Baltimore, MD

Peabody string audition requirements

Peabody Institute of Johns Hopkins University requires violin, viola, cello, double bass applicants to prepare a focused audition program. Instrument-specific. Required for viola (one concerto movement plus two Bach movements) and cello (a 10-15 minute video), required for double bass for Regular Decision only, and no prescreen at all for violin. Every prescreen recording is video and must be unedited. The fastest way to find out if your take is at standard is to score it on the same five dimensions a panel listens for, before you ever hit submit.

Score your prescreen takeFirst take is free. No signup, no card.

Prescreen

Instrument-specific. Required for viola (one concerto movement plus two Bach movements) and cello (a 10-15 minute video), required for double bass for Regular Decision only, and no prescreen at all for violin. Every prescreen recording is video and must be unedited.

Repertoire

For violin (BM), a major concerto movement with cadenza, a first movement of a Mozart concerto with cadenza, two contrasting movements of Bach, one Paganini caprice or a selected etude (Kreutzer, Dont, Rode), and a contrasting movement of choice. Cello, viola, and bass have their own per-degree lists.

Deadline

Prescreen and application materials due November 1 (Early Decision), December 1 (Regular Decision), or May 1 (Late Admission). Prescreen decisions arrive about two weeks before the audition (Early Decision) or in early January, roughly a month before Audition Week (Regular Decision).

Memorization

Confirm per instrument and degree on the official page. Peabody's published lists specify the works rather than one blanket memorization rule.

Instruments

Violin, viola, cello, double bass

Degrees

BM, MM, Graduate Performance Diploma, Doctor of Musical Arts, Artist Diploma

Worth knowing

Part of Johns Hopkins University, so applicants can pursue a dual-degree path with the wider university. Peabody charges tuition (it is not tuition-free) and awards merit scholarships and need-based aid.

Requirements and deadlines change every admissions cycle, and exact repertoire varies by instrument and degree. Always confirm the current, official requirements before you prepare: Peabody official audition page

Frequently asked

Does Peabody require a prescreening video for string auditions?

When is the Peabody string audition deadline?

What repertoire does Peabody require for strings?

How can I practice my Peabody prescreen recording?

Record your prescreen excerpt on Orchestra Kingdom and get an Advance, Callback, or Not Yet verdict with scores on tone, intonation, rhythm, tempo, and musicality, the same dimensions a panel weighs, before you submit. Your first take is free, no signup.

Walk into your Peabody prescreen knowing you are ready.

Record 30 seconds of your audition excerpt. The panel returns your verdict plus five-dimension scores. First take is free, no signup.

Face the panel

Other conservatory audition requirements

See all conservatory audition requirements