Graduate Audition Requirements

1. Two contrasting études
2. A complete concerto or solo piece with piano
3. Orchestral excerpts

Mannes emphasizes the performance of music of our time. One of the required major solo works for the graduate audition must be a contemporary work, one composed since 1970. Alternatively, an additional solo work may be performed that meets this requirement. This may be a standard contemporary work, a lesser-known work, or an original composition or arrangement by the auditionee.

Mannes strongly encourages all members of our community to seek out, learn, and perform the works of BIPOC, women, and gender-nonconforming composers. 

Note: If you are unfamiliar with contemporary repertoire, please email us at [email protected] to discuss how you can still have a successful audition at Mannes.

1. An étude by Popper
2. A complete Bach suite for unaccompanied violoncello
3. A complete concerto of the applicant's choice

All pieces must be performed from memory.

Mannes emphasizes the performance of music of our time. One of the required major solo works for the graduate audition must be a contemporary work composed since 1970. Alternatively, an additional solo work may be performed that meets this requirement. This may be a standard contemporary work, a lesser-known work, or an original composition or arrangement by the auditionee.

Alternatively, applicants may submit a recorded program of 10 to 20 minutes of music in total that includes selected portions of three contrasting works, including a piece composed after 1970.

Mannes strongly encourages all members of our community to seek out, learn, and perform the works of BIPOC, women, and gender-nonconforming composers. 

Note: If you are unfamiliar with contemporary repertoire, please email us at [email protected] to discuss how you can still have a successful audition at Mannes.

1. Two études showing the applicant's level of technical and musical ability
2. At least one major solo work of the applicant's choice performed from memory
3. A complete concerto from the standard repertoire performed from memory
4. A representative number of standard orchestral excerpts

Mannes emphasizes the performance of music of our time. One of the required major solo works for the graduate audition must be a contemporary work composed since 1970. Alternatively, an additional solo work may be performed that meets this requirement. This may be a standard contemporary work, a lesser-known work, or an original composition or arrangement by the auditionee.

Mannes strongly encourages all members of our community to seek out, learn, and perform the works of BIPOC, women, and gender-nonconforming composers. 

Note: If you are unfamiliar with contemporary repertoire, please email us at [email protected] to discuss how you can still have a successful audition at Mannes.

 Collaborative Piano: Instrumental (MM) 

For applicants planning to audition live on our campus in New York City, Mannes will provide a singer and/or violinist for the time of the audition and a one-hour rehearsal. If an applicant brings their own partners, the applicant is responsible for their fees.

Applicants may also choose to upload a video recording of their audition with a collaborative partner of their own choosing.

Applicants wishing to substitute any of the required pieces must submit their request in writing to Cristina Stanescu at least four weeks before the scheduled audition. If the proposed changes are approved, the applicant must bring their own partner for that substituted repertoire.

1. Franck's Sonata for violin and piano (complete sonata)

2. Choose one of the following:

• Beethoven's Sonata for violin and piano in C minor, Op. 30, no. 2 (complete sonata)

• Brahms' Sonata for violin and piano in A major, op. 100 (complete sonata)

3. Choose one of the following:

• Schubert's "Ganymed" (high key)

• Schubert's "Liebesbotschaft" (high key)

• Brahms' "Meine Liebe ist grün" (high key)

• Schumann's "Die alten, bösen Lieder" from Dichterliebe (high key)

4. Choose one of the following:

• Debussy's "Il pleure dans mon coeur" Ariettes Oubliées (high key)

• Fauré's "Mandoline" (high key)

5. Choose one of the following:

• Mozart: An aria of the applicant's choice, to be played and sung in the original language

• Puccini's "Donde lieta" from La Bohème, to be played and sung in the original language 

6. A solo work of the applicant's choice, not to exceed ten minutes in length

A Zoom interview will be scheduled after the application deadline. Applicants should be prepared to perform during the live Zoom interview and should be prepared to receive and play sightreading material. More information will be provided.

Collaborative Piano: Vocal (MM)

For applicants planning to audition live on our campus in New York City, Mannes will provide a singer and/or violinist for the time of the audition and a one hour rehearsal. If an applicant brings their own partners, the applicant is responsible for their fees.

Applicants may also choose to upload a video recording of their audition with a collaborative partner of their own choosing.

Applicants wishing to substitute any of the required pieces, must submit their request in writing to Cristina Stanescu at least four weeks before the scheduled audition. If the proposed changes are approved, the applicant must bring their own partner for that substituted repertoire.

1. Choose one of the following:

• Schubert: "Ganymed" (high key)

• Schubert: "Liebesbotschaft" (high key)

2. Choose one of the following:

• Schumann: "Die alten, bösen Lieder" fromDichterliebe (high key)

• Brahms: "Meine Liebe ist grün" (high key)

3. Choose one of the following:

• Debussy: "Il pleure dans mon coeur" from Ariettes Oubliées (high key)

• Fauré: "Mandoline" (high key)

4. Choose one of the following:

• W.A. Mozart: An aria of the applicant's choice, to be played and sung in the original language

• Puccini: "Donde lieta" from La Bohème, to be played and sung in the original language

5. Choose one of the following:

• Beethoven: Sonata for violin and piano in C minor, Op. 30, no. 2 complete

• Brahms: Sonata for violin and piano in A major, Op. 100 complete

6. A solo work of the applicant's choice, not to exceed ten minutes in length

Collaborative Piano: Vocal (PDPL)

The applicant has the freedom to choose vocal, instrumental or a combination repertoire of both for their audition. The applicant will have the opportunity to discuss their ideal course of study following their audition. 

1. A solo work of the applicant's choice, not to exceed ten minutes in length (from memory)

2. Choose one of the following:

• All four of the following songs: Schubert: "Ganymed" (high key); Schubert: "Liebesbotschaft" (high key); Schumann: "Die alten, bösen Lieder" fromDichterliebe (high key); Brahms: "Meine Liebe ist grün" (high key)
• Beethoven's Sonata for violin and piano in C minor, Op. 30, no. 2, complete
• Brahms' Sonata for violin and piano in A major, op. 100, complete

3. Choose one of the following:

• All five of the following songs: Debussy: from Ariettes Oubliées (high key): "Il pleure dans mon coeur," "Green," "Spleen"; Fauré: "Mandoline" (high key), "Clair de lune" (high key)
• Franck's Sonata for violin and piano

4. Choose one of the following:

• Mozart: an aria of the applicant's choice, to be played and sung in the original language, AND Puccini's "Donde lieta" from La Bohème, to be played and sung in the original language
• Mozart's Le Nozze di Figaro, Act II finale, from "Esci omai garzon malnato..." to Figaro's entrance (bar 328)
• Strauss' Ariadne auf Naxos, prologue, "Der Komponist" aria, from rehearsal number 108 to rehearsal number 117 ("Sein wir wieder gut...")
• Mozart's Violin Concerto No. 5 in A major, K. 219, 1st movement

A Zoom interview will be scheduled after the application deadline for both the MM and PDPL programs. Applicants should be prepared to perform during the live Zoom interview and should be prepared to receive and play sightreading material. More information will be provided.

For applicants planning to audition live on our campus in New York City, Mannes will provide a singer and/or violinist for the time of the audition and a one hour rehearsal. If an applicant brings their own partners, the applicant is responsible for their fees.

Applicants may also choose to upload a video recording of their audition with a collaborative partner of their own choosing.

Applicants wishing to substitute any of the required pieces, must submit their request in writing to Cristina Stanescu at least four weeks before the scheduled audition. If the proposed changes are approved, the applicant must bring their own partner for that substituted repertoire.

Prescreen
All applicants for the composition concentration must submit a portfolio of sample scores for faculty review. Based on this prescreening, they may be invited to the required live interview. Composition applicants currently enrolled in the College are not prescreened.

Applicants should submit PDFs of three recent scores (preferably written within the last two years) accompanied by corresponding sound files, if available (live performance recordings are preferred over MIDI files).

If a work is multimedia in nature, a video file may be submitted. If a piece is non-notateable (for example, an electronic piece), a sound file should be submitted, accompanied by a written description of the piece and its concept, in lieu of a score.

Master of Music and Professional Studies Diploma applicants are encouraged to submit an orchestra or large ensemble work as at least one of their scores.

Final Audition
Applicants invited to the final round are welcome to upload additional new materials for consideration in the final round.

Candidate portfolios in the final round should include at least four original compositions in diverse instrumentation representative of their work during the previous three years, and are encouraged to include at least one work for orchestra or large ensemble.

Applicants invited to the final round are interviewed by members of the composition faculty to ascertain their knowledge of music and general musical culture. More information regarding the interview will follow.

1. Three pieces must be from contrasting periods of music, one of which must be a complete concerto or sonata (such as Hindemith Sonata, Bach Gamba Sonatas, Vanhal or Bottesini Concerti)
2. Three contrasting orchestral excerpts

Mannes emphasizes the performance of music of our time. One of the required major solo works for the graduate audition must be a contemporary work composed since 1970. Alternatively, an additional solo work may be performed that meets this requirement. This may be a standard contemporary work, a lesser-known work, or an original composition or arrangement by the auditionee.

Alternatively, applicants may submit a recorded program of 10 to 20 minutes of music in total that includes selected portions of three contrasting works, including a piece composed after 1970.

Mannes strongly encourages all members of our community to seek out, learn, and perform the works of BIPOC, women, and gender-nonconforming composers. 

Note: If you are unfamiliar with contemporary repertoire, please email us at [email protected] to discuss how you can still have a successful audition at Mannes.

1. One étude showing the applicant's level of technical and musical ability
2. Mozart: G or D Major concerto (complete)
3. Two major works of contrasting styles (If several movements, single movement for each work is fine.)
4. Five standard orchestral excerpts:

• Brahms, Symphony No. 4
• Daphnis and Chloé (solo only)
• Beethoven, Leonore (Allegro solo)
• Two of your choice

Mannes emphasizes the performance of music of our time. One of the required major solo works for the graduate audition must be a contemporary work composed since 1970. Alternatively, an additional solo work may be performed that meets this requirement. This may be a standard contemporary work, a lesser-known work, or an original composition or arrangement by the auditionee.

Mannes strongly encourages all members of our community to seek out, learn, and perform the works of BIPOC, women, and gender-nonconforming composers. 

Note: If you are unfamiliar with contemporary repertoire, please email us at [email protected] to discuss how you can still have a successful audition at Mannes.

1. A complete Bach suite
2. Two pieces in varying styles (Renaissance, Classical, Romantic, Modern) from the classical guitar repertoire

Mannes emphasizes the performance of music of our time. One of the required major solo works for the graduate audition must be a contemporary work composed since 1970. Alternatively, an additional solo work may be performed that meets this requirement. This may be a standard contemporary work, a lesser-known work, or an original composition or arrangement by the auditionee.

Mannes strongly encourages all members of our community to seek out, learn, and perform the works of BIPOC, women, and gender-nonconforming composers. 

Note: If you are unfamiliar with contemporary repertoire, please email us at [email protected] to discuss how you can still have a successful audition at Mannes.

1. A work of the Classical period
2. A 19th-century composition
3. A 20th- or 21st-century composition

Mannes emphasizes the performance of music of our time. One of the required major solo works for the graduate audition must be a contemporary work composed since 1970. Alternatively, an additional solo work may be performed that meets this requirement. This may be a standard contemporary work, a lesser-known work, or an original composition or arrangement by the auditionee.

Mannes strongly encourages all members of our community to seek out, learn, and perform the works of BIPOC, women, and gender-nonconforming composers. 

Note: If you are unfamiliar with contemporary repertoire, please email us at [email protected] to discuss how you can still have a successful audition at Mannes.

1. Two complete Scarlatti sonatas
2. A complete suite by J.S. Bach
3. Six movements or short pieces by composers representing both the French clavecin school and English virginalists

Applicants must demonstrate the ability to accompany from a figured bass.

1. Two contrasting études
2. A complete concerto or solo piece with piano
3. Orchestral excerpts

Mannes emphasizes the performance of music of our time. One of the required major solo works for the graduate audition must be a contemporary work composed since 1970. Alternatively, an additional solo work may be performed that meets this requirement. This may be a standard contemporary work, a lesser-known work, or an original composition or arrangement by the auditionee.

Mannes strongly encourages all members of our community to seek out, learn, and perform the works of BIPOC, women, and gender-nonconforming composers. 

Note: If you are unfamiliar with contemporary repertoire, please email us at [email protected] to discuss how you can still have a successful audition at Mannes.

1. Two contrasting études
2. A complete concerto or solo piece with piano
3. Orchestral excerpts

Mannes emphasizes the performance of music of our time. One of the required major solo works for the graduate audition must be a contemporary work composed since 1970. Alternatively, an additional solo work may be performed that meets this requirement. This may be a standard contemporary work, a lesser-known work, or an original composition or arrangement by the auditionee.

Mannes strongly encourages all members of our community to seek out, learn, and perform the works of BIPOC, women, and gender-nonconforming composers. 

Note: If you are unfamiliar with contemporary repertoire, please email us at [email protected] to discuss how you can still have a successful audition at Mannes.

Prescreen

Video Submission
Candidates should submit three or four videos of not less than 4 minutes length each, but not more than 25 minutes total for all submissions.

• Videos should show candidates conducting an orchestra, large ensemble, or contemporary ensemble with camera at the rear of the orchestra, facing the conductor.
• Videos can be of any repertory (Baroque, Classical, Romantic, contemporary) but must show contrasting tempi — one fast, one slow. These selections can be from the same work or from different works. Stylistic variety is encouraged — works from differing periods, forms, genres.
• Candidates are strongly encouraged to include a video of themselves leading contemporary repertory.
• An example of the candidate leading accompanied recitative is welcome but not required.
• An example of the candidate leading rehearsal excerpts is welcome but not required.
• Videos must have been recorded within last 24 months (September 2019 or later).
• If no recent orchestra or large ensemble (from September 2019 or later) video is available, conducting two pianos or a string quintet and piano is an acceptable substitute.
• Applicants should submit a video of no more than five minutes of the applicant playing their primary instrument.

Dictation Test
Applicants who have submitted all of the required materials listed above will be required to complete an online dictation test.

Final Audition
Applicants invited to the final round will participate in an interview and a theory, dictation, and musicianship examination. More information will be provided in the final round invitation email.

1. Applicants in percussion and timpani must demonstrate thorough knowledge of fundamental techniques by presenting at least one study that shows technical proficiency on snare drum, timpani, and one of the mallet instruments.
2. Applicants should demonstrate six rudiments of the applicant's choice on snare drum and two major and minor scales of the applicant's choice on mallet instruments.
3. Applicants must prepare three contrasting orchestral excerpts.
4. Applicants must perform a program of complete works from the standard repertoire that represents contrasting stylistic periods. (Repertoire should be performed from memory as appropriate)

Mannes emphasizes the performance of music of our time. One of the required major solo works for the graduate audition must be a contemporary work composed since 1970. Alternatively, an additional solo work may be performed that meets this requirement. This may be a standard contemporary work, a lesser-known work, or an original composition or arrangement by the auditionee.

Mannes strongly encourages all members of our community to seek out, learn, and perform the works of BIPOC, women, and gender-nonconforming composers. 

Note: If you are unfamiliar with contemporary repertoire, please email us at [email protected] to discuss how you can still have a successful audition at Mannes.

Prescreen
All applicants for the piano concentration must submit a preliminary audition video recording. On the basis of this prescreening, they may be invited to submit the required final video audition. Piano applicants currently enrolled in a degree program at Mannes are not prescreened.

The prescreening audition must include the following repertoire only:

1. A prelude and fugue from The Well-Tempered Clavier or two contrasting movements from a keyboard suite by J.S. Bach.
2. A sonata by either Mozart or Beethoven (excluding Beethoven op. 49 and 79). A sonata by Haydn (except juvenilia) or Schubert may be substituted.
3. A large-scale 19th-century solo piece (not a concerto).

All pieces must be performed from memory.

Final Audition
Applicants invited to the final round are welcome to upload new or updated video recordings so that their portfolio fulfills the following requirements:

1. A prelude and fugue from The Well-Tempered Clavier or two contrasting movements from a keyboard suite by J.S. Bach.
2. A sonata of either Mozart or Beethoven (excluding Beethoven op. 49 and 79). A sonata of Haydn (except juvenilia) or Schubert may be substituted.
3. A large-scale 19th-century solo piece (not a concerto).
4. A 20th- or 21st-century solo piece (not a concerto). An original composition or arrangement by the auditionee may be substituted.

All pieces must be performed from memory.

Mannes emphasizes the performance of music of our time. One of the required major solo works for the graduate audition must be a contemporary work composed since 1970. Alternatively, an additional solo work may be performed that meets this requirement. This may be a standard contemporary work, a lesser-known work, or an original composition or arrangement by the auditionee.

Mannes strongly encourages all members of our community to seek out, learn, and perform the works of BIPOC, women, and gender-nonconforming composers. 

Note: If you are unfamiliar with contemporary repertoire, please email us at [email protected] to discuss how you can still have a successful audition at Mannes.

Applicants should upload examples of their work in harmony, counterpoint, and music analysis, and papers on musical topics that demonstrate their writing ability. Additional musical materials are welcome.

Applicants must demonstrate:

• Superior ability in theory, ear training, and dictation
• Outstanding competence in harmony and counterpoint (including chromaticism and imitative counterpoint)
• Some background in analysis (not necessarily Schenkerian)
• Experience in composition in traditional styles and forms (fugue, sonata, motet, etc.); interest in contemporary and experimental forms is also highly valued
• Competence in melodic, harmonic, and contrapuntal dictation
• Considerable skill in solfège and in score reading and figured bass at the piano
• At least intermediate-level ability to play the piano

Interview and Material Review
Applicants are interviewed by members of the Theory faculty to ascertain their knowledge of the literature and general musical culture. More information will follow.

Musicianship Evaluation
Applicants must demonstrate superior ability in theory, ear training, and dictation. More information will follow.

Piano Interview
Applicants must be prepared to play:

1. Scales and arpeggios in all major and minor keys
2. J.S. Bach: Two-part inventions or French Suites
3. One of the simpler sonatas of Haydn, Mozart, or Beethoven
4. A 19th-century composition of the Romantic era
5. A 20th- or 21st-century composition

1. Two contrasting études
2. A complete concerto or solo piece with piano
3. Orchestral excerpts

Mannes emphasizes the performance of music of our time. One of the required major solo works for the graduate audition must be a contemporary work composed since 1970. Alternatively, an additional solo work may be performed that meets this requirement. This may be a standard contemporary work, a lesser-known work, or an original composition or arrangement by the auditionee.

Mannes strongly encourages all members of our community to seek out, learn, and perform the works of BIPOC, women, and gender-nonconforming composers. 

Note: If you are unfamiliar with contemporary repertoire, please email us at [email protected] to discuss how you can still have a successful audition at Mannes.

1. Two contrasting études
2. A complete concerto or solo piece with piano
3. Orchestral excerpts

Mannes emphasizes the performance of music of our time. One of the required major solo works for the graduate audition must be a contemporary work composed since 1970. Alternatively, an additional solo work may be performed that meets this requirement. This may be a standard contemporary work, a lesser-known work, or an original composition or arrangement by the auditionee.

Mannes strongly encourages all members of our community to seek out, learn, and perform the works of BIPOC, women, and gender-nonconforming composers. 

Note: If you are unfamiliar with contemporary repertoire, please email us at [email protected] to discuss how you can still have a successful audition at Mannes.

1. Two contrasting études
2. A complete concerto or solo piece with piano
3. Orchestral excerpts

Mannes emphasizes the performance of music of our time. One of the required major solo works for the graduate audition must be a contemporary work composed since 1970. Alternatively, an additional solo work may be performed that meets this requirement. This may be a standard contemporary work, a lesser-known work, or an original composition or arrangement by the auditionee.

Mannes strongly encourages all members of our community to seek out, learn, and perform the works of BIPOC, women, and gender-nonconforming composers. 

Note: If you are unfamiliar with contemporary repertoire, please email us at [email protected] to discuss how you can still have a successful audition at Mannes.

1. Études by Kreutzer-Blumenau, Sitt, or Compagnoli
2. A complete Bach solo suite (cello transcription)
3. A complete concerto or sonata chosen by the applicant

All pieces must be performed from memory except the concerto or sonata and any contemporary works.

Mannes emphasizes the performance of music of our time. One of the required major solo works for the graduate audition must be a contemporary work composed since 1970. Alternatively, an additional solo work may be performed that meets this requirement. This may be a standard contemporary work, a lesser-known work, or an original composition or arrangement by the auditionee.

Alternatively, applicants may submit a recorded program of 10 to 20 minutes of music in total that includes selected portions of three contrasting works, including a piece composed after 1970.

Mannes strongly encourages all members of our community to seek out, learn, and perform the works of BIPOC, women, and gender-nonconforming composers. 

Note: If you are unfamiliar with contemporary repertoire, please email us at [email protected] to discuss how you can still have a successful audition at Mannes.

1. Two contrasting movements from any standard concerto with applicable cadenzas.
2. Two contrasting movements of an unaccompanied Bach sonata or partita. (Do not take repeats. In the B Minor partita, a dance movement and its "double" count as one movement.)
3. The first movement of a sonata for violin and piano in style contrasting with that of the concerto.
4. A virtuoso concert piece by composers such as Paganini, Sarasate, Vieuxtemps, Wieniawski, or Ysaÿe (any works not written for solo violin must be performed with accompaniment).

All pieces must be performed from memory except Number 3 (sonata) and any contemporary works.

Mannes emphasizes the performance of music of our time. One of the required major solo works for the graduate audition must be a contemporary work composed since 1970. Alternatively, an additional solo work may be performed that meets this requirement. This may be a standard contemporary work, a lesser-known work, or an original composition or arrangement by the auditionee.

Alternatively, applicants may submit a recorded program of 10 to 20 minutes of music in total that includes selected portions of three contrasting works, including a piece composed after 1970.

Mannes strongly encourages all members of our community to seek out, learn, and perform the works of BIPOC, women, and gender-nonconforming composers. 

Note: If you are unfamiliar with contemporary repertoire, please email us at [email protected] to discuss how you can still have a successful audition at Mannes.

Prescreen
All applicants for the voice concentration must submit a preliminary audition video recording. On the basis of this prescreening, they may be invited to submit the required final video audition. Voice applicants currently enrolled in a degree program at Mannes are not prescreened.

The recorded performance should be up to 30 minutes in duration and must consist of three arias or art songs, each in a different language (French, German, Italian, or English).  At least one selection must be an opera aria.

Final Audition
Applicants invited to the final round are welcome to upload additional video recordings so that their audition portfolio includes the following:

1. One aria or art song in each language: Italian, German, French, and English (four songs; at least one selection must be an opera aria). At least one song or aria must be from a contemporary composition (written after 1970).
2. An additional selection in a fifth language may be presented at the applicant's discretion.
3. An additional work composed or arranged by the auditionee may be presented.

Mannes emphasizes the performance of music of our time. One of the required major solo works for the graduate audition must be a contemporary work composed since 1970. Alternatively, an additional solo work may be performed that meets this requirement. This may be a standard contemporary work, a lesser-known work, or an original composition or arrangement by the auditionee.

Mannes strongly encourages all members of our community to seek out, learn, and perform the works of BIPOC, women, and gender-nonconforming composers. 

Note: If you are unfamiliar with contemporary repertoire, please email us at [email protected] to discuss how you can still have a successful audition at Mannes.