<p>Jazz Up, first of all, congratulations on making it through the prescreening. Second, although the MSM audition procedure may seem scary, it was, in fact, the most enjoyable, even “fun” audition that my daughter had for composition.</p>
<p>Here is the info from the website: [Manhattan</a> School of Music > Instruction & Faculty > Audition > Composition](<a href=“http://www.msmnyc.edu/Instruction-Faculty/Audition/Composition]Manhattan”>http://www.msmnyc.edu/Instruction-Faculty/Audition/Composition)</p>
<p>The theory exam is, as Spirit Manager said, a placement exam. I imagine it helps the school figure out how many students will be at what level, and how to organize faculty for classes. Many naturally talented composers have not yet studied theory in depth (and I would go further and say that some talented composers have a lot of trouble with theory;for instance, having perfect pitch can actually make theory/dictation harder). Main message, review what you know, and then…don’t worry at all about it!</p>
<p>The overnight composition is (or was, a few years ago) focused on the technique of certain composers. I think there was a choice of 2 or 3 composers. The elements of those composers’ technical style are listed very explicitly, and you are asked to incorporate them in your composition. It is a short composition, maybe 3-5 minutes-?</p>
<p>They do not ask that you bring a recording of this overnight assignment. They want you to bring a paper copy of your score. My daughter’s was handwritten. She brought her favorite Magna Carta manuscript pad (horizontal). But it could also be on Finale etc. I think that the panel of faculty each gets a copy and you have your own. The office may make copies for you. You talk to the panel about your composition and why you did what you did. It is not stressful. The faculty are nice, and interested, and do not grill you or try to break you down or anything.</p>
<p>The important thing, which you may be misunderstanding, is to bring your prescreening scores with you. The faculty will not have those with them. In fact, to be safe, wherever you go to audition, bring copies of all of your submitted scores and CD’s. Make enough copies in advance for the panel, or ask admissions if the office there will make copies for you.</p>
<p>As for performing your piece, don’t worry about that at all. The faculty are perfectly capable of reading a score without a performance. My daughter did not perform at all (she is a classical guitarist, with some years of clarinet experience) and still got a nice merit scholarship.</p>
<p>If you have questions, call admissions. They are very nice and helpful. Things have changed since my daughter applied, because all submissions are now electronic and she wrote some of her pieces by hand. I’m sure they would be flexible about this, but a few years back this possibility was on the site! However, this issue does not really affect the audition. You can use manuscript paper or a laptop for composing overnight, I would think. It needs to be neat. I think my daughter copied it over :)</p>
<p>The main thing to know is that the biggest hurdle has already been handled. You made it through prescreening. Your portfolio and overnight composition, and presentation to faculty, are the main things for admission and clearly you are deserving. Try to relax and enjoy it. MSM is that kind of place. There is a lot of joy in those hallways, as well as a lot of hard work.</p>