Performance Assessment Hearing

Candidates for the Master of Arts degree must demonstrate music performance ability in piano, voice, or other classical instrumental performance. The performance assessment hearing is approximately 10 minutes long. Students perform two different compositions, showing contrasting styles in historical periods, technical demands, and tempi. At least one piece must be in the art music genre. Students provide their own accompanists. Taped accompaniments are not acceptable unless the piece being performed was composed for taped accompaniment. Although not required, students are encouraged to perform pieces from memory. Instrumentalists, regardless of concentration, will be asked to sing either "My Country, 'Tis of Thee," or "America, the Beautiful" or another familiar song, a cappella.

Live performance is required. Local students must complete the hearing assessment in the semester prior to the first semester of coursework. Non-local students perform during the first term in which they are enrolled as a degree-seeking student, and are admitted conditionally until successful completion of the performance assessment hearing.

Performance Assessment Hearings are evaluated on technical competence (at the level of a senior recital) and musical expression, including stylistic understanding of the music presented. The emphasis in the Performance Assessment Hearing is on meaningful musical performance that demonstrates the student's ability to expressively convey music convincingly in a formal setting. Performance Assessment Hearing Evaluation form.

Performance assessment hearings are scheduled once each term - in early April, mid-July, and early December. Contact the GPME office for specific dates and scheduling. The schedule for 2008 includes the following dates and times:

Saturday, April 5      9-11 a.m.
Friday, July 25         4-6 p.m.
Saturday, July 26     9-11 a.m.