Toelatingseisen CaSA Piano
Repertoire Requirements
Candidates must prepare and perform the following pieces:
Ernesto Nazareth (Odeon, Brejeiro)
Ignacio Cervantes – 40 Danzas Cubanas (one piece of choice)
Additionally, candidates must choose one of the following:
J.S. Bach – A two-part or three-part invention
F. Chopin – A Mazurka or Waltz
J. Haydn or W.A. Mozart – A Sonata
The selected repertoire should showcase technical control, stylistic awareness, and musical expression.
Candidates will be required to demonstrate the following:
Scale Exercise in C Major (PDF provided) – Minimum speed quarter note at 80 BPM.
Estudo Percussivo 1 (PDF provided) – Execution of percussive piano techniques.
Sight-Reading – Perform a short music fragment prima vista, demonstrating rhythmic precision and phrasing.
Four-Voice Chord Voicings – Play II-V-I progressions in all keys, ensuring smooth voice leading and harmonic clarity.
Candidates will be assessed on their ability to:
Improvise over basic jazz chord progressions, such as II-V-I and common harmonic patterns like I-IV-V.
Improvise over a simple chord scheme that may include unexpected harmonies, shifts in time signature, or rhythmic variations.
Select at least one piece from their repertoire that allows for extended improvisation, demonstrating creativity, harmonic awareness, and rhythmic phrasing.
Aural Test
Candidates will also be evaluated on their aural perception and theoretical knowledge, including:
Melodic Repetition – Repeat a melody (on your instrument) that is played to you.
Interval Recognition – Identify and name intervals accurately.
Chord Recognition – Identify and name triads and 7th chords by ear.
Playing together
If possible, candidates should perform with a small ensemble or an accompanist to showcase their ability to interact musically in a group setting. The repertoire must include:
One Afro-Cuban piece (Tanga by Mario Bauzá or a comparable selection).
One Brazilian piece (Corcovado, Berimbau, or a comparable selection).
Both pieces should highlight the pianist’s role as an accompanist within the genre.
If performing with an ensemble is not feasible, candidates may use a backing track. Play-along tracks from Muy Caliente(R. Mauleón) and The Brazilian Workshop (N. Faria) are recommended options.
The committee will choose the aspects of the above for your performance.
What we grade:
Musical Accuracy & Expression – Candidates must demonstrate accuracy in pitch (if applicable), rhythm, and articulation while conveying artistic expression and stylistic awareness.
Timing, Groove & Pulse – A solid sense of timing, groove, and rhythmic precision is essential. Candidates must be able to feel and maintain the direction of the groove, including the ability to play ‘in clave’ where applicable.
Technical Control & Instrumental/Vocal Proficiency – Assessment of fluency, control, tone quality, and dynamic range appropriate to the instrument or voice.
Aural Awareness & Musical Sensitivity – Ability to listen, respond, and interact musically, whether in solo or ensemble contexts, with an understanding of phrasing, articulation, and balance. Accurately interpret and perform a short, notated or aural excerpt with rhythmic and pitch accuracy.
Stylistic Interpretation & Improvisation – Candidates should demonstrate an understanding of the stylistic nuances of their chosen repertoire and, where relevant, showcase improvisational skills rooted in the tradition.
Communication & Artistic Presence – Beyond technical ability, we assess the candidate’s ability to engage with the music and convey emotion.
CaSA Music Theory
Part of your audition also consists of CaSA Music Theory
Interview
During the interview we will look at the following aspects:
General motivation and level of English.
Commitment to Studies & Professional Growth
Ability to Articulate Goals & Perspectives
Awareness of the Codarts Learning environment