A Degree in Piano Performance

The Bachelor and Master of Music programs in Piano Performance are designed to develop the necessary multifaceted skills demanded by today’s music profession. Versatility is achieved through the exploration of a varied solo-concerto repertoire encompassing major–as well as less known–works from the four major stylistic periods and the cultivation of an active collaborative experience through accompanying and multiple ensemble participation (Choir, Chamber Music, Orchestra and Wind Ensemble, Piano Ensemble, Collegium and New Music Ensemble).

An integral component of the program is the commitment to provide students with various performance opportunities in theme-oriented programs offered at the Herbert and Nicole Wertheim Performing Arts Center Concert Hall and at different venues throughout the South Florida area as community outreach activities. Off-campus venues have included the Miami Art Museum (MAM), the Bass Museum in Miami Beach, the Coral Gables Museum, the Kossuth Hungarian Center, and the FIU Biscayne Bay Campus among others. FIU possesses two Steinway Model D concert pianos in the Wertheim Concert Hall.

B.M. in Piano Performance

All Piano Performance Majors and Principals are required to perform an audition for acceptance into the piano program. The results of this audition will determine the specific entry level in applied music and scholarship recommendation. All works are to be performed from memory. Personal or videotaped auditions accepted from non-residents of the Tri-County South Florida area (Miami-Dade, Broward, West Palm Beach counties). Video must show the performers’ hands, arms and upper torso, including the head. All students seeking admission to the School of Music must audition on an instrument/voice, including freshmen and transfer students. This includes prospective majors and minors in music. 

Audition Requirements

Repertoire for Piano Performance Majors:

  • Baroque: a Prelude and Fugue from J. S. Bach Well-Tempered Clavier
  • Classical: a movement  (1st or last) from a Classical period sonata (i.e. Mozart or Beethoven)
  • Romantic: a substantial composition from the works of such composers as Chopin, Schumann, Liszt, Brahms and Rachmaninov
  • 20th Century: one work from the 20th-century repertoire (must be a published composition)

Repertoire for Piano Principals (areas other than Piano Performance):

  • Two memorized contrasting selections from 2 distinct areas (Baroque, Classical, Romantic, Contemporary).

Both Performance Majors and Principals:

  • Technique: selections from all Major and Harmonic minor scales and arpeggios, four octaves, in unison, without pedal.  Videotaped auditions: please contact Dr. López to receive the prescribed technical requirements one day prior to uploading.
  • Sight-reading: The applicant must show a certain proficiency in sight-reading. The basic competency level consists of simple homophonic pieces in close position.  Videotaped auditions: please contact Dr. López to receive the prescribed technical requirements one day prior to uploading.

Performance Majors and Principals must submit an 8-10 minute video containing 2 (Classical and Romantic eras) of the four pieces intended for your audition. The video must include:

  • Major scales and Arpeggios (4 octaves, in unison): Eb major, B major, Ab major
  • Harmonic Minor scales and Arpeggios (4 octaves, in unison): C# minor, Eb minor, F# minor, B minor

Audition Dates

Qualified candidates will be invited to audition in person at FIU. Organized auditions are held three times per year, but can be scheduled at other times throughout the year upon request. Applicants who wish to be considered for University merit-based scholarships should attend the November audition date. Theory and history placement tests will be given during organized audition days.

Upcoming audition dates include: November 18, 2023 | February 17, 2024 | and March 2, 2024.

Apply Today!

Get Started! Learn how to apply.

 

Do You Have Questions?

Contact Our Coordinator of Keyboard Studies

Dr. Jose Lopez

(305) 348-3697

lopezjr@fiu.edu

WPAC 147C

 

M.M. in Piano Performance

The Master of Music program in Piano Performance provide students with multiple opportunities to acquire a varied repertoire representing the major stylistic periods in an effort to prepare them for the exigencies of the professional field, including the American Guild of Organists (AGO) Organ Certification. Performance opportunities include participation in large ensembles (Symphony Orchestra, Choirs, Collegium) and chamber music. Regular recitals given by members of the American Guild of Organists and guest performers enable students to participate in master classes throughout the year.

Audition Requirements

Repertoire Requirements: Must contain 2 (Baroque and/or Classical and Romantic eras) of the 4 pieces intended for your audition:

  • All works must be performed by memory
  • Baroque: one work of J.S. Bach
  • Classical: one sonata of Beethoven
  • Romantic: one large important work of the Romantic repertoire
  • 20th century: one published work of the 20th-century repertoire

Technique:

  •  Selections from all Major and Harmonic minor scales and arpeggios, four octaves, in unison, without pedal.
  • Must include the following Major Scales and Arpeggios (4 octaves, in unison): Eb major, B major, Ab major
  • Must include the following Harmonic Minor Scales and Arpeggios (4 octaves, in unison): C# minor, Eb minor, F# minor, B minor

Audition Dates

Qualified candidates will be invited to audition in person at FIU. Organized auditions are held three times per year, but can be scheduled at other times throughout the year upon request. Applicants who wish to be considered for University merit-based scholarships should attend the November audition date. Theory and history placement tests will be given during organized audition days.

Upcoming audition dates include: November 18, 2023 | February 17, 2024 | and March 2, 2024.

Audition Dates

Get Started! Learn how to apply.

 

Do You Have Questions?

Contact Our Coordinator of Keyboard Studies


Dr. José Lopez

(305) 348-3697

lopezjr@fiu.edu

WPAC 147C

 

 

South Florida Chapter of the American Liszt Society

The Herbert and Nicole Wertheim School of Music & Performing Arts is one of 16 institutions in the United States that host a chapter of The American Liszt Society. Performance opportunities include the annual concerts of the Liszt Festival as well as numerous recitals and master classes given by guests, including Liszt chapter presidents from around the US.

Founded by David Kushner, Fernando Laires, and Charles Lee, The American Liszt Society was incorporated in 1964. The purpose of the Society is to promote scholarship and general understanding of the full creative and historical significance of Franz Liszt on the education and development of both the composition and performance of music throughout the Western World. Each year ALS festivals have presented member talent and outstanding guests celebrating Liszt, his influence, and his ideals.

Throughout its history the Society has endeavored to bring the ideals and philosophy of Liszt into the contemporary setting to aid and to serve colleagues and to promote high standards. The membership has been comprised primarily of musicians, but members have come and continue to come from scores of other professions (for example, medicine, business, journalism, etc.). As Liszt “hurled his lance into the future,” the Society strives to perpetuate and more fully to understand Liszt’s contribution and special message.