We kindly request that you review and prepare all audition requirements in detail to ensure a smooth process. The auditions will take place in person at the esteemed NIU School of Music during February, although alternative arrangements may occasionally be made. All candidates must register for a specific audition date in advance to secure their participation.
If you find yourself unable to attend the official audition dates, please reach out to Austyn Menk, the music admissions coordinator, at avmenk@niu.edu to acquire permission for an independent audition or to seek approval for submitting an unedited video audition. It is essential to bring printed copies of your musical selections for the adjudication panel. Undergraduate candidates will also participate in an aural skills assessment as part of the audition process, and sight reading exercises may be administered to all applicants during their audition.
Flute
Undergraduates
- Prepare major and chromatic scales, both slurred and tongued at a moderate tempo to demonstrate your technical abilities.
- One Étude selected from Ernesto Kohler Op. 33 or Op. 66 to showcase your skill level.
- Select one étude from Karg-Elert’s 30 Caprices (or Studies) for solo flute, Op. 107, to highlight your artistic expression.
- Perform the exposition of the first movement from either Mozart’s Concerto in G or D major to illustrate your understanding of classical repertoire.
- Debussy’s Syrinx, a staple piece in the flute repertoire, is also required to complete your audition.
Graduates
- All major and minor scales should be performed across their full range.
- Choose one étude from Berbiguier, Op. 18 to demonstrate your technical proficiency.
- An Anderson étude, from either Op. 15, 30, or 33, is also required to showcase your capabilities.
- Present two contrasting solo pieces, which must include:
- One movement from a recognized concerto in the standard repertoire.
- One movement from a standard repertoire sonata to display versatility.
For further inquiries, please contact Professor Scott Metlicka at smetlicka@niu.edu. Details regarding all audition requirements can be accessed on the International Music Score Library Project (IMSLP) website.
Oboe
Undergraduates
- Perform major scales, spanning two octaves or to the full extent of your ability, to assess your range and technique.
- Prepare one etude from either the Barret Oboe Method or Ferling’s 48 Famous Studies for evaluation.
- Select two pieces or movements of contrasting styles from either standard or contemporary oboe solo repertoire.
Graduates
- Demonstrate proficiency with all major and minor scales at least two octaves, showcasing your full range.
- Choose two contrasting etudes from the Barret Oboe Method or Ferling’s 48 Famous Studies to highlight your skills.
- Present two selections of contrasting styles, which must include:
- One movement from a standard concerto.
- A piece written in the 20th or 21st century to reflect modern compositions.
- Perform two contrasting standard orchestral excerpts to exhibit ensemble readiness.
Suggested Solo Selections
Music from the 21st century and works by underrepresented composers is greatly encouraged for inclusion. Ensure that all selections encapsulate your tone quality, rhythmic accuracy, technical proficiency, and overall musical expression.
- Consider concertos by Cimarosa, Haydn, Marcello, Mozart, Vaughan Williams, and Vivaldi.
- Sonatas by Handel, Hindemith, Poulenc, Saint-Saëns, or Telemann are excellent choices as well.
- Britten’s Six Metamorphoses is also recommended.
- Mozart’s Quartet in F, K. 370 remains a classic and an essential work.
- Paladilhe’s Solo Pour Hautbois and Schumann’s Three Romances are further notable options.
- Works by composers like Madeline Dring, William Grant Still, and Alyssa Morris can also enrich your program.
Should you have questions, please reach out to Professor Laura Medisky at lmedisky@niu.edu.
Clarinet
Undergraduates
- Major and chromatic scales should be performed, both slurred and tongued at a moderate tempo for technical demonstration.
- Prepare two études, one fast and one slow, selecting from either Rose’s 32 or 40 Etudes to exhibit your versatility.
- Choose a solo of your choice to showcase your individuality.
- Suggested literature includes Mozart’s Concerto, von Weber’s Concertino, or select French Conservatory Contest Pieces.
Graduates
- Perform major, melodic minor, harmonic minor, and chromatic scales; include major and minor arpeggios, slurred and tongued to the extent of your ability.
- Select two contrasting solo works to allow your interpretative skills to shine.
If you have inquiries, contact Gregory Barrett at gregbarrett@niu.edu. Students requiring information on bass clarinet should reach out to Barrett for specific requirements.
Bassoon
Undergraduates
- Perform all major scales, arpeggios, and chromatic scales, ensuring you cover the full range and slur them at a moderate tempo.
- Prepare two études from Weissenborn’s 50 Bassoon Studies, Op. 8, with one fast and one slow selection to demonstrate your range.
- Choose one movement from a standard repertoire solo, such as Weber’s Concerto in F major or any Vivaldi Concerto, to showcase your capabilities.
Graduates
- Perform all major and minor scales, arpeggios, and chromatic scales at your full range to exhibit your skill set.
- One Milde Concert Study, Op. 26 is required to display a higher level of proficiency.
- Present two solo works from standard repertoire, performing one movement from each. Ensure each movement represents a contrasting style and era.
- Prepare two orchestral excerpts from the standard repertoire to showcase your readiness for ensemble performance.
For any questions, please contact Professor Carol Rosing at crosing@niu.edu.
Saxophone
Undergraduates
- Perform major and chromatic scales, covering the full range and slurred at a moderate tempo.
- Prepare two études, selecting one fast and one slow, from Ferling’s 48 Famous Studies.
- Choose one solo of your choice, or an alternative of comparable scope and difficulty, from the recommended repertoire:
- Paul Creston’s Sonata or Alexander Glazunov’s Concerto are excellent options.
- Paule Maurice’s Tableaux de Provence, Jacques Ibert’s Concertino da Camera, Bernhard Heiden’s Sonata, or Alfred Desenclos’s Prelude, Cadence, et Finale are highly regarded choices.
Graduates
- Perform all major and minor scales, as well as all major and minor scales in broken thirds, including the chromatic scale for breadth of range.
- Select two solos of your choice from the list below, or two of similar scope and difficulty:
- William Albright’s Sonata or Fernande Decruck’s Sonata are recommended.
- Ingolf Dahl’s Concerto and Ida Gotkovsky’s Variations Pathetiques are also notable.
- Florent Schmitt’s Legende and Henri Tomasi’s Concerto provide additional distinguished options.
For further inquiries, contact Thomas Snydacker at tsnydacker@niu.edu.
**Interview with Austyn Menk, Music Admissions Coordinator at NIU School of Music**
**Interviewer:** Thank you for joining us today, Austyn! The NIU School of Music has some exciting audition opportunities coming up in February. Can you share what aspiring musicians should keep in mind as they prepare for their auditions?
**Austyn Menk:** Absolutely! It’s vital for candidates to review all audition requirements in detail ahead of time. We want to make the process as smooth as possible. Registration for a specific audition date is required, so it’s essential to do that in advance to secure your spot.
**Interviewer:** That’s great advice! What if a candidate can’t make the scheduled audition dates?
**Austyn Menk:** If someone is unable to attend the official dates, I encourage them to reach out to me directly via email at avmenk@niu.edu. I can grant permission for an independent audition or allow the submission of an unedited video audition if necessary.
**Interviewer:** Interesting! For those attending in-person auditions, what materials should they bring?
**Austyn Menk:** Candidates must bring printed copies of their musical selections for the adjudication panel. It’s also important for undergraduate candidates to be prepared for an aural skills assessment and potential sight-reading exercises during their auditions.
**Interviewer:** Let’s talk specifics. Can you give us an overview of what flute candidates need to prepare for their auditions?
**Austyn Menk:** Sure! Undergraduate flute candidates must prepare major and chromatic scales, one étude by Ernesto Kohler, another from Karg-Elert’s studies, and they also need to perform the exposition of either Mozart’s Concerto in G or D major, along with Debussy’s Syrinx. Graduate candidates have a more extensive list, which includes a full range of major and minor scales, various etudes, and contrasting solo pieces.
**Interviewer:** That sounds comprehensive! What about the other instruments? Are there any special focuses or requirements?
**Austyn Menk:** Yes, each instrument has its unique set of requirements. For example, oboe candidates must prepare contrasting pieces from both standard and contemporary repertoires. We highly encourage the inclusion of music from the 21st century and works by underrepresented composers. Similarly, clarinet and bassoon candidates will also have varied selections to showcase versatility in their auditions.
**Interviewer:** That’s fantastic to hear! For those seeking more information about specific instruments or have particular queries, who should they contact?
**Austyn Menk:** They can reach out directly to the respective professors for their instruments. For example, Professor Scott Metlicka handles flute, while Professor Laura Medisky oversees the oboe program. Contact information for each instructor is provided in the audition guidelines.
**Interviewer:** Thank you, Austyn, for sharing this crucial information! It’s clear that the NIU School of Music is dedicated to helping prospective students succeed in their audition process.
**Austyn Menk:** Thank you for having me! I look forward to seeing many talented musicians at our auditions this February!
