Trombone audition information

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All undergraduate applicants must apply to the University of Colorado and complete a College of Music Admission Application. Applications may be obtained online through the Admissions section. Undergraduate auditions will not be scheduled until both applications have been received. Graduate students need only complete the graduate application.

For information on applying for our ensembles, visit the Ensembles section.

Undergraduate application instructions 

Graduate application instructions .

Audition requirements

Trombone

  1. Major sacles in 2 octaves
  2. Two contrasting etudes to be selected from Bordogni, Blazhevich, Fink, Kopprasch, etc. One etude should demonstrate technical ability and the other should demonstrate lyrical and expressive qualities. A technical and lyrical standard orchestral excerpt may be substituted for required etudes. Applicants who are interested in the Jazz Emphasis should submit a jazz etude or improvisation.
  3. Solo or single movement of student’s choice, to be selected from:
    Barat—Andante et Allegro
    Blazhevich—Concert Piece No. 5
    Grondahl—Concerto (mvt. 1)
    Guilmant—Morceau Symphonique
    The above list demonstrates the performance level expected for undergraduate study; other works of similar difficulty may be substituted. Applicants are encouraged to include works by under-represented, diverse composers as appropriate.

Bass trombone

  1. Major scales in 2 octaves
  2. Two contrasting etudes to be selected from Bordogni, Blazhevich, Fink, Kopprasch, etc. One etude should demonstrate technical ability and the other should demonstrate lyrical and expressive qualities. A technical and lyrical standard orchestral excerpt may be substituted for required etudes. Applicants who are interested in the Jazz Emphasis should submit a jazz etude or improvisation.
  3. Solo or single movement of student’s choice, to be selected from:
    Galliard—Six Sonatas (contrasting movements from one sonata)
    Jacob—Cameos (selected movements)
    Lebedev—Concerto in One Movement
    Marcello—Sonatas (contrasting movements from one sonata)
    McCarty—Sonata
    The above list demonstrates the performance level expected for undergraduate study; other works of similar difficulty may be substituted. Applicants are encouraged to include works by under-represented, diverse composers.

Piano accompaniment is optional.

Applicants may choose to audition in-person or remotely. To audition remotely, applicants must complete both of the following:

  1. Submit a recording
  2. Register for a Zoom interview with faculty.

More information about the audition process and recording specifications can be found here.

Essay prompt 

A short music essay is required with your application. Upload the essay on your status page. Please choose one of the following prompts: 

  • Tell us why you would like to be a music major, describe your most powerful musical experience and list your future goals as a musician. Comment on your musical background and share anything else you would like us to know.
  • “Music lets you rediscover your humanity, and your connection to humanity.” -Hans Zimmer. In what ways do you believe music can or should connect people across difference?

Degree sheets

Trombone studio     

Brass + percussion 

Graduate trombone audition requirements

A pre-screening recording is required for all graduate trombone applicants.

Pre-screening repertoire

10-15 minutes of music (solo, excerpts and/or etudes). Pre-screening material can be from the live audition lists, or material of equivalent difficulty.

Live auditions

Tenor trombone

  • Solo work(s)
  • Two contrasting etudes from the trombone literature (Bordogni, Blazhevich, Kopprash, etc.)
  • Three contrasting orchestral excerpts
  • Sight reading
  • DMA candidates should be prepared to perform 30 minutes of music.

The following list demonstrates the performance level expected for graduate study. Other works of similar difficulty may be substituted. Applicants are encouraged to select repertoire from under-represented composers as appropriate.

  1. Barfield–Red Sky
  2. Bernofsky–Two Latin Dances
  3. Bozza–Ballade
  4. Casterede–Sonatine
  5. Ewazen–Sonata
  6. Grondahl–Concerto
  7. Jacob–Concerto
  8. Mills–Red Dragonfly
  9. Peaslee–Arrows of Time
  10. Ropartz–Piece in E-flat minor

Orchestral excerpts: Please select three excerpts from the following list:

  1. Mozart–Tuba Mirum from Requiem
  2. Berlioz–Hungarian March
  3. Wagner–Ride of the Valkyries
  4. Ravel–Bolero
  5. Rossini–La gazza ladra
  6. Rossini–William Tell
  7. Saint–Saens–Symphony No. 3 (organ)
  8. Mahler–Symphony No. 3
  9. Brahms–Symphony No. 1 or No. 4

Optional material: Please feel free to include other material that demonstrates your performance abilities–jazz, contrasting etudes, unaccompanied literature, etc.

Bass trombone

  • Solo work(s)
  • Two contrasting etudes from the trombone literature (Bordogni, Blazhevich, Kopprash, etc.)
  • Three contrasting orchestral excerpts
  • Sight reading
  • DMA candidates should be prepared to perform 30 minutes of music.

The following list demonstrates the performance level expected for graduate study (other works of similar difficulty may be substituted).

  1. Bozza–New Orleans
  2. Candillari–Extremely Close
  3. Casterede–Fantasie Concertante
  4. Defaye/Knaub–Deux Danses
  5. Koetsier–Allegro Maestoso
  6. Lebedev–Concerto in One Movement
  7. Mills–Catharsis
  8. Spillman–Concerto
  9. White–Tetra Ergon
  10. Wilborn–Jazz Triptych


Orchestral Excerpts: Please select three from the following list:

  1. Beethoven–Symphony No. 9
  2. Haydn–The Creation
  3. Berlioz–Hungarian March
  4. Wagner–Ride of the Valkyries
  5. Wagner–Entry of the Gods into Valhalla
  6. Schumann–Symphony No. 3 (Rhenish)
  7. Respighi–Fountains of Rome
  8. Rossini–William Tell

Optional material: Please feel free to include other material that demonstrates your performance abilities–jazz, contrasting etudes, unaccompanied literature etc.

Recorded auditions

Live auditions are strongly preferred. A recorded audition (live performance or studio recording) may be submitted in place of a live audition. Please see the recorded audition guidelines for information on submitting a recording.

A live audition is required to qualify for Teaching Assistantships. Applicants unable to travel for a live audition should contact their respective faculty member directly. Requirements for a recorded audition are identical to a live audition. Editing within a movement is prohibited. Any indication of editing may disqualify the candidate from admission. The recording (audio/video) must be in a digital format with high quality audio. 
Please note that while recorded auditions will be given full consideration, the best demonstration of your musical ability is through a live audition.

Artist Diploma auditions

For information on auditioning on trombone or bass trombone for the Artist Diploma program, see the documents below:

Graduate degree sheets

Trombone studio     
Brass + percussion page 

Applications for Artist Diploma in solo instrumental performance are only accepted in percussion (marimba/vibraphone), strings (violin, viola, cello, bass, guitar, harp), jazz and woodwinds (bassoon, clarinet, flute, oboe, saxophone). 

Artist Diploma in solo instrumental performance 

Applications for Artist Diploma in chamber music performance are only accepted in strings (violin, viola, cello, bass).​

Applications for Artist Diploma in orchestral performance are only accepted in brass (trumpet, trombone, horn, tuba), strings (violin, viola, cello, bass, guitar, harp) and woodwinds (bassoon, clarinet, oboe).

Artist Diploma in orchestral performance