Skip to main content

Chamber Music Auditions

Dates

Spring 2024

This area does not accept applications for Spring semester.

Fall 2024

In-person auditions for Fall semester will be held on February 11, 2024. Please note, this date is subject to change. Students are reminded not to book travel until scheduling an audition slot through the application status portal, which will be available after the release of audition slots in December.

 

Requirements

All String and Piano Chamber Music applicants are required to submit unedited audiovisual recordings fulfilling the prescreening requirements listed below with the application. Applicants will be informed if they have been invited to an audition or have been denied in prescreening. If invited, applicants will be required to audition live at SFCM.

For all String and Piano Chamber Music applicants:

  • Current and former SFCM students must also submit prescreening recordings. It is not waived.
  • If denied for this program, an applicant may be invited to be considered for the Master of Music or Professional Studies Certificate in Instrumental Performance programs which do include extensive training in chamber music. Those applicants will be notified of this invite with the prescreening decision.
  • There are additional essays within the application where applicants may detail your career goals and skills specific to chamber music. These essays should not exceed 200 words.

Prescreening

Candidates must submit audiovisual prescreening recordings with the following solo repertoire.

 

Chamber Piano

All repertoire should be performed from memory.

  • One first movement of a Beethoven Sonata
  • One étude of virtuosity from one of the following composers: Chopin, Rachmaninoff, Scriabin, Liszt, or Debussy

 

Chamber Strings

The Bach and concerto repertoire should be performed from memory.

  • Two contrasting movements of a Bach solo suite, sonata, or partita
  • One first movement of a concerto, with cadenza where applicable
  • One movement of a duo sonata with piano

 

Final Audition

Piano

All solo repertoire should be performed from memory.

  • One first movement of a Beethoven Sonata
  • One étude of virtuosity from one of the following composers: Chopin, Rachmaninoff, Scriabin, Liszt, or Debussy
  • Beethoven Piano Trio in E-flat, Op. 1, No. 1, Allegro (i)
  • Dvorak Piano Quintet in A Major, Op. 81, Allegro ma non tanto (i)

 

Violin

All solo repertoire should be performed from memory.

  • Two contrasting movements of a Bach solo suite, sonata, or partita
  • One first movement of a concerto, with cadenza where applicable
  • Mozart String Quartet in D Major, K. 575, Allegretto (I) - 1st Violin
  • Ravel String Quartet (I), 2nd Violin

 

Viola

All solo repertoire should be performed from memory.

  • Two contrasting movements of a Bach solo suite, sonata, or partita
  • One first movement of a concerto, with cadenza where applicable
  • Mozart String Quartet in D Major, K. 575, Allegretto (I)
  • Ravel String Quartet, Allegro moderato(I)

 

Cello

All solo repertoire should be performed from memory.

  • Two contrasting movements of a Bach solo suite, sonata, or partita
  • One first movement of a concerto, with cadenza where applicable
  • Mozart String Quartet in D Major, K. 575, Allegretto (I)
  • Ravel String Quartet, Allegro moderato (I)

Preformed string and/or piano chamber groups interested in applying should email apply@sfcm.edu before beginning the application process to ensure requirements are clear.

 

Preformed string and/or piano chamber groups that are not a quartet may still be eligible to participate in this program. Please email the Office of Admission for confirmation.

 

Prescreening

Candidates who wish to apply as a preformed string quartet must submit an audiovisual recording of the group performing two contrasting movements of chamber repertoire. Each member of the group should also submit a separate application for String and Piano Chamber Music. Please upload a biography of the chamber group to each application.

 

Final Audition Repertoire

Please prepare two complete chamber works of contrasting style and period.

Picture yourself at SFCM