What to Prepare
We would like applicants to play five-to-ten minutes worth of music that is representative of your playing. Prepare selections that you can play with confidence, avoiding ones that are too challenging or too new to demonstrate your abilities.
Selections may be from a single work or multiple pieces/etudes.
*Recordings should not be more than 6 months old.
**If you perform a slow section of music, also perform a section with contrasting tempo.
Application Steps
- Complete an online application before submitting audition materials.
- When you’re ready, review our IN-PERSON options (below) OR UPLOAD audition materials to any preferred cloud-based platform (YouTube, Google Drive, Dropbox, iCloud, etc.)
- Schedule your live audition via email, or submit the links to your videos here:
Please do not send recordings as attachments; we won’t be able to open them!
Audition FAQs
When is my recording due?
Submit your recording as soon as you are comfortable doing so. We begin making selections in late February, and continue to do so through the spring until all studios have been filled.
What in-person auditions are being held in my area?
Kaufman Music Center – New York, NY – Sunday February 19th
New England Conservatory – Boston, MA – Saturday February 25th
Request an audition time by writing to admin@kinhaven.org
Should I perform with an accompanist?
You may audition in whichever setting (accompanied or unaccompanied) you are most comfortable. We do not require piano accompaniment.
Should I include scales?
Scales will not be assessed, so please do not include them with your video-recorded audition.
May I play a duet with my teacher, or with another student?
We require a solo selection, so duets (with the same instrument) are not acceptable. However, you may submit a chamber music recording – in addition to your solo recordings – if you would like to.
Should I talk on my recording?
Introductions are not required. If you would like to introduce yourself briefly before playing, that is acceptable. No extensive autobiographies, please.
What about quality of recording?
We do not expect professional level recordings, and our faculty’s trained ears can forgive home-style fidelity. However, be sure to watch all of your video so that you can be sure that it is flattering, and that elements such as vibrato are apparent.
If possible, listen to your video recordings with your teacher before submitting them.
If my sister or brother is also auditioning, can we use the same recording?
No, kindly send us two separate recordings. We will treat each applicant separately.
If I am auditioning on more than one instrument, can I put both on the same recording?
Because we will circulate your recording among the faculty members who teach your instrument, we require separate recordings for separate instruments.