Orientation: Northern Kentucky University, Greater Cincinnati Region

2020 Orientation Dates

June 1 - First Time Freshman Program
June 3 - First Time Freshman Program
June 4 - First Time Freshman Program
June 8 - First Time Freshman Program
June 10 - First Time Freshman Program
June 11 - First Time Freshman Program
June 15 - Transfer/Post Trad/Vet Program
June 17 - First Time Freshman Program
June 18 - First Time Freshman Program
July 27 - First Time Freshman Program
July 29 - First Time Freshman Program
Aug 3 - Transfer/Post Trad/Vet Program
Aug 5 - First Time Freshman Program
Aug 20 & 21 - Extended Orientation

If you are unable to make any of these priority orientation dates, please contact Joan Brummer brummerj1@nku.edu for an alternative orientation date.

Important Links

Information for Transfer Students

Contact

Joan Brummer
brummerj1@nku.edu

Music Orientation for Incoming Students

Auditions are required for majors and minors for admission into the NKU Music Program and for scholarship consideration.

Use the Quick Links tab on the top of the NKU website next to the Search bar.

Online NKU Catalog

Requirements for majors and minors
Sample 4-year-plans for most majors
Important Policies and Procedures
Course descriptions

Academic Calendar

Must access every semester
Academic Calendar – contains the withdraw deadlines and university closure dates
Exam Schedule
Priority Registration Schedule

Music Directory

Directory of Music Faculty and Staff

NKU Directory

Directory for Faculty, Staff and Students
Can easily send an email

HireNKU

Career Services is free. Learn how to write a resume, interview, and job searching
Internships and Co-ops
Career Fairs
Part-time student jobs

Change NKU Password

Your NKU email password changes every 90 days

Placement Tests

Required Theory Placement Test

As part of the NKU audition, your background in music theory and musicianship will be assessed. This assessment is not factored into your music admission decision, but it does help determine what courses to place you into, should you decide to attend NKU in the fall. All students wishing to major or minor in music are required to take this placement exam. Students who are auditioning for ensemble scholarships only do not need to take this exam. Please check your email periodically, as we will be sending a unique link to the theory placement test there.

Optional Piano Placement Exam

If you have at least 6 months of piano experience, piano is NOT your primary instrument, and you are interested in placing out of some/all of the piano course requirements, please sign up to take an optional piano placement exam on the day of your audition. If you do not have piano experience (or have limited experience), you should not take the piano placement exam. Students whose primary instrument is piano, do not need to take the piano placement exam and will automatically be placed into Class Piano IV. If you are submitting a video audition, please email Keyboard Area Coordinator Dr. Richard Van Dyke (vandyker1@nku.edu) to take the exam.

Class Piano Placement Test

Audition Requirements

Voice

Prepare two songs of contrasting style, to be sung from memory. One song in a foreign language is desirable.
If you select a live audition, you will be required to wear a mask when singing. A collaborative pianist will be present at your audition. Please bring legible sheet music in the correct key in a binder for the pianist.

Contact

Kimberly Lazzeri
gelbwassek1@nku.edu

Piano

Bachelor of Arts in Music or Bachelor of Music Education

Three contrasting pieces from different musical eras, one of which must be the first movement of a Classical sonata.
Minimum level of difficulty comparable to a Two-Part Invention by Johann Sebastian Bach or Ludwig van Beethoven Sonata in G Major Op. 49 No. 2.
Memorization encouraged but not required.
Four octave scales and arpeggios in all major and minor keys, HT, ♩ = 69, play ♬
Four octave scales, hands together, performed in 16th notes
- D Major, D harmonic minor and D melodic minor
- B Major, B harmonic minor and B melodic minor
- F# major, F# harmonic minor and F# melodic minor

Bachelor of Music in Performance - Piano Pedagogy track

Three contrasting pieces from different musical eras, one of which must be the first movement of a Classical sonata.
Minimum Level of difficulty comparable to a Three-Part Sinfonia by Johann Sebastian Bach, Sonata in G Major K. 283 by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart or Chopin Nocturne Op. 9 No. 2 by Frederick Chopin.
Memorization required
Four octave scales and arpeggios in all major and minor keys, HT, ♩ = 76, play ♬
Four octave scales, hands together, performed in 16th notes
- D Major, D harmonic minor and D melodic minor
- B Major, B harmonic minor and B melodic minor
- F# major, F# harmonic minor and F# melodic minor

Contact

Richard Van Dyke
vandyker1@nku.edu

Brass

Requirements for admission:

Two contrasting pieces
Possible scales and sight-reading upon request

Requirements for scholarship consideration:

A movement of a concerto or sonata OR any solo from the standard repertoire for the instrument
Scales
Sight-reading

Contact

George Carpten, IV
carpteng1@nku.edu

Woodwinds

For Fall 2021 admission, classical woodwinds are accepting video auditions only. Please contact faculty concerning scale and sight-reading requirements.

Flute

Major Scales
Sight-reading
Two movements from different compositions from the standard flute repertoire that show contrasting styles or two contrasting single movement works from the standard flute repertoire

Clarinet

Major scales
Chromatic scale
Sight-reading
Two selections of contrasting styles: one that demonstrates technical facility and one that demonstrates musical phrasing and tone. These selections may be etudes or movements of compositions from the standard clarinet repertoire.

Bassoon/Oboe

Possible scales and sight-reading upon request
Two contrasting pieces from the standard repertoire

Saxophone

Bachelor of Music Education - Instrumental track with Classical Applied Lessons:

Be prepared to play major scales and at least one octave. Twelve major scales are preferred; however, the student is encouraged to perform scales that they are comfortable with performing for the panel. Students that perform 12 major scales either extended or 2 octaves will increase the chance for acceptance and scholarship consideration.
An etude or movement of a work that demonstrates technical facility of the student. Accompaniment is not required for admission.
An etude or movement of a work that is of a slower tempo and demonstrates lyrical and/or expressive facility of the student. Accompaniment is not required for admission.
If possible, the student should perform an etude, movement, or other piece in jazz or commercial style. Although the student will focus on the methodologies and skillsets associated with classical saxophone, the student will also be required to demonstrate a basic understanding of jazz saxophone performance during their course of study. For students interested in scholarship consideration, performing a jazz or commercial piece may increase the chances for scholarship consideration.
Sight reading either in classical or jazz style or both.

Bachelor of Music in Performance - Jazz Studies track:

Familiarity with some of the most significant saxophonists in jazz history.
Familiarity with some of the most significant recordings in jazz history.
Characteristics of a saxophone tone that may be associated with jazz or commercial music.
An etude in jazz or commercial style. If multiple etudes are prepared, at least one etude should be in what is known as a typical swing style.
Perform and Improvise over 2 tunes from what is widely considered jazz standard repertoire. One of the tunes may be a blues, and students are encouraged to perform different styles, tempo, etc.
If possible, the student should perform an etude, movement, or other piece in classical style. For students interested in scholarship consideration, performing a classical piece may increase the chances for scholarship consideration.
Sight reading either in jazz or classical style or both.

Bachelor of Music Education - Instrumental track with Applied Lessons in Jazz:

Familiarity with some of the most significant saxophonists in jazz history.
Familiarity with some of the most significant recordings in jazz history.
Characteristics of a saxophone tone that may be associated with jazz or commercial music.
An etude in the jazz or commercial style. If multiple etudes are prepared, at least one etude should be in what is known as a typical swing style.
If possible, the student should perform an etude, movement, or other piece in classical style. For students interested in scholarship consideration, performing a classical piece may increase the chances for scholarship consideration.
Perform and improvise at least one song from the standard jazz repertoire. A blues is acceptable. For students interested in scholarship consideration, performing this requirement may increase the chances for scholarship consideration.
Sight-reading either in jazz or classical style or both.

Contact

Krista Weiss
weissk2@nku.edu

Percussion

Snare Drum:
- Your choice of either a concert or rudimental snare drum solo from the solo and etude books of the following composers: Anthony Cirone, Vic Firth, John S. Pratt or similar solo by another composer.
- demonstrate a concert roll at various volumes.
- perform any of the first thirteen rudiments from slow to fast.
Keyboard/Mallet:
- Our choice of any major scale, two octaves ascending and descending;
- Any complete 2-mallet solo by G.H. Green, Musser, or any classical piece arranged for marimba or xylophone;
- At least a 16-measure excerpt of a four mallet solo although performing a complete piece of 2-4 minutes would be preferable for scholarship consideration
Timpani: Students will be asked to tune the timpani by ear from given pitches and also demonstrate timpani rolls at various volumes.
Sight-reading: Short passages for 2-mallet marimba and snare drum.
Drum Set (optional): Demonstrate basic styles of rock, swing, bossa nova, and trade 4 bar solos in those styles.

Contact

Michael Culligan
culliganm1@nku.edu

Strings

Violin, Viola, Cello, Double Bass

Please submit a video audition with the following elements:

At the beginning of your audition video, please introduce yourself, tell us a bit about yourself, and tell us why you would like to go into music.
1 scale of choice (as many octaves as you are comfortable and with the bowing of choice)
2 contrasting pieces

Classical Guitar

At the beginning of your audition video, please introduce yourself, tell us a bit about yourself, and tell us why you would like to go into music.

Requirements for admission:

Two contrasting pieces
Possible scales and sight-reading upon request

Requirements for scholarship consideration:

A movement of a concerto or sonata OR any solo from the standard repertoire for the instrument
Scales
Sight-reading

Harp

At the beginning of your audition video, please introduce yourself, tell us a bit about yourself, and tell us why you would like to go into music.

Requirements for admission:

Two contrasting pieces
One orchestral excerpt (For example, the cadenza from Nutcracker, or the first page of Berlioz Symphony Fantastique)

Requirements for scholarship consideration:

Two contrasting pieces
One orchestral excerpt (For example, the cadenza from Nutcracker, or the first page of Berlioz Symphony Fantastique)
One etude/warm up (For example, Level 3 warm-up from "On Playing the Harp" by Kondonassis, or any of the 15 preludes from the Lawrence/Salzedo method)

Contact

Amy Gillingham
gillinghaa1@nku.edu

Jazz Studies

Instrumentalists

Requirements for admission:

A selection from the Solo and Ensemble List, grade 4-7
All major scales, one octave minimum
Sight-reading
Play the melody and improvise a blues. (Bb or F)
An etude demonstrating jazz phrasing and articulation

Requirements for scholarship consideration:

A selection from the Solo and Ensemble List, grade 5-7
All major scales, full range of the instrument
Minor scales, one octave minimum in all the forms up to 3 flats, 3 sharps.
Sight-reading
Play the melody and improvise a blues from memory. (Bb or F)
Perform one jazz standard (not a blues) melody and improvise from memory.

Bachelor of Music in Performance - Jazz Studies track (Saxophone)

Familiarity with some of the most significant saxophonists in jazz history.
Familiarity with some of the most significant recordings in jazz history.
Characteristics of a saxophone tone that may be associated with jazz or commercial music.
An etude in jazz or commercial style. If multiple etudes are prepared, at least one etude should be in what is known as a typical swing style.
Perform and Improvise over 2 tunes from what is widely considered jazz standard repertoire. One of the tunes may be a blues, and students are encouraged to perform different styles, tempo, etc.
If possible, the student should perform an etude, movement, or other piece in classical style. For students interested in scholarship consideration, performing a classical piece may increase the chances for scholarship consideration.
Sight-reading either in jazz or classical style or both.

Bachelor of Music Education - Instrumental track (Saxophone) with Applied Lessons in Jazz

Familiarity with some of the most significant saxophonists in jazz history.
Familiarity with some of the most significant recordings in jazz history.
Characteristics of a saxophone tone that may be associated with jazz or commercial music.
An etude in the jazz or commercial style. If multiple etudes are prepared, at least one etude should be in what is known as a typical swing style.
If possible, the student should perform an etude, movement, or other piece in classical style. For students interested in scholarship consideration, performing a classical piece may increase the chances for scholarship consideration.
Perform and improvise at least one song from the standard jazz repertoire. A blues is acceptable. For students interested in scholarship consideration, performing this requirement may increase the chances for scholarship consideration.
Sight-reading either in jazz or classical style or both.

Vocalists

A selection from the Solo and Ensemble List
Perform the following jazz standards from memory
- Misty
- Fly Me to the Moon
- Girl from Ipanema

Pianists, bassists, guitarists

Requirements for admission:

All potential students MUST read music!
All major scales, one octave minimum. (Pianists hands together)
Level 4 minimum classical etude or movement from a classical piece.
Sight-reading
Play the melody, accompany, and improvise a blues. (Bb or F)

Requirements for scholarship consideration:

All major scales, 2 octaves. (Pianists hands together)
Minor scales, all 3 forms, up to 4 flats, 4 sharps.
Sight-reading
Play the melody, accompany and improvise a blues from memory.
Play the melody, accompany and improvise two jazz standards of contrasting styles from memory.

Drumset

Must perform a snare drum solo from Pratt 15 Contest solos or Cirone Portraits in Rhythm.
Must be able to perform these basic rhythms on the drumset.
- Medium swing
- Backbeat with 4 on the Floor at 120 bpm
- 12 bar Blues shuffle
- Bossa Nova

Contact

William Brian Hogg
hoggw1@nku.edu

Composition

Audition on primary instrument
Submit three different representative scores and/or recordings of creative work. While it is preferable that at least one of the scores submitted be in notated form, we will consider recordings only if the compositions are recordings only.
Submitted materials should be original compositions and not arrangements. Scores should be in .pdf format and recordings should be in .mp3 format preferably, although other formats are acceptable. Once you have uploaded your scores and/or recordings, we will make a decision in consultation with your intended applied area after you have auditioned online or in person.

Contact

Kurt Sander
sanderk@nku.edu

Ensembles

Ensemble auditions occur at the beginning of the semester, typically during the first week of classes. If you would like to be considered for an ensemble scholarship, please submit or sign up for an audition through Acceptd.

Music Orientation

2020 Orientation Dates

Important Links

Contact

Music Orientation for Incoming Students

Placement Tests

Required Theory Placement Test

Optional Piano Placement Exam

Audition Requirements

Contact

Contact

Contact

Contact

Contact

Contact

Contact

Contact

NKU uses cookies on this website