Piano Auditions

To be admitted to USU as a piano student, all applicants must successfully pass

1. a pre-screening
2. a live, in-person or Zoom audition (by invitation only)

Live piano auditions will take place on Saturday, January 31, 2026 and Saturday, February 14, 2026 in the Russell/Wanlass Performance Hall on campus. To receive priority scholarship consideration, plan to complete your audition on or before the January & February audition dates. See below for information about the audition and application process for your intended degree. 

If you have any questions, please contact Dr. Cahill Smith

Undergraduate Piano Auditions

Undergraduate Pre-Screening Requirements

• Applicants should submit two pieces, performed from memory:
  
  • one piece from the Baroque or Classical eras
  • one piece from the Romantic or Modern eras
• Pieces may be recorded as separate videos, or all in one take
• Include a list of significant repertoire studied

Undergraduate Live Audition Requirements

• The designated Piano audition date for Fall 2026 admission is Saturday, January 31, 2026 and Saturday, February 14, 2026. If you are unable to audition in person on either of these dates, please contact Dr. Cahill Smith
• Applicants for the undergraduate degree in Piano Performance & Pedagogy, or a B.A. in Music, should prepare the following for their live audition:
  
  • Two contrasting pieces, performed from memory
    
    • one piece from the Baroque or Classical eras
    • one piece from the Romantic or Modern eras
  • Applicants will receive a short “Independent Study Piece” 2-3 weeks before the audition, and will perform the piece in the audition. Memorization is not required, and applicants are welcome to bring their own scores with notes
  • Applicants who wish to be considered for collaborative piano stipends may be asked to sight-read

Music Therapy Piano Audition Video Requirements

For the USU Music Therapy piano audition, applicants must submit two video links featuring contrasting pieces at approximately Level 6 or higher from the Royal Conservatory piano syllabus. The pieces should differ in style, tempo, or character to showcase a range of technical and expressive abilities. Both must be performed from memory. Videos should be recorded in a well-lit setting with clear audio and an unobstructed view of the pianist’s hands. Each piece should be recorded in a single, unedited take to accurately reflect the applicant’s performance skills. Video recordings should be sent to musicadmissions@usu.edu by January 31, 2026.

Music Therapy Major Application

Graduate Piano Auditions

Graduate Pre-Screening Requirements

• Applicants must submit at least 30 minutes of memorized repertoire including the following:
  
  • A sonata-allegro movement from a classical sonata, preferably by Haydn, Mozart, Beethoven, or Schubert
  • A Romantic work
  • 1 or 2 additional pieces of the applicant’s choice, from any style or period
• Include a list of significant repertoire studied

Graduate Live Audition Requirements

• The designated Piano audition dates for Fall 2026 admission are Saturday, January 31, 2026 and Saturday, February 14, 2026. If you are unable to audition in person on either of these dates, please contact Dr. Cahill Smith
• Applicants for the M.M. degree in Piano Performance and Pedagogy should prepare the following for their live audition:
  
  • A polyphonic work by J.S. Bach
  • A full classical sonata, preferably by Haydn, Mozart, Beethoven, or Schubert
  • A Romantic, Impressionist, modern, or contemporary work
  • One other freely chosen work of the applicant’s choice
  • Applicants will receive a short “Independent Study Piece” 2-3 weeks before the audition, and will perform the piece in the audition. Memory is not required, and applicants are welcome to bring their own scores with notes
  • Applicants who wish to be considered for collaborative piano stipends may be asked to sight-read
• A list of significant repertoire studied should be brought to your audition

Piano Pre-Screening Video Form

Submit Your Piano Pre-Screening Video

Additional Contact Information