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From Baroque to modern, fast to lyrical—contrasting solos reveal a musician’s full range. Here’s why they’re essential in college auditions.
For musicians preparing for collegiate auditions, one of the most common requirements is to perform two prepared solos in contrasting styles. This isn’t just a matter of tradition; it’s a purposeful way for audition panels to evaluate a musician’s versatility, technical skill, and interpretive depth.
Contrasting style solos are two pieces of music that differ significantly in their musical characteristics, showcasing a performer’s range and ability to adapt to various styles. These contrasts can manifest in several ways:
“During an audition, I pay close attention to the technically demanding solo. I want to hear if the student can shape all those notes into real music—phrased, expressive, alive. If they can do that, they’ve won me over.”
Collegiate music programs are designed to train musicians who can excel in diverse musical settings, from orchestral and chamber music to solo recitals and beyond. Contrasting solos provide a window into the performer’s capabilities and readiness for this challenge. Here’s why they matter:
Looking for the perfect contrasting solo? Accoladi has you covered. We’ve curated a directory—organized by instrument and voice part—featuring recommendations from collegiate studio instructors across the country. Dive in, explore, and get inspired by what top programs are really looking for.
In short, contrasting style solos are more than a test of a musician’s preparation—they’re an opportunity to showcase artistic identity and potential. Selecting pieces that highlight unique strengths while fulfilling the criteria can make a powerful impression on audition panels.
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ARTICLE GLOSSARY
Artistic Interpretation: How a musician personally expresses a piece of music while still respecting the composer’s intent and style.
Audition Panel: A group of judges—usually music faculty—who evaluate prospective students during auditions.
Baroque Era: A period in music history (approx. 1600–1750) known for composers like Bach and Handel. Music from this era often features ornate, intricate melodies and counterpoint.
Chamber Music: Small ensemble music performed by a group of 2–8 players, usually with one performer per part.
Contrasting Style Solos: Two musical pieces that differ in style, tempo, emotion, or historical period, chosen to showcase a performer’s range.
Interpretive Depth: A performer’s ability to convey the meaning, style, and emotion of a piece beyond just playing the notes correctly.
Nocturne: A musical composition inspired by the night—typically lyrical, expressive, and slow in tempo. Often written for solo piano.
Phrasing: How a musician shapes a musical sentence—similar to speaking with emotion and clarity. It involves dynamics, pauses, and emphasis.
Prelude: A short, standalone musical piece or an introduction to a larger work, often showcasing a mood or technical skill.
Repertoire: The collection of music pieces a musician knows and is prepared to perform.
Romantic Period: An era in music (approx. 1800–1910) marked by expressive emotion, dramatic contrasts, and composers like Chopin, Schumann, and Brahms.
Solo Recital: A performance by a single musician, often showcasing their skill across multiple pieces.
Technique / Technical Skill: The physical ability to play an instrument well—includes speed, accuracy, dexterity, and control.
Tone: The quality or color of sound a musician produces on their instrument or voice—rich, warm, bright, dark, etc.
Versatility: The ability to perform well in multiple musical styles or genres.
Objective: Students will develop the ability to identify and categorize musical styles through guided listening and score study and will demonstrate an understanding of contrasting styles by comparing selected compositions.
Assignment:
Dear Parent,
Each year, several of our students begin the journey toward collegiate auditions. As they review the audition requirements, they inevitably come across a familiar phrase: “Prepare two contrasting solos.” That’s when the questions begin—“Are my solos contrasting?”
When students ask me this, I usually turn the question back to them with a few prompts:
If they can answer "yes" to even one of these, they may very well have two contrasting pieces. But as the audition process becomes increasingly competitive, we’ve found that a deeper understanding is needed.
That’s why our program is now partnering with Accoladi.com. They’ve published an insightful article, “Contrasting Style Solos: Why They Matter in College Auditions,” that gives students and parents a clear understanding of what top collegiate programs are truly seeking. Even better—they’ve compiled a directory of recommended contrasting solos, curated by studio instructors at respected colleges and conservatories across the country.
If your student is currently preparing for auditions—or even just considering the process in the coming years—I highly encourage you to explore the resources at Accoladi.com. Their guidance on applications, auditions, scholarships, and acceptance is practical, accessible, and aligned with what we emphasize in our own program.
To be candid, Accoladi has also become one of my most trusted resources as an educator. I believe you'll find it just as valuable.
All the best,
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[Your Name]
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[Your Position / Title]
