Historical Performance

Prescreening Requirements

All Historical Performance applicants must submit prescreen recordings via the JSOM Supplemental applicationby December 1.

Video recording should include:

• 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)
• Prescreen Repertoire List
• 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.

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.

Questions regarding repertoire? Contact the Historical Performance Institute office well in advance of your deadline at hpi@iu.edu or (812) 855-4088.

Audition Requirements

Select applicants will be invited to a live audition based on prescreen review.

If you are invited, you will be scheduled for one of the following audition dates and will receive your schedule by email 3-4 weeks prior to your audition:

• January 17-18, 2025
• February 7-8, 2025
• March 7-8, 2025

You should prepare the following 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)

If you wish to have an accompanist provided for your live audition, you must send your audition repertoire lists to the Historical Performance Institute office (hpi@iu.edu) at least two weeks in advance of your audition. No exceptions will be made.

Some editions of music (e.g., arias accompanied by orchestra in vocal score with piano reduction) may not be suitable for harpsichord accompaniment. Therefore, applicants should send copies of their repertory well in advance of the chosen audition date, in case an alternative edition is required.

A harpsichord at A=415 and a continuo organ at A=415 and A=465 will be available. If necessary, a fortepiano at A=430 will also be available. A standard modern piano, at A=440, is not an accompaniment option for historical performance auditions.

Special Circumstances

If you are unable to attend one of the live audition weekends, you may request to have an adhoc audition or select the recorded audition option. You should prepare the audition repertoire requirements listed on this page.