THE AUDITION

There are two (2) parts to the music audition:

1) Aural Evaluation

2) Bassoon Audition

AURAL EVALUATION

The aural evaluation will test your abilities in three areas:

1) Rhythmic Sight-Reading (you will be asked to clap a printed rhythm)

2) Singbacks (you will be asked to sing back a series of short phrases)

3) Sight-Singing (you will be given two musical examples to sight-sing)

Please take this seriously and practice these skills in advance of your audition. Feel free to print the sample test and show it to your music teachers and have them help you, especially if you have limited experience as a singer. Tone quality does not matter, but accuracy does! The singbacks are played only once so listen attentively!

Remember, this is part of the admissions process and has nothing to do with class placement. You must score a minimum of 28 points to pass the test.

 

THE BASSOON AUDITION

As a bassoon major, your applied professor (bassoon teacher) will play a crucial role in your musical development. I strongly encourage you to come to Potsdam for a lesson with me before your formal audition.  The lesson is offered free of charge and allows us to see how we work together.

Lessons to prospective students are offered year-round.  However, if you visit during the semester you will also be able to observe classes, ensemble rehearsals, and recitals as well as meet current students.

Please contact me if you would like to schedule a lesson!

Requirements for Undergraduate Bassoon Audition

  • All major scales (choose 2, 2 ½, or 3 octaves depending on your range)
  • Two contrasting Etudes chosen from the following sources:
    • 50 Advanced Studies by Weissenborn
    • Melodious and Progressive Studies, Book 1 or 2 by Alan Hawkins
    • 20 Studies by Vaulet
    • 25 Studies in Scales and Chords, op. 24  by Ludwig Milde
    • Concert Studies by Ludwig Milde
    • Melodious Studies by Orefici
  • Two contrasting movements from a sonata or concerto or a complete single-movement work.

Requirements for Graduate Bassoon Audition (Master’s Degree only)

  • All major, harmonic minor, and chromatic scales full range of the instrument (all at least 2½ octaves, most should be 3 octaves).
  • Standard Major Concerto, all movements and cadenzas (Mozart, Weber, Hummel)
  • Three or Four orchestral excerpts which demonstrate level of training and experience

 

Scheduling an Audition

The Crane School of Music will hold on campus auditions on the following dates

  • December 11, 2010
  • January 29, 2011
  • February 19, 2011

Auditions will also be held at our off-campus sites at the following sites on the dates listed below each location.

Long Island – Mt. Sinai High School  
Rochester – Hochstein School of Music

  • Thursday, February 24, 2011
  • Friday, February 25, 2011


Albany - Taconic Hills Central School District

  • Thursday, February 24, 2011

*For each location, the audition generally requires two hours. Warm-up facilities and time are sometimes limited at off-campus sites.
*There is a $50.00 non-refundable site fee for off-campus auditions which must be paid when the audition is scheduled.
*Please arrange for your audition at least 3 weeks prior to the date, to ensure a space on our schedule and time for confirmation.   

You may reserve your audition date by submitting the form at the following secure website:

https://secure.potsdam.edu/crane/

 

SCHOLARSHIPS

Scholarships are based on admission to SUNY Potsdam and the Crane School of Music.  The majority of scholarships awarded are based on academic standards (GPA, SAT, ACT).  The following webpage provides general information about our various scholarships:
Scholarships at SUNY Potsdam

Our Alumni Association also offers scholarships to children of Potsdam Alumni.
Alumni Association Scholarship

The Office of Financial Aid will help you in every way possible.  You should contact them as soon as you begin considering SUNY Potsdam.  There is no need to wait until you have made your final choice.  Students who will start school in the fall of 2011 can begin the financial aid process as early as January 1! 

All financial aid is based on the results of your FAFSA (a federal form used to determine level of need) so go ahead and get started as soon as your parents have their 2010 tax information.  The sooner you apply, the better your offer will be!

Good luck with your preparation!

Please feel free to contact us at any time during your application and admissions process.