 21st centuries. Candidates are strongly encouraged to include a work by a minority or marginalized composer or a work that in some way represents their own identity to demonstrate the range of your musical experiences. If you would like suggestions or if you would like to confirm your choice of piece, please write to Dr. Lyman at [email protected] before submitting the recording.
• Six orchestral excerpts:
  • Beethoven: 4th Symphony, last movement staccato passage, measures 184-190.
  • Mozart: Overture to the Marriage of Figaro, mm. 139-171.
  • Ravel: Bolero, mm. 41-57
  • Ravel: Piano Concerto in G major, first movement high solo (rehearsal 9-10)
  • Tchaikovsky: Symphony No. 4, second movement, last 31 bars (record only the solo and the final few measures)
  • Tchaikovsky: Symphony No. 6, first movement, mm. 1-12.

Live In-Person or Online Audition/Interview Requirements

Students who advance to this stage of the application process will be invited to meet with Bassoon faculty for an audition, a discussion of your training and future/career goals, and a review of your previously-submitted recordings. For the live audition, you may repeat the music you prepared for the pre-screening or add new music of your choice. This could include new etudes, a new solo work, or different orchestral excerpts. As always, if you have a question about the live audition repertoire you should contact Dr. Lyman at [email protected].

Clarinet

Pre-Screening Requirements

Please upload video recordings of:

• Two contrasting works for solo clarinet, or for clarinet and piano (may be recorded with, or without piano). You are welcome and encouraged to seek out a work by either a BIPOC or underrepresented composer; if you would like suggestions or if you would like to confirm your choice of piece, please write to Professor Dan Gilbert ([email protected]) or Professor Chad Burrow ([email protected]) before submitting the recording.
• Mozart Concerto, 1st movement exposition (preferably with piano accompaniment)
• Four contrasting excerpts from the standard orchestral audition literature

Live In-Person or Online Audition/Interview Requirements

Students who advance to this stage of the application process will be invited to meet with Clarinet faculty for an audition, a discussion of your training and future/career goals, and a review of your previously-submitted recordings.

Euphonium

Pre-Screening Requirements

Upload the following selections to the SMTD Artistic Profile:

• Any Etude from Book 2 of Rochut Melodious Etudes for Trombone
• Solo of applicant’s choice (with accompaniment)

Audition Requirements (Online or in-person)

For the audition, each applicant must be prepared to play:

• One etude from either
  • Charlier- 32 Etudes de Perfectionnement
  • Charlier- Transcendental Etudes for Trumpet
• A technical solo of the applicant’s choice (different from pre-screening repertoire)
• A lyrical solo of the applicant’s choice (different from pre-screening repertoire)
• Band Exceprts that the applicant chooses from the following list:
  • Lyrical (choose two)
    • Schuman- When Jesus Wept
    • Berlioz- Roman Carnival Overture
    • Schoenberg- Theme and Variations
    • Grainger- Colonial Song
  • Technical (choose two)
    • Shostakovich- Festive Overture
    • Smith- Festival Variations
    • Sullivan- Pineapple Poll
    • Williams- The Cowboys
• Sight Reading

Flute

Pre-Screening Requirements

Upload four compositions from the standard solo flute repertoire (video recordings) to the SMTD Artistic Profile, as well as four orchestral excerpts representing your highest level of proficiency. One of the compositions must be memorized. Please include a movement of a concerto as one of your selections. You may upload only two movements from a composition with multiple movements. Choose from the contrasting styles of the Baroque, Classical, French, or Contemporary literature.

Live In-Person or Online Audition/Interview Requirements

Students who advance to this stage of the application process will be invited to meet with Flute faculty for an audition, a discussion of your training and future/career goals, and a review of your previously-submitted recordings. Skills are assumed in performance techniques appropriate to the graduate level.

At the audition, students will be asked to play the repertoire they performed in the pre-screening. If the repertoire changes, please let Professor Porter know at the audition. Accompaniment is not required. There might be coaching at the audition. Be prepared to sight-read.

French Horn

Pre-Screening Requirements 

Upload unedited video recordings of the following to the SMTD Artistic Profile:

•  W.A. Mozart – Horn Concerto #2 or #4, Movement 1 (Concerto #4, include cadenza)
•  R. Strauss – Horn Concerto #2, Movement 1 – beginning to rehearsal #5
•  Beethoven Sym. # 3, Horn 2, Movement 3 trio
•  Tchaikovsky Sym. #5 – Horn 1, Movement 2 solo

Audition Requirements 

Auditions will be offered in both in-person and live online formats. For French Horn, in-person auditions are always preferable to online ones, although there will be no penalty in terms of admission or scholarship consideration if an online audition is chosen. Equal consideration is given to both formats. For those who need to schedule an online audition, please contact [email protected] for assistance.

Students who advance to this stage of the application process will play the following selections for the final round. 

•  W.A. Mozart – Horn Concerto #2 or #4 (complete)
• Erika Raum – Confessions of St. Augustine, Movement 1
•  R. Strauss – Concerto #2, Movement 1 (complete)
•  Beethoven – Sym. #6, Horn 1, Movement 3 (Scherzo) solo, Movement 5, opening solo
•  Ravel – Pavane, Horn 1, opening solo
•  Shostakovich – Sym. #5, Horn 1, Movement 1 low tutti
•  Sight reading

Oboe

Pre-Screening Requirements

Upload portions of three complete works from the solo repertoire to the SMTD Artistic Profile, including music from the Baroque and 20th/21st-Century periods. You are encouraged to include repertoire from female composers and composers of an underrepresented background. Also upload two-four orchestral excerpts of your choice. The entire recording should be 20-30 minutes in length.

Live In-Person or Online Audition Requirements

Students who advance to this stage in the application process will be invited to meet with Oboe faculty to perform an audition. The music prepared for the live audition should be: three complete works from the major solo repertoire, including music from the Baroque and 20th/21st-Century periods. Also prepare four orchestral excerpts of your choice.  Familiarity with all major and minor scales and thirds is assumed. You may also be tested in sight-reading skills.

Saxophone

Pre-Screening Requirements

Upload unedited video recordings of:

• Two major works for saxophone that demonstrate your highest level of musical and technical development. It is recommended that at least one of the selections include one of the following works (or similar difficulty): Albright, Sonata; Bolcom, Lilith; Dahl, Concerto; Berio, Sequenza IXB or VIIB; Denisov, Sonata; Etezady, Streetlegal; Larsen, Holy Roller; J.A. Lennon, Symphonic Rhapsody; William Grant Still, Romance; Tower, Wings. 
• One major etude to be chosen from composers Lacour, Koechlin, Karg-Elert, Bozza, or Lauba.
• Jazz improvisation videos are welcomed and, if you have significant jazz experience, you are encouraged to include video performances of your work. Contact our Auditions Coordinator ([email protected]) if you would also like to audition separately for the Jazz faculty.
• RECOMMENDED: 1-5 additional videos of other playing you’ve done in the past 18 months. Recordings of past recitals or performances are encouraged, including jazz or other genres of music.

Audition/Interview Requirements (in person or online)

Students who advance to this stage of the application process will meet with Saxophone faculty for an audition and a brief discussion of your training and future/career goals.

Prepare an audition program with approximately 20 minutes of music that showcases your point of view as an artist, while demonstrating your highest level of musical and technical expertise.

In your elective choices, you are encouraged to present repertoire by composers who have been traditionally underrepresented by virtue of their gender, race, ethnicity, or cultural heritage. The music for the live audition may be the same or different from that submitted on your videos. An accompanist is not expected nor required.

Trombone

Pre-Screening Requirements

Please upload the appropriate material for the instrument on which you will audition:

• Tenor Trombone
  • Upload video of Red Sky by Anthony Barfield (beginning-B)
  • Upload video of Fifteen, from Ages, by Susan Mutter
  • Upload video recordings of at least two additional contrasting solo pieces. Movements of larger works are acceptable. Additionally, upload the following excerpts:
    • Berlioz: Hungarian March (Trombone 2)
    • Mahler: Symphony No. 3 — Movement I: first solo
    • Mozart: Requiem — Tuba Mirum
    • Ravel: Bolero
    • Wagner: Ride of the Valkyries — B Major section
• Bass Trombone
  • Upload a video recording of Extremely Close Mvt. 1 (We Will Not Stop Looking) by Daniela Candillari
  • Upload a video recording of the Sarabande from the Fifth Suite for Solo Cello by Bach (no repeats) as well as at least one additional solo piece of your choice and the following excerpts:
    • Berlioz: Hungarian March
    • Haydn: The Creation
    • Schumann: Symphony No. 3 (4th movement)
    • Wagner: Ride of the Valkyries — B Major section
    • Wagner: Das Rheingold — Entry of the Gods

Live In-Person or Online Audition/Interview Requirements

Students who advance to this stage of the application process will meet with Trombone faculty for an audition, a discussion of your training and future/career goals, and a review of your previously-submitted recordings. Prepare the same repertoire as listed above for pre-screening, PLUS the Rossini Overture to William Tell.

Trumpet

Pre-Screening Requirements

Please upload one of the following selections:

• Honegger: Intrada (complete)
• Tomasi Concerto: first movement, minus cadenza

Please upload the following orchestral excerpts:

• Petrouchka, ballerina dance (1947) and Pictures at an Exhibition, Promenade

In addition to these selections, upload 15 minutes of your choice of standard solo recital literature, etudes for trumpet and 2-3 standard excerpts from the orchestral repertoire representing your highest level of proficiency. You are encouraged to demonstrate your knowledge of different stylistic periods and ability to perform on the piccolo.

RECOMMENDED: Upload 1-5 additional videos of other playing you’ve done in the last 18 months. Recordings of past recitals or performances are encouraged.

Live In-Person or Online Audition/Interview Requirements

Students who advance to this stage of the application process will meet with faculty for an audition, a discussion of your training and future/career goals, and a review of your previously-submitted recordings.  You will be asked to transpose while sight-reading. Skills are assumed in performance techniques appropriate to the graduate level.

Tuba

Pre-Screening Requirements

Upload the following selections to the SMTD Artistic Profile:

• Bordogni Vocalises- Any etude between number 61-90 (or any Rochut Book 2 etude, 8vb)
• Solo of applicant’s choice (with accompaniment)

Audition Requirements (Online or in-person)

• Choose one of the following from Snedecor Low Etudes for Tuba
  • Etude 3
  • Etude 5
• A lyrical solo of the applicant’s choice (different from pre-screening repertoire)
• A technical solo of the applicant’s choice (different from pre-screening repertoire)
• Orchestral excerpts that the applicant chooses from the following list
  • Low excerpts (choose two)
    • Bruckner Symphony 7, finale P to S
    • Prokofiev- Symphony 5, first movement 3 to 6
    • Respighi- Fountains of Rome
    • Wagner- Ride of the Valkyries
  • High excerpts (choose two)
    • Berlioz- Hungarian March
    • Berlioz- King Lear Overture
    • Mahler- Symphony 1
    • Stravinsky- Petrushka, Bear Solo
• Sight Reading

Wind Instruments Major

Pre-Screening Requirements

Upload the appropriate pre-screening material as determined by your primary instrument.

Audition Requirements

Prepare an audition on your primary instrument following the audition requirements listed above.

DMA in Performance: Winds & Brass

Pre-screening Requirements

Each DMA applicant must first pass a pre-screening prior to the live audition. Follow the instrument sections below for specific pre-screening repertoire requirements. Please upload your resumé, comprehensive repertoire list, and recordings by creating an Artistic Profile here by December 1.

Indicate in your Artistic Profile the works you intend to perform for your audition. Be prepared to perform a varied program of at least 30 to 45 minutes duration selected from the repertoire specified below.

Required Materials

To apply for DMA admission, submit an official application, transcripts, recommendations, and other materials as instructed on the application. The deadline for applications is December 1 for the Fall term. A master’s degree in the applicant’s proposed field of specialization, or its equivalent, is a prerequisite for admission.

International applicants whose language is not English must submit a qualifying English language test score that meets or exceeds SMTD’s minimums before an audition will be scheduled.

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.

Written Requirements (all instruments)

• Statement of Purpose: Upload a 2-3 page academic statement of purpose about your academic and research background, your career goals, and how this graduate program will help you meet your career and educational objectives.
• Personal Statement: Upload a personal statement indicating how your background and life experiences, including cultural, geographical, financial, educational or other opportunities or challenges, motivated your decision to pursue a graduate degree at the University of Michigan. For example, if you grew up in a community where educational, cultural, or other opportunities were either especially plentiful or especially lacking, you might discuss the impact this had on your development and interests. This should be a discussion of the journey that has led to your decision to seek a graduate degree. Please do not repeat your Academic Statement of Purpose.

Bassoon

Pre-Screening

For consideration for admission to the DMA program, each applicant must first pass a pre-screening that will be evaluated prior to the live audition.  Prepare a video recording of at least 30 minutes of music of your choice, including at least one standard work for bassoon and piano, at least one unaccompanied work for solo bassoon and 3-4 orchestral excerpts of your choice.

The pre-screening requirement is waived for current University of Michigan graduate bassoon majors applying to the DMA program.

In-Person Audition Requirements

For the in-person audition, each applicant must be prepared to play the following:

1. One complete Vivaldi bassoon concerto
2. The first and second movements of the Mozart Concerto, KV 191
3. One unaccompanied work from the 20th or 21st century
4. A work of the candidate’s choice from any musical period, preferably for bassoon and piano, or another unaccompanied work. Candidates are strongly encouraged to include a work by a minority or marginalized composer or a work that in some way represents their own identity  to demonstrate the range of your musical experiences.
5. Six contrasting orchestral excerpts, taken from the standard orchestral repertory.

Clarinet (Closed for Fall 2025)

Pre-Screening Requirements

Please upload video recordings of five movements from a diverse and varied repertoire from the clarinet literature. You are welcome and encouraged to seek out a work by either a BIPOC or underrepresented composer; if you would like suggestions or if you would like to confirm your repertoire, please write to Professor Dan Gilbert ([email protected]) or Professor Chad Burrow ([email protected]) before submitting the recording.

Additionally, please upload four contrasting excerpts from the standard orchestral literature.

Live In-Person Audition/Interview Requirements

Students who advance to this stage of the application process will be invited to meet with Clarinet faculty for a discussion of your training and future/career goals, a review of your previously-submitted recordings, and an audition.

Euphonium

Pre-Screening Requirements

Upload the following selections to the SMTD Artistic Profile:

• Any Etude from Book 2 of Rochut Melodious Etudes for Trombone
• Solo of applicant’s choice (with accompaniment)

Audition Requirements (in-person)

For the audition, each applicant must be prepared to play:

• One etude from either
  • Charlier- 32 Etudes de Perfectionnement
  • Charlier- Transcendental Etudes for Trumpet
• A technical solo of the applicant’s choice (different from pre-screening repertoire)
• A lyrical solo of the applicant’s choice (different from pre-screening repertoire)
• Band Exceprts that the applicant chooses from the following list:
  • Lyrical (choose two)
    • Schuman- When Jesus Wept
    • Berlioz- Roman Carnival Overture
    • Schoenberg- Theme and Variations
    • Grainger- Colonial Song
  • Technical (choose two)
    • Shostakovich- Festive Overture
    • Smith- Festival Variations
    • Sullivan- Pineapple Poll
    • Williams- The Cowboys
• Sight Reading

Flute

Pre-Screening Requirements

Please upload the following to the SMTD Artistic Profile:

1. A complete J. S. Bach sonata, partita, or suite
2. At least one of the following, performed from memory in its entirety:
   • A complete Mozart concerto
   • A complete 20th- or 21st-century concerto (EXAMPLE: Jolivet, Nielsen, Ibert, Foss, Rouse, Bolcom, Tower, Rivier, Liebermann or other)
   • Two additional complete works of contrasting styles and periods that showcase contemporary extended techniques and/or detailed performance practice (e.g., music by a living composer, a commissioned work, French conservatoire pieces, French, Italian or German Baroque pieces)
3. Six standard orchestral excerpts displaying a balance of technical and lyrical playing.

Live In-Person Audition/Interview Requirements

Students who advance to this stage of the application process will be invited to meet with Flute faculty for a discussion of your training and future/career goals, a review of your previously-submitted recordings, and an audition.

At the audition, students will be asked to play the repertoire they performed in the pre-screening. If the repertoire changes, please let Professor Porter know at the audition. There might be coaching at the audition.

French Horn

Pre-Screening – all candidates

For consideration for admission to the DMA program, each applicant must first submit a pre-screening video to be uploaded prior to the live audition. Piano is recommended but not required for the pre-screening video.

The pre-screening requirement is waived for current University of Michigan graduate horn majors applying to the DMA program.

Pre-screening repertoire:

1. W.A. Mozart – Concerto #2 (complete without edits)
2. Jane Vignery – Sonata for Horn and Piano (mvmt. 1)
3. Three contrasting orchestral excerpts

Audition Requirements – Final Round (in-person)

Students who advance to this stage of the application process and conduct their audition in-person will play the following selections for the final round. Students who complete online auditions will submit recordings of each of these selections without edits.

1. W.A. Mozart – Concerto #4
2. Jane Vignery – Sonata for Horn and Piano (complete)
3. Vincent Persichetti – Parable for Solo Horn
4. Six contrasting orchestral excerpts

A post-audition online interview will be required for all online finalists and may be requested of students who performed a live final audition.

Oboe (Closed for Fall 2025)

Pre-Screening

For consideration for admission to the DMA program, each applicant must first pass a pre-screening to be uploaded prior to the live audition. Please upload a thirty-minute video recording featuring portions of at least four works of repertoire representing the Baroque period, Classical or Romantic period, and 20th-21st century. Also include 4-5 orchestral excerpts of your choice. You are encouraged to include repertoire from female composers and composers of an underrepresented background.

The pre-screening requirement is waived for current University of Michigan graduate oboe majors applying to the DMA program.

Audition

For the in-person audition, each applicant must be prepared to play two major works of the oboe literature from the Baroque period, two major works from the Classical or Romantic period, and two major contemporary works, to equal six (6) complete works which demonstrate technical facility, rhythmic complexity, and musical expression, as well as 5 orchestral excerpts of your choice. You are encouraged to include repertoire from female composers and composers of an underrepresented background.

Saxophone

Pre-Screening Requirements

Please upload video recordings of the following to the SMTD Artistic Profile:

• 2-3 major works and two major etudes for saxophone that will demonstrate your highest level of musical and technical development. It is recommended that at least one of the selections include one of the following works (or similar difficulty): Albright, Sonata; Bolcom, Lilith; Dahl, Concerto; Berio, Sequenza IXB or VIIB; Denisov, Sonata; Etezady, Streetlegal; Larsen, Holy Roller; J.A. Lennon, Symphonic Rhapsody; Tower, Wings; Tann, Windhover. Two contrasting Etudes to be chosen from composers Lacour, Koechlin, Karg-Elert, Bozza, or Lauba.
• If you have played a recent recital, you are asked to upload recordings of your performance to supplement your application.
• Jazz improvisation skills are highly encouraged, but not required, and applicants are encouraged to upload additional media samples of your work in this area. We also welcome examples of teaching, composition/arranging, and/or conducting work.

Audition/Interview Requirements (in-person)

Students who advance to this stage of the application process will meet in person with Saxophone faculty for live audition playing and a brief discussion of your training, future and career goals. The music for the live (in-person or online) audition may be the same or different from that submitted on your videos; however, invited finalists must also include one transcription of your choice and key of any solo work by J.S. Bach.

Trombone (Closed for Fall 2025)

Pre-Screening Requirements

Please upload video recordings of the following to the SMTD Artistic Profile:

Tenor Trombone

1. Two contrasting movements from one trombone concerto by Albrechtsberger, Grondahl, Jacob, Larsson, Rota, Tomasi or other concerti of similar level.
2. Red Sky by Anthony Barfield (beginning-B)
3. Fifteen, from Ages, by Susan Mutter (please contact the composer at [email protected] to obtain music).
4. Two contrasting movements from the major sonata literature by Casterede, Ewazen, Hindemith or other work of similar level for trombone and piano.
5. Select one of the following unaccompanied works:
   • Bassett: Suite
   • Crespo: Improvisation No. 1
   • Hidas: Fantasia
   • Persichetti: Parable, op. 133
6. 8 Orchestral Excerpts

Bass Trombone

1. Bach Sarabande from Cello Suite No. 5 (no repeats)
2. Extremely Close Mvt. 1 (We Will Not Stop Looking) by Daniela Candillari
3. One major concerto by Ewazen, George, Lebedev, Spillman, Vaughn-Williams or other concerti of similar level.
4. One major work for bass trombone and piano by Bozza, Gillingham, Koetsier, Lassen, Semler-Collery, Wilder or other works of similar level.
5. Select one of the following unaccompanied works:
   • Fetter: Spain
   • Hartley: Sonata Breve
   • Hidas: Meditation
6. 8 Orchestral Excerpts

Live In-Person Audition/Interview Requirements

Students who advance to this stage of the application process will meet in-person with Trombone faculty for an audition, a review of your previously-submitted recordings and discussion of your training. Prepare the same repertoire as listed above for pre-screening.

Trumpet (Closed for Fall 2025)

Pre-Screening Requirements

For consideration for admission to the DMA program, each applicant must first pass a pre-screening to be uploaded prior to the live audition. Select thirty minutes of repertoire from the repertoire listed below.

HIGHLY RECOMMENDED: 1-5 additional videos of other playing you’ve done in the last 18 months. Recordings of past recitals or gigs are encouraged. We also welcome examples of teaching, composition/arranging, and/or conducting work.

Audition/Interview Requirements (In person)

For the audition, each applicant must be prepared to play one selection in categories 1 through 5, six or more selections from category 6, and sight reading at the discretion of the committee. An equivalent work substituted for one of the following should be of similar musical stature and difficulty.

1. Fasch, Concerto; Telemann, Concerto in D; L. Mozart, Concerto or equivalent baroque concerto originally written for the trumpet
2. Haydn: Concerto or Hummel: Concerto (in E or Eb)
3. Tomasi, Concerto; Jolivet, Concertino; Chaynes, Concerto or other similar twentieth-century concerto for trumpet and orchestra
4. H. Stevens, Sonata; K. Kennan, Sonata; Hindemith, Sonata; Ewazen, Sonata or equivalent sonata for trumpet and piano
5. A work of the candidate’s choice that would not appropriately fit in one of the above categories
6. Standard orchestral excerpts from Bruckner, Mahler, Respighi, Prokofiev, Ravel, Shostakovich, Stravinsky, and/or Wagner
7. Sight reading

Tuba (Closed for Fall 2025)

Pre-Screening Requirements

Upload the following selections to the SMTD Artistic Profile:

• Bordogni Vocalises- Any etude between number 61-90 (or any Rochut Book 2 etude, 8vb)
• Solo of applicant’s choice (with accompaniment)

The pre-screening requirement is waived for current University of Michigan graduate tuba majors applying to the DMA program.

Audition Requirements (In-person)

• Choose one of the following from Snedecor Low Etudes for Tuba
  • Etude 3
  • Etude 5
• A lyrical solo of the applicant’s choice (different from pre-screening repertoire)
• A technical solo of the applicant’s choice (different from pre-screening repertoire)
• Orchestral excerpts that the applicant chooses from the following list
  • Low excerpts (choose two)
    • Bruckner Symphony 7, finale P to S
    • Prokofiev- Symphony 5, first movement 3 to 6
    • Respighi- Fountains of Rome
    • Wagner- Ride of the Valkyries
  • High excerpts (choose two)
    • Berlioz- Hungarian March
    • Berlioz- King Lear Overture
    • Mahler- Symphony 1
    • Stravinsky- Petrushka, Bear Solo
• Sight Reading