Piano Audition Repertoire: How to Choose an Eligible Program

Start with requirements, then choose for your strengths

Build a school-by-school repertoire matrix before making substitutions. A nocturne cannot replace a required virtuoso etude, and a concerto cannot fill a solo-work category where concertos are excluded. Note every permitted composer, complete-work rule, duration, and memorization requirement.

Four questions to guide your choices

• Reliability: can you perform the work consistently in complete takes, under pressure?
• Contrast: does the permitted program show different textures, periods, and technical skills?
• Understanding: can you explain your phrasing, tempo, and character choices from the score?
• Readiness: is there enough time to learn, memorize where required, and perform the program before recording?

Avoid common substitutions and shortcuts

Do not shorten a required program simply because a shorter recital would sound better. Conversely, do not add material that the submission rules exclude. A less familiar piece earns no automatic advantage; choose it because it suits you and fulfills the category. There is no measurable “technical ceiling percentage” that predicts audition success.

Degree level and late changes

BM, MM, doctoral, and diploma programs can have different repertoire and duration requirements. Reusing a work is not inherently a mistake if it is permitted and reflects your current level. If a piece remains unreliable, discuss an eligible alternative with your teacher; after submitting a program, obtain any required approval before changing it.

Test the whole program

Perform the pieces in sequence and listen for fatigue, pacing, memory security, and variety. Keep a clear list of the exact editions, movements, and durations. Revisit each school’s instructions before filming and again before submitting, since a good musical choice can still be an ineligible application choice.

Official sources

• Juilliard: BM piano requirements
• Curtis: audition repertoire
• Eastman: complete-work requirements