Historical Performance

Historical Performance audition requirements

In response to the ongoing pandemic, the Jacobs School of Music Office of Admissions and Financial Aid is adapting our audition procedures for 2021-2022 admissions to meet state and university guidelines related to COVID-19.

Bachelor of Music (B.M.), Bachelor of Science in Music and an Outside Field (B.S.O.F.), Master of Music (M.M.), Doctor of Music (D.M.), Performer Diploma-Solo Performance (P.D.S.P.)

Prescreen required for all applicants.

Applicants who pass screening should submit a recorded video audition by February 1. The HPI department may reach out with supplemental repertoire guidance for this final round.

Recordings must be live, unenhanced, and unedited, with excellent sound quality and no added equalization or reverberation.

As not everyone has had equal opportunity to study historical performance, we look chiefly for a demonstration of musical talent and potential for development.

If you have questions about repertoire, contact the Historical Performance Institute office well in advance of your deadline at 812-855-4088 or hpi@indiana.edu.

Areas of study

Strings

Baroque Violin / Viola
Baroque Cello
Viola da Gamba
Lute

Woodwinds

Recorder
Baroque Flute-Traverso
Baroque Oboe
Baroque Bassoon
Early Clarinet

Brass

Natural Horn
Cornetto / Early Trumpet
Early Trombone / Sackbut

Keyboard

Harpsichord
Fortepiano

Voice

Prescreen

Submit a video recording via the JSOM Supplemental application by Dec. 1, including:

Instrumental Emphasis: Four contrasting selections from before 1800
Vocal Emphasis: Four contrasting songs or arias from before 1800, with one selection in English and at least one in another major European language (except Latin)
All applicants must submit a prescreen repertoire list via the Jacobs School Supplemental Application by December 1, 2020.

D.M applicants must also submit a sample piece of writing on any musical topic, not to exceed 2,500 words. This may be a free-standing essay, or an excerpt from previous graduate work, such as a thesis or other extended piece of writing.

Recorded Video Audition

Applicants who pass screening should submit a recorded video audition by Feb. 1 in lieu of an in person audition this year. The HPI department may reach out with supplemental repertoire guidance for this final round.

Audition Repertoire:

Instrumental Emphasis: Four contrasting selections from before 1800
Vocal Emphasis: Four contrasting songs or arias from before 1800, with one selection in English and at least one in another major European language (except Latin)

*Accompaniment is highly encouraged. If you are unable to record with accompaniment, we urge you to write to hpi@indiana.edu for assistance and considerations.

Final recorded auditions must be video recordings and are due byFebruary 1, 2021.

Step 1:Submit your JSOM Supplemental application by December 1, 2020.

Step 2: Submit your recorded audition by February 1, 2021. We will reopen your application after December 1 and advise you on how to submit your recordings. Some departments may also schedule a live virtual audition/ interview. We will communicate via email to schedule those events.

If your department requires a prescreen, remember to submit your prescreen with your JSOM Supplemental application by December 1, 2020. You will first be notified of your prescreen results via email. If you are invited to the audition round, we will then reopen your application and notify you to submit your final recorded audition.
The Jacobs School of Music is committed to providing equal opportunity to all applicants and seeks talent in performance, pedagogy, and scholarship. This talent is found in individuals of any race, creed, or socio-economic status. If lack of access to technology or other assets will affect your ability to have a successful audition for the Jacobs School, we urge you to reach out to musicadm@indiana.edu so that we may assist you in finding a solution.

Learn more about auditions and prescreenings

Important dates and deadlines
When	What	Who
December 1, 2020	IU application due	All applicants
December 1, 2020	Jacobs Supplemental application due. (Prescreen materials due, as applicable to your audition requirements)	All applicants
December 1, 2020	TOEFL scores due	Non-native English speaking applicants in Voice (all), Piano (D.M. only), Conducting, Musicology, and Graduate music education
January 15, 2021	Recorded auditions due	All classical piano applicants
February 1, 2021	Final recorded auditions due	All applicants whose departments require a final recorded audition, except classical piano
March 1, 2021	TOEFL scores due	All non-native English speaking applicants
Varies by department area	Live virtual audition/interview	Applicants whose departments require a live virtual audition/interview. (We will contact you after Dec. 1 to schedule your audition/interview)