Oboe 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.

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

Audition requirements

Students can submit either one unedited file or multiple files (unedited within each file). Please see 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.

If you cannot complete a live audition, then you may submit a recording. Students can submit either one unedited file or multiple files (unedited within each file). Please see the recorded audition guidelines for information on submitting a recording. 

Degree sheets

Oboe studio     
Woodwinds

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

  1. Mozart Concerto, movement I, exposition; movement II

  2. Brahms Violin Concerto, movement II 

  3. Ravel "Le Tombeau de Couperin," movement I 
and III
  4. 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 

Oboe studio     
Woodwinds

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