Master Of Music In Performance: Instrumental

Shenandoah’s Master Of Music In Performance curriculum prepares you for a fulfilling career as a performing artist. You’ll study with faculty who are inspiring performers and passionate teachers, perform in ensembles led by challenging conductors, work with exciting and world-renowned guest artists, and enjoy opportunities for international travel.

Please see the appropriate section below for your chosen instrument specialization.

Guitar
  • Applicants must present a 30-minute recital of stylistically and historically balanced content. Before the audition, applicants are required to submit a program of the works they will perform. The committee may then choose to hear complete works or ask for specific sections.
  • Applicants may be asked to perform examples of their work with technical exercises addressing scales, arpeggios and slurs.
  • Memorization is required.
Percussion
  • Applicants must present a 30-minute recital of stylistically and historically balanced content. Standard orchestral excerpts on snare drum, xylophone, glockenspiel, timpani, cymbals and/or tambourine may also be included. Before the audition, applicants are required to submit a program of the works they will perform. The committee may then choose to hear complete works or ask for specific sections.
  • Applicants must perform on snare drum, keyboard percussion and timpani; multiple percussion is optional.
  • A demonstration of technique and/or sight-reading may be requested by the committee.
Strings, Woodwinds, Brass
  • Applicants must present a 30-minute recital of stylistically and historically balanced content. Before the audition, applicants are required to submit a program of the works they will perform. The committee may then choose to hear complete works or ask for specific sections.
  • A demonstration of scales, technique exercises and/or sight-reading may be requested by the committee.
  • Instrumentalists are invited to bring their own accompanist, but live accompaniment is not required.
Woodwind Doubling
  • Applicants must present two major works for their primary instrument and one major work for each of their two secondary instruments. Before the audition, applicants are required to submit a program of the works they will perform. The committee may then choose to hear complete works or ask for specific sections.
  • Applicants must demonstrate an artist performance level on the major instrument and an undergraduate performance level on each of the secondary instruments to be included in their degree.
  • A demonstration of scales, technique exercises and/or sight-reading may be requested by the committee.
  • Instrumentalists are invited to bring their own accompanist, but live accompaniment is not required.

Audition dates are limited and may fill and close well in advance of the audition date. You will register for your audition through the Shenandoah Application Portal. All audition and interview confirmation materials will be accessible in the Application Portal and sent to the applicant via the email listed on the application. The deadline to register for a Graduate Audition is February 1, 2025.

  • Friday, February 7, 2025 – Shenandoah Main Campus, Winchester, VA
  • Saturday, February 8, 2025 – Virtual Only

    For the virtual audition, you will need to submit recorded audition videos following your program guidelines and attend a live virtual interview.

  • Monday, February 17, 2025 – Shenandoah Main Campus, Winchester, VA