Resources for Current Students

AUDITIONS (REQUIRED)

ALL returning students are required to audition in September during the first week of classes to participate in the MPP during the academic year. 

Audition Requirements

Classical:

  • Instrumentalists should prepare two contrasting pieces or movements from solo repertoire.
  • You will also be asked to demonstrate your sight reading skills.

Jazz:

  • Instrumentalists should prepare two jazz standards (a rhythm section will be provided to accompany auditions).
  • You will also be asked to demonstrate your sight reading and improvisational skills.
  • Vocalists should prepare two selections to show interpretative abilities (improvisation optional).
  • Please provide a clear lead sheet with chord changes for the accompanist (a pianist is provided).

Orchestra

  • Short solo of choice. This may be a short piece, or an excerpt of a longer piece. Your chosen piece should be indicative of your ability to move around your instrument, as well as the quality of your sound.

REGISTRATION

All accepted MPP students must register for lessons and ensembles by the change-of-program period to continue their participation that semester.

Please note that you must make room for your individual lessons within the 18-credit limit. Due to administrative delays, the MPP will no longer be accepting petitions for private lessons, even if you successfully petitioned in the past.

 

Directory of classes


Lesson Fee Policy

$300 MUSIC LESSON FEE PER SEMESTER APPLIES TO ALL STUDENTS TAKING LESSONS.
All accepted MPP students must register for lessons and ensembles by the change-of-program deadline in order to be allowed to attend lessons that semester.

AUDITIONS (REQUIRED)

ALL returning students are required to audition for participation in the MPP during the academic year. 

Audition Requirements 

Classical:

  • Instrumentalists should prepare two contrasting pieces or movements from solo repertoire.You will also be asked to demonstrate your sight reading skills.

Jazz:

  • Instrumentalists should prepare two jazz standards (a rhythm section will be provided to accompany auditions).
  • You will also be asked to demonstrate your sight reading and improvisational skills.Vocalists should prepare two selections to show interpretative abilities (improvisation optional).
  • Please provide a clear lead sheet with chord changes for the accompanist (a pianist is provided).

Orchestra: 

  • Short solo of choice. This may be a short piece, or an excerpt of a longer piece. Your chosen piece should be indicative of your ability to move around your instrument, as well as the quality of your sound.

REGISTRATION

All accepted MPP students must register for lessons and ensembles by the change-of-program period to continue their participation that semester.  Petitioning students must notify MPP staff prior to this deadline. ​

Membership in CHAMBER ENSEMBLES is a TWO-SEMESTER (2) commitment for the 2021-2022 academic year. All admitted students must register for their assigned class FOR CREDIT ​by the change-of-program period deadline.

DIRECTORY OF CLASSES

AUDITIONS (REQUIRED)

ALL returning students are required to audition for participation in the MPP.  Interested students should speak with instructor at first meeting.

  • Bluegrass Ensemble: Mondays 4:30-6pm in 112 Dodge Hall
  • Arab Music Ensemble: Fridays 10am-12pm in 814 Dodge
  • Japanese Koto Ensemble: Thursdays 3-4:30pm in 112 Dodge
  • Japanese Shakuhachi Ensemble: Thursdays 4:30-6pm 112 Dodge
  • Japanese Gagaku Ensemble: Thursdays 6-7:30pm in 112 Dodge

Auditions for Brazilian Ensemble and Afro-Colombian Ensemble are part of the jazz auditions. Online signup is required.

Students participating in a REGISTERED chamber music ensemble are invited to audition for the possibility of performing at our annual Weill Hall at Carnegie Hall event.  Ensembles are limited to 10 mins of music and MUST audition with the piece or movements of performance.  No late additions to program will be permitted. Auditions will take place in February, with the concert occurring in April.

Thanks to the generosity of Columbia College alumnus Richard Rapaport, you can receive funding to study at a summer music festival of your choice!

 
Auditions are open only to Columbia College (Barnard, GS, and SEAS not eligible) instrumentalists, vocalists, composers, and conductors.  PRIORITY GIVEN to those who have played an active role in the Music Performance Program.  

Please note that graduating seniors are not eligible for this fellowship.

Audition Requirements: 

  • Prepare two contrasting works or movements to showcase your technical and music abilities.
  • Any festival brochures or materials with pertinent information regarding tuition.
  • A sealed letter of recommendation from your teacher.  
  • A letter of acceptance from the festival, which also states the funds needed.
  • Proof of application will also be considered from applicants who have not yet received acceptance from summer festivals, as long as the application has been made prior to the audition.
  • Composers should prepare two original scores and audio recording of piece if you have them. 
  • The festival should have a strong international reputation and competitive criteria for acceptance.

 

Played a GIG for the MPP? 

Please bring the following forms with you to 618 Dodge Hall (printable links below)


You can drop of these forms to Beth Pratt in the Music Performance Program office Monday-Friday, 11am-5pm.
If you have any questions please call 212-854- 1257 or email Beth at bp2413 [at] columbia.edu