Advice for College Piano Auditions

Поділитися
Вставка
  • Опубліковано 4 гру 2024

КОМЕНТАРІ • 72

  • @danieltheangrydemocrat7018
    @danieltheangrydemocrat7018 4 роки тому +16

    I started playing two years ago at age 65, and today downloaded the JS Bach Adagio BWV 974 because i loved it
    upon first hearing. It is a fairly easy piece to learn and I know will help me move beyond advanced beginner which
    is where i believe i am at. I want to say to the young piano players that there is nothing wrong with loving the music
    and the piano for the love of your art alone. There is only one Lang Lang and only one Margaret Argerich and while it
    is nice to be recognized by others, I promise you that your art need only be enjoyed by you and your family.
    Also, I found Professor Mortensen's explanation of "grouping" to be very helpful with the Adagio.
    Matthew 25, 40 Daniel

  • @DrUkeMusic
    @DrUkeMusic 7 років тому +38

    "something normal like a teacher" hahahah!

  • @sabrina.pianist
    @sabrina.pianist 2 роки тому +1

    I’m invested into this channel as I’m getting ready to commit to being a music major and go to university in 2024 in the spring

  • @freebirdforever2674
    @freebirdforever2674 4 роки тому +5

    I appreciate what you say about piano literature. It reminds me of my days competing in the Liszt competition in LA twenty years ago...EVERYBODY played Sonata in B minor and you could literally feel the judges groaning over hearing a half hour of the same material. You give great advice, sir, thank you so much for this.

  • @marlenef1044
    @marlenef1044 4 роки тому +4

    I've been playing for 8 years now and my old teacher was self taught basically and the other one I had after had never even taken a student to a festival (idk if yk what I mean by that). I always found my playing lacked a good technique and boy was I right , I found my new teacher who has a Doctoral degree in music and she showed me how much technique matters , even though she started me 2 levels down than what I was used too it really made my brain think and process everything right. She also allowed me to expand my knowledge from the overplayed classics and I fell in love with spanish music such as Gitanerias- Lecuona or Andaluza- Granados. And now i find myself gaining more knowledge and advancing faster. Since I'm a sophomore I'm hoping I'll be ready by then.

  • @LavaHead64
    @LavaHead64 3 роки тому +4

    I really apperciate this, thank you.

  • @Radiatoron88
    @Radiatoron88 5 років тому +7

    That's me exactly at the 8:48 point: "Uhhh, I really just like to play." 🤪 Fortunately, I'm not preparing for a college piano audition, not at the "ripe" old age of 60! I loved the point you made about looking into unfamiliar pieces that haven't been played to death. For example, there are wonderful pieces by Percy Granger that don't often see the light of day, and David Guion wrote some very attractive pieces--more than just "The Harmonica Player." Paderewski's "Nocturne" is a gorgeous piece, though for many years all that we got to hear was his "celebrated" Minuet. (A wonderful piece, but not the only fine piece written by Paderewski) Godowsky's arrangement of Schubert's "Litanei" is so beautiful, but it doesn't get played very often. There are some gorgeous arrangements by Theodor Kirchner of a couple Lieder by Brahms that are as winningly Brahmsian as you can get! Needless to say, IMSLP is an enormous treasure chest of piano music, much of it unfamiliar but well worth exploring. To my knowledge nobody has yet recorded the solo piano arrangement of Brahms's "Academic Festival Overture" made by Robert Keller. That's there on IMSLP, as are arrangements for solo piano of Tchaikovsky's "Serenade for Strings" and Schubert's 5th Symphony. Etc.! Also on IMSLP is Gabrilowitsch's luscious Melodie in E-minor. Another more familiar piece but probably not played that often is Granados's "Allegro de Concierto." That's probably a little difficult for college piano auditions--but I'm sure many young pianists would be able to manage it. Of course there are many other wonderful pieces by Granados as well, not just the "12 Spanish Dances." IMSLP also has Manuel de Fella's "La vida breve" in piano--the "Danzas Espanolas" numbers 1 and 2. Number 1 is wonderfully evocative and great fun to play (or at least to attempt to play in my case). If ragtime wouldn't be forbidden in an audition, besides the great classic rags of Scott Joplin, James Scott, and Joseph Lamb, there are also some wonderful rags by William Bolcom that are marvelous modern updates on the classic rag form. (Those are not on IMSLP, of course, but are available in a complete volume of William Bolcom's rags. That volume is not to be missed if you are fond of great piano rags! I particularly enjoy "Last Rag," "Graceful Ghost Rag," "Raggin' Rudy," and "The Brooklyn Dodge.") Speaking of both Percy Grainger and Gabriel Faure, the former's arrangement for solo piano of the latter's "Nell" is absolutely gorgeous! (It's not on IMSLP but is available from Bardic Edition, a British music publisher.) Scarlatti wrote a zillion sonatas for the harpsichord, as we know, and so many of them are delightful on the piano as well. And many of them aren't performed that often, even though they are beautiful. Okay, not a zillion sonatas. "Only" 555 of them. If music by jazz musicians isn't forbidden, Dick Hyman's "Variations on Shenandoah" are a lovely set--and actually they are written in a classical style, not jazz. But his "Jazz Etudes in the Styles of Jazz Masters" are delightful.

  • @erikakristen7066
    @erikakristen7066 3 роки тому +1

    Thank you!!! 48yrs old and going back to get a Music degree!!!

  • @nicholasgronewold3217
    @nicholasgronewold3217 3 роки тому +8

    For all auditioning u must play river flows in you bye yurumo. That what I played and was put in juliard school

  • @gabriel_kyne
    @gabriel_kyne 7 років тому +10

    Thank you for another awesome video!~
    8:20 "I could go on and on.." PLEASE, would you? I would love to have a list of "lesser-known gems" perfect for auditioning at the undergrad level.

    • @wholemilky
      @wholemilky 5 років тому

      Pssst! Ravel's Miroirs and Gaspard de la Nuit are great lesser known gems. They're modern too.

    • @vipinbhat6971
      @vipinbhat6971 4 роки тому +3

      The Ravel are also some of the most difficult pieces in the solo repertoire.

  • @collinlong8765
    @collinlong8765 7 років тому +5

    Thanks for the advice!

  • @ClassicalJams
    @ClassicalJams 7 років тому +6

    Phenomenal tips John and like your raw and blunt delivery of this info to keep it real for anyone seeking upper-level study. You really have a wonderful channel that provides a great, FREE service for the up and coming pianist :-) Wishing you and yours a safe, happy, healthy holiday season. ~Jackie

  • @pianosenzanima1
    @pianosenzanima1 7 років тому +12

    9:30 nailed it! haha, would love that somebody told me that when i was 18. my life would have been so much better ...

  • @robertclayton8278
    @robertclayton8278 6 років тому +2

    I understand about overplayed pieces but the irony is they are often what examination boards like to list on heir syllabi. In addition to that their choice of repertoire remains listed for five years. Why not mix up the stylistic period and skill sets required. You said it - there is no limit to what's out there.

  • @lelandpeck4585
    @lelandpeck4585 5 років тому +3

    just great advice!

  • @spareaccount1445
    @spareaccount1445 3 роки тому

    This is so helpful, thank you for making this!

  • @b3at2
    @b3at2 7 років тому +5

    Great channel.

  • @pheoberogers5149
    @pheoberogers5149 5 років тому +27

    I believe when you set your expectations to be "something normal like a teacher" you eliminate any possibility of rising above the competition and becoming a famous pianist.

    • @jonescrusher1
      @jonescrusher1 5 років тому +7

      But his point stands regarding the fact that someone destined to play at that level isn't going to be taking basic advice regarding piano auditions.

  • @gavinsawhill
    @gavinsawhill 6 років тому +4

    Literally EVERY piece you said was overplayed, I’ve played before and was debating. But I’ll definitely look into other options

  • @MMfish_
    @MMfish_ 4 роки тому

    Thank you for this video!

  • @TheBakingGirlShow
    @TheBakingGirlShow 7 років тому +15

    hi, can u give advice for the top conservatories?

    • @freebirdforever2674
      @freebirdforever2674 4 роки тому +4

      Eva M Be at your very best. I’ve auditioned for Eastman, Peabody, NEC and Cleveland Institute - they will not accept anybody less than the elite. I didn’t get in because there were pianists far better than I was and better than all their other peers. Get as close to perfection as you can. It’s ruthless. Harsh but true.

  • @mrinterested7217
    @mrinterested7217 7 років тому +33

    "What you don't wanna say is :I wanna be a famous concert pianistLook if you're gonna be a famous concert pianist , you don't need a video from me about auditioning , I already would've heard of you at the age of 18 if you were headed for that.You're not gonna be a famous concert pianist You're gonna be something normal , like a teacher or something.."
    I'm a dentist , but I believe these words are wise regarding all jobs and professions ..Being ambitious is important , but being realistic is a great deal too!

    • @-5249
      @-5249 3 роки тому +1

      I suppose, however most people that aren’t quite good enough to be a soloist can still do better than a teacher. Especially if they are going into music theory study or music performance.

  • @tedb.5707
    @tedb.5707 Рік тому

    I've always wondered how serious music students who aren't pianists deal with learning competent piano for theory and harmony. I played Bb Clarinet originally extensively back then and the one semitone difference to keyboard completely threw me off then. Now as an adult I'm working through theory to understand and play.

  • @-KDV-
    @-KDV- 7 років тому +8

    9:44 is bit of a blanket statement... what about Dang Thai Son? Pretty sure he didn't even begin professional piano studies until the age of 19, went on to win the Chopin competition in 1980... I understand it's unlikely, but there are exceptions to some... just saying

    • @cedarvillemusic
      @cedarvillemusic  7 років тому +24

      Of course there are exceptions. My point is that you're probably not one of them and would be wise to plan accordingly.

    • @-KDV-
      @-KDV- 7 років тому +8

      I respect your bluntness, sometimes thats what people need.

    • @-KDV-
      @-KDV- 7 років тому +11

      On the flip-side, if you don't aim for the bullseye surely you won't ever hit it, I think it's wise to at least aim for the best possible outcome even if the odds aren't in your favour.

    • @-KDV-
      @-KDV- 7 років тому +9

      Then at the very least you will likely gain enough knowledge to resort to becoming a teacher if things don't go to according to plan. Set the bar high is all i'm saying lol, I appreciate your videos professor.

    • @cedarvillemusic
      @cedarvillemusic  7 років тому +9

      Definitely. I'm with you completely.

  • @rebeccacunningham8810
    @rebeccacunningham8810 7 років тому +25

    Of course the audition piece I've been slaving over is the first piece he names as overplayed 😭😭💔💔💔 rip my college auditions

    • @cedarvillemusic
      @cedarvillemusic  7 років тому +11

      No, no, no. I only meant it as something to think about if you are in the early stages of choosing repertoire. Just do a great job on the Cm and you will be fine.

    • @gr1llad
      @gr1llad 7 років тому +6

      You hit the spot in my case, G minor prelude op. 23 no. 5, Pathetique, the B flat major prelude/fugue from the first book wohltemperiertklavier and the Revolutionary etude op. 10 no. 12.
      Appreciate this video anyway!

    • @rebeccacunningham8810
      @rebeccacunningham8810 7 років тому +2

      cedarvillemusic okay phew I got really scared for a sec

    • @NoahJohnson1810
      @NoahJohnson1810 6 років тому +3

      @Rebecca Cunningham RIP me, he was the very one I auditioned in front of and I played the Bb P&F! I'm still alive in case you're wondering!

    • @lifeontheledgerlines8394
      @lifeontheledgerlines8394 6 років тому

      @@NoahJohnson1810 So, did you get in? How'd it go?

  • @emanlee2003
    @emanlee2003 3 роки тому +2

    So, I haven't taken lessons for years. I was going to start again this summer, but I just found out today that my teacher wants me to prepare for a scholarship audition coming up in less than a month.
    I hope she isn't overestimating me, I am meeting with her on Monday to see how my playing is.
    Spoiler alert, it's not that good.
    Pray me for
    Sincerely,
    Someone venting
    Thank you

    • @emanlee2003
      @emanlee2003 3 роки тому

      On another note. I love a challenge and I'm looking forward to working towards overcoming it.

  • @zeldaweeb1738
    @zeldaweeb1738 5 місяців тому

    Would Fantasia by Joe Hisaishi work?
    I’m planning on auditioning for a minor in music as music is important to me but it isn’t my main focus.

  • @evanbembenista3560
    @evanbembenista3560 2 роки тому

    Any thoughts on Bach's prelude no. 1 c major as an audition piece?

  • @marcosmaldonado7890
    @marcosmaldonado7890 5 років тому +2

    is Ravel's Gaspard de la nuit Ondine good enough for an audition?

    • @jimmysamson3511
      @jimmysamson3511 5 років тому +6

      If played well I wouldn't see why not. Extremely difficult though so you would wanna make sure that it is within your abilities.

  • @asherwade
    @asherwade 4 роки тому

    General question: Why are church hymns so difficult to play-? Is it just because of the huge space between the treble & bass clefts (where the verses are located) and the awkward visual readjustments-?

  • @ellygore25
    @ellygore25 6 років тому +1

    Hello Dr. Mortenson,
    I'm a young pianist hoping to take some college level classes, but I'm starting at a community college. Should I still expect everything you mentioned in this video?
    I've been playing for seven or eight years but I've never had a teacher who could teach me theory or who helped me learn scales. I now find myself woefully lacking in theory and horribly ignorant about classical artists and styles. I have a few students of my own now and I'm planning to play for funerals, so I would like to be able to give my students a proper start and feel a little more professional. Theory has always interested me and I would love to know more about composing. Your videos have been a great resource; thank you! Do you have any advice for me?

  • @ShirleyM_Anne
    @ShirleyM_Anne 6 років тому

    Just curious... what do you think of playing all scales with the same fingering? I read about it in 1905 edition of Oscar Beringer's Daily Technical Studies for the Pianoforte... I taught myself to do this and it works well for me...

  • @drmichaelshea
    @drmichaelshea 4 роки тому

    You live in Ohio and I live in Arizona, and I realize we face different climatic challenges, but more often than not, when I see your videos and wonder how life might have been different, what I want most of all is to buy you a space heater. I imagine your piano must be about 1/4 step flat, but it doesn’t sound that way when you play. Maybe there is a thyroid problem. Seriously, you do some great videos and if I had any talent and a long enough life expectancy to take advantage, I’d love with all my heart to take lessons from you. Thanks very much.

  • @1212hjb
    @1212hjb 3 роки тому

    Is Haydn's sonata in e, no. 34 overplayed?

  • @leviwhite3464
    @leviwhite3464 7 років тому +3

    Hello, I have a question. I am a pianist applying for college, but because of uncontrollable circumstances, I havent had a teacher in a little while. I'm not looking to become a teacher, or a concert pianist, I am a composer and I want to improve my technique to the greatest extent I can. I want to use my pianistic capabilities in a way that maybe has not really been looked upon as legitamate to most people. I'm currently working on Scriabin's Sonata-Fantasy No. 2 and have taken a lot of your practice advice as well as many others I have researched. Am I a hopeless cause as to getting in? Or will my truly pure musical ambitions be realized by a teacher that understands where I come from?

    • @cedarvillemusic
      @cedarvillemusic  7 років тому

      I can't answer that without knowing you and hearing you play. I suggest getting in touch with the professor at your school of choice and starting that conversation. Take note of the level of interest and engagement you perceive, as that can be an important factor in your college decision.

    • @leviwhite3464
      @leviwhite3464 7 років тому

      cedarvillemusic thank you, I appreciate your time to reply. And I'll look into doing so. Can I have a way to contact you? I'm in need of answering a few more questions if possible.

    • @cedarvillemusic
      @cedarvillemusic  7 років тому

      You can contact me through my website.

  • @TSgitaar
    @TSgitaar 6 років тому +3

    About the repertoire choice: I get that you want to hear something original, but isn't it also important to show that you can play the well known pieces to a good standard? Isn't it somewhat irrelevant which pieces someone plays as opposed to how well someone plays them?

  • @SeEyMoReBuTtS
    @SeEyMoReBuTtS 7 років тому

    Would you say the tempest 3rd movement is overplayed?

    • @cedarvillemusic
      @cedarvillemusic  7 років тому +2

      Mmmm. Not as much as the ones mentioned, but still pretty common. I would even look at completely unknown composers like Hyacinth Jadin or Moscheles. Wouldn't it be cool to show up with something the faculty had never heard of?

    • @Radiatoron88
      @Radiatoron88 5 років тому

      @@cedarvillemusic Both composers' works are on IMSLP, in case anyone would like to look into their music. I hadn't heard of Hyacinthe Jadin, but with a name like that who can resist investigating his music?! (Yes, Hyacinthe Jadin was a man, "FYI.") Moscheles's "Pastorale" is a lovely piece, but I can't find it on IMSLP.

    • @user-zb5nn8kx1w
      @user-zb5nn8kx1w 5 років тому

      cedarvillemusic is it unwise to play something that isn’t a classical piece such as Karen Evil 9 Second Impression or Firth of Fifth , or should I just stick with a classical style piece.

  • @ezandman6804
    @ezandman6804 2 роки тому

    6:44 🤣

  • @bluescreenofdeath8205
    @bluescreenofdeath8205 7 років тому +3

    Hello,I am from Greece and I did not have a music education as a child.I had internet first time on my house when I was 13 and I didnt really know any good English wince I was 15-16.My parents never introduced me to any musical instrument.I learned to play diatonic blues harmonica when I was at that age by ear and I can tongue block and play songs by ear listening them from youtube and then play them.Now at 20 years old I read a lot about music online and I decided I want to learn to play a polyphonic instrument like the piano.One friend gave me a classical guitar and I can play some finger style songs from youtube with success.I feel like I missed a lot and that at 20 I am too old to learn to play good and possibly go to a decent music school.I am being severely discouraged because of this.I am saving money to buy a yamaha 88 key weighted keyboard.I can put 4 hours of practice a day maybe even more.I will also go to a local teacher for one lesson a week,so he can put me in a good schedule and see my mistakes and I will be recording myself to see where I am lacking.I would like eventually to be able to make my own compositions and write music for film,not professionally but for my own pleasure.I do not wish to become a concert-classical pianist.My favoutire composers are Tangelos,Basil poledouris,Ennio morricone,Nino rota,Nicola Giovanni and others.My favoutire classical composers are Prokofiev,Stravinsky,Beethoven,Vivaldi and other russian great composers.Also,I really like Gershwin.I am thinking of going to film school as well,hopefully to work as a director.I already have a fall back job.I will also buy books regarding harmony,composition.So,is this feasible or am I deceiving myself?Music education is horrible here in Greece and people do not take music as a serious subject.I do not like this and this is a reason I am willing to do this since I can see now how valuable music really is and what doors It can lead to.

    • @keelanesquivel3854
      @keelanesquivel3854 6 років тому +1

      Research Dang Thai Son, started learning piano at 19 I believe. It's never too late!

  • @asherwade
    @asherwade 4 роки тому +1

    In other words, students should aim for a double major in Music and ...electrical engineering; 🤭‼️

    • @-5249
      @-5249 3 роки тому +1

      No. You should aim for music education, music theory, or music performance. Do what you love. Money doesn’t matter. I’d rather be a musician than be doing a boring job I hate.

  • @snowman9555
    @snowman9555 7 років тому

    Can't you fix your camera so it doesn't zoom in and out every time you move? It's making me sea sick, I really enjoy what you have to say, but can't watch.