If your dream is to major in piano performance or music education, you will have to audition to be accepted into a program. Any accredited University or College which offers a decent music program will require this. Below, I have listed some requirements for a typical University such as the University of South Florida-Tampa (where I attended).
Audition Requirements: Piano Performance Major
Bachelors of Music in Piano Performance: Perform three complete works from standard piano repertoire to be performed by memory. (Standard means either from the Baroque, 18th Century (Classical), 19th Century (Romantic), and 20th Century periods. Some examples,
Music theory placement tests are also required before entering the School of Music.
Bachelors of Music Education-Piano: Applicants are to prepare two contrasting works, each from a different time period. One of the two works should be performed from memory. Sight-reading will also be requested at the audition.
Bachelors of Music in Piano Performance: Perform three complete works from standard piano repertoire to be performed by memory. (Standard means either from the Baroque, 18th Century (Classical), 19th Century (Romantic), and 20th Century periods. Some examples,
- Baroque: Bach Prelude and Fugue from "The Well-Tempered Clavier," Partitas, Sinfonia's, English or French Suites, etc. Scarlatti, Handel.
- 18th Century Classical: Beethoven Sonata (complete-all movements), Mozart Sonata (complete), Haydn Sonata (complete).
- 19th Century Romantic: Chopin Nocturnes, Waltzes, Mazurkas, Ballades, Scherzi, etc.
- 20th Century Modern: Prokofiev, Kabalevksy, Shostakovich, etc.
Music theory placement tests are also required before entering the School of Music.
Bachelors of Music Education-Piano: Applicants are to prepare two contrasting works, each from a different time period. One of the two works should be performed from memory. Sight-reading will also be requested at the audition.
Graduate Degrees at USF "See button below"
The 20 Best Music Conservatories in the U.S.
Note: Important!!! I have only provided a basic outline. Before applying to any music program, thoroughly review the schools requirements. Some schools may require more or less for an audition. Also, if you want to audition for a scholarship, those usually have strict deadlines so you will want to prepare well in advance. Make note of any due dates and deadlines.