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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.
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.
If you choose to submit a recorded audition, please notice that repertoire requirements are the same for a recorded audition and live audition. Please see the recorded audition guidelines for information on submitting a recording. 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. View tips for the audition here.
Review degree sheets >>
Contact the Ritter Family Classical Guitar Program Visit the strings page
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 December 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
Contact the Ritter Family Classical Guitar Program Visit the Strings page
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.