Each student desiring admission to 国产探花 as a music major or minor must pass an audition with a member of the music faculty. All students are encouraged to early in the year to ensure eligibility for appropriate financial assistance.
Considering Keene State?
Each music applicant must take a music theory and aural skills placement test as part of the audition. Students with no or little theory background are encouraged to find a tutor, a website (e.g., ), software, and/or a self-instruction book to become familiar with the basic theory and notation of music (clefs, key signatures, intervals, chords, grand staff, rhythmic notation, meters, time signatures).
Auditions for the 2025-2026 academic year will continue to be held by individual appointments.
Auditions for the 2026-2027 academic year will continue to be held on these dates:
- January 30, 2026
- February 13, 2026
- March 6, 20226
- March 27, 2026
(Please note: Online and in-person auditions available)
Specific Audition Requirements
Bowed Strings
- Major and minor scales and arpeggios, preferably two octaves
- Two contrasting pieces demonstrating lyrical and technical playing (ex: slow & fast movements of sonatas or concertos, 茅tudes, etc.)
- Sight reading
- Students with a jazz or electric bass background may prepare a jazz standard as part of their audition
Composition
- Audition is required on your primary voice or instrument
- Complete a composition interview: bring a repertoire list and two representative scores to the interview (same day as the audition)
- Optional: recordings may be submitted but are not required
Guitar
- One- or two-octave major scales in first and second position (C, G, D, A, E, F)
- Two short pieces or 茅tudes that demonstrate a basic technique (suggested composers are Sor, Carcassi, Brouwer, or Tarrega)
- Students with a jazz or electric guitar background may prepare a jazz standard as part of their audition, in addition to the two required classical pieces
Percussion
- All percussion auditions: two prepared and contrasting snare drum solos or etudes (preferably one in simple and one in compound time); basic rudiments; snare drum sight-reading
- Timpani and mallet pieces are required for a B.M. Performance audition (optional for other degree auditions). Tuning and scales may be asked of those playing timpani and mallets
- Students with a drum set background may be asked to display styles (swing, bossa, samba, etc.)
Piano
- For Music Education or Bachelor of Arts programs: perform two contrasting pieces, at least one from the Baroque or Classical period, preferably from memory
- For B.M. Performance program: same requirements as above, plus one additional piece that contrasts with the other two selections and periods
- Sight reading
- Prepared scales and/or technical exercises (major and minor scales, arpeggios, etudes)
Technology
The Music Technology degree is part of the Bachelor of Music program. It is expected that each student attain a level of musicianship, in instrument or voice, equivalent to those students in the Music Education and Music Composition programs. An audition is required on your primary voice or instrument:
- Bowed Strings
- Guitar
- Percussion
- Piano
- Voice
- Woodwind and Brass
Voice
- Perform from memory two classical songs of contrasting styles
- Sight singing
- Vocalizing on scales and arpeggios
- Interview with voice faculty
- An accompanist will be provided for voice auditions. Please bind all photocopies of your music or bring the original copies
Woodwinds and Brass
- Major, minor, and chromatic scales, two octaves where applicable
- Two contrasting pieces demonstrating lyrical and technical playing (ex: slow & fast movements of sonatas or concertos, 茅tudes, etc.)
- Sight reading
"Keene State in general has a great community environment, especially in the music department. I regularly get together to rehearse or hang out with classmates. I live on campus with five other music majors.鈥
鈥 James Slipp 鈥25
Contact the Music Department
music@keene.edu
603-358-2177