Each audition recording should include scales unless otherwise noted. Sight-reading will take place during the faculty interview portion. To submit a recording, students must apply first through the regular Gettysburg College application process. Students will then be able to upload their recordings to their application portal. For individual instrument requirements, please see below.
Piano
(Scales not required)
Bachelor of Music in Performance
Play four contrasting pieces that demonstrate your artistry and technique.
Memorization is required.
We encourage you to consider selecting:
- a complete sonata
- a prelude and fugue
- a virtuosic work of 8 minutes or more
- a fourth contrasting piece, in any style (including original or improvised music)
The audition will include a short sight-reading excerpt and a brief interview. If you also make music at the piano in another way, such as playing in a jazz or rock band, accompanying a choir, or composing your own music, we would love to hear an example.
Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Music Education
Play three contrasting pieces that demonstrate your artistry and technique.
Memorization is recommended.
We encourage you to consider selecting:
- a sonata allegro movement
- a prelude and fugue
- a third contrasting piece, in any style (including original or improvised music)
The audition will include a short sight-reading excerpt and a brief interview. If you also make music at the piano in another way, such as playing in a jazz or rock band, accompanying a choir, or composing your own music, we would love to hear an example.
Music Minor
Play two contrasting pieces that demonstrate your artistry and technique.
Memorization is recommended.
We encourage you to consider selecting:
- a sonata allegro movement
- a second contrasting piece in any style (including original or improvised music)
The audition will include a short sight-reading excerpt and a brief interview. If you also make music at the piano in another way, such as playing in a jazz or rock band, accompanying a choir, or composing your own music, we would love to hear an example.
Organ
(Scales not required)
Bachelor of Music in Performance
- A prelude and fugue by J.S. Bach or other composer of the late Baroque period.
- An organ composition by a 19th-century composer.
- An organ composition by a 20th-century composer. (One of the above should be a slow/lyrical composition).
- Memorization is desirable, but not required.
Bachelor of Arts in Music, Bachelor of Music Education, and Music Minor
- A prelude and fugue by J.S. Bach or other composer of the late Baroque period.
- Any composition of a contrasting style period.