Strings

Before You Apply

We highly encourage you to email string faculty to set up a visit or a sample lesson.

Graduate applicants should contact the professor directly regarding assistantship availability.

Apply

Apply to both Baylor University and the School of Music by February 1 to begin in the Fall:

*First* begin your Baylor University Application to receive your "Bear ID" (firstname_lastname#)
Then, you may begin your School of Music Application
- How can I apply for a fee waiver for my application?

To gain admission to the School of Music, you must also be accepted by the university; acceptance for one does not guarantee acceptance for the other.

Acceptance is based on the student’s performance abilities, artistic potential, and maturity as demonstrated in the audition/interview process.

Audition

All auditions are in-person accept the Feb. 18 audition date which is held live virtually via the Accept'd platform.
The audition committee consists of string faculty members.
Memorization requirements are listed per individual instrument repertoire.
We prefer to hear auditions without piano accompaniment.
2022-23 Audition Dates: Jan. 27, 28, Feb. 3, and Feb. 18 (live virtually)

Audition Material:

VIOLIN

All candidates are welcome to communicate directly with Dr. Eka Gogichashvili and Ms. Patricia Shih with questions regarding their application, repertoire, audition, etc.

UNDERGRADUATE Violin Requirements:

First or last movement of a standard concerto including cadenza if applicable, memorized
Movement of unaccompanied Bach, memorized
Short virtuosic piece or etude (memorization optional)
We request that candidates not perform any region/all-state etudes.

GRADUATE Violin Requirements:

First movement of a standard concerto including cadenza, memorized
Two contrasting movements of unaccompanied Bach, memorized
Short work of the candidate's choice demonstrating virtuosity and stylistic contrasts, memorized

VIOLA

All candidates are welcome to communicate directly with Dr. Kathryn Steely with questions regarding their application, repertoire, audition, etc.

UNDERGRADUATE Viola Requirements:

First movement of a standard concerto, including cadenza, memorized
Two contrasting movements of unaccompanied Bach, memorized
One short virtuosic piece, sonata movement or etude
We request that candidates not perform any region/all-state etudes.

GRADUATE Viola Requirements:

First movement of a 20th century concerto, memorized
Two contrasting movements of unaccompanied Bach, memorized
Single movement virtuosic work
Sonata movement of the candidate's choice demonstrating stylistic contrast

CELLO

All candidates are welcome to communicate directly with Dr. Philip Borter with questions regarding their application, repertoire, audition, etc.

UNDERGRADUATE Cello Requirements:

First movement of a standard concerto,including cadenza, memorized
Two contrasting movements of unaccompanied Bach, memorized
One short virtuosic piece, sonata movement, or etude (memorization optional)
We request that candidates not perform any region/all-state etudes.

GRADUATE Cello Requirements:

First movement of a standard concerto, including cadenza if applicable, memorized
Two contrasting movements of unaccompanied Bach, memorized
Single movement virtuosic work or etude
Sonata movement of the candidate’s choice demonstrating stylistic contrast

DOUBLE BASS

All candidates are welcome to communicate directly with Dr. Sandor Ostlund with questions regarding their application, repertoire, audition date, etc.

UNDERGRADUATE Double Bass Requirements:

A movement of a concerto or other major work from the double bass solo repertoire
Another piece (or movement from a larger work) in contrasting style
Two standard orchestral excerpts by different composers
We request that candidates not perform any region/all-state etudes.

GRADUATE Double Bass Requirements:

A movement of a concerto or other major work from the double bass repertoire
Another piece or movement from a larger work in contrasting style
Two contrasting movements of solo Bach (from the suites for cello)
Two standard orchestral excerpts by different composers

HARP

All candidates are welcome to communicate directly with Prof. Karen Thomas with questions regarding their application, repertoire, audition date, etc.

UNDERGRADUATE Harp Requirements:

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 pieces)
One standard orchestral excerpt
We request that candidates not perform any region/all-state etudes.

GRADUATE Harp Requirements:

Two works of contrasting styles and periods from the harp repertoire
Three contrasting orchestral excerpts

Questions

Ms. Patricia Shih - audition material or dates
Callan Monroe - application and audition process