The keyboard area at the University of Kentucky School of Music boasts an impressive roster of faculty including a Great Teacher Award Winner, presented by the UK Alumni Association. Our students have received awards in the American Protégé International Competition and performed at Carnegie Hall. Our alumni can be found performing, teaching, and mentoring young artists across the globe.

For collaborative piano options, please contact Jacob Coleman.

For organ options, please contact Schuyler Robinson.

Degrees offered: BA in Music, BM, MM, DMA in Music Performance, and the Master of Sacred Music with an organ emphasis

Undergraduate Audition Requirements

Prepare at least 15 minutes of music, two or three pieces of contrasting styles, preferably memorized. Also review and be prepared to play any scales or other technical material you have studied. You will also be asked to sight-read some unfamiliar piano scores.

Please contact either Irina Voro or Jacob Coleman with any questions you may have.

Graduate Audition Requirements

General Requirements

Admittance

1. Required Audition with primary faculty. Applicants should show a high and consistent level of artistry as well as a background indicating considerable performing experience. Preliminary audition by tape/CD/DVD with a recent recording of a recital is suggested but not required. Repertoire for the live audition should be representative of Baroque, Classical, Romantic and 20th/21st Century music. A complete sonata must be included as well as a virtuoso piece. In some cases (upon approval by the piano faculty) applicants out of country may audition by DVD/video tape.
2. Required Entrance Exam in music history and theory.
3. Repertoire list consisting of solo, chamber, and concerto works which have been

Performed prior to admittance into the DMA program.

1. Three letters of recommendation should be submitted attesting to proven and

Potential success in the field of piano performance.

1. Admission by vote of Graduate Committee based upon audition, entrance exam, and admission portfolio.

Concentration Area Requirements: Piano

Language Requirement: No language requirement. Dissertation Requirement, Option 1

1. Minimum of Three Recitals
2. Two Recitals (60 minutes of music in length, from memory (when applicable). Repertoire will be determined with the approval of the candidate’s DMA Committee.
3. Lecture Recital. The topic will be determined with the approval of the candidate’s DMA committee.
4. Monograph Project:
5. A 75-page minimum document, excluding footnotes and bibliography.
6. Project will demonstrate candidate’s ability to conduct research and write on a scholarly topic; usually, but not mandated, to be related to the Lecture recital topic.

Dissertation Requirement, Option 2

1. Minimum of Five Recitals
   1. Four Recitals (50-60 minutes of music in length, from memory when applicable). One of these recitals could be a chamber music recital. With the permission of the committee and the major teacher, it is possible to substitute a solo recital with concerto performance with orchestra. Repertoire will be determined with the approval of the candidate’s DMA Committee.
   2. Lecture Recital. The topic will be determined with the approval of the candidate’s DMA committee.
2. Monograph Project:
   1. A document of 25 pages in length, excluding footnotes and bibliography.
   2. Project will demonstrate candidate’s ability to conduct research and write on a scholarly topic; usually related to the Lecture recital topic.

DMA Committee members

1. Two members of the Performance Division (including principal instructor), one member from the Musicology, Theory, or Music Education Divisions, one outside member.
2. Students who choose an optional minor in Music Theory, Musicology, or Music Education must choose Performance Option 1 and add a member from the minor area to the DMA Committee.

Qualifying Exams

1. Part I consists of a three hour common written exam in music history and a three hour written exam in music theory.
2. Part II will consist of a six hour written exam in the area of concentration. c. Part III will consist of an Oral Exam of two hours maximum, following satisfactory completion of Part I and II, as described above.