Annual Piano Auditions
Audition Dates
Piano auditions will be held on May 23, June 6, and June 13 at locations specified on the application form (see the Application Forms in the Downloads section or see below).
Applications:
- Audition Application - page 1(MS Word)
- Audition Application - page 2 (MS Word
- Audition Application - page 1 (PDF FORMAT)
- Audition Application - page 2 (PDF FORMAT
Applications after March 31st will be scheduled at the center with available space. No applications will be accepted after April 10. After May 15, changes are allowed only due to illness. All changes must be made by the teacher and confirmed by the center head. Changes requested after March 31 will be charged $20 per student. All fees must be paid in advance or the studentcannot be auditioned.
General Information
- All music must be presented to the judge.
- Photocopies are not permitted except for original compositions. Legal print outs and lebally downloaded music is allowed.
- Above Junior level, only original piano music is acceptable (no arrangements).
- Technique marks of “S” or “U” do not affect performance ratings.
- Students should dress appropriately. Jeans, shorts, sweat shirts or pands, hats, flip-flops and dangling bracelets are discouraged.
- Please alert center heads of learning disabled students. Students with splints or casts require a physician's permission in writing in order to play.
- Audition & Composition syllabi are available from Auditions Coordinator Clarisse Kant, for a fee of $7.50.
Grades and Categories
There are eight grades of entry, progressing from Introductory to Young Artist. Each grade is divided into categories. Each category represents a different level of requirements. Category A is the highest.
Any category may be repeated.
Registration Fees
Only paid-up members of the MEA may enter any number of students in the auditions. No refunds will be made. All pupils will pay as follows:
| Level | Fee |
|---|---|
| Introductory (INTRO) | $20 |
| Elementary (EL) | $20 |
| Junior (JR) | $25 |
| Intermediate (INT) | $25 |
| Pre-Senior (PS) | $28 |
| Senior (SR) | $28 |
| Young Artist Prep (YAP) | $30 |
| Young Artist (YA) | $30 |
| Master Class (YA and YAP) (2 Judges) | $35 |
No fee for Option 1 Composition Evaluation
JUDGES' DECISIONS ARE FINAL.
PHILOSOPHY OF AUDITIONS
It is the earnest desire of the MEA of NJ through these auditions:
- To help raise the level of teaching standards;
- To help acquaint the pupil with every facet of musical knowledge and experience;
- To bring to parents an awareness of the true requirements involved in good and worthwhile musical study and instruction;
- To encourage pupils to further their musical studies by offering them an opportunity to achieve some rewards and recognition for their efforts;
- To assure them that their efforts will indeed offer them a richer, more meaningful activity that will prove to be of lasting practical value as well as a cultural force in their adolescent and adult life.
Theory Test
To register a student to take the optional Theory Test, please write the level you wish for him/her in the column provided on the audition application. There is now a $3 fee for each optional theory test taken at the annual piano auditions in May and June to cover the cost of the proctors and graders.
These tests are very beneficial for students to take since a good theoretical foundation will help in learning and understanding the pieces they are playing. The Theory Test does not affect the audition rating. Students who take the test will receive a gold seal to affix to their audition certificates if they achieve a minimum of 50% of the correct answers. The theory syllabus is obtainable from Auditions Coordinator Clarisse Kant, for a fee of $7.50
Awards
Please refer to the section entitled “Awards” in your
syllabus for information about certificates, 3 and 5 year pins,
7 and 10 year awards, and master class awards. Gold seals will also
be awarded for composition evaluations.