What is Applied Music?
Applied Music (MUIVI 410) provides one-on-one specialized study in a specific instrument or vocal performance. Music majors must audition to enroll in the course.
How to Audition
Students must pass an audition in order to take part in the Applied Music program. Auditions take place at the beginning of each semester. Students who are not selected will be encouraged to reapply the following semester and will have other options to fulfill the AA degree requirement. Please note that MUIVI 410 is necessary for those who wish to transfer to a four-year institution.
Eligibility
- You must be registered as a declared Music Major. If you have questions about the major, please email the Music Department Chair, Professor Max Kiesner at kiesnem@crc.losrios.edu.
- You must be enrolled in Music Theory, or have completed the Music Theory cycle. Please be aware that the first two semesters of Music Theory require a basic piano proficiency or remedial enrollment in a piano class. You will not be allowed to remain in Music Theory if you do not meet that level of experience or are enrolled in a piano class.
- You must be enrolled in one of the following performance groups: Chamber Singers, College Chorus, Orchestra or Concert Band.
- You must take Applied Music (MUIVI 410) no less than four times. If you are accepted, you will attend a private lesson with a private instructor that CRC secures and attend a weekly recital hour class held on Wednesday afternoons starting at 4:00 pm. You will be expected to perform in a student recital near the end of the semester which will serve as your jury to continue in the course.
Questions about eligibility or registering for auditions? Contact Professor Omari Tau at tauo@crc.losrios.edu.
About the Auditions
In-Person Auditions
Auditions will be held on Friday, January 12, 2024 in the CRC Recital Hall on the stage. The Recital Hall is located on the west side of the campus. You may park in Lot A. You will be assigned an audition slot after completing the Audition Registration form.
Please arrive 1/2 hour before your time slot. Audition times may shift, so your time may be earlier or later than the scheduled time.
- Upon arrival, you will be greeted and shown to a practice room for warm up.
- You may remain in the practice room or return to the Recital Hall lobby to wait until your name is called.
- Your audition will take place on the Recital Hall stage. Once on stage, take a moment to tune if necessary. We want you to be comfortable for the experience.
- Once you have finished, you are free to go. The faculty will privately discuss your auditions and inform you of the results, usually within 24 hours.
- The professors in the CRC Music Department are here to support you, and want you to be successful. We will guide you through the audition just as we will through your time studying with us. We're on your side!
Video Submissions
Please note that Spring 2024 auditions will be held in-person. If you are unable to attend, please contact Professor Omari Tau at tauo@crc.losrios.edu.
- Prepare the Db Major, Bb Melodic Minor and Chromatic scales from the provided audition scales. Guitarists should use the Mallets scales. Many students do fine on their audition piece but poorly on the scales. Please take the time to learn these well, and perform them at the requested tempo with the correct rhythms.
Download the scales. - Prepare a short (2-4 minute) excerpt from the literature for your instrument. Students who are being asked to re-audition may use their recital piece from previous semester.
New students should consult the CSUS Freshman Music major entrance requirements for examples of appropriate literature.
Please limit your excerpt to no more than three minutes of music. Please find any appropriate art music (Classical) for your instrument and your current skill level. We are interested in your passion and potential. - Jazz majors: The Jazz major begins at the junior level in most four year institutions and the expectation is that you master the Classical literature on your instrument during your first two years of college. (Please follow the instructions above.)
- Prepare the scale listed for your instrument on the string audition scales.
- Prepare a short (2-4 minute) excerpt from the literature for your instrument. New students should consult the CSUS Freshman Music major entrance requirements for examples of appropriate literature. Returning students may use a piece from last semester.
Please limit your excerpt to no more than four minutes of music. For this audition your work will be performed unaccompanied. Skip any multi-measure rests.
- You will be directed to sing a one octave major scale a capella, starting on any pitch using any syllable. The vocal professor may work with you on additional scales during the audition to explore your voice.
- Perform a song or aria from the Classical art music tradition. You can also choose a song from the Golden Age of American Musical Theatre (1930s to 1950s) or the Great American Song Book (for example, Cole Porter). For live auditions, please provide a copy of the printed sheet music to Professor Omari Tau at tauo@crc.losrios.edu.
