Strings audition information
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.
Undergraduate strings
Undergraduate application instructions
Graduate application instructions
Audition requirements
Three contrasting works (or movements from works) demonstrating different music styles. Works by female composers and BIPOC composers are strongly encouraged.
For example:
- One movement from a violin concerto
- One movement from a solo violin work
- One work (or movement) from a piece of your choosing
Repertoire may be chosen from any era and may include works such as:
- Concerto: One movement of a concerto from the standard repertoire, such as Barber, Beethoven, Brahms, Dvorak, Elgar, Haydn, Higdon, Korngold, Lalo, Mozart, Price, Prokofiev, Saint-Saëns, Schumann, Shostakovich, Sibelius, Tchaikovsky or Wieniawski.
- Solo work: One movement from: the Bach Sonatas and Partitas, Ysaye Sonatas, Hindemith or Porkofiev Solo Sonatas, or Etudes/Caprices by Dont, Rode, Fiorillo, Paganini, Wieniawski or Vieuxtemps.
- Free Choice work: Standard encore type work by composers like Sarasate, Wieniawski, Kreisler, Heifetz, Kroll, Achron, Paganini, Brahms or Beethoven, and/or contemporary works such as Schnittke Fuga, Tower Platinum Spirals, Auerbach Preludes, Pärt Fratres.
The above works are only examples, if you have repertoire not on the list it is entirely acceptable, please contact us with any questions about specific repertoire choices.
Applicants may choose to audition in-person or remotely. To audition remotely, applicants must complete both of the following:
- Submit a recording
- Register for a Zoom interview with faculty.
If you choose to audition remotely, you should include the repertoire listed and each work should be recorded in one continuous, unedited clip. You may use any equipment at your disposal, including smartphones, but please make every attempt to submit the highest quality video possible. The camera should be positioned so that both hands and full range of bowing can be visible.
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
Undergraduate application instructions
Graduate application instructions
Audition requirements
Please prepare the repertoire listed below for viola auditions. Including works by female composers and BIPOC composers is encouraged.
- One movement from a viola concerto
- One movement from a Bach Solo Suite
- One work or movement from a piece of your choosing
Applicants may choose to audition in-person or remotely. To audition remotely, applicants must complete both of the following:
- Submit a recording
- Register for a Zoom interview with faculty.
If you choose to submit a recorded audition, you should include the repertoire listed above. You may submit multiple clips, but they should be unedited. You may use any equipment at your disposal, including smartphones, but please make every attempt to submit the highest quality video possible. The camera should be positioned so that both hands and full range of bowing can be visible.
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
Undergraduate application instructions
Graduate application instructions
Audition requirements
Three contrasting works (or movements from works) demonstrating different music styles. Works by female composers and BIPOC composers are strongly encouraged.
- One movement from a cello concerto
- One movement from a solo cello work
- One work (or movement) from a piece of your choosing
Repertoire may be chosen from any era and may include works such as:
- Concerto: One movement of a concerto from the cello repertoire, such as Barber, Bloch, Boccherini, Dvorak, Elgar, Haydn, Herbert, Lalo, Mumford, Prokofiev, Saint-Saëns, Schumann, Shostakovich or Tchaikovsky.
- Solo cello: One movement from the Bach Suites for Solo Cello, Dutilleux Trois Strophes, Lutoslawski Sacher Variation, Cassadó Suite, Golijov Omaramor, Leon Four Pieces, Ligeti Sonata, Mayuzumi Bunraku, Piatti Caprices, Perkinson Lamentations Black/Folk Song Suite (1973), Popper Etudes, Schuller Fantasy, Shaw In manus tuas or Sheng Seven Tunes Heard in China
- Free choice piece: Bloch Nigun, Cassadó Requiebros, Cassadó Danse du Diable Vert, Chopin Polonaise Brilliante, Chopin/Popper Nocturne No. 2 in E flat major, Op. 9, No. 2, Coleridge-Taylor Variations, Fauré Après un Rêve, Faure Papillons, Grant Still Summerland, Mendelssohn Songs Without Words, Popper Spinning Song or Elfentanz, Paganini Moses Variations, Schumann Adagio and Allegro Op. 70, Simon Lickety Split, Tchaikovsky Pezzo Capriccioso, Wallen Dervish or Yun Espace I (1992)
Applicants may choose to audition in-person or remotely. To audition remotely, applicants must complete both of the following:
- Submit a recording
- Register for a Zoom interview with faculty.
If you choose to submit a recorded audition, you should include the repertoire listed above. You may use any equipment at your disposal, including smartphones, but please make every attempt to submit the highest quality video possible. The camera should be positioned so that both hands and full range of bowing can be visible.
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
Undergraduate application instructions
Graduate application instructions
Audition requirements
Three contrasting works (or movements from works) demonstrating different music styles. Works by female composers and BIPOC composers are strongly encouraged.
- One movement from a sonata or concerto
- One movement from a solo double bass work
- An orchestral excerpt
Repertoire may be chosen from any era and may include works such as:
- Sonata or Concerto: One movement of a sonata (Marcello, Schubert, Sperger, Vivaldi, etc.) or concerto (Bottesini, Capuzzi, Dittersdorf, Dragonetti, Koussevitsky, etc.) from the double repertoire.
- Solo Double Bass One movement from a Bach Cello Suite, Dragonetti Waltz, David Ellis Sonata, Xavier Foley solo bass piece (Cranberry Lake), Miloslav Gajdos solo works or other work.
- Orchestral Excerpt: Beethoven Symphony 5 or 9, Brahms Symphony 1 or 2, Florence Price Symphony No.1, Wagner Mesitersinger or other work.
Applicants may choose to audition in-person or remotely. To audition remotely, applicants must complete both of the following:
- Submit a recording
- 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
Undergraduate application instructions
Graduate application instructions
Audition requirements
The audition consists of classical music played on a classical guitar (nylon strings, fingerstyle, no pick).
- Repertoire: You should be able to play at least three pieces from the standard classical repertoire. Repertoire for the audition must include three pieces from different historical periods. One of the pieces will be a study by Sor, Carcassi, Aguado or Giuliani; the other two will be your own choice (selections could include a prelude by Manuel Ponce, a short dance by Francisco Tárrega, a dance or prelude by J.S. Bach, etc).
You are encouraged, but not required, to present works by composers of varying backgrounds and stories. You may perform from music or from memory.
The above requirements also apply if you are applying to transfer from another institution at junior or senior level
Applicants may choose to audition in-person or remotely. To audition remotely, applicants must complete both of the following:
- Submit a recording
- Register for a Zoom interview with faculty.
While a single, continuous take is preferred, separate, unedited recordings will also be accepted. Only video recordings will be accepted. Please announce your name and repertoire selections at the beginning of the recording.
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
Undergraduate application instructions
Graduate application instructions
Audition requirements
Please prepare the following repertoire for harp auditions:
- Two contrasting pieces
- One orchestral excerpt
Applicants may choose to audition in-person or remotely. To audition remotely, applicants must complete both of the following:
- Submit a recording
- Register for a Zoom interview with faculty.
If you choose to submit a recorded audition, then you may submit either one unedited file or multiple files (unedited within each file).
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
Graduate strings
Graduate violin applicant requirements
Pre-screening recording
A pre-screening recording is required for all graduate string applicants. All applicants are required to submit their pre-screening recordings online to the Graduate Application by Dec. 1.
Repertoire requirements
Master’s of Music
- A movement of a Romantic or 20th century concerto
- Two contrasting movements of a Bach solo sonata or partita
- Additional piece of applicant’s choice (such as a show piece)
Doctor of Musical Arts
- A movement of a concerto - Beethoven, Romantic or 20th Century
- Two contrasting movements of a Bach sonata or partita
- A 20th, 21st Century work of applicant’s choice, post 1950
- Additional piece of applicant’s choice (such as a show piece)
IMPORTANT: When filling out the university application, violin applicants should request in the “Statement of Purpose” their preference for the violin professor with whom they would like to study
Live auditions
The live audition requirements are the same as listed above. In the live audition, memorization of works such as the concerto and Bach is required.
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.
Graduate degree sheets
Graduate viola applicant requirements
Pre-screening recording
A pre-screening recording is required for all graduate string applicants. All applicants are required to submit their pre-screening recordings online to the Graduate Application by Dec. 1. Pre-screening materials should remain the same throughout the audition process. If you have any questions about substitutions, please contact Professor Eckert at Erika.Eckert@colorado.edu.
Repertoire requirements
Master’s of Music
- A movement of a 20th century concerto
- Two contrasting movements of a Bach solo suite
- Additional piece of applicant’s choice
Doctor of Musical Arts
- A movement of a 20th century concerto
- Two contrasting movements of a Bach solo suite, sonata or partita
- A movement of a sonata
- Additional piece of applicant’s choice, post 1980
Live auditions
In the live audition, memorization of works such as the concerto and Bach is required.
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.
Graduate degree sheets
Graduate cello applicant requirements
Pre-screening recording
A pre-screening recording is required for all graduate string applicants. All applicants are required to submit their pre-screening recordings online to the Graduate Application by Dec. 1.
Repertoire requirements
Cello (Performance and Perf/Ped)
Four contrasting works (or movements from works) demonstrating different music styles. Works by female composers and BIPOC composers are strongly encouraged.
- One movement from a cello concerto
- One movement from a Bach solo suite for cello
- One movement from a solo cello work
- One work (or movement) from a piece of your choosing
Doctor of Musical Arts, Cello
Five contrasting works (or movements from works) demonstrating different music styles. Works by female composers and BIPOC composers are strongly encouraged.
- One movement from a cello concerto
- Two contrasting movements from a Bach solo suite for cello
- A 20th/21st Century work of applicant’s choice, post-1950
- One work (or movement) from a piece of your choosing
Artist Diploma, Cello (Solo)
Five contrasting works (or movements from works) demonstrating different music styles. Works by female composers and BIPOC composers are strongly encouraged.
- One movement from a cello concerto
- Two contrasting movements from a Bach solo suite for cello
- A 20th/21st Century work of applicant’s choice, post-1950
- One work (or movement) from a piece of your choosing
Artist Diploma, Cello (Chamber Music)
Five contrasting works (or movements from works) demonstrating different music styles. Works by female composers and BIPOC composers are strongly encouraged.
- One movement from a cello concerto
- Two contrasting movements from a Bach solo suite for cello
- A 20th/21st Century work of applicant’s choice, post-1950
- One work (or movement) from a piece of your choosing
- Chamber Music Repertoire List and Full Resume (please submit with application materials)
Artist Diploma (Cello, Orchestra Perf)
Four contrasting works (or movements from works) demonstrating different music styles. Works by female composers and BIPOC composers are strongly encouraged.
- One movement from a cello concerto
- One movement from a Bach solo suite for cello
- A 20th/21st Century work of applicant’s choice, post-1950
- One work (or movement) from a piece of your choosing
Plus 4 excerpts from the list below:
- Beethoven Symphony #5 (Andante con moto, opening to Letter D)
- Brahms Symphony #2 (Adagio non troppo, opening to Letter A)
- Brahms Symphony #3 (Poco allegretto, opening to Letter B)
- Debussy La Mer (2 bars before Rehearsal 9 to Rehearsal 10)
- Mozart Symphony #35, (Finale, opening to Letter E)
- Mendelssohn Scherzo (Letter C to D, Letter N to O)
- Strauss Don Juan, first page
- Strauss Ein Heldenleben, first page
- Tchaikovsky Symphony #4 (Andantino in modo di canzona, opening to Letter A)
- Verdi Offertorio (opening to bar 29)
Repertoire may be chosen from any era and may include works such as
Concerto: One movement of a concerto from the cello repertoire, such as Barber, Bloch, Boccherini, Dvorak, Elgar, Haydn, Herbert, Lalo, Mumford, Prokofiev, Saint-Saëns, Schumann, Shostakovich or Tchaikovsky.
Solo Cello: Selection(s) from the Bach Suites for Solo Cello, Dutilleux Trois Strophes, Lutoslawski Sacher Variation, Cassadó Suite, Golijov Omaramor, Leon Four Pieces, Ligeti Sonata, Mayuzumi Bunraku, Piatti Caprices, Perkinson Lamentations Black/Folk Song Suite (1973), Popper Etudes, Schuller Fantasy, Shaw In manus tuas or Sheng Seven Tunes Heard in China.
Free Choice Piece: Bloch Nigun, Cassadó Requiebros, Cassadó Danse du Diable Vert, Chopin Polonaise Brilliante, Chopin/Popper Nocturne No. 2 in E flat major, Op. 9, No. 2, Coleridge-Taylor Variations, Fauré Après un Rêve, Faure Papillons, Grant Still Summerland, Mendelssohn Songs Without Words, Popper Spinning Song or Elfentanz, Paganini Moses Variations, Schumann Adagio and Allegro Op. 70, Simon Lickety Split, Tchaikovsky Pezzo Capriccioso, Wallen Dervish or Yun Espace I (1992).
Post-1950 cello work: Dutilleux Trois Strophes, Crumb Sonata, Golijov Omaramor, Leon Four Pieces, Ligeti Sonata, Lutoslawski Sacher Variation, Mayuzumi Bunraku, Perkinson Lamentations Black/Folk Song Suite (1973), Schuller Fantasy, Shaw In manus tuas or Sheng Seven Tunes Heard in China.
Live auditions
The live audition requirements are the same as listed above. In the live audition, memorization of works such as the concerto and Bach is required.
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.
Graduate degree sheets
Graduate double bass applicant requirements
Pre-screening recording
A pre-screening recording is required for all graduate string applicants. All applicants are required to submit their pre-screening recordings online to the Graduate Application by Dec. 1.
Repertoire requirements
MM in Double Bass Performance
- One movement of solo work by Bach
- Two contrasting movements from a concerto
- Two orchestral excerpts
DMA in Double Bass Performance
- One movement of solo work by Bach
- Two contrasting movements from a concerto
- Two orchestral excerpts
Live auditions
The live audition requirements are the same as listed above. In the live audition, memorization of works such as the concerto and Bach is required.
Recorded auditions
While 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 Susan Cahill. 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.
Graduate degree sheets
Graduate classical guitar applicant requirements
Pre-screening recording
A pre-screening recording is required for all graduate string applicants. All applicants are required to submit their pre-screening recordings online to the Graduate Application by Dec. 1.
Repertoire requirements
Master’s of Music
- A substantial movement by J.S. Bach
- Two substantial pieces of the applicant’s choice
Doctor of Musical Arts
- Two contrasting movements from a single work of J.S. Bach
- Two contrasting movements from a sonata, suite or similar multi-movement work (Sor, Ponce, José, Castelnuove-Tedesco, Berkeley, Ginastera, Henze, Brouwer, Tippett, etc.) OR a substantial set of variations (19th century, Ponce, Britten, etc.)
- A substantial piece of the applicant’s choice
Live auditions
The live audition requirements are the same as listed above. In the live audition, memorization of works such as the concerto and Bach is required.
Recorded auditions
Please note that Associate Professor of Guitar Nicolò Spera will be in Italy during fall 2023 auditions. He will join auditions virtually rather than in-person to hear you play. 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.
Graduate Degree Sheets
Graduate harp applicant requirements
Pre-screening recording
A pre-screening recording is required for all graduate string applicants. All applicants are required to submit their pre-screening recordings online to the Graduate Application by Dec. 1.
Repertoire requirements
- Two contrasting pieces
- One orchestra excerpt
Live auditions
The live audition requirements are the same as listed above.
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.
Graduate degree sheets
Program overview
The College of Music at CU Boulder offers an Artist Diploma in string quartet performance for one string quartet to work intensively with members of the renowned Takács Quartet and other members of the string faculty. Applications will be open to 1) preformed string quartets and also 2) individuals who apply for ‘Artist Diploma string quartet performance’ who would like to be considered for placement in a new graduate string quartet formed by the Takács Quartet.
The next application will be available in Fall 2023 for entry in Fall 2024. The Takács Graduate Quartet Residency is a two-year position generously funded by the Starling Foundation and Takács Society. While participating in the program, the graduate quartet will play recitals, perform in master classes, receive regular coaching and collaborate with other instrumentalists and composers. A generous travel budget provides the quartet with support for competitions and concert opportunities outside of Boulder.
Eligibility for each member of the quartet
Minimum requirement: Bachelor’s Degree
Application timelines + requirements
Dec. 1, 2023: Online application materials due
- Application information:
- For preformed quartets: each member of the quartet should submit an application to the Artist Diploma in string quartet performance
- For individuals: Please apply for the Artist Diploma in string quartet performance to be considered for placement in a newly formed graduate quartet
- Pre-screening video requirements (submitted with online application via Slate)
- For preformed quartet: Three contrasting movements from different works that represent your quartet’s interests, values and overall mission
- For Individuals: A movement of a concerto, two contrasting movements of a Bach sonata or partita, a 20th or 21st century work of applicant’s choice, and an additional piece of the applicant’s choice
- Resumé (submitted with the online application)
- Preformed groups: please include a Quartet Resumé
- For Individuals: please include a professional resumé
Mid-Jan.: Pre-screening notifications/live audition invitations will be sent
Jan.-March TBD: Live audition/interview with Takács Quartet members will be scheduled
For questions about application requirements and deadlines, contact Harumi Rhodes.
Note: The Artist Diploma in solo instrumental performance is offered for violin, viola, cello, double bass and guitar.
Pre-screening recording
A pre-screening recording is required for all graduate string applicants. All applicants are required to submit their pre-screening recordings online to the Graduate Application by Dec. 1.
Repertoire requirements
Violin
- A movement of a concerto: Beethoven, Romantic or 20th Century
- Two contrasting movements of a Bach sonata or partita
- A 20th or 21st century work of applicant’s choice, post 1950
- Additional piece of applicant’s choice (such as a show piece)
Viola
- A movement of a 20th century concerto
- Two contrasting movements of a Bach solo suite, sonata or partita
- A movement of a sonata
- Additional piece of applicant’s choice, post 1980
Cello
- A movement of a Classical or Romantic concerto
- Two contrasting movements of a Bach solo suite
- A 20th or 21st century work of applicant's choice
Double Bass
- One movement of solo work by Bach
- Two contrasting movements from a concerto
- All excerpts from the list below:
- One movement from Bach Cello Suite and Concerto 1st movement
- Bach 2nd Orchestral Suite (Double and Badinerie)
- Mozart 35 (1st mvt, opening to measure 66; 4th mvt, measure 134 to the end)
- Beethoven 5 (3rd mvt, Scherzo and Trio)
- Beethoven 9 (4th mvt, recitative and March)
- Brahms 1 (1st mvt, Letter E to mm.189; 2nd mvt, measure 46 to 60)
- Strauss Heldenleben (#9 to 6 after #12, 2 before #61 to #70, #77 to #78)
Guitar
- Two contrasting movements from a single work of J.S. Bach
- Two contrasting movements from a sonata, suite or similar multi-movement work (Sor, Ponce, José, Castelnuove-Tedesco, Berkeley, Ginastera, Henze, Brouwer, Tippett, etc.) OR a substantial set of variations (19th century, Ponce, Britten, etc.)
- A substantial piece of the applicant’s choice
IMPORTANT: When filling out the university application, violin applicants should request in the “Statement of Purpose” their preference for the violin professor with whom they would like to study
Live auditions
The live audition requirements are the same as listed above. In the live audition, memorization of works such as the concerto and Bach is required.
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.
Degree sheet
Note: applications are not accepted for Artist Diploma in chamber music performance for double bass, harp and guitar.
Repertoire requirements
Violin
- A movement of a concerto: Beethoven, Romantic or 20th Century
- Two contrasting movements of a Bach sonata or partita
- A 20th or 21st century work of applicant's choice, post 1950
- Additional piece of applicant's choice (such as a show piece)
- Chamber music repertoire list and full resume (please submit with application materials)
Viola
- A movement of a 20th century concerto
- Two contrasting movements of a Bach solo suite, sonata or partita
- A movement of a sonata
- Additional piece of applicant’s choice, post 1980
- Chamber music repertoire list and full resume (please submit with application materials)
Cello
- A movement of a Classical or Romantic concerto
- Two contrasting movements of a Bach solo suite
- A 20th or 21st century work of applicant's choice
Chamber music repertoire list and full resume (please submit with application materials)
Degree Sheet
Note: The Artist Diploma in orchestral performance is offered for violin, viola, cello, double bass and harp.
Pre-screening recording
A pre-screening recording is required for all graduate string applicants. All applicants are required to submit their pre-screening recordings online to the Graduate Application by Dec. 1.
Repertoire requirements
Violin
- A movement of a concerto: Beethoven, Romantic or 20th Century
- Two contrasting movements of a Bach sonata or partita
- A 20th or 21st century work of applicant's choice, post 1950
- Additional piece of applicant's choice (such as a show piece)
- 4 excerpts from the list below:
- Don Juan (first page)
- Mozart 39 (1st mvt, m.26 - C; 4th mvt, opening to B)
- Mendelssohn Scherzo (opening to E)
- Prokofiev Classical Symphony (1st mvt, opening to H; 4th mvt, opening to D)
- Schumann 2, Scherzo (opening to m.54)
- Brahms Symphony 4 (1st mvt ,m.392-end; 3rd mvt, up to C)
- Copland Symphony 3 (4th mvt., m.89-93)
- Mahler 5th (1st mvt, #7 to #11)
Viola
- A movement of a 20th century concerto
- Two contrasting movements of a Bach solo suite, sonata or partita
- A movement of a sonata
- Additional piece of applicant’s choice, post 1980
- 4 excerpts from the list below:
- Beethoven 3 (3rd mvt, beginning to letter B)
- Beethoven 5 (2nd mvt m. 1-10, 49-59, and 98-106)
- Berlioz Roman Carnival (reh.1-4)
- Brahms Haydn (Variations V and VII)
- Mendelssohn Scherzo (beginning to letter D)
- Mozart 35 (1st mvt, beginning to measure 66; 4th mvt, m. 134-181)
- Ravel Daphnis and Chloe (reh. 158-166 and 212-218)
- Strauss Don Juan (beginning to letter D)
- Tchaikovsky 6 (1st mvt, m.19-88)
Cello
- A movement of a Classical or Romantic concerto
- Two contrasting movements of a Bach solo suite
- A 20th or 21st century work of applicant’s choice
- 4 excerpts from the list below:
- Strauss: Don Juan (first page)
- Strauss: Ein Heldenleben (first page)
- Mendelssohn Scherzo
- Mozart 35 (mvt IV)
- Beethoven 5 (mvt II)
- Beethoven 5 (mvt III)
- Verdi Requiem (Offertorio)
- Debussy (La Mer)
Double Bass
- One movement of solo work by Bach
- Two contrasting movements from a concerto
- All excerpts from the list below:
- One movement from Bach Cello Suite and Concerto 1st movement
- Bach 2nd Orchestral Suite (Double and Badinerie)
- Mozart 35 (1st mvt, opening to measure 66; 4th mvt, measure 134 to the end)
- Beethoven 5 (3rd mvt, Scherzo and Trio)
- Beethoven 9 (4th mvt, recitative and March)
- Brahms 1 (1st mvt, Letter E to mm.189; 2nd mvt, measure 46 to 60)
- Strauss Heldenleben (#9 to 6 after #12, 2 before #61 to #70, #77 to #78)
Harp
- Choose one:
- Handel: Concerto in Bb, 1st movement
- Mozart: Harp and Flute Concerto, 1st movement
- Choose one:
- Ravel: Introduction and Allegro
- Debussy: Danse sacreé et Danse profane
- Choose four (4) excerpts from the following:
- Bartok: Concerto for Orchestra
- mvt 1: M 157-198
- mvt 3: M 63-71
- mvt 4: M 42-58
- Berlioz: Symphonie fantastique
- mvt 2
- Mahler: Symphony No. 5, Adagietto
- Beg. - 2
- Donizetti: Lucia di Lammermor
- Ravel: Tzigane
- 4 - 5
- Strauss: Don Juan
- D - N
- Verdi: Overture to La forza del destino
- Bartok: Concerto for Orchestra
IMPORTANT: When filling out the university application, violin applicants should request in the “Statement of Purpose” their preference for the violin professor with whom they would like to study
Live auditions
The live audition requirements are the same as listed above. In the live audition, memorization of works such as the concerto and Bach is required.
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.