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Audition Requirements

The audition is the most important factor in determining whether or not a student will be accepted as a music major. The audition committee consists of string faculty members. An accompanist is not necessary, although you may wish to bring one. Transfer students should prepare repertoire meeting the graduate audition repertoire guidelines.

For questions about the application process, please visit:

• Undergraduate Prospective Students
• Graduate Prospective Students

To schedule your audition, please submit:

• Request to Audition Form

Undergraduate audition requirements:

Violin:

1) First or last movement of a standard concerto including cadenza if applicable
2) Movement of unaccompanied Bach
3) short piece or etude

Viola:

1) First movement of a standard concerto including cadenza
2) Movement of unaccompanied Bach
3) short piece or etude

Cello:

1) First or last movement of a standard concerto (including cadenza for Boccherini Bb)
2) Prelude or Gigue from any Bach unaccompanied Suite except #1.
3) Select one: single movement lyric work, showpiece, standard sonata 1st mvt., or etude.

Double Bass:

1) Two contrasting works from the double bass solo repertoire
2) Two standard orchestral excerpts by different composers

Harp:

1) Two works of contrasting styles and periods from the harp repertoire. One transcription is acceptable; one work should be originally written for harp.
(A movement from a harp concerto may be used for one of the above pieces.)
2) One standard orchestral excerpt.

Graduate Audition Requirements:

Violin:

1) First movement of a standard concerto including cadenza
2) Two contrasting movements of unaccompanied Bach
3) Short work of the candidate's choice demonstrating virtuosity and stylistic contrast

Viola:

1) First movement of a 20th century concerto, memorized
2) Two contrasting movements of unaccompanied Bach
3) Single movement work or Sonata movement of the candidate's choice demonstrating virtuosity and stylistic contrast

Cello:

1) First and last movement of a standard concerto memorized.
2) Prelude, Gigue, and one other mvt. from an unaccompanied Bach Suite except #1.
3) First or last mvt. from one of the following sonatas: Locatelli, Beethoven #3 or #4, Schubert, Brahms F, Debussy, Shostakovich, Prokofiev.
4) Select one: First or last mvt. from a 20th century unaccompanied work, showpiece, or a virtuosic etude by Popper or Piatti.

Double Bass:

1) Two contrasting works from the double bass solo repertoire
2) Two standard orchestral excerpts by different composers

Harp:

1) Three works of contrasting styles and periods from the harp repertoire. One transcription is acceptable. (A movement from a harp concerto may be used for one of the above pieces.)
2) Two standard orchestral excerpts by different composers.

Although not required, memorization is encouraged. See above for specific instrument requirements.

Live auditions are strongly encouraged. If you are unable to audition in person, you may contact the studio teacher for permission to submit a DVD of the audition repertoire.

For questions regarding audition repertoire, please contact: