Audition Guidelines for Graduate Programs

SCHEDULING AN AUDITION

Applicants will select their preferred audition/interview dates on the Hartt Supplemental Application. Both the University of Hartford and Hartt Supplemental Applications must be submitted before an audition/interview will be scheduled. Hartt Admissions will mail an Audition/Interview Confirmation Letter to the applicant confirming the audition date and schedule.

Preliminary Teaching Video for Music Education Applicants

Music Education applicants whose application requirements include a video (DVD or VHS format) of their teaching must submit the video by the application deadline. The video should present 30 minutes of teaching elements, concepts, or performance techniques in a classroom setting demonstrating modeling, feedback and other effective instructional strategies. Confirmation of your interview date will follow a positive review of the preliminary teaching video.

Preliminary Conducting Video for Orchestral/Instrumental Conducting Applicants

Applicants for graduate programs in instrumental/orchestral conducting will submit application materials and prepare a short preliminary video (20 minute maximum, DVD or VHS format), containing two or three sections of contrasting material. The position of the camera should be facing the conductor. It is recommended that the student also submit an audio recording, of approximately the same length, demonstrating additional conducting experience. If possible, a segment should be included showing the applicant conducting one movement of a substantial work. Enclosed with the video should be a cover letter indicating the applicant's intended program and major, and a written statement expressing the reasons for interest in the chosen career and major. Once the preliminary video is reviewed, applicants may be contacted with an invitation to audition in person on an arranged date.

Preliminary Conducting Video for Choral Conducting Applicants

Applicants for the Master of Music, Master of Music Education, or Doctor of Musical Arts programs in Choral Conducting will submit application materials and prepare a short preliminary video (30 minutes total, DVD or VHS format), containing 15 minutes of the applicant conducting in performance as well as 15 minutes of rehearsal conducting. The camera should be positioned to be facing the conductor during a performance and appropriately placed at the rehearsal to show clearly the conductor as well as some view of the group if possible. It is recommended that the student also submit an additional unedited audio recording of approximately the same length as the video. The recording should demonstrate additional conducting experience in a variety of styles and/or situations. Enclosed with the video should be a cover letter indicating the applicant's intended program and major, educational expectations and eventual career goals. Once the preliminary video is reviewed, applicants may be contacted with an invitation to audition in person on a date to be arranged.

Preliminary Audition Recording for Doctor of Musical Arts and Artist Diploma candidates

Doctor of Musical Arts and Artist Diploma applicants in performance must submit with their completed application a preliminary recording (CD; DVD or VHS format required for vocal applicants and preferred for string applicants) on or before the application deadline. All recordings must contain music of contrasting styles and periods within a time frame of 20 to 30 minutes maximum. Confirmation of your audition date will follow a positive review of the preliminary audition recording.

Further Preliminary Audition Video Requirements for Doctor of Musical Arts and Artist Diploma String Applicants

Violin, Viola and 'Cello

One of the above selections must be classical and another must be a 20th or 21st century work. The concerto, showpiece, and unaccompanied works must be performed from memory.

Double Bass

One of the above selections must be a 20th or 21st century work
 

GRADUATE TESTING

Master of Music and Graduate Professional Diploma Testing

Master of Music and Graduate Professional Diploma applicants who audition on-campus will complete the 45-minute listening based Music Aptitude Profile (MAP) test. The MAP test measures innate tonal and rhythmic skills.

Doctoral Proficiency Testing

Doctor of Musical Arts and Doctor of Philosophy applicants will take the music theory and music history essay tests prior to decision on their application. These essays will be given on the same day as the audition. Click here for the DMA Essay Exam study guide .

INTERVIEWS and SCORE/PAPER REQUIREMENTS

Composition

Submit copies of no more than three samples of your work in score and/or CD form. Please note:CD-Rs in AIFF format are acceptable, but applicants should NOT send MP3 files on disc. An interview (phone is acceptable, but in-person preferred) with a faculty member in the composition department is required. Compositions will not be returned.

Music Education

All applicants in Music Education must interview in person with a music education faculty member and meet with the Graduate Studies Director. The interview will include singing a prepared patriotic song and a test of singing, where applicants echo-sing (a capella) 24 tonal patterns and 8 rhythmic patterns of varying difficulty.

Music History

Applicants will interview with a music history faculty member.
 
Scholarship and Research Emphasis
Submit a research paper at least two weeks in advance of the interview date selected. The paper will not be returned. Applicants in music history--scholarship and research emphasis are required to interview with a faculty member in the music history department.

Performance Practice Emphasis
Submit a research paper at least two weeks in advance of the interview date selected. The paper will not be returned. Applicants in music history/performance practice emphasis are required to interview with a faculty member in the music history department. All music history/performance practice emphasis applicants are required to audition on a classical instrument or voice.

Music Theory

Applicants are required to interview with a Hartt music theory faculty member on a scheduled audition day. The interview provides an opportunity for the applicant to discuss the program and a career in music theory. During the interview, the applicant will be asked to verbally analyze the melody, harmony, and form of an excerpt from the Beethoven piano sonatas. The interview also allows the faculty member to evaluate the applicant's background and training in music theory. At least two weeks prior to the scheduled interview date, applicants are to submit two research papers. Both papers must be on music, one of which must be an analysis paper. The papers will not be returned.