Guidelines for Each Major

Composition (B.M.)

• Take a short sight-singing exam.
• Submit at least two original sample compositions, with recordings if available.
• Schedule a personal interview with the composition faculty for an on-campus audition day.
• Audition for study on a major instrument is optional.

 

Jazz Studies (B.M.)

• Complete the specified jazz requirements and classical requirements.  The classical and jazz portions of the audition will take place in separate locations.
• Demonstrate the ability to improvise and play with a live rhythm section (provided by Ithaca College). 
• Take a short sight-singing exam.
• Candidates must choose their selections from the following list (all keys indicated are concert keys):
  
  • Blues in the key and tempo of your choice
  • Standards (choose one):
    * "All the Things You Are" (in Ab, starts on Fmi)
    * "All of Me" (in C)
    * "Blue Skies" (in F, starts on Dmi)
    * "My Romance" (in Bb or C)
    * "I Got Rhythm" (in Bb)
    * "They Can't Take That Away from Me" (in Eb)
    * "How High the Moon" (in G)
    * "Take the 'A' Train (in C)
  • Ballads (choose one):
    * "Body and Soul" (in Db)
    * "How Deep Is the Ocean" (in Eb, starts on Cmi)
    * "My Funny Valentine" (in Cmi)
    * "Summertime" (in Ami)
    * "But Beautiful" (in G)
    * "Someone to Watch over Me" (in Eb)

Music (B.A.)

•    Audition on your major performing instrument or voice.

•    Take a short sight-singing exam.

 

Music Education (B.M.)

•    Audition on your major performing instrument or voice.

•    Take a short sight-singing exam.

 

Music in Combination with an Outside Field (B.M.)

 •    Audition on your major performing instrument or voice.

 •    Take a short sight-singing exam.

 

Performance (B.M.)

 •    Audition on your major performing instrument or voice.

 •    Take a short sight-singing exam.

 

Performance and Music Education (B.M.)

 •    Audition on your major performing instrument or voice.

 •    Take a short sight-singing exam.

 

Sound Recording Technology (B.M.)

 •    Audition on your major performing instrument or voice, on campus only.

 •    Take a short sight-singing exam.

 •    Submit a supplementary essay.

 •    Interview with the recording faculty on the day of the audition.

 

Theory (B.M.)

• Audition on your major performing instrument or voice.
• Take a short sight-singing exam.
• Please note: theory applicants are typically accepted as "undeclared" music majors and may audition for formal entry into this program during the sophomore year. The audition consists of an oral examination with the chair of the music theory, history, and composition department and a second theory faculty member of the student's choice.