Graduate Certificate in Performance – Classical Track.

The admission requirements on this page are for the Graduate Certificate in Performance – Classical Track.  

Please see Apply Now! for All Graduate Degrees for instructions on applying to the university and the department of music. 

Admission to Graduate Certificate in Performance – Classical Track at William Paterson University requires the following: 

  1. A bachelor's degree in music from an accredited college or university. 
  1. Two written recommendations. 
  1. A live audition and/or video recording submitted electronically as described on our Apply Now! Page. 

The audition should consist of the following requirements, which vary per instrument:  

GUITAR  

  • A major and E-flat major scales, and G minor and C minor scales, using the Segovia fingerings.  
  • One etude by either Sor, Carcassi, Aguado, or equivalent at the technical level of Fernando Sor 20 studies edited by Segovia 
  • Two concert pieces of the student's own choosing from contrasting styles such as Baroque and Modern, Classical and Romantic, Renaissance and Modern. Technical level must be equal to or greater than Suzuki Guitar School Volume 8. (e. g. Bach Prelude from Cello Suite 1, Villa-Lobos Etude 1 or 11, Mazurka en Sol by Tarrega)  
  • The scales and at least two of the three selections must be played from memory. 

 BRIEF INTERVIEW 
Candidates will be asked to discuss their backgrounds and experiences on their instrument and their reasons for applying for a certificate program. 

 PIANO 

Three Pieces, one piece must be memorized. 

  • a Prelude and Fugue or equivalent by J. S. Bach 
  • an up-tempo movement of a sonata (allegro, presto, etc.) or a set of variations by Haydn, Mozart or Beethoven 
  • a work by a Romantic or Contemporary composer 
  • Major and Minor Scales (All keys, four octaves, ascending and descending) 
  • Major and Minor Arpeggios (All keys, four octaves, ascending and descending) 
  • Sight Reading Excerpt (A sight reading excerpt will be given at the audition) 

 Interview: Candidates will be asked to discuss their backgrounds and experiences in piano and also their goals in applying for the certificate program. 

PERCUSSION (choose atleast two categories to submit)

  • Snare drum: one rudimental solo (e.g. Wilcoxen, Pratt, etc.) and one concert solo (e.g. Cirone, Delecluse, etc.) 
  • Mallets: a four-mallet and two-mallet solo of your choice on xylophone, marimba, or vibraphone
  • Drum set: demonstrate two grooves of different styles, different tempos
  • Multi percussion: an original or standard repertoire solo piece 

BRIEF INTERVIEW 
Candidates will be asked to discuss their backgrounds and experiences on their instrument and their reasons for applying for a certificate program. 

 STRINGS 

  • Two major scales and one minor scale, each in three octaves  
  • Two contrasting movements from a solo piece, a sonata, or a concerto of the student's own choosing. The two selections should be of contrasting style and tempo 

 BRIEF INTERVIEW 
Candidates will be asked to discuss their backgrounds and experiences on their instrument and their reasons for applying for a certificate program.  

VOICE 

AUDITION – live (not recorded) 
A total of 4 (four) songs / arias 

Applicants prepare four (4) selections from memory, one in each of the following languages: English, French, German and Italian. Both arias and art songs must be represented among the four selections. 

BRIEF INTERVIEW 
Candidates will be asked to discuss their backgrounds and experiences in vocal music and also discuss their reasons for applying for a certificate program.  

WOODWINDS AND BRASS 

Four scales (a mix of major and minor, 2 octaves preferred) plus the chromatic scale from the bottom of your range to the top and back again. 

One complete solo work, such as a concerto or sonata.  

A movement from a contrasting work, with preference for new music. A substantial etude or single movement work may also be used. 

Two excerpts from the standard orchestral or wind band literature.  

Saxophonists have the option of playing everything on one instrument (any size, soprano, alto, tenor or baritone), or on two instruments of different sizes (alto & tenor, etc.). 

BRIEF INTERVIEW 
Candidates will be asked to discuss their backgrounds and experiences on their instrument and their reasons for applying for a certificate program.