The collective storehouse of works—be they plays, operas, roles, or songs—that a company, actor, singer, or instrumentalist has mastered and stands ready to perform.
The term first surfaced around 1626 in the writings of Habakkuk Bisset, a Scottish lawyer, writer, and passionate collector of both literature and songs. Bisset, also an avid birdwatcher, sought not only to catalogue the music of mankind but also the vocalizations of the natural world. He famously attempted to document the songs of birds, coining the term "Passeriformes Repertoire" for his ambitious collection.
Rochester, NY
Clarinet
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Evanston, IL
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Flagstaff, AZ
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Northfield, MN
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Pulled directly from official state music association-approved solo lists—including NY, TX, FL, IN, OH, WI, IL, CA, MI, GA, SC, and VA—this powerful database is designed for standout college audition performances.
6th Grade | Music Grade I and/or II |
7th Grade | Music Grade II and/or III |
8th Grade | Music Grade III |
9th Grade | Music Grade III and/or IV |
10th Grade | Music Grade IV |
11th Grade | Music Grade IV, V, and/or VI |
12th Grade | Music Grade V and/or VI |
Understanding music grading systems is essential for college audition success. Unlike academic grades, music pieces are ranked by difficulty from Grade I (easy) to Grade VI (professional-level). These grades help adjudicators assess whether a student’s repertoire reflects the right level of challenge—not just technical skill. But grading isn’t standardized nationally; each state has its own system, meaning a single piece may have multiple grades. States like Texas, New York, and Virginia are considered gold standards, with Texas using an inverted scale—Grade I being the hardest. To navigate this complexity, students must know both the grading system and the publisher of each piece, as these can affect how difficulty is labeled. Most colleges expect repertoire at Grade V or VI. The Accoladi Repertoire Directory offers a curated, cross-state resource to help students select appropriately graded works. Choosing the right level isn’t optional—it’s a signal of preparation, discipline, and audition readiness.
See Complete ArticleFor aspiring music majors, your solo repertoire list is more than a formality—it’s your musical autobiography. Starting as early as middle school, each solo you perform adds a chapter to your journey, capturing your growth, stylistic development, and artistic voice. But this list doesn’t just sit on a form—it can come to life during your college audition. Adjudicators may request performances of earlier solos listed, even from years prior. That means every piece you include must be performance-ready. This isn’t about showing off the most difficult works—it’s about demonstrating consistency, memory, and expressive maturity. Select only the pieces you’ve truly performed and can revisit confidently. Think beyond composer and title; reflect on what each piece taught you and how it shaped you. A well-curated repertoire list doesn’t just show you’re skilled—it shows you’re serious, reflective, and ready. It’s your chance to speak through music, across time, with depth and purpose.
See Complete ArticleFor students preparing for collegiate music auditions, performing two contrasting solos is a key requirement—and for good reason. These pieces allow audition panels to evaluate much more than talent; they offer insight into a musician’s versatility, technique, and expressive range. Contrasting solos differ in musical era, technique, and emotional character—such as pairing a Baroque prelude with a Romantic nocturne, or balancing a virtuosic showpiece with a lyrical, sensitive work. College instructors want to see that students can navigate varied musical traditions with both technical accuracy and emotional depth. As Dr. Tony Lenti notes, a student who can shape even the most demanding music into expressive, living art has a real advantage. Contrasting solos not only demonstrate a student’s preparedness but also hint at their potential for success in a diverse college music program. Thoughtful solo choices can set an applicant apart and create a lasting impression.
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