Major & Minor

Music

By teaching music as a liberal art, the department appeals to an ancient tradition that places music among the most important disciplines for forming the intellect. To this end, our program pursues the acquisition of pra…

Apply Course Catalog

Academics/Programs/Music

Overview

ROOTED IN TRADITION. ELEVATED BY EXCELLENCE

‍

Skills you Will Gain

1. Performance. Applied music study provides the context in which music students can actualize both the affective and intellectual faculties of their musical personalities in preparation for both individual and collaborative performances.

2. Theory. Whether or not you focus on composition, a working knowledge of music theory develops your ear for sound, strengthens your performing ability, and encourages free exercise of musical imagination within the tradition of Western music.

3. History. With a solid foundation in the Church's sacred music and Western music, you will find the language to articulate your own musical identity and the context in which to receive and promote the gift of our rich musical heritage.

‍

Auditions

Audition

Request Audition

Music Department Audition Requirements

Voice

Students should prepare 2-3 pieces of contrasting style and tempo from the classical repertoire. While a student may include one song from Musical Theater or Broadway, Pop/Jazz/Contemporary songs are unacceptable.

Repertoire should include pieces from the following, with at least one selection from a foreign language, and must be performed from memory:

Italian art song or aria
German lied
French mélodie
American art song

Piano

Students should prepare 2-3 pieces of contrasting styles that best represent the applicant's abilities on the piano. Pieces from the Jazz and Ragtime repertoire may be accepted but are not recommended.

Repertoire of the following styles are preferred and recommended:

Movement from a classical sonata (Clementi, Haydn, Mozart, Beethoven)
Polyphony (J. S. Bach)
Selection from the Romantic era

Organ

Students should prepare 2 pieces from their performance repertoire as well as a few verses of a hymn tune.

Repertoire should include the following:

One work from J. S. Bach
One piece composed after 1800 in a contrasting style

Violin, Viola, Cello

One movement from a concerto or sonata
One unaccompanied work or étude (e.g. Bach, Kreutzer, Popper)
Scales: Four complete three-octave major scales (violin/viola); Four complete two- or three-octave major scales (cello)

Woodwinds (Flute, Oboe, Clarinet, Bassoon, Saxophone)

Two contrasting pieces or études (e.g., from Rose, Ferling, Voxman)
Scales: Four complete two-octave major scales (flute/clarinet three-octaves when applicable)
Optional: Demonstrate any secondary instruments (e.g. piccolo, English horn)

Note: Audition to the band program may also be considered for acceptance

Brass

One lyrical and one technical solo or étude (e.g., Arban, Bordogni, Rochut, Clarke)
Scales: Four complete two-octave major scales with arpeggios
Optional: Demonstrate articulation studies

Note: Audition to the band program may also be considered for acceptance

Percussion

Snare Drum: Rudimental or concert-style étude
Mallet Percussion: One solo or étude (e.g., for marimba, vibraphone) and four complete two-octave major scales
Timpani (Optional): Solo or excerpt
Optional: Demonstrate any specialty instruments (e.g., steel drum, djembe)

Note: Audition to the band program may also be considered for acceptance