Comprehensive Exams

Woodwinds

Instrumental-track candidates play all of the following instruments. Choral-track candidates select one. Please contact Prof. Rhodes to arrange performance appointments.

Flute

Clarinet

Oboe

Bassoon

Saxophone

Brass

Instrumental-track candidates play all of the following instruments. Choral-track candidates select one. 

Trumpet

Horn

Trombone/Euphonium

Tuba

Please contact Dr. Schuman to arrange performance appointments for all brass comps. 
 

Percussion

Instrumental-track candidates play all of the following instruments. Choral-track candidates select one. Please contact Dr. Yakas to arrange performance times. 

Snare

Mallets

Timpani

Assessment rubrics for percussion comps are available here.

Helpful hints for percussion comps available here.

Strings

Instrumental-track candidates play all of the following instruments. Choral-track candidates select one orchestral string and are also required to play guitar. Please contact Dr. Zabanal to arrange orchestral string performance times. To arrange guitar performance times, please contact Dr. Goldberg.  

Guitar

Violin

Viola

Cello

String Bass

Assessment rubrics for guitar comps are available here.

Piano

Instrumental-Track Requirements

• Perform The Star-Spangled Banner (choice of Version A or B)

• Perform Pomp and Circumstance

  • Choice A - as written

  • Choice B - play melody in right hand and blocked chords in left hand

• Harmonization of Melodies - choose one

Choral-Track Requirements

• Perform The Star-Spangled Banner (choice of Version A or B)

• Perform Pomp and Circumstance

  • Choice A - as written

  • Choice B - play melody in right hand and blocked chords in left hand

• Harmonization of Melodies (perform all three)

• Score Reading (perform all three)

• Accompaniments (perform all three)

• Prepare all Major Scales (not included in packet)

Please contact Dr. Tsai to arrange performance times.

Voice

Instrumental-Track Requirements

• Perform a hymn or song of choice (not included in packet) that demonstrates ability to sing in tune and on pitch.

• Perform up to seven melodic sight reading exercises (from packet) with correct pitches, rhythms and solfège syllables in both the treble and bass clefs.

Choral-Track Requirements

• Prepare a vocal solo (not included in packet) that demonstrates ability to sing in tune and on pitch.

• Perform all melodic sight reading exercises (from packet) with correct pitches, rhythms and solfège syllables in both the treble and bass clefs.

• Prepare to sigh read any or all of the parts in a choral selection.

• Prepare to sing all lines and discuss the challenging factors in each of:

  • Let Us with a Gladsome Mind

  • To the Glory of the Father

Conducting

The conducting component of the Comprehensive Examination is fulfilled upon successful preparation and participation in the annual Student Conductor Concerts held each spring. Please see Dr. Sinclair for approval.

Upon completion of comprehensive examinations, please keep a copy of your completed Check-Form and turn the original in to the appropriate dean.