SUNY Potsdam

What You Need to Know:  

• On the day of the audition, the prospective student will be asked to complete the following: a performance audition, an aural evaluation (AE Sample Treble Clef PDF | AE Sample Bass Clef PDF) and a supplemental information form.  

• The performance audition is designed to give candidates an opportunity to demonstrate their ability to pursue college-level, private music instruction and will include a 15 or 20-minute appointment with faculty members qualified to evaluate the student's performance on his/her primary instrument or voice.

• On-Campus Auditions are usually administered by the teacher or teachers of that specific instrument or voice.  

• Off-Campus Auditions are administered by a teacher from the area (one of the string teachers for all strings,one of the brass teachers for all brass,etc.) and audio or video taped for the primary teacher's review.

• As a general rule, it is desirable for candidates other than vocalists (vocalists please see below) to perform two contrasting movements or pieces (one fast, technical, the other slow, lyrical). A movement or work from a different style period is useful but not required. The audition usually includes a brief sight-reading example of moderate difficulty as well. An alphabetical listing of representative repertoire for auditions by performance medium can be found by clicking the "Repertoire for Auditions" link found on the right side of this page.

• Pianists and vocalists are required to perform from memory. Performers on other instruments need not memorize their music.  

• Accompanists for both On-and Off-Campus voice auditions are available for a fee of $30 (please check the appropriate box on the Response Form and enclose a check or credit card information for the amount indicated; Off-Campus and Accompanist fees can be submitted together). Instrumentalists are not required to perform with accompaniment.

• Opportunities for students and their parents to meet with faculty, administrators,college admissions personnel and current Crane students (On-Campus Auditions only) in both formal and informal settings will be included in the schedule.

• In the case of inclement weather, please confirm your audition appointment with Crane (8:00 AM-4:30 PM) or the SUNY Potsdam University Police (315) 267-2222.