Faculty
James Dunham , Joseph and Ida Kirkland Mullen Professor of Viola, Co-Chair of Strings
Ivo-Jan van der Werff , Professor of Viola
Audition Requirements
Online Prescreening Submission due December 1, 2024 by 11:59 PM (EST)
Multiple uploaded files of your prescreening requirements are acceptable.
Required prescreening submission is by video
- Two contrasting movements from a Bach solo cello suite or violin sonata or partita
- One movement from a major concerto
- One movement from a sonata.
Required graduate audition repertoire
The applicant should present a program of 60-70 minutes in duration, including one work from each of the five categories below. One piece must be written after 1970.
- Bach (from memory) any of the six cello suites or any of the violin solo sonatas or partitas
- One complete concerto (from memory) by Stamitz or Hoffmeister
- One complete concerto (from memory) from the following list: Bartók; Hindemith Der Schwanendreher; Walton; Piston; Schnittke; Harbison; Penderecki or work of similar importance
- A substantial work for viola and piano such as Brahms, Clarke, Hindemith, Rochberg, Shostakovich, Schumann, Vieuxtemps or Bax
- A work such as Bach's Chaconne transcribed from the D Minor Partita for Solo Violin, the Passacaglia from Hindemith's Sonata Op. 11, no. 5, 'La Campanella' or one of the Caprices by Paganini, a virtuosic transcription of William Primrose
With the exception of category 1, the complete program must be performed with piano, where applicable. The Shepherd School will provide a pianist and limited rehearsal time if requested. If the Shepherd School is to provide the pianist, all piano parts must be made available three weeks before the scheduled audition time. The applicant must be prepared to perform all chosen works in their entirety. However, the jury may decide to hear only certain portions.
Auditions with interviews will be held on February 4 or 5, 2025.