futurereplacemen

I have heard a lot of conflicting thing about the piano part of the audition. Some have said that its only for placement some have said it is weighted heavily in the audition. Also does anyone know what exactly they ask you to do? Do they ask for scales? or do they just put something in front of you and you have to play it? any details would be greatly appreciated!

Thank so much!!!!!!

Bird7887

this has already been addressed on quite a few posts, but I just came from the audition in November and they just throw something in front of you and have you play it. It does have any weight on whether or not you are accepted, it is merely for placement purposes. They told me that before I went into the room and while I was in the room. Good luck!

MTMama

Yes, UMich does tell you that the piano audition is just for placement - but if you are a fabulous piano player it will definitely help your chances. Your piano skills are also a factor in receiving merit scholarship money.

ShelleySings

I'm a current MT here at Michigan and piano skills at your audition are no big deal and can only help you get in.
I talked to the Dean of academic affairs (in charge of the scholarships) at the School Of Music myself last year to ask why I was not awarded a scholarship. I thought it might have something to do with the fact that I tested into the lowest level of piano. But! She said that my piano placement had no bearing on my scholarship.
They've given money to people who don't play piano before... I just wasn't one of them.
The piano "audition" is really just to place you.
I promise.

knarfydna

At Chicago unifieds they made it clear that it was strictly for placement. They, in fact, didn't even make me or others I know attempt to play because we told them we had never played when they asked.

MSUDad

The website says the policy was updated in July 2009, so we're going to phone them because it sounds like more than a placement audition.

MTMama

You're right, MSUDad - it does sound like the piano audition has more weight now than it did in the past.

Here is the current info from their website:


Piano: The piano audition consists of sight-reading and an interview. The faculty will evaluate your music reading skills and your understanding of rhythmic notation. The ability to read music is an important factor in the evaluation of your application. It isn’t necessary to prepare a piece.

Preparation Suggestions:

Playing another instrument can be extremely valuable for your overall understanding of music. However, it's still important to begin studying piano before and/or during high school. Leaning to play the piano immediately before this audition is fine, but generally of limited value. It's best to begin a steady, organized process of piano study long before your senior year. While playing by ear is of value, it's not a substitute for music reading skills.

LoveOnTheRocks

The website said essentially the same thing before this July, and I was still told last year at my audition that it was for placement purposes only.

britbrat1961

My s is a Freshman MT at UMich and from his experience it was for placement. It does have a bearing if you have no piano knowledge, as they are hoping that you have enough knowledge to be able to "plunk" out your part from a piece of music for study. There are no practice CD's at the college level for study so it hurts if you cannot learn your own part by being able to read music.

Also, there were 2 incoming freshman this year that tested out of piano completely I believe and my s and 2 others tested out of their piano course half way through the first semester, so although it is an important component, I would not worry about it as much as having a good solid academic transcript, a well prepared resume and audition.

Good luck

ShelleySings

Britbrat, this isn't quite true.
I could play no piano at all when I auditioned, but was accepted. There are always a couple of people like that in each class.
Of course, it would be better if you could play piano, but it is TRULY just a placement. I promise.

(There are always a couple of people who pass out completely.)

NotMamaRose

I think if you are already a good musician and can play the piano (or another instrument), it is an asset to you in the eyes of Michigan. They emphasize "musicianship" in their students and I have heard more than one person there say that music theory/piano is the course that trips up/causes the most trouble in freshmen who have no or very little previous music experience.

What does that mean? It means that if you are reading this and you have a year before you audition, take some PIANO LESSONS. But if you are about to audition and can't really play, don't worry about it. If they really like you, they will take you anyway and you will learn to play the piano at Michigan.