Violin Piece for Undergrad Auditions?

Question

I'm a junior in high school this year and in less than a year I'll be auditioning for a handful of universities and conservatories. I'm wondering if anyone has some good suggestions for pieces I could prepare for it. Right now I'm playing Edouard Lalo's Symphonie Espagnole. I really would be willing to work at absolutely anything. So, suggestions would be helpful. Especially from anyone who has experience with this or in someway has special knowledge that could be to my assistance.

For example, what might one have to play to be in the running for a school such as Julliard, Eastman, or Curtis?

Answer 1

I'm not aware of a Vivaldi 'Concerto Grosso' so I haven't a clue what EJM is talking about.

Whatever you decide to play you must be 110% prepared for the audition. Compeition is tough and standards are very high. You need to be able to play your prepared piece in your sleep to allow for nerves etc when you audition, which will possibly drag down your performance a few notches.

Don't try to be clever - stick to pieces that suit you and you're comfortable playing. It's better to play a straightforward piece well than mess up something more complex or flashy.

The Lalo is a good choice. Other pieces that would work equally well would be:

Mendelssohn Concerto in E minor
Bach A minor or E major concerto
Bruch 2nd Concerto in G minor (yawn!)
Beethoven 'Spring' or 'Kreutzer' sonatas

Don't attempt a Beethoven or Mozart concerto unless you're REALLY assured - they are pieces that will show-up any weaknesses you might have in a second.

Practise sight-reading. And keep practising it. You might be asked to play something you've never seen before at your audition - and you'll be expected to make a good go of it. Remember, before you attempt to play a single note in sight-reading, take a few seconds to look through the music to get a feel of what it's like and what surprises might lay in store. Those few seconds of preparation could save you.

Above everything, be MUSICAL. Flashy note-getting doesn't impress audition panels but musicaility and sensitivity WILL impress them.

Answer 2

Music schools almost always have their own list of required pieces for audition. Several schools have similar list, but many have different ones.

You need to go to the different websites of the various schools to find out the required pieces.

Do start prepare early. School like Julliard are super competitive especially for violinist.

Good luck.

Answer 3

See:

Sample Undergraduate Audition - Violin/Viola
http://beststudentviolins.com/AuditionsGigs.html#7

Answer 4

Hi. I play the violin as well (since 9 years) and if you can find a pianist and another violinist then practise vivaldis "concerto grosso", thatll impress them! ;-)

Answer 5

If you do not already have a teacher who can be trusted to guide you in this matter, I think you should consider finding on asap.