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Hi all,
Got an 8th grade student who wants to audition for the local performing arts high school next year. The "minimum level" requirement is Bach inventions/classical sonatinas. She plays very well, but is not advanced enough for an invention yet. She is currently playing some Clementi, and she can use one of these as an audition piece, but she'll need something in a contrasting style (baroque, 20th cent, etc). Preferably baroque.

There are plenty of Bach minuets etc. etc. etc. that are easier than inventions, but of course I'd like her to be up to the standard. They have these requirements because obviously that is what will be expected of her at the school if she is accepted.

Any ideas on some repertoire that can get her ready for this, or something slightly easier than inventions (but that could still acceptable in this scenario?)

I'd love some help from the veterans who have students playing for auditions/competitions all the time! She is not my most advanced student, but she will be my first one to go through any kind of audition process. Thank you!

-Klavierspielen

How about one of the smaller Lyric Pieces by Grieg for a Romantic Era selection? I'm thinking of his smaller Waltzes in A Minor or E minor. These would show off some musicality as well and they are not incredibly difficult.

If you don't have the Lyric Pieces in your library you can browse them at: www.imslp.org

Hopefully others can help you with the Bach.

~Jennifer Eklund

Are we discussing a whole year to prepare or just a month or two?

If you have a year, I'd start her in some of the preludes, such as he c minor. Then in a couple of months, start with #4. She needs to put the pressure on herself. This is doable.

If we're talking a month, can't offer much help.

If she likes to play fast, Grieg's March of the Dwarfs is very showy and has a lyrical section.

My impression of these performing arts schools
is that they are generally a bad choice for
students. They're apparently not that good, and
are a terrific place for burning out students
before they graduate, like prep schools. And
they're apparently not as selective as they claim
and will take just about anyone who can perform,
because word has gotten around about just how
unimpressive they really are.

I have some experience with two performing arts high schools - having visited them and being familiar with a few of their graduates.

All speak very, very highly of the education they received and the atmosphere of the schools, and when I visisted, neither school seemed to be populated with students headed towards burn-out.

I only say this because blanket statements about the quality of a certain type of institution are never wise. There are horrible public schools, and there are fantastic public schools. The same goes for private, magnet, boarding, and performing arts high schools.

As for repertoire, I'd suggest something not by Bach. His music seems to suit some better than others, so consider repertoire by other composers around the same level. The c minor Pescetti sonata (in Encore Book 2) is a favorite of mine and might work well.

I'm very interested in the non-Bach concept (for the audition itself) and I am looking into the Grieg and the other romantic ideas you have all suggested! She will need to play some good Bach eventually, of course, but as far as audition prep, we'll do something different. Thanks for steering me in this direction.

Bach is done so frequently anyway, and I'm sure most of the other students will be auditioning with it... it makes a lot of sense to steer toward something that's not overdone.

She will be auditioning in 5 or 6 months.

When you have her do Bach steer her towards the Toccatas -- I think the one in E minor isn't too much of a stretch and there's a ton of room to show off artistry because of the improvisatory nature of the piece.

All of the WTC and Suites are *overplayed* but the toccatas are really special!

~Jennifer Eklund

If she's having trouble with the inventions, then the toccatas are several years down the road.

And not all the suites are overplayed. I wish the E Major and c minor French suites and G Major partita were played more often.

I also love the d minor English suite, but it's HUGE, clocking in at over 25 minutes!

Let's not forget this student isn't even yet capable of doing an invention, let alone a toccata or P & F!

Before the inventions, some of the easier dances from the suites, then some of the Little Preludes, then inventions.

Ah, but to play something "well", that is the difference, don't you think? Perhaps some pieces are overplayed but.....poorly. Nothing better for me than to hear something played VERY WELL, no matter how many times I've heard it. Just my opinion.

When you say "next year" are you referring to this fall? That's not much time at all.

I'm not going to suggest a specific piece, but keep in mind that playing something less challenging, very well, is going to make a better impression than trying to pull off a piece that is too difficult, even if it is more technically challenging.

Curious as to what you decide, I hope you let us know

You won't hear an argument from me there.