All music majors require a placement test and an audition prior to entering the program in a fall or spring semester. Contact the Music Department
at (631) 451-4346 to schedule a placement test. The placement test measures the student’s
knowledge of key signatures, major and minor scales, intervals, chords, rhythm, and
basic terminology.
Students who are new to the College must visit Advising & Testing prior to contacting the Music Department to schedule the placement test and the audition.
Students will be contacted by a professor to set up an audition. The audition requirements
are as follows:
Perform two contrasting selections (single movement pieces, or movements from sonatas
or concertos, or concerto excerpts) showing technique (facility and flexibility),
tone, and musicality/musicianship. Be prepared to play all major scales and a chromatic
scale (two octaves).
Perform at least two contrasting selections (single-movement pieces or movements from
sonatas or concertos) representing different periods of music. One of the selections
must be Baroque or Classical (such as Bach or Mozart). Be prepared to perform all
major scales and a chromatic scale in at least 2 octaves.
Perform one piece of any style that best demonstrates your ability. Knowledge of chords
and scales and ability to read sheet music will be assessed.
Perform a solo and required NYSSMA level specific materials on one of the following:
snare drum, mallets, and/or timpani. The audition can also include a level 6 drum
set solo. The solo for one of the instruments must be upper-level in difficulty (NYSSMA
level 5 or 6), while the others may be more moderate (NYSSMA level 3 or 4).
Perform at least one piece that shows your best musical and technical skills. Two
pieces of contrasting style is preferred. Students may not be required to play the
entire piece at the audition. Major scales, if known, will be asked. Sight-reading
will also be assessed.
Perform at least one piece that shows your best musical and technical skills. Two
pieces of contrasting style is preferred. Students may not be required to play the
entire piece at the audition. Major scales, if known, will be asked. Sight-reading
will also be assessed.
Students will sing "The Star-Spangled Banner" in a key of their choosing, a cappella
and from memory.
Perform two contrasting selections (single movement pieces, or movements from sonatas
or concertos, or concerto excerpts) showing technique (facility and flexibility),
tone, and musicality/musicianship. Be prepared to play all major scales and a chromatic
scale (two octaves).
