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Audition Information

All music majors require a music theory placement test and an audition prior to entering the program. Students who are new to the College should complete the Admissions application process and be issued an ID number before scheduling the music placement test and audition.

Contact the Music Department at (631) 451-4164 cadizm@sunysuffolk.edu to schedule a placement test. The placement test measures the student’s knowledge of key signatures, major and minor scales, intervals, chords, rhythm, and basic terminology.

Once students have completed the test, they will be contacted by a professor to set up an audition. The audition requirements are listed below.

 

Woodwinds/Brass

Perform at least one piece that shows your best musical and technical skills. One octave major scales and sight-reading will also be assessed.

Guitar

Perform one piece of any style that best demonstrates your ability. Knowledge of chords and scales and ability to read sheet music will be assessed.

Percussion

Option 1 – Snare Drum: Prepare and perform an advanced-level snare drum solo and the required NYSSMA rudiments for that level. Snare drum sight-reading will also be assessed.

Option 2 – Drum Set: Prepare and perform a NYSSMA Level 6 drum set solo. Snare drum rudiments and sight-reading will also be assessed.

Option 3 – Mallets: Prepare and perform a mallet solo of the student’s choice.

Major scales and sight-reading will also be assessed.

Piano

Perform at least one piece that shows your best musical and technical skills. Two pieces of contrasting style is preferred. Students may not be required to play the entire piece at the audition. Major scales, if known, will be asked. Sight-reading will also be assessed.

Strings

Perform at least one piece that shows your best musical and technical skills. Two pieces of contrasting style is preferred. Students may not be required to play the entire piece at the audition. Major scales, if known, will be asked. Sight-reading will also be assessed.

Voice

Students will sing "The Star-Spangled Banner" in a key of their choosing, a cappella and from memory.

 

The audition assesses the student's readiness to take college-level private lessons on an instrument or voice. Students will study with our outstanding lesson faculty: David Kelleher-Flight (voice), Christine Doré (piano), Chris Gotzen-Berg (guitar), Gerry Saulter (guitar), Anne Mandaro (violin/viola), Nicholas Baerenklau (cello), Kageki Nagao (double and electric bass), Michelle LaPorte (flute), Levana Cohen (clarinet), Diana Cook (saxophone), Peter Auricchio (trumpet), Jeanine Nagao (French horn), Taylor Peterson (low brass), and Patrick Roche (percussion).

Contact Us

Music Department
Ammerman Campus
Southampton Building, Room 18
533 College Road,
Selden, NY 11784-2899

Michele Cadiz
Principal Office Assistant for Music & Theatre
(631) 451-4164 
cadizm@sunysuffolk.edu

Central Admissions
Phone: (631) 451-4414
Fax: (631) 451-4415
admissions@sunysuffolk.edu

Office Hours:
Monday - Friday
9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.