SOTA Components: Northern Kentucky University, Greater Cincinnati Region

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

Voice

Prepare two songs of contrasting style, to be sung from memory. One song in a foreign language is desirable.
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

Joy Burdette
wallacejo@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

French Horn

Scales (performed from memory)

Major scales up to 4 sharps and 4 flats
Chromatic scale of your choice in as many octaves you are comfortable

Music

One solo piece for horn, equivalent to the OMEA (Ohio) Class A or B list

Two etudes/excerpts demonstrating both lyrical and technical styles. OMEA or KMEA (Kentucky) All-State or Select Band excerpts are encouraged and accepted.

Suggested etudes (can be combined with All-State List, or select two etudes from the following)

- “Preparatory Melodies for Solo Work” - Max Pottag
- “200 New Melodic and Gradual Etudes” Volume 1 - Maxime Alphonse
- “Sixty Selected Studies for French Horn” Book 1 - Georg Kopprasch

Trumpet

All Major Scales (2 Octaves where possible)
Two Octave Chromatic Scale
Two Contrasting Etudes that demonstrate lyrical and technical ability OR one solo
Possible sight-reading

Recommended Etudes:

Getchell-2ND Book of Practical Studies
Concone-Lyrical Studies for Trumpet
Voxman-Selected Studies for Trumpet
Wurm-40 Etudes
Hering-40 Progressive Etudes
Hering-32 Etudes
Small-27 Melodious and Technical Studies
Arban-12 Characteristic Studies
Brandt-34 Etudes

Recommended Solos:

Barat-Fantasie in Eb
Barat-Orientale
Barat-Andante et Scherzo
Balay-Andante and Allegretto
Balay-Petite Piece Concertante
Ropartz-Andante and Allegro
Voxman-Concert and Contest Collection
Godicke-Concert Etude
Any Movement from Sonatas by Kennan, Hindemith, Hansen, or Ewazen
Any Movement from Concerti by Haydn, Hummel, or Arutunian

Trombone/Euphonium

2 contrasting etudes (technical/lyrical) or one solo

Technical:

Blume: 36 Studies for Trombone
Kopprasch: 60 Selected Studies for Trombone
Tyrell: 40 Progressive Studies
Voxman: Selected Studies

Lyrical:

Bordogni/Rochut Melodious Etudes
Edwards: Lip Slur Melodies
Fink Studies in Legato

Solo:

Barat: Andante et Allegro
Barat: Introduction and Dance
Curnow: Rhapsody for Euphonium
David: Concertino
Galliard: Six Sonatas (minimum two movements from any sonata)
Guilmant: Morceau Symphonique
Rimsky-Korsakov Concerto
Ropartz: Andante et Allegro
Telemann: Sonata in F
Vaughan Williams – Six Studies in English Folk Song

Tuba

Major scales (two octaves where possible) and chromatic scale

Technical Etude from the following:

Tyrell 40 Advanced Etudes for BBb Tuba
Blazhevich 70 Studies for BBb Tuba
Kopprasch 60 Selected Studies

Lyrical Etude from the following:

Fink Studies in Legato
Bordogni Melodious Etudes

Contact

Lou Setzer
setzerl1@nku.edu

Woodwinds

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:

If submitting your audition via 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

If submitting your audition via 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

If submitting your audition via 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 Culligan
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 Hogg
hoggw1@nku.edu

Composition

Successful audition on a primary instrument (consult individual applied areas for literature guidelines or recommendations)
Theory placement exam
Optional piano placement
Interview with composition and/or commercial music faculty (may be done on the same day as your audition)
Traditional Track only: Submission of at least two scores and recordings or MIDI realizations of original compositions
Commercial Music Production Track only: Submission of at least two mp3 recordings of original creative work e.g., songs, mixes, instrumental works, etc.

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.

Gallery Hours

Our gallery hours are Monday-Friday, 9 a.m. – 7 p.m.

Location

The NKU Art Galleries are located on the third floor of the Fine Arts Center. The third floor is the entrance floor from the main campus plaza. There are two gallery spaces: The Main Gallery and the Third Floor Gallery.

The SOTA Community Showcase Atrium is located on the second floor of the Fine Arts Center near the Corbett Theatre.

Guest Parking

Parking is available for a fee in the Welcome Center Garage. Parking is available on reception night in Lots I and D.

Parking & Directions Information

Connect with us on social media

Contact

Paige Wideman
Director of Galleries & Outreach
widemanp@nku.edu
(859) 571-5148

Please note students should use the checklist for their catalog year. Students can find their catalog year on myNKU under > My Records > Degree Requirement Catalog.

Students can also find their advisor on myNKU under > My Records > My Advisor.

To prepare for advising appointments:

Update your (major, minor, and general education) checklist.
Complete a Student Preparation Sheet
Put courses in your Registration Cart on myNKU.

School of the Arts

Northern Kentucky University
Fine Arts Center 253
Nunn Drive
Highland Heights, KY 41099

Local: +1 (859) 572-5879
Email: albrittonm@nku.edu

Contact Us

School of the Arts

Northern Kentucky University
Fine Arts Center 253
Nunn Drive
Highland Heights, KY 41099

Local: +1 (859) 572-5879
Email: albrittonm@nku.edu

Contact Us

SOTA Components

Placement Tests

Required Theory Placement Test

Optional Piano Placement Exam

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Gallery Hours

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School of the Arts

School of the Arts