Woodwinds 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 woodwinds
Undergraduate application instructions
Graduate application instructions
Tips for finding your flute home
- Do your research! Explore the offerings of both the school and the teacher. In a flute studio it’s all about finding the right fit, both for the student and the teacher.
- Attend masterclasses, summer programs, lessons and performances of your prospective professor.
- Ask questions and always stay in professional contact with the professor. When in doubt, err on the side of formality.
- Prepare early and completely the repertoire for the audition.
- Consider memorization.
- Consider writing your own cadenza for your Mozart Concerto.
- Apply to a range of schools.
Remember that the audition process is like a ping-pong match full of serves, volleys and fun!
Please enjoy this beautiful article written by Juilliard professor Jeanne Baxtresser. Colorado flutists, visit the flute studio page for helpful information.
Audition requirements
- No pre-screening required for undergraduate flutists
Required repertoire:
- Mozart—Concerto in G Major, K. 313 or D Major, K. 314 (first movement plus cadenza)
- Two contrasting pieces [we strongly suggest selecting a piece by a diverse BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, people of color) composer*]
- Two standard orchestral excerpts of your choice
*These two lists contain many options for students to choose from:
- Flute music by Black composers
- Flute music by Black composers (compiled by Savannah Rose Ridley)
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?
Dgree sheets
Undergraduate application instructions
Graduate application instructions
Audition requirements
Audition repertoire should include at least two selections of contrasting style, for example: one selection could be slow and melodic and the other could be more technically oriented. You are encouraged to include 2-3 short orchestral excerpts as well.
Possible selections include portions of the following:
- Etudes from the Rose 32 or 40 Etudes
- Standard older works such as the Concertino of Weber, Mozart Concerto, Stravinsky Pieces, etc.
- Shorter new works which may show yet another musical style. Here, you may wish to perform works of underrepresented composers, often non-male or BIPOC composers.
- Jury style pieces such as the Cavallini Adagio and Tarantella, Rabaud Solo de Concours, Finzi Bagatelles, etc.
- Other works you feel demonstrate your best playing
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.
Recorded auditions should include some of the repertoire listed above and 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 you and the clarinet are fully visible, from the bell of the instrument to the top of your head. Typically, if you are looking at music on a stand while recording, this will mean the best camera angle is an oblique side angle, where your face and the instrument are visible. The total length of your recorded audition should be approximately 6-12 minutes, so make cuts accordingly. Piano accompaniment is not required, but if you record with piano, please credit the pianist. If you play E-flat or Bass Clarinet, you may record something on those instruments if you feel it shows you off well, but the regular clarinet should be the main focus.
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
Students can submit either one unedited file or multiple files (unedited within each file). Please check out the recorded audition guidelines for specific information on submitting a recording. Please note that in addition to recorded auditions, live auditions (in-person or virtual) are strongly encouraged. The repertoire listed below is to be used for both the recording and also a live audition.
The repertoire listed below is to be used for both the recording and also a live audition. Please prepared and play 10 minutes of music from among the following:
- Repertoire
- Two selections in contrasting styles, chosen to best demonstrate the ability of the student. These selections should be from different pieces with one slow and the other fast.
- One selection may be from a standard etude book or method, such as Barret, Ferling, Sellner, Rubank, Brod, etc.
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 repertoire list below contains examples appropriate for both recorded and live auditions. Other compositions from 1600 - to recently composed or discovered works may be performed. Please contact Yoshiyuki (Yoshi) (ishikawa@colorado.edu) for questions regarding audition repertoire. Piano accompaniment is not required. The total duration of the audition is 10 minutes.
Repertoire
- Two selections in contrasting styles and from different compositions are required. One selection may be a standard etude. A wide range of solo repertoire is available for the bassoon from standard to newly written works. Consult with your lesson instructor and select the most appropriate works to demonstrate your musicianship and proficiency.
- The following are examples (not limited to the list) of standard repertoire. A movement from one composition may be combined with a movement from a different work.
- Études
- Ludwig Milde—Concert Studies Op. 26 Books I + II
- Alberto Orefici—20 Melodic Studies
- Eugène Jancourt—26 Melodi Studies
- Solos
- Antonio Vivaldi—Bassoon Concerto
- Antonio Vivaldi—Sonata for Cello
- Jerome Besozzi—Sonata for Bassoon
- G.P. Telemann—Sonata in F minor
- Bach—Cello Suites No. 1-4
- François Devienne—Sonata for Bassoon, Op. 24, No. 3 or No. 4
- W. A. Mozart—Concerto for Bassoon and Orchestra
- Carl Maria von Weber—Concerto for Bassoon and Orchestra
- Carl Maria von Weber—Andante and Hungarian Rondo
- Francisco Mignone—Concerto for Bassoon and Orchestra
- Eugene Bozza—Recit Scicilienne et Rondo
- Burrell Phillipps—Concert Piece for Bassoon and Orchestra
- Alec Wilder—Sonata No. 1 or No. 2 for Bassoon and Piano
- Études
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
No pre-screening required for undergraduate saxophonists.
Scales
All 12 major scales and a full-range chromatic scale.
Repertoire
- Two contrasting selections from the saxophone repertoire.
- One selection may be from a standard etude book, such as Ferling, Lacour, Voxman, etc.
All selections are to be chosen to best demonstrate the ability of the student. If you have any questions regarding audition repertoire, contact Nathan Mertens, nathan.mertens@colorado.edu.
The total duration of the audition is 10 minutes and piano accompaniment is not required.
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
Graduate woodwinds
Audition requirements for 2025 flute applicants
- Pre-screening required: due Dec. 1 (repertoire below)
Note: Professor of Flute Christina Jennings is not accepting DMA applications for this cycle. There is one anticipated TA position for this cycle.
Pre-screening recording
Please prepare a range of selections for your audition, including:
- Mozart: Concerto in G Major, K. 313 or D Major, K. 314 (first movement, only)
- One contrasting piece (solo or etude)
- Two standard orchestral excerpts
Note: Piano accompaniment is not necessary.
It’s important that you record these selections with a high-quality microphone. If you would like to include other pieces of your choice, these will be listened to. Please feel free to submit supporting materials (optional), such as a résumé or biography.
All pre-screening recordings must be submitted online to the Graduate Application on or before December 1. Students are encouraged to upload supporting materials along with their recordings.
Live auditions + recorded auditions for fall 2025
Students invited to the in-person auditions will be notified of their acceptance to the auditions by late December.
Required repertoire:
- Mozart: Concerto in G Major, K. 313 or D Major, K. 314 (first and second movements plus cadenza)
- Two contrasting pieces [one must be by a diverse BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, People of Color) composer*]
- Four standard orchestral excerpts of your choice
*These two lists contain many options for students to choose from:
- Flute music by Black composers
- Flute music by Black composers (compiled by Savannah Rose Ridley)
Live auditions are strongly preferred. Students who are unable to travel to Boulder for a live audition may submit a high-quality recorded audition. Please see the Recorded Audition Guidelines for information on submitting a recording.
Graduate degree sheets
Graduate clarinet applicant requirements
Pre-screening recordings are required of all graduate clarinet applicants, and should be submitted online to the graduate application on or before December 1.
Repertoire should include 2-3 standard repertoire works from live performances and/or studio sessions, and individual movements or excerpts from longer works are fine. At least one selection should be with piano or orchestral accompaniment, and variety of musical styles is important. You are strongly encouraged to include some music written by underrepresented composers. Also, submit 3-5 short standard orchestral excerpts. Please submit video performances, and make sure that at least one track has a video view of your playing including a clear view of your body head-to-toe with the clarinet visible, and not hidden by a music stand. The total length of your pre-screening recording need not exceed 10 minutes, and it is fine if it is longer.
Piano accompaniment
If you wish to use a pianist, Professor Silver can supply names and contact information of suitable pianists in the area. Due to college-wide auditions happening concurrently and a shortage of suitable personnel, we regret we cannot provide collaborative accompanists. Performing your live audition with a pianist is the norm, and completely acceptable.
Recorded auditions
Live auditions are very 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.
Applicants: Please see updates to assistantship requirements here
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 oboe applicant requirements
Pre-screening recordings are not required for graduate oboe applicants.
Live auditions
Auditions are an important part of determining scholarship and other award assignment. Applicants should be prepared to play several works, approximately 12-15 minutes of music.
Required repertoire
- Mozart Concerto, movement I, exposition; movement II
- Brahms Violin Concerto, movement II
- Ravel "Le Tombeau de Couperin," movement I and III
- Further repertoire of your choice.
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 bassoon applicant requirements
Pre-screening audition
Pre-screening is required for all graduate bassoon applicants. Submit an audio or video recording online to the graduate application on or before Dec. 1. Include 2-3 standard works from live performances and/or studio sessions, and individual movements or excerpts from longer works. Repertoire should represent a variety of musical styles. Also, submit 3-5 short standard orchestral excerpts. The total length of the pre-screening recording should be 10-15 minutes. Longer recordings are acceptable. The recording (audio/video) must be in digital format with high quality audio. A live pre-screening may be arranged by contacting Professor Ishikawa at ishikawa@colorado.edu.
Live audition
A live audition is strongly preferred and is required to qualify for a Teaching Assistantship. Exceptions will be considered for international applicants. Applicants unable to travel for a live audition should contact Dr. Ishikawa directly at ishikawa@colorado.edu.
Repertoire must include a minimum of three solo movements representing three different styles, and five orchestral excerpts from standard repertoire. Non-standard repertoire by historically underrepresented groups is welcomed. The total length of a live audition is 20 minutes.
If you wish to use a pianist, Professor Ishikawa can supply the names and contact information for pianists in the area. The College of Music cannot provide collaborative accompanists.
Recorded audition
A recorded audition (live performance or studio recording) may be submitted in place of a live audition. Repertoire requirements for a recorded audition are identical to the live audition. Editing within a movement is prohibited. Any indication of editing may disqualify a candidate from admission. The recording (audio/video) must be in 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 saxophone applicant requirements
Accepting DMA applicants for fall 2026 (one accepted every three years).
Pre-screening
All graduate saxophone applicants will be pre-screened through a recording/video round. Please submit an audio or video recording online to the graduate application on or before Dec. 1. This recording should be no longer than 20 minutes in length and include two to three contrasting selections that best represent your artistic abilities and values.
Live auditions
Students invited to the in-person auditions will be notified of their acceptance to the auditions by mid/late Dec.
Please prepare at least three contrasting works for the 20-minute live audition that best showcase your artistic abilities and values and include at least one female-identifying/gender diverse composer and/or composer of color. In addition to your playing, please be prepared to discuss your repertoire decisions and career aspirations. All students who wish to be considered for the fall 2026 Teaching Assistantship position must also complete an interview and teach a mini-lesson to an undergraduate students. The interviews are expected to occur on the day preceding the scheduled auditions, along with a trial lesson provided by Assistant Professor of Saxophone Nathan Mertens.
Note: Piano accompaniment is not required for the live audition.
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. 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.
A live audition and interview are required to qualify for the vacant fall 2026 Teaching Assistantship. Applicants unable to travel for a live audition, contact Nathan Mertens, nathan.mertens@colorado.edu.