Information about preparing for the Oral Qualifying Exam

During the oral examination students will be questioned by their committee (both major and minor field representatives) in the five areas outlined below; students will be expected to demonstrate the following:

I. Comprehensive knowledge of composers and their works, stylistic movements, trends, developments, etc., since 1950. Students should also be conversant with current trends and developments (2000 to the present).

II. Broad, generalized information about:

A. Major 20th- and 21st-century composers 

B. Developments prior to 1900

1. Styles and forms

2. Development and evolution in various media and genres

a. Orchestral literature and concerti b. Solo and chamber literature
c. Opera and ballet
d. Song and choral literature

III. An awareness and understanding of the influences on and direction of the student's own music; personal creative vision, etc.

IV. Knowledge in great detail of four works written prior to the twentieth century (see directions and list below).

V. Knowledge in great detail of eight works written since 1900 (see directions and lists below).

All five categories are of equal importance. In categories IV and V, "in great detail" is meant to indicate thorough knowledge of each selected composition.

To submit your repertoire list:

1. Prepare a clear presentation of your repertoire list. Include the full title and composer name of each piece. Include the dates of both the composer and the work (if known). Arrange the list in chronological order. The list should include your name and major at the top.  NOTE:  For the post-1900 works,  include the categories in your list (Ex: " opera: Wozzeck (1922), Alban Berg (1885-1935)")
2. Send the list in the body of an e-mail to all members of your advisory committee asking for their approval.
3. Ask the committee chair to forward your repertory list to the doctoral clerk (musdoc@indiana.edu) with her or his approval.

IV. Music Prior to the Twentieth Century

Know in great detail four (4) compositions selected from the list below. Substitution of a work of similar dimensions requires approval by all members of the major field committee.

If you choose a work by one of the following composers, do  not choose a work by the other composer in the pair, for reasons of style and genre: Bach or Handel; Beethoven or Schubert; Mozart orHaydn; Verdi or Wagner.

V. Music since 1900

Know in great detail eight (8) compositions selected from the lists below, four (4) from each of the two periods delineated. Substitution of a work of similar dimensions requires approval by all members of the major field committee.

The eight works should encompass all of the following media: 1) symphony; 2) concerto; 3) opera; 4) chamber music; 5) solo instrumental; 6a) chorus and orchestra, OR 6b) ballet; 7 & 8) free choices approved by the committee (ensemble, chorus, electronic, etc.) NOTE: Include categories and dates in your list (Ex: " opera: Wozzeck (1922), Alban Berg (1885-1935)")

1900-1959

1960 - present