<p>I think it is really helpful if a teacher knows about different programs (summer and otherwise), but it isn’t a requirement. However, I do think that a teacher who knows about appropriate repertoire, and how to begin the rather large task of teaching/helping student learn that repertoire, is extremely important. As Rigaudon mentions, depending on where she is applying, your D could have to learn and memorize probably 40-60 minutes of music, only to play 15-20 minutes at the audition (sometimes much more, but this is the usual amount). It’s a fairly large undertaking!</p>
<p>At the stage of your D, the students really need a very experienced teacher helping to select repertoire, to ensure that big, splashy “over their head” pieces aren’t being chosen (my son had a piece in mind that he wanted to play for auditions, which his teacher wisely told him he was not ready to play yet; he finally began working on it second semester of sophomore year—in college!). Teachers should know and understand how to showcase their students’ talents and gifts, but not to push them to play beyond their current ability (I have seen this quite a lot, actually).</p>
<p>I might ask the teacher now, what kind of pieces he suggests for repertoire. Feel free to run the repertoire by members of this board, because a lot of us have been through the process with our kids (on piano too). Different programs will require repertoire of varying degrees of difficulty; the most difficult programs requiring five different pieces from different eras, including a full sonata (and a prescreen to even be invited to audition!). Less competitive programs might only require a movement, and three pieces total. Some don’t require complete memorization or a prescreen. So, it really depends on your D’s level. But once you know that, you want the repertoire to be extremely well selected to highlight her current ability and potential.</p>
<p>Good luck!</p>
<p>Rigaudon, I don’t see that you have the PM feature on, but if you want to PM me, I’d love to know where your son ended up!</p>