Audition and Major Field Requirements for Graduate Students

All graduate applicants must complete an audition, interview, or some other demonstration of their ability in the major field.  If at all possible, a visit to the campus is strongly encouraged.  However, submission of a DVD or CD--or a research paper or video, as appropriate for the proposed major--is acceptable.  Applicants in the following areas must submit a pre-audition screening recording:  Voice (master’s and doctorate), Jazz (masters' and doctorate) and Strings (doctorate only).  Some units in the College have specific requirements for auditions.  If so, you may select the appropriate link below.  Otherwise submission of the following is requested:    

Composition 
Scores of original compositions along with recordings.  Recordings should be of live music, not synthesized reproductions of orchestrations.

Conducting 
A personal audition/interview or a video tape.  Applicants in orchestral conducting must also pass an audition on an orchestral instrument. 

Musicology
A writing sample (term paper) is required of all PhD musicology applicants.  The document should demonstrate ability in critical thinking, appropriate research techniques, and skill in the cogent use of English.

Performance or performance/pedagogy degrees
An audition and/or recording that demonstrates an ability to perform in various styles. Depending upon the applicant's specialty, selections in various media such as chamber music or orchestral repertoire may be appropriate. Additionally, if available, applicants in pedagogy are requested to submit examples of research and writing in pedagogy or video demonstrations of teaching. Please see individual departments for specific requirements.

Brass and Percussion
Horn, Percussion, Trombone, Trumpet, Tuba/Euphonium

Music Education Essay Requirement

Collaborative Piano (MM & DMA)

Piano Performance & Pedagogy (MM)

Solo Piano (MM & DMA)

Strings (MM & DMA)

String Quartet Professional Certificate
This program is for pre-formed quartets only. A live audition is recommended. If a live audition is not possible, a recording of the highest quality will be accepted. The recording should include a minimum of twenty minutes of total playing time and at least two complete works of contrasting style and period. A biography of the quartet and of each member of the quartet, and three recommending letters from teachers and/or coaches are required." No changes in personnel are accepted once application materials have been received.

Voice

Woodwind
Bassoon, Clarinet, Flute, Oboe, Saxophone

All application materials, including non-returnable audition DVDs or CDs, should be sent directly to:  College of Music, Graduate Office, 301 UCB, University of Colorado, Boulder, CO,  80309-0301.  Please do not send these items to the Graduate School, the Admissions Office or a faculty member.  Recordings, scores and video tapes will be returned to applicants upon request if return postage is included (stamps only, please). 

Application deadlines: December 1 for all applicants (including being considered for scholarships/assistantships). All application materials, including the application fee, must be received prior to a prospective student's audition. Beyond December 1, scholarship consideration in most areas is given only as funds become available. Many of our programs have limited capacity for entering students, and available positions may be filled after December 1.

Audition scheduling and general information: Auditions cannot be scheduled until your application is complete. To request an audition, send an e-mail to gradmusc@colorado.edu including your full name, degree & program applying for, mailing address and phone #. You will be contacted once it has been verified that your application has been received. For more information on auditions please see www.colorado.edu/music/applying/gradapply/auditions.html.

Auditions and interviews for most majors will be held on Saturdays early in February. Graduate voice auditions have been scheduled for the last week of January. Additionally, auditions and interviews may be scheduled individually by communicating with the faculty representative for your area or by contacting the graduate music office at gradmusc@colorado.edu or (303) 492-2207.