Piano

All students who plan to major in Piano Performance, including transfer students from other colleges and universities, must audition in the spring prior to the commencement of the academic year. Specific requirements for the audition are outlined in the B.Mus. application form.

In general, the entrance level corresponds to the Royal Conservatory Associateship or its equivalent. However, students must realize that they will be accepted on the probability of rapid development during the four-year program. The possession of a diploma in itself is not a guarantee of acceptance.

Students accepted as first-year Piano Performance majors will be expected to attain annual levels corresponding approximately to those given below. The works cited are given only as flexible guides to the levels of technical and musical achievement to be attained and do not indicate specific repertoire requirements. Naturally, it is assumed that artistic and musical achievement will keep pace with technical growth at every stage of the student's development.

• End of First Year. Virtuoso études (e.g., Chopin: Op. 25, No. 2); Bach: French Suite No. 3; Beethoven: Sonata Op. 10, No. 3; Schumann: Papillons; Bartok: Bagatelles; Concertos (e.g., Mozart: K. 453).
• End of Second Year. Virtuoso études (e.g., Chopin: Op. 25, No. 5); Bach: English Suite No. 4; Beethoven: Sonata, Op. 28; Schubert: Sonata, Op. 122; Ravel: Sonatina; Concertos.
• End of Third Year. Virtuoso études (e.g., Chopin: Op. 25, No. 10); Bach: Toccata in C minor; Beethoven: Sonata, Op. 57; Brahms: Scherzo, Op. 4; Stravinsky: Sonata; Concertos (e.g., Rachmaninoff: No. 2); collaborative work: vocal/instrumental including major piano chamber works. Third-year recital.
• End of Fourth Year. Virtuoso études (e.g., Chopin: Op. 10, No. 2); Bach: Chromatic Fantasy and Fugue; Beethoven: Sonata, Op. 110; Schumann: Kreisleriana; Stockhausen: Klavierstücke; Concertos (e.g., Ravel Concerto in G major); collaborative work: vocal/instrumental including major piano chamber works. Fourth-year recital.

Entrance auditions and term-end examinations for all pianists include sight reading in addition to the performance of prepared repertoire.