Minimum Requirements for Academy String & Piano Auditions

While it is ultimately up to a student and teacher to determine what will be played at the Academy audition based on the requirements below, prospective students should understand that the Academy is a highly selective training center, and is only intended for very advanced students, whatever their age.

Questions regarding repertoire should be directed to:
Sue Polutnik  |  847.448.8311

    Violin

    Ages 14 - 18

    Two contrasting movements (fast and slow) from Lalo Symphonie Espagnole,
    Tchaikovsky Concerto, Prokofiev Concerto #2, or equivalent major nineteenth
    or twentieth century concerto.

    PLUS

    A Paganini Caprice or two contrasting movements from a Sonata or Partita by J. S. Bach

    Viola

    Ages 14 - 18

    Prepare two contrasting movements (fast and slow) from one of these concertos:
    Walton Concerto, Stamitz Concerto, Bartok Concerto, Rebecca Clarke Sonata, or equivalent concerto

    PLUS

    Two contrasting movements of a suite by J. S. Bach

    Cello

    Ages 14 - 18

    Prepare two contrasting movements (fast and slow) from one of these concertos:
    Lalo Concerto, Elgar Concerto, Haydn D Major Concerto, Schumann Concerto, Dvořák Concerto, Tchaikovsky Rococo Variations or equivalent concerto

    PLUS

    Two contrasting movements of a suite by J. S. Bach

    Piano

    All pianists will have sight reading as part of their audition.

    Piano students ages 14 to 18 are invited to audition for the Music Institute of Chicago’s Academy program. Each prospective student will submit a pre-screen audition. If the pre-screen audition is passed, the student will be invited to play a live audition.

    Students are encouraged to audition with works that they have been performing for some time, and that are well “played-in”, rather than repertoire that is relatively new to them.

    Pre-screen Auditions

    A Bach Prelude and Fugue from the Well-Tempered Clavier, or similar level work by Bach, OR a Classical period sonata movement

    PLUS

    A romantic period work, OR a 20th/21st century work.

    Please be certain your repertoire choices include music showing lyrical playing as well as something demonstrating your technical level.

    Live Auditions for Acceptance into the Academy

    Students will play repertoire from three of these four categories.

    1. A Bach Prelude and Fugue from the Well-Tempered Clavier, or similar level work by Bach.
    2. A sonata movement by Haydn, Mozart, Beethoven, or Schubert
    3. A large scale Romantic or Impressionist work, such as a Chopin Ballade or Debussy’s L’Isle Joyeuse (Students should prepare the entire piece).
    4. A 20th or 21st century work, or a movement from a multi-movement 20th or 21st century work.