The Shallow End of the Pool: An Analysis of Postsecondary Audition Repertoire

• In Event: Considering Music Teaching and Pedagogy

Abstract

Collegiate audition repertoire lists may reveal a glimpse into a candidate’s perceptions of a system of musical hierarchies and cultural capital that govern educational and professional pathways before them. This analysis of four years of audition repertoire lists from nearly 2,000 applicants to a school of music at a large East Coast university revealed profound demographic homogeneity among the composers included in audition repertoire lists as well as significant associations between composer demographics and the likelihood of admission. Results show that repertoire lists may be a poor reflection of the inclusivity ideals espoused by many postsecondary schools of music.

Authors

• Adam Grisé, University of Maryland - College Park

• Bri'Ann Wright, University of Maryland - College Park

• Allison Reisinger Durbin, University of Maryland - College Park