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Audition days Recorded auditions Study area requirements听
Auditions, portfolios and/or interviews are required for all College of Music degree programs. In-person听and remote options are available听although we suggest attending an in-person day if possible. Carefully review the requirements and deadlines for your area of study on this page.听
Note: If you鈥檙e already a 精品SM在线影片 student and wish听to audition for one of our ensembles, visit our听ensembles听page.听
Audition days
Auditions and interviews for the fall semester occur鈥痮ver three live audition weekends in January-February. You will be asked for your audition date preference within the College of Music application for our planning purposes; you will select your audition time in December-January.鈥疉udition days are a full-day experience with orientation activities including tours, faculty meet-and-greets and more!听
Live audition dates
- Jan. 18, 2025: 听
- Jan. 25, 2025:
- Feb. 8, 2025:
Musical theatre auditions are a two-day process. Voice and monologue auditions are on听Friday afternoon and dance auditions are on Saturday morning.听The musical theatre virtual auditions take place on Friday only, with optional activities on Saturday morning:听
- Jan. 17 + 18, 2025:听
- Jan. 24 + 25, 2025:
- Feb. 7听+ 8,听2025:
Accommodations
Need a place to stay in Boulder? We鈥檙e pleased to partner with the Hiltons of Boulder to provide room, dining and parking discounts at three hotels conveniently located near campus. Learn more听about our hotel partners and rates.
Recorded auditions
Aren鈥檛 able to听travel to Boulder? A remote audition process is available. All applicants wishing to audition remotely must submit a recorded audition AND register for a virtual interview with faculty. Virtual interview slots will be available on all three of the college-wide audition days (above). The virtual interview is a chance for you to meet faculty in your instrument area and discuss your goals.听听
- Deadlines
- Pre-screening recordings (voice and musical theatre) must be submitted by Dec. 1.
- Portfolios (composition and music production) must be submitted by December 1.听
- All other recorded auditions must be submitted by Feb.鈥�1, but preferably prior to your virtual interview date.听
- We accept the following (please do not send DVDs or CDs):
- Video: .avi, .flv, .m1v, .m2v, .m4v, .mkv, .mpeg, .mpg, .mp4, .webm, .wmv
- Links: You may upload links to听YouTube videos听under 鈥淯pload Recordings鈥擴pload Link.鈥� Please only upload links to YouTube,听not听to SoundCloud, Google Drive听or Vimeo.
- You must submit your recordings via your 精品SM在线影片 Application听.
- After submitting the 精品SM在线影片听application, you will receive an email from Undergraduate Admissions with your login information.
- Log in and view your听Application Status page. From this portal, you may upload recordings听via the music application tab (tab 2).听If you鈥檙e having trouble with this process, please reach out to Undergraduate Admissions.
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Audition requirements
Undergraduate brass + percussion
Undergraduate application instructions
Graduate application instructions
Audition requirements
Audition material is flexible and鈥攚hile there is no required repertory list鈥攃andidates should choose works that demonstrate their very best in both technical and lyrical playing.
- Scale:听C chromatic scale (two octaves)
- Solo:听Two contrasting solos or movements from major solo literature (i.e. Haydn, Hummel, Arutunian, Hindemith, Kennan, Stevens, Enesco, etc.)
- Etudes:听One to two听etudes from Charlier, Arban, Bousquet, Brandt, Goldman, Bitsch, etc.
- Excerpts:听Three to four听standard orchestral excerpts
- It is strongly discouraged that candidates perform any region/all-state etudes.
If you have any questions about repertoire, please contact Ryan Gardner.
Applicants may choose to audition in-person or remotely. To audition remotely, applicants must complete both听of听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听听
A short music essay is required with your application. Upload the essay on your status page. Please choose one of the following prompts:听听
- Tell us why you would like to be a music major, describe your most powerful musical experience鈥痑nd list your future goals as a musician. Comment on your musical background and share anything else you would like us to know.听
- 鈥淢usic lets you rediscover your humanity, and your connection to humanity.鈥� -Hans Zimmer. In what ways do you believe music can or should connect people across difference?听
Degree sheets
Undergraduate application instructions
Graduate application instructions.
Audition requirements
Trombone
- Major sacles in 2 octaves
- 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.
- Solo or single movement of student鈥檚 choice, to be selected from:
叠补谤补迟鈥�Andante et Allegro
叠濒补锄丑别惫颈肠丑鈥�Concert Piece No. 5
骋谤辞苍诲补丑濒鈥�Concerto (mvt. 1)
骋耻颈濒尘补苍迟鈥�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
- Major scales in 2 octaves
- Two contrasting etudes to be selected from Bordogni, Blazhevich, Fink, Kopprasch, etc. One etude should demonstrate technical ability听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.
- Solo or single movement of student鈥檚 choice, to be selected from:
骋补濒濒颈补谤诲鈥�Six Sonatas (contrasting movements from one sonata)
闯补肠辞产鈥�Cameos (selected movements)
尝别产别诲别惫鈥�Concerto in One Movement
惭补谤肠别濒濒辞鈥�Sonatas (contrasting movements from one sonata)
惭肠颁补谤迟测鈥�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听of听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听听
A short music essay is required with your application. Upload the essay on your status page. Please choose one of the following prompts:听听
- Tell us why you would like to be a music major, describe your most powerful musical experience鈥痑nd list your future goals as a musician. Comment on your musical background and share anything else you would like us to know.听
- 鈥淢usic lets you rediscover your humanity, and your connection to humanity.鈥� -Hans Zimmer. In what ways do you believe music can or should connect people across difference?听
Degree sheets
Undergraduate application instructions
Graduate application instructions.
Audition requirements
Where possible, you are encouraged to include works by historically underrepresented composers in your audition repertoire. Find compendiums and resources from the听,听听and 精品SM在线影片鈥檚 very own听American Music Research Center.
- 惭辞锄补谤迟鈥�concerto of choice (K. 412, K. 417, K. 447 or K.495), mvmt. 1 exposition
- Contrasting solo work of choice
- Orchestral excerpts (please choose three excerpts from the list below. Excerpts may be downloaded from听):
- 叠别别迟丑辞惫别苍鈥�Symphony No. 3, Mvmt. 3 Trio, Hn. 2听
- 叠别别迟丑辞惫别苍鈥�Symphony No. 7, Mvmt. 1
- 叠谤补丑尘蝉鈥�Symphony No. 3, Mvmt. 3 Hn. 1
- 惭耻蝉蝉辞谤驳蝉办测/搁补惫别濒鈥�Pictures at an Exhibition, Promenade, Hn. 1
- 笔谤颈肠别鈥�Symphony No. 1, Mvmt. 3 (Juba Dance) Hn. 1
- 搁补惫别濒鈥�Pavane for a Dead Princess, Hn. 1
- 厂丑辞蝉迟补办辞惫颈肠丑鈥�Symphony 5, Mvmt. 1 Hn. 1
- R. Strauss鈥�Don Juan, Hn. 1听
- 罢肠丑补颈办辞惫蝉办测鈥�Symphony No. 4, Mvmt. 1 Hn. 1 and 2
- 奥颈濒濒颈补尘蝉鈥�Star Wars Suite: 2. 听Princess Leia鈥檚 Theme
Applicants may choose to audition in-person or remotely. To audition remotely, applicants must complete both听of听the following:
- Submit a recording
- Register for a Zoom interview with faculty.
If you choose to submit a recorded audition, please complete the requirements for the live audition above. Each component of the recording should be unedited, but the final recording may be a compilation of your best version of each requirement.
More information about the audition process and recording specifications can be found here.
Essay prompt听听
A short music essay is required with your application. Upload the essay on your status page. Please choose one of the following prompts:听听
- Tell us why you would like to be a music major, describe your most powerful musical experience鈥痑nd list your future goals as a musician. Comment on your musical background and share anything else you would like us to know.听
- 鈥淢usic lets you rediscover your humanity, and your connection to humanity.鈥� -Hans Zimmer. In what ways do you believe music can or should connect people across difference?听
Degree sheets
Undergraduate application instructions
Graduate application instructions.
Audition requirements
-
Solo work (accompaniment optional)
- Two contrasting solos or etudes, or one piece with contrasting sections. One piece should demonstrate technical ability and the other should highlight lyrical and expressive qualities. Solos should be performed with piano accompaniment if possible (An accompanist can be provided with adequate notice for live auditions by contacting Professor Dunn).
- This repertoire may be selected from the following list (but is not limited to):
- Tuba
- Arnold, Malcolm 鈥�Fantasy, Op. 102听听听听听听听听听听听听听听听听听听听听听听听听听听听听听听听听听听听听
- Hartley, Walter S.鈥�Suite for Unaccompanied Tuba
- Bach, J.S., arr. Wm. Bell鈥�Air and Bouree听听听听听听听听听听听听听听听听听听听听听 听听听听
- Hindemith, Paul鈥�Sonata for Bass Tuba
- Barat, J. Edouard, arr. Glen Smith鈥�Introduction +听Dance 听听
- Lebedev, Alexi; arr. Allen Ostrander鈥�Concerto in One Movement
- Broughton, Bruce鈥�Sonata (Concerto)听听听听听听听听听听听听听听听听听听听听听听听听听听听听
- Marcello, Benedetto; trans. Little/Nelson鈥�Sonata No. I in F
- Capuzzi, Antonio; trans. Catelinet鈥�Andante and Rondo
- Marcello, Benedetto; trans. Little/Nelson鈥�Sonata No. V in C
- Gregson, Edward鈥�Concerto, mvt. 1听听听听听听听听听听听听听听听听听听听听听听听听听听听听听听听听
- Nelhybel, Vaclav鈥�Suite for Tuba and Piano
- Haddad, Don鈥�Suite for Tuba 听 听 听 听 听 听 听 听 听 听 听 听 听 听 听 听 听 听 听 听 听
- Vaughan Williams, Ralph鈥�Concerto for Tuba
- Euphonium
- Barat, Ed.鈥�Andante and Allegro 听 听 听 听 听 听 听 听 听 听 听 听 听 听 听 听 听 听听
- Guillmant, A.鈥�Morceau Symphonique
- Capuzzi, A.鈥�Andante and Rondo 听 听 听 听 听 听 听 听 听 听 听 听 听 听 听 听 听 听
- Marcello, B.鈥�Sonata in F Major
- Curnow, J.鈥�Rhapsody for Euphonium 听 听 听 听 听 听 听 听 听 听 听 听 听 听
- Mozart, W.鈥�Bassoon Concerto
- Tuba
-
Etude
- An etude of your choice that demonstrates tone, musicianship听and technique. The etude may be selected from the following list (but is not limited to):
- Tuba
- 鈥�Blazhevich听 听 听 听 听 听 听 听 听 听 听 听 听 听 听
- Kopprasch听 听 听 听 听 听 听 听
- Bordogni/Rochut听 听 听 听 听 听 听 听 听 听
- Shoemaker听 听 听 听 听 听 听 听
- Fink听 听 听 听 听 听 听 听 听 听 听 听 听 听 听 听 听 听 听 听
- Tyrell听 听 听 听 听 听 听 听 听 听 听 听 听 听 听 听 听 听 听 听 听 听 听
- Gregoriev听 听 听 听 听 听 听 听 听 听
- Euphonium
- Bordogni/Rochut听听听听听听听听听听听听听听听听听听听听
- Slama
- Kopprasch 听 听 听 听 听 听 听 听 听 听 听 听 听 听 听
- Voxman
- Tuba
Applicants may choose to audition in-person or remotely. To audition remotely, applicants must complete both听of听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听听
A short music essay is required with your application. Upload the essay on your status page. Please choose one of the following prompts:听听
- Tell us why you would like to be a music major, describe your most powerful musical experience鈥痑nd list your future goals as a musician. Comment on your musical background and share anything else you would like us to know.听
- 鈥淢usic lets you rediscover your humanity, and your connection to humanity.鈥� -Hans Zimmer. In what ways do you believe music can or should connect people across difference?听
Degree sheets
Undergraduate application instructions
Graduate application instructions.
Audition requirements听for performance (BM) +听music education (BME) majors
All auditionees are required to audition on Snare Drum and Mallets and match pitches by singing. You do not have to be an expert on all percussion but must demonstrate a strong musical background on both snare drum and mallets. However, the more instruments you play well, the higher we will rank you.鈥疘f you have questions, please don't hesitate to email us.听
In-person percussion auditions are typically 20 minutes. During that time you must play the three required areas (noted below) and read music. You may also play along with the instructors. Please prepare music accordingly.听
Applicants may choose to audition in-person or remotely. To audition remotely, applicants must complete both听of听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.
Snare drum - REQUIRED*听It has four components: rudiments, a rudimental solo, a concert etude and the concert roll
- Play these rudiments in a slow-fast-slow fashion: Single paradiddles, double paradiddles, nine stroke rolls, seven stroke rolls and alternating flams.听Start at a slow tempo, then accelerate the rudiment to your fastest speed, hold it for five seconds and then decelerate to the original speed. Each rudiment lasts around 25-30 seconds. Smoothly flowing motion and accents are important.
These sites may help:- ,
- One rudimental solo from these books by Charles Wilcoxon: The All-American Drummer听or Modern Rudimental Swing Solos. They do not have to be fast, but they should be smooth, without stopping.
- One concert snare drum etude, including multiple-bounce rolls & dynamic control from Anthony Cirone鈥檚 Portraits in Rhythm.
- Demonstrate a concert (multiple bounce) roll--start softly, crescendo to forte, then decrescendo to a soft, smooth roll. This process should last around 20 seconds.听
Mallets - REQUIRED*听 Marimba and/or vibraphone is fine.听Both components are required.听
- Play the Eb, Ab, A and E major scales for one octave, up and down. You may also play chord arpeggios or minor scales if you want, but these are not required.
- Play solo(s) OR etude(s) from a book for at least three minutes in total length which demonstrate your expressive musicianship.
- You can play two or four mallet pieces, accompanied or unaccompanied, --or a combination! We listen above all for your intelligent musical expression.听
Your teacher can help choose solos. Consider works by Mitchell Peters, Bill Molenhof, J.S. Bach, Earl Hatch, G. F Handel, G. H. Green, Bart Quartier听or Dale Anderson.听Steve Weiss Music听or your local music dealer has these and other good mallet works.
Timpani - You must match pitch by singing but the etude is optional. Both components are required.
- Demonstrate the ability to match pitch with your voice by playing the note Eb on a piano or marimba or vibes and then singing it. Then play G and sing it. Then play and sing the note A.
- Play a two-drum etude from the Goodman, Delecluse or Peters timpani methods (or similar material). Please tune the drums while recording. You may play a three or four drum etude if you wish. Please "lift" the tone out of the drums.听
If you do not have access to timpani for a recorded audition, that's OK. You do not have to play timpani for your audition (but you will sing for us).
OPTIONAL CHOICES:听Playing one or more of these options will show us your personal skills. Play one, none, or as many as you wish.听听
Drum set (optional)
- Play drum patterns or beats, with some 'fills" (Choose from these styles: swing, samba, bossa-nova, rock, funk, waltz, praise band, shuffle, etc.).
- In a medium swing style, "trade fours with yourself" (also possible: A short written-out or transcribed solo.)
Jazz vibes听(optional)
- Demonstrate knowledge of basic jazz scales and 7th chords or chord progressions
Degree sheets
Audition requirements for Bachelor of Arts majors (BA)
You may audition on just one instrument or several instruments.听
Choose from any combination of these instruments:听Marching Percussion, Concert Snare Drum, Drum Set, Marimba/Vibraphone, Timpani听and/or Jazz Vibraphone.听
Percussion auditions are typically 20 minutes. During that time you must play your selected area(s) and read music.听Live auditions (in-person and virtual)听may also include playing along with the instructors.
A. Marching percussion鈥攁ll components
- If you played snare, timpani, quints (quads) marimba or vibraphone in a high school, DCI, WGI or other marching group, send us a copy of your best recorded performance with them. Be sure to tell us where you are in the video. You must be audible.
- Play your show's marching solo (or group solo part) for us in either a live audition or in a video recording.
- Do an interview with the percussion faculty (in person or virtual) about your musical activities and plans.
B.听Concert snare drum鈥攂oth components: Rudiments + a concert etude
- Play these rudiments in a slow-fast-slow fashion: single paradiddles, nine stroke rolls, alternating flams. Start at a slow tempo, then accelerate the rudiment to your fastest speed, hold it there for five seconds and then decelerate to the original speed. Each rudiment lasts around 20-25 seconds. Smoothly flowing motion and accents are important.听
听听听
- One concert snare drum etude that includes multiple-bounce rolls, flams & dynamic control from Anthony Cirone鈥檚 Portraits in Rhythm.
C. Drum set鈥攁ll components
-
Play at least four drum patterns or beats, with some 'fills" (Choose from these styles: swing, samba, bossa-nova, rock, funk, waltz, praise band, shuffle, etc.).
-
In a medium swing style, "trade fours with yourself" (OPTIONAL: A short written-out, improvised or transcribed solo.)
-
Send us a recording or several recordings of you playing drum set in a live group performance. It can be a school jazz band or combo, a church praise band, any group you've played with, even a marching band. BUT you must be clearly seen, heard and identified in the recording.听
D. Classical marimba and/or vibraphone鈥攂oth components
- Play four major scales with at least 2 sharps or flats for one octave, up and down. You may also play chord arpeggios or minor scales if you want, but these are not required.
- Play solo(s) or etude(s) for at least two minutes in total length which demonstrate your expressive musicianship and accuracy. These may include popular songs or even concert band, percussion ensemble or orchestra parts
A teacher can help choose solos. Steve Weiss Music or a local music store has good mallet solos. If you wish, you may play music written for other instruments like flute or oboe.听
You can play two-mallet or four-mallet pieces, accompanied or unaccompanied, or a combination! We listen most for your intelligent musical expression.
E. Timpani鈥攂oth components
- Demonstrate pitch matching with your voice by playing the note Eb on a piano or marimba or vibes and then singing it. Then play G and sing it. Then play and sing the note A.
- Play a two-drum etude from the Goodman, Delecluse or Peters timpani methods (or similar material).You will tune the drums yourself. Please "lift" the tone out of the drums. You may play a three or four drum etude if you wish.听
F. Jazz vibes鈥攂oth components
- Demonstrate knowledge of basic jazz scales up and down AND 7th chords and chord progressions from standard tunes by playing them in arpeggios or block, four-mallet chords.
- Play an improvised solo (of at least one chorus) on a jazz tune. This may be a live performance for or with us, a studio or live recording with a group, or an unaccompanied solo.
Essay prompt听听
A short music essay is required with your application. Upload the essay on your status page. Please choose one of the following prompts:听听
- Tell us why you would like to be a music major, describe your most powerful musical experience鈥痑nd list your future goals as a musician. Comment on your musical background and share anything else you would like us to know.听
- 鈥淢usic lets you rediscover your humanity, and your connection to humanity.鈥� -Hans Zimmer. In what ways do you believe music can or should connect people across difference?听
Degree sheets
Undergraduate composition
Undergraduate application instructions
Graduate application instructions
For information on applying for College of Music ensembles, visit our鈥�ensembles page.听
Audition requirements
Undergraduate jazz studies
Undergraduate application instructions
Graduate application instructions
Audition requirements
In-person live: Prepare at least 3 selections of your choice from the styles and recommended songs listed below.
- 12-bar blues: Play the melody and then improvise over the form over a jazz blues of your choice such as: Blues for Alice, Au Privave, Blues Walk, Now鈥檚 The Time
- Medium up-tempo swing: Play the melody and then improvise over the form of a jazz 鈥渟tandard鈥� tune of your choice such as: Green Dolphin Street, All the Things You Are, Have You Met Miss Jones?, Lady Bird, Autumn Leaves, My Romance, Stella by Starlight, Days of Wine and Roses
- Bebop: Play the melody and improvise over the form on a bop tune such as Donna Lee, Confirmation, Ornithology, Oleo
- Latin/Bossa: Play the melody and improvise over the form on a tune such as: Black Orpheus, Blue Bossa, Girl From Impanema, Triste, Wave
- Ballad: Play the melody and improvise over the form on a tune such as: In a Sentimental Mood, Body and Soul, What鈥檚 New?, My One and Only Love, Misty, My Foolish Heart
- Jazz waltz: Play the melody and improvise over the form on a tune such as: Someday My Prince Will Come, Up Jumped Spring, All Blues, Bluesette
Applicants may choose to audition in-person or remotely. To audition remotely, applicants must complete both听of听the following:
- Submit a recording
- Register for a Zoom interview with faculty.
The recording should include at least 3 selections of your choice from the styles listed below. You can submit more than 3 if you like. You may submit separate recordings or a single continuous recording.
More information about the audition process and recording specifications can be found here.
Note: For accompaniment on your recorded audition, students can record with a live band or use play-along tracks such as iReal Pro, Aebersold recordings听or 鈥淟earn Jazz Standards鈥� on YouTube.鈥�
Essay prompt听听
A short music essay is required with your application. Upload the essay on your status page. Please choose one of the following prompts: 听
- Tell us why you would like to be a music major, describe your most powerful musical experience鈥痑nd list your future goals as a musician. Comment on your musical background and share anything else you would like us to know.听
- 鈥淢usic lets you rediscover your humanity, and your connection to humanity.鈥� -Hans Zimmer. In what ways do you believe music can or should connect people across difference?听
Degree sheets
Undergraduate application instructions
Graduate application instructions
Audition requirements
Prepare at least 3 selections of your choice from the styles and recommended songs listed below.
- 12-bar blues: Play the melody and then improvise over the form over a jazz blues of your choice such as: Blues for Alice, Au Privave, Blues Walk, Now鈥檚 The Time
- Medium up-tempo swing: Play the melody and then improvise over the form of a jazz 鈥渟tandard鈥� tune of your choice such as: Green Dolphin Street, All the Things You Are, Have You Met Miss Jones?, Lady Bird, Autumn Leaves, My Romance, Stella by Starlight, Days of Wine and Roses
- Bebop: Play the melody and improvise over the form on a bop tune such as Donna Lee, Confirmation, Ornithology, Oleo
- Latin/Bossa: Play the melody and improvise over the form on a tune such as: Black Orpheus, Blue Bossa, Girl From Impanema, Triste, Wave
- Ballad: Play the melody and improvise over the form on a tune such as: In a Sentimental Mood, Body and Soul, What鈥檚 New?, My One and Only Love, Misty, My Foolish Heart
- Jazz waltz: Play the melody and improvise over the form on a tune such as: Someday My Prince Will Come, Up Jumped Spring, All Blues, Bluesette
Applicants may choose to audition in-person or remotely. To audition remotely, applicants must complete both听of听the following:
- Submit a recording
- Register for a Zoom interview with faculty.
The recording should include at least 3 selections of your choice from the styles listed below. You can submit more than 3 if you like. You may submit separate recordings or a single continuous recording.
More information about the audition process and recording specifications can be found here.
Essay prompt听听
A short music essay is required with your application. Upload the essay on your status page. Please choose one of the following prompts: 听
- Tell us why you would like to be a music major, describe your most powerful musical experience鈥痑nd list your future goals as a musician. Comment on your musical background and share anything else you would like us to know.听
- 鈥淢usic lets you rediscover your humanity, and your connection to humanity.鈥� -Hans Zimmer. In what ways do you believe music can or should connect people across difference?听
Degree sheets
Undergraduate application instructions
Graduate application instructions
Audition requirements
Prepare at least 3 selections of your choice from the styles and recommended songs listed below.
- 12-bar blues: Play the melody and then improvise over the form over a jazz blues of your choice such as: Blues for Alice, Au Privave, Blues Walk, Now鈥檚 The Time
- Medium up-tempo swing: Play the melody and then improvise over the form of a jazz 鈥渟tandard鈥� tune of your choice such as: Green Dolphin Street, All the Things You Are, Have You Met Miss Jones?, Lady Bird, Autumn Leaves, My Romance, Stella by Starlight, Days of Wine and Roses
- Bebop: Play the melody and improvise over the form on a bop tune such as Donna Lee, Confirmation, Ornithology, Oleo
- Latin/Bossa: Play the melody and improvise over the form on a tune such as: Black Orpheus, Blue Bossa, Girl From Impanema, Triste, Wave
- Ballad: Play the melody and improvise over the form on a tune such as: In a Sentimental Mood, Body and Soul, What鈥檚 New?, My One and Only Love, Misty, My Foolish Heart
- Jazz waltz: Play the melody and improvise over the form on a tune such as: Someday My Prince Will Come, Up Jumped Spring, All Blues, Bluesette
Applicants may choose to audition in-person or remotely. To audition remotely, applicants must complete both听of听the following:
- Submit a recording
- Register for a Zoom interview with faculty.
The recording should include at least 3 selections of your choice from the styles listed below. You can submit more than 3 if you like. You may submit separate recordings or a single continuous recording.
More information about the audition process and recording specifications can be found here.
Note: For accompaniment on your recorded audition, students can record with a live band or use play-along tracks such as iReal Pro, Aebersold recordings听or 鈥淟earn Jazz Standards鈥� on YouTube.鈥�
Essay prompt听听
A short music essay is required with your application. Upload the essay on your status page. Please choose one of the following prompts: 听听听
- Tell us why you would like to be a music major, describe your most powerful musical experience鈥痑nd list your future goals as a musician. Comment on your musical background and share anything else you would like us to know.听
- 鈥淢usic lets you rediscover your humanity, and your connection to humanity.鈥� -Hans Zimmer. In what ways do you believe music can or should connect people across difference?听
Degree sheets
Undergraduate application instructions
Graduate application instructions
Audition requirements
Prepare at least 3 selections of your choice from the styles and recommended songs listed below.
- 12-Bar Blues:听Play the melody,听improvise over the form,听and demonstrate comping (i.e., chords) over a jazz blues of your choice such as: Blues for Alice, Au Privave, Blues Walk, Now鈥檚 The Time
- Medium Up-Tempo Swing:听Play the melody,听improvise over the form,听and demonstrate comping听over a jazz tunes of your choice such as: Green Dolphin Street, All the Things You Are, Have You Met Miss Jones?, Lady Bird, Autumn Leaves, My Romance, Stella by Starlight, Days of Wine and Roses
- Bebop:听Play the melody,听improvise over the form,听and demonstrate comping听on a bop tune such as Donna Lee, Confirmation, Ornithology, Oleo
- Latin/Bossa:听Play the chords to a Latin tune (or chord melody arrangement) of your choice such as: Black Orpheus, Blue Bossa, Girl From Impanema, Triste, Wave
- Ballad:听Play a ballad of your choice in chord melody style, such as: In a Sentimental Mood, Body and Soul, What鈥檚 New?, My One and Only Love, Misty, My Foolish Heart
- Jazz Waltz:听Play the melody,听improvise over the form,听and demonstrate comping听on a jazz waltz such as: Someday My Prince Will Come, Up Jumped Spring, All Blues, Bluesette
In addition to the jazz requirements listed above, jazz piano applicants must also play one鈥痗lassical excerpt (three minutes in length)鈥�.听
The鈥痗lassical piece can be of a style period of your choice (Baroque, Classical or Romantic鈥痜or example).鈥疉dditionally, please provide a list of any鈥痮ther classical repertoire you have studied or performed.听
Some suggestions for appropriate audition repertoire include:听
- J.S. 叠补肠丑鈥�Invention in A minor, No. 13
- F. Kuhlau鈥�ㄢ��Sonatina in C Major, Op. 55, No. 1
- F. Mendelssohn鈥�ㄌ��鈥淰enetian Gondolier,鈥� Op. 19, No. 6
- F. Chopin鈥�ㄢ��Prelude in E minor, Op. 28, No. 4
- D. Kabalevsky鈥��Sonatina Op. 13, No. 1
Applicants may choose to audition in-person or remotely. To audition remotely, applicants must complete both听of听the following:
- Submit a recording
- Register for a Zoom interview with faculty.
The recording should include at least 3 selections of your choice from the styles listed below. You can submit more than 3 if you like. You may submit separate recordings or a single continuous recording.
More information about the audition process and recording specifications can be found here.
Note: For accompaniment on your recorded audition, students can record with a live band or use play-along tracks such as iReal Pro, Aebersold recordings听or 鈥淟earn Jazz Standards鈥� on YouTube.鈥�
Essay prompt听听
A short music essay is required with your application. Upload the essay on your status page. Please choose one of the following prompts: 听
- Tell us why you would like to be a music major, describe your most powerful musical experience鈥痑nd list your future goals as a musician. Comment on your musical background and share anything else you would like us to know.听
- 鈥淢usic lets you rediscover your humanity, and your connection to humanity.鈥� -Hans Zimmer. In what ways do you believe music can or should connect people across difference?听
Degree sheets
Undergraduate application instructions
Graduate application instructions
Audition requirements
In-person live: Students will be asked to play music meeting the repertoire听requirements listed below.听
- 12-bar blues:听Play the melody,听improvise over the form,听and demonstrate comping (i.e., chords) over a jazz blues of your choice such as: Blues for Alice, Au Privave, Blues Walk, Now鈥檚 The Time
- Medium up-tempo swing:听Play the melody,听improvise over the form,听and demonstrate comping听over a jazz tunes of your choice such as: Green Dolphin Street, All the Things You Are, Have You Met Miss Jones?, Lady Bird, Autumn Leaves, My Romance, Stella by Starlight, Days of Wine and Roses
- Bebop:听Play the melody,听improvise over the form,听and demonstrate comping听on a bop tune such as Donna Lee, Confirmation, Ornithology, Oleo
- Latin/Bossa:听Play the chords to a Latin tune (or chord melody arrangement) of your choice such as: Black Orpheus, Blue Bossa, Girl From Impanema, Triste, Wave
- Ballad:听Play a ballad of your choice in chord melody style, such as: In a Sentimental Mood, Body and Soul, What鈥檚 New?, My One and Only Love, Misty, My Foolish Heart
- Jazz waltz:听Play the melody,听improvise over the form,听and demonstrate comping听on a jazz waltz such as: Someday My Prince Will Come, Up Jumped Spring, All Blues, Bluesette
Applicants may choose to audition in-person or remotely. To audition remotely, applicants must complete both听of听the following:
- Submit a recording
- Register for a Zoom interview with faculty.
The recording should include at least 3 selections of your choice from the styles listed below. You can submit more than 3 if you like. You may submit separate recordings or a single continuous recording.
More information about the audition process and recording specifications can be found here.
Note: For accompaniment on your recorded audition, students can record with a live band or use play-along tracks such as iReal Pro, Aebersold recordings听or 鈥淟earn Jazz Standards鈥� on YouTube.鈥�
Essay prompt听听
A short music essay is required with your application. Upload the essay on your status page. Please choose one of the following prompts: 听听
- Tell us why you would like to be a music major, describe your most powerful musical experience鈥痑nd list your future goals as a musician. Comment on your musical background and share anything else you would like us to know.听
- 鈥淢usic lets you rediscover your humanity, and your connection to humanity.鈥� -Hans Zimmer. In what ways do you believe music can or should connect people across difference?听
Degree sheets
Undergraduate application instructions
Graduate application instructions
Audition requirements
In-person live: Prepare at least 3 selections of your choice from the styles and recommended songs listed below.听
- 12-bar blues:听Play the melody,听improvise over the form,听and demonstrate walking a bass line over a jazz blues of your choice such as: Blues for Alice, Au Privave, Blues Walk, Now鈥檚 The Time
- Medium up-tempo swing:听Play the melody,听improvise over the form,听and demonstrate walking a bass line over a jazz tunes of your choice such as: Green Dolphin Street, All the Things You Are, Have You Met Miss Jones?, Lady Bird, Autumn Leaves, My Romance, Stella by Starlight, Days of Wine and Roses
- Bebop:听Play the melody,听improvise over the form,听and demonstrate听walking a bass line听on a bop tune such as Donna Lee, Confirmation, Ornithology, Oleo
- Latin/Bossa:听听Play the melody,听improvise over the form,听and demonstrate听walking a bass line on a tune such as: Black Orpheus, Blue Bossa, Girl From Impanema, Triste, Wave
- Ballad:听听Play the melody,听improvise over the form,听and demonstrate听walking a bass line on a tune such as: In a Sentimental Mood, Body and Soul, What鈥檚 New?, My One and Only Love, Misty, My Foolish Heart
- Jazz waltz:听听Play the melody,听improvise over the form,听and demonstrate听walking a bass line听on a jazz waltz such as: Someday My Prince Will Come, Up Jumped Spring, All Blues, Bluesette.
Applicants may choose to audition in-person or remotely. To audition remotely, applicants must complete both听of听the following:
- Submit a recording
- Register for a Zoom interview with faculty.
The recording should include at least 3 selections of your choice from the styles listed below. You can submit more than 3 if you like. You may submit separate recordings or a single continuous recording.
More information about the audition process and recording specifications can be found here.
Note: For accompaniment on your recorded audition, students can record with a live band or use play-along tracks such as iReal Pro, Aebersold recordings听or 鈥淟earn Jazz Standards鈥� on YouTube.鈥�
Essay prompt听听
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鈥痑nd list your future goals as a musician. Comment on your musical background and share anything else you would like us to know.听
- 鈥淢usic lets you rediscover your humanity, and your connection to humanity.鈥� -Hans Zimmer. In what ways do you believe music can or should connect people across difference?听
Degree sheets
Undergraduate application instructions
Graduate application instructions
Audition requirements
In-person live: Students will be asked to play music meeting the rep. requirements listed below.
- Med. swing: metronome marking (mm)=140
- Bright/fast swing: mm=240+
- Samba, Bossa, or salsa groove:听mm=your choice
- Jazz waltz:听mm=130
- 12/8 Afro Cuban groove:听mm=120
- Funk or hip hop groove:听mm = your choice
- 鈥淪traight No Chaser鈥澨�(blues by Thelonious Monk):听mm=140
- For this selection, you鈥檒l play the melody 2x; play two 12-bar chorus of time; play two 12-bar choruses of a solo; and finish with one chorus of the melody again for a total of seven continuous 12-bar choruses. When playing the melody, you鈥檒l play the rhythm of the melody along with outlining the melodic shape on the drums as best you can.听(Low notes on lower sounding drums, high听notes on higher sounding drums and cymbals.)
Applicants may choose to audition in-person or remotely. To audition remotely, applicants must complete both听of听the following:
- Submit a recording
- Register for a Zoom interview with faculty.
If you choose to submit a recorded audition,听then record an example of all the grooves/styles listed above.听You may submit separate recordings or a single continuous recording.
More information about the audition process and recording specifications can be found here.
Note: For accompaniment on your recorded audition, students can record with a live band or use play-along tracks such as iReal Pro, Aebersold recordings听or 鈥淟earn Jazz Standards鈥� on YouTube.鈥�
Essay prompt听听
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鈥痑nd list your future goals as a musician. Comment on your musical background and share anything else you would like us to know.听
- 鈥淢usic lets you rediscover your humanity, and your connection to humanity.鈥� -Hans Zimmer. In what ways do you believe music can or should connect people across difference?听
Degree sheets
Undergraduate application instructions
Graduate application instructions
Audition requirements
Pre-screening:听Please note: NO pre-screening is required for jazz voice. (A pre-screening IS required for opera or musical theatre.)
Audition Requirements:听Prepare at least 3 selections of your choice from the styles and recommended songs listed below. Lyrics/ words optional. You are welcome to write your own lyrics if you wish to use songs that don鈥檛 have lyrics. Improvise in a jazz/scat singing style that demonstrates your knowledge of the form and harmony of the song.
- 12-bar blues: Sing the melody and then improvise over the form over a jazz blues of your choice such as: Blues for Alice, Au Privave, Blues Walk, Now鈥檚 The Time.听
- Medium up-tempo swing: Sing the melody and then improvise over the form of a jazz 鈥渟tandard鈥� tune of your choice such as: Green Dolphin Street, All the Things You Are, Have You Met Miss Jones?, Lady Bird, Autumn Leaves, My Romance, Stella by Starlight, Days of Wine and Roses
- Bebop: Sing the melody and improvise over the form on a bop tune such as Donna Lee, Confirmation, Ornithology, Oleo
- Latin/Bossa:听Play the melody and improvise over the form on a tune such as: Black Orpheus, Blue Bossa, Girl From Impanema, Triste, Wave
- Ballad: Sing the melody and improvise over the form on a tune such as: In a Sentimental Mood, Body and Soul, What鈥檚 New?, My One and Only Love, Misty, My Foolish Heart
- Jazz waltz: Sing the melody and improvise over the form on a tune such as: Someday My Prince Will Come, Up Jumped Spring, All Blues, Bluesette
Applicants may choose to audition in-person or remotely. To audition remotely, applicants must complete both听of听the following:
- Submit a recording
- Register for a Zoom interview with faculty.
The recording should include at least 3 selections of your choice from the styles listed below. You can submit more than 3 if you like. You may submit separate recordings or a single continuous recording.
Note: For accompaniment on your recording, students can record with a live band or use play-along tracks such as iReal Pro, Aebersold recordings or 鈥淟earn Jazz Standards鈥� on YouTube.鈥�
More information about the audition process and recording specifications can be found here.
Essay prompt听听
A short music essay is required with your application. Upload the essay on your status page. Please choose one of the following prompts:听听
- Tell us why you would like to be a music major, describe your most powerful musical experience鈥痑nd list your future goals as a musician. Comment on your musical background and share anything else you would like us to know.听
- 鈥淢usic lets you rediscover your humanity, and your connection to humanity.鈥� -Hans Zimmer. In what ways do you believe music can or should connect people across difference?听
For questions please contact John Gunther,听John.gunther@colorado.edu
Degree sheets
Undergraduate music education
Undergraduate application instructions
Graduate application instructions
For prospective music education majors, the audition and interview process has several parts:
Essay prompt听听
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鈥痑nd list your future goals as a musician. Comment on your musical background and share anything else you would like us to know.听
- 鈥淢usic lets you rediscover your humanity, and your connection to humanity.鈥� -Hans Zimmer. In what ways do you believe music can or should connect people across difference?听
Audition
You must pass an audition with a classical instrument, jazz saxophone, jazz trumpet, jazz trombone,听 percussion or voice. For specific repertoire recommendations, please听review the section听for your instrument requirements. Note that some instruments require pre-screening to be submitted by Dec. 1.听
More information about in-person and remote audition options can be found .
Pre-interview form
The purpose of this interview is to further acquaint students with the music education program, and to provide the music education faculty with additional information about applicants. This information is used, in conjunction with academic criteria and audition results, to determine admissions to the program. The interview is designed for faculty to learn more about your prior teaching/leadership experiences and career goals. Once you have applied to the College of Music, you鈥檒l be given access to sign up for an interview and audition via your application portal. You should also submit the Pre-interview form on your application portal. We e ask that all BME applicants complete this short form that helps us gather some information to learn more about you. Please complete that form prior to your scheduled interview.听
Interview
Interviews may be completed in-person or virtually. We do strongly recommend you complete your BME interview on the day of your audition. Interviews will be no more than 15 minutes and will be conducted by our music education faculty.
For further information about the music education program, contact department chair Leila Heil.
Degree sheets
Undergraduate music production
Undergraduate application instructions
Graduate application instructions
Learn more about听applying for our ensembles.
Application requirements听
An instrumental/vocal audition is not required for the Bachelor of Arts听music production emphasis degree. However, a portfolio and interview are required. Your portfolio must be submitted by Dec. 1 and should contain the following materials:听听
- A personal statement (150-200 words) describing your goals and reasons for pursuing studies in music production.听
- Two recordings that you have created (16/44.1 resolution WAV).鈥疐or each recording, describe the equipment used, your recording and production process(es) and any specific limitations that you encountered and how you overcame them.听
- Listening exercise: Listen to Leningrad's "Dikhiy muzhchina" from their 1999 recording "Mat bez elektrichestva". Review this chart showing the relative size and location of each element in the mix.鈥疷sing that as an example, listen to Fourplay鈥檚 鈥淏ali Run鈥� from their self-titled 1991 album and create a chart showing the relative size and location of elements in that mix.鈥疭ave your chart as a pdf and submit it with your other materials.听
- Optional: Feel free to upload additional projects, recordings听or tracks you鈥檙e proud of. We want to get to know you!听
Portfolio materials should be uploaded to the My Portfolio听section on your . We strongly encourage you to submit these materials on or before Dec. 1 for the best chance of consideration. Portfolios received after Dec. 1 will be considered on a space-available basis.听
Interview process听
Applicants who pass the portfolio review will be notified in mid-December and will be invited to register for an interview with our Music Production faculty. Interviews will be available on all three of the College of Music audition days (dates listed above). In-person and virtual options will be available. The interview is an opportunity to meet faculty, discuss your goals听and learn more about the program.听
Degree sheets
Undergraduate musicology
Undergraduate application instructions
Graduate application instructions
Application requirements
For prospective majors in musicology (including Western music history and world music), the audition process has several parts:
- You must submit a short research paper (7-12 pages double-spaced) no later than Feb. 1 via your applicant portal. This paper will be evaluated for clarity, accuracy听and critical acuity. It need not be on music but should rather represent your best work in any field and show your ability to research a topic and evaluate information critically.
- You must submit a short music essay responding to one of the following prompts:听听
- Tell us why you would like to be a music major, describe your most powerful musical experience鈥痑nd list your future goals as a musician. Comment on your musical background and share anything else you would like us to know.听
- 鈥淢usic lets you rediscover your humanity, and your connection to humanity.鈥� -Hans Zimmer. In what ways do you believe music can or should connect people across difference?听
- You must pass an audition on an orchestral or band instrument; classical guitar; piano or harpsichord; voice; or jazz styles at the appropriate level.鈥疶he audition will be evaluated jointly by a minimum of two musicologists and two applied faculty in relevant performance area or areas.听
Applicants may choose to audition in-person or remotely. To audition remotely, applicants must complete both听of听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.
Degree sheets
Musicology 听 听
Undergraduate piano + harpsichord
Undergraduate application instructions
Graduate application instructions
Note: All graduate piano performance and听piano pedagogy applicants must also apply for the Graduate Assistantship in Accompanying + Teaching. Submit听this form鈥痓y Jan. 1.听
Audition requirements
Applicants should be prepared to play 15 minutes of music consisting of three or more contrasting pieces. Applicants are strongly encouraged to include repertoire by composers from historically underrepresented groups (including women), and to demonstrate their personal strengths and interests in their repertoire choices.
- Students applying for a BM degree (other than composition):
- A work by J.S. Bach, at the level of a suite or prelude and fugue
- 听A sonata-allegro form movement from a Classical period sonata
- One or two pieces of your choice
- At least two works must be memorized
- The audition committee is looking for well-prepared, technically sound, confident, musical听and stylistically appropriate performances
- Students applying for a BM-Composition, BME or BA degree:
- Three works, two of which must be classical genre representing two different periods (Baroque, Classical, Romantic, Contemporary).
- The third work is free choice, including: an original composition, an improvisation, a work in a non-classical genre, or another classical work.
- At least one of the classical works must be performed from memory.
Applicants may choose to audition in-person or remotely. To audition remotely, applicants must complete both听of听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听听
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鈥痑nd list your future goals as a musician. Comment on your musical background and share anything else you would like us to know.听
- 鈥淢usic lets you rediscover your humanity, and your connection to humanity.鈥� -Hans Zimmer. In what ways do you believe music can or should connect people across difference?听
Undergraduate application instructions
Graduate application instructions
Audition requirements
Applicants for a BM in harpsichord performance should be prepared to play 15 minutes of music consisting of three or more contrasting pieces. Memorization is not required. One of the selections should be a work by J.S. Bach, at the level of a suite or prelude and fugue. The audition committee is looking for well-prepared, technically sound, confident, musical听and stylistically appropriate performances. Students can submit either one unedited file or multiple files (unedited within each file).
Applicants may choose to audition in-person or remotely. To audition remotely, applicants must complete both听of听the following:
- Submit a recording
- Register for a Zoom interview with faculty.
Essay prompt听听
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鈥痑nd list your future goals as a musician. Comment on your musical background and share anything else you would like us to know.听
- 鈥淢usic lets you rediscover your humanity, and your connection to humanity.鈥� -Hans Zimmer. In what ways do you believe music can or should connect people across difference?听
Degree sheets
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-Sa毛ns, 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,听 Auerbach Preludes, P盲rt Fratres.听
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听of听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.听
More information about the audition process and recording specifications can be found here.
Essay prompt听听
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鈥痑nd list your future goals as a musician. Comment on your musical background and share anything else you would like us to know.听
- 鈥淢usic lets you rediscover your humanity, and your connection to humanity.鈥� -Hans Zimmer. In what ways do you believe music can or should connect people across difference?鈥澨�
Degree sheets
Violin studio听听听听
Strings
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.听
- 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听of听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听听
A short music essay is required with your application. Upload the essay on your status page. Please choose one of the following prompts:听听
- Tell us why you would like to be a music major, describe your most powerful musical experience鈥痑nd list your future goals as a musician. Comment on your musical background and share anything else you would like us to know.听
- 鈥淢usic lets you rediscover your humanity, and your connection to humanity.鈥� -Hans Zimmer. In what ways do you believe music can or should connect people across difference?鈥澨�
Degree sheets
Viola studio听听听听
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.
- 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-Sa毛ns, Schumann, Shostakovich听or Tchaikovsky.
- Solo cello:听One movement from the Bach Suites for Solo Cello, Dutilleux Trois Strophes, Lutoslawski Sacher Variation, Cassad贸 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听or Sheng Seven Tunes Heard in China
- Free choice piece:听Bloch Nigun, Cassad贸 Requiebros, Cassad贸 Danse du Diable Vert, Chopin Polonaise Brilliante, Chopin/Popper Nocturne No. 2 in E flat major, Op. 9, No. 2, Coleridge-Taylor Variations, Faur茅 Apr猫s un R锚ve, 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听or Yun Espace I (1992)
Applicants may choose to audition in-person or remotely. To audition remotely, applicants must complete both听of听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.听
More information about the audition process and recording specifications can be found here.
Essay prompt听听
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鈥痑nd list your future goals as a musician. Comment on your musical background and share anything else you would like us to know.听
- 鈥淢usic lets you rediscover your humanity, and your connection to humanity.鈥� -Hans Zimmer. In what ways do you believe music can or should connect people across difference?鈥澨�
Degree sheets
Cello studio听听听听
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.
- 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听 One movement from a Bach Cello Suite, Dragonetti Waltz, David Ellis Sonata, Xavier Foley solo bass piece (Cranberry Lake), Miloslav Gajdos solo works听or other work.
- Orchestral Excerpt:听 Beethoven Symphony 5 or 9, Brahms Symphony 1 or 2, Florence Price Symphony No.1, Wagner Mesitersinger听or other work.
Applicants may choose to audition in-person or remotely. To audition remotely, applicants must complete both听of听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听听
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鈥痑nd list your future goals as a musician. Comment on your musical background and share anything else you would like us to know.听
- 鈥淢usic lets you rediscover your humanity, and your connection to humanity.鈥� -Hans Zimmer. In what ways do you believe music can or should connect people across difference?鈥澨�
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).听
- Repertoire:听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 T谩rrega, 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听of听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.听
More information about the audition process and recording specifications can be found here.
Essay prompt听听
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鈥痑nd list your future goals as a musician. Comment on your musical background and share anything else you would like us to know.听
- 鈥淢usic lets you rediscover your humanity, and your connection to humanity.鈥� -Hans Zimmer. In what ways do you believe music can or should connect people across difference?鈥澨�
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听of听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).听
More information about the audition process and recording specifications can be found here.
Essay prompt听听
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鈥痑nd list your future goals as a musician. Comment on your musical background and share anything else you would like us to know.听
- 鈥淢usic lets you rediscover your humanity, and your connection to humanity.鈥� -Hans Zimmer. In what ways do you believe music can or should connect people across difference?鈥澨�
Degree sheets
Harp studio听听听听
Strings
Undergraduate voice + opera + musical theatre
Undergraduate application instructions
Graduate application instructions
Information about the Vocal Coaching Artist Diploma can be found on听the鈥�collaborative piano audition鈥痯age.听
Pre-screening
All undergraduate voice applicants (excluding jazz voice) are required to submit a pre-screening video. This necessary step helps us organize many applications while ensuring respect for your time and resources.听
- Due to high applicant numbers, we strongly recommend that you submit your application on or before Dec. 1. Recordings received after Dec. 1 will be considered based on space availability.鈥�
- Pre-screening repertoire requirements are the same as those listed below under 鈥楢udition Requirements.鈥櫶�
- Please prepare your video as well as you can. High quality videos without reverb are preferred.鈥�
- Once all pre-screening videos have been reviewed, you will be notified and further instructions will be sent if you are invited to audition.听
Live audition
Live auditions (for those who pass the pre-screening) take place on three audition Saturdays in January-February here in Boulder. If you cannot attend a live in-person audition, we can consider your pre-screening recording in conjunction with a Zoom interview with the faculty.
More information about the audition process and audition days can be found here.
Audition requirements (first year)
Please prepare two contrasting selections that best display your vocal talent.听
- One of the selections must be from the classical repertoire, which can include a folk song or a spiritual; the other can be either a second classical song, a musical theater number, or a jazz standard with fully-realized piano accompaniment (no lead sheets or chord symbols).鈥�
- If you have a background in a language other than English, you are welcome to offer a selection in that language.听
- All selections must be performed from memory.鈥�
- For pre-screening videos and recorded auditions full body must be shown. You may be disqualified if your video submission is too close-up for us to evaluate whether your selections are memorized.听
- Sight-singing and pitch-matching may be tested at the live audition.听
- A pianist will be provided for all in-person auditions. Please use a pianist or a backing track for recorded auditions.鈥�
Please note that the voice area centers its vocal training around the classical and musical theater singing styles. We are not, at the moment, able to offer training in commercial music or contemporary pop singing. However, vocal jazz is offered through the Thompson Jazz Studies Program. Information on how to apply to that program is available here.听
Auditin requirements (transfer students)
You should prepare a brief program of 3-4 songs; the majority of these should be from the classical repertoire. Please also submit a copy of your repertoire list.听
Essay prompt听听
A short music essay is required with your application. Upload the essay on your status page. Please choose one of the following prompts:听听
- Tell us why you would like to be a music major, describe your most powerful musical experience鈥痑nd list your future goals as a musician. Comment on your musical background and share anything else you would like us to know.听
- 鈥淢usic lets you rediscover your humanity, and your connection to humanity.鈥� -Hans Zimmer. In what ways do you believe music can or should connect people across difference?听
Degree sheets
Undergraduate application instructions
鈥�Graduate application instructions
Pre-screening听
All听voice听applicants are required to submit听a pre-screening video recording. The deadline for pre-screening submissions is Dec.听1.听Once听pre-screening videos听have been reviewed, applicants will be notified听if they are invited to the live audition round.听The听recording and live audition requirements are the same and all requirements listed below must be met in the recording.
Recording tips
- Avoid extreme close-ups and be sure to include waist-up shots. Try to balance the volume of the piano with your singing, but do not sing with a microphone or extra amplification.
- Say your name and the name of the song, monologue or dance before you begin each section.
- Upload your audition requirements as SEPARATE video files. Videos should be uploaded via the听.
Live audition
Those who pass the pre-screening round will be invited to a live audition in January-February. If you cannot attend a live audition, we can consider your pre-screening recording in conjunction with a Zoom interview on one of our audition weekends.
More information about the audition process and audition weekends听can be found here.
Audition requirements
These requirements apply to both the pre-screening and live audition.听Without all four components, your audition will be considered incomplete and you will not be considered for admission.鈥嬧赌�
If you鈥檙e invited to perform an in-person or a virtual live audition, please be prepared to sing two full songs of your choice under 3 minutes in length and also present a 90 second monologue (please stick to monologues in the musical comedy vein). If you choose a virtual live audition, please be ready to use your own backing tracks. A pianist will be provided for all in-person auditions.
- Resum茅: Upload a pdf of your full resum茅, which includes any training and experience you have had in music, theatre听and dance.
- Voice Video (pre-screening):听Prepare two selections of musical theatre repertoire that contrast in style and decade of composition. Each cut听should not exceed 90 seconds in length and must be memorized. In addition, please have the entire song available听in case faulty wishes to hear the song in its entirety.
- Monologue Video:听Prepare one short monologue. The monologue must be memorized and should be performed in the context of the entire play. The monologue should be no longer than 90 seconds. Choose a monologue that is appropriate for your age and experience. (Be able to discuss the play or material as a whole. You may want to select a monologue from a play, monologue books or other material.
- Dance Video*:听Required of all submissions, present a 30-60 second clip of yourself moving/dancing. Your full body should be in view at all times. You may choose a cut from a musical or a dance performance in which you participated, or record something original. Any style is acceptable: musical theatre, ballet, jazz, tap, hip-hop, etc. Wear appropriate dance attire that will show clean line. Dance music may be live or recorded. Optional, for applicants with dance training: Execute a set of plies, tendues, grand battements and pirouettes. Straightforward, simple exercises are preferred. (side view is best). Note that we will use this dance video as your final audition if you sign up for the virtual live audition date. If you sign up for an in-person date, you will dance live in front of our faculty.
*We are committed to finding a diverse group of individuals of varying skill levels in different areas. Some of you may be strong singer/actors who move well, while others may bring extensive dance training. The movement/dance portion of your audition should reflect who you are as a performer. We will accept a wide array of presentations.
Essay prompt听听
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鈥痑nd list your future goals as a musician. Comment on your musical background and share anything else you would like us to know.听
- 鈥淢usic lets you rediscover your humanity, and your connection to humanity.鈥� -Hans Zimmer. In what ways do you believe music can or should connect people across difference?听
Degree programs
Please note:听The University of Colorado Bouder is听fortunate to offer two听different听musical theatre听degrees.听These听two degrees听are the听Bachelor of Music in Musical Theatre听(BM/MT)听through the College of Music听(which you are now investigating) and the听Bachelor of Fine Arts with a concentration in Musical Theatre (BFA/MT through the College of Arts and Sciences.听Both programs work closely together in course offerings and听season听productions. Additionally, you may be considered for both degree programs at the same audition.听
BM/MT degree program
Differences between BM/MT and BFA/MT degrees
Degree sheets
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鈥檚 all about finding the right fit, both for the student and the teacher.听
- Attend masterclasses, summer programs, lessons and performances of your prospective professor.听
- Ask questions and always stay in professional contact with the professor. When in doubt, err on the side of formality.听
- Prepare early and completely the repertoire for the audition.听
- Consider memorization.听
- Consider writing your own cadenza for your Mozart Concerto.听
- Apply to a range of schools.听
Remember that the audition process is like a ping-pong match full of serves, volleys and fun!听
笔濒别补蝉别鈥�痺ritten by Juilliard professor Jeanne Baxtresser. Colorado flutists,鈥�visit the flute studio page鈥痜or helpful information.听
Audition requirements
- No pre-screening required for undergraduate flutists
Required repertoire:
- 惭辞锄补谤迟鈥�Concerto in G Major, K. 313 or D Major, K. 314 (first听movement听plus cadenza)
- Two contrasting pieces [we strongly suggest selecting a piece听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:
- 听(compiled by Savannah Rose Ridley)
Applicants may choose to audition in-person or remotely. To audition remotely, applicants must complete both听of听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听听
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鈥痑nd list your future goals as a musician. Comment on your musical background and share anything else you would like us to know.听
- 鈥淢usic lets you rediscover your humanity, and your connection to humanity.鈥� -Hans Zimmer. In what ways do you believe music can or should connect people across difference?听
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.听
- 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听of听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听听
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鈥痑nd list your future goals as a musician. Comment on your musical background and share anything else you would like us to know.听
- 鈥淢usic lets you rediscover your humanity, and your connection to humanity.鈥� -Hans Zimmer. In what ways do you believe music can or should connect people across difference?听
Degree sheets
Undergraduate application instructions
Graduate application instructions
Audition requirements
Students can submit either one unedited file or multiple files (unedited within each file).听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.听
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听of听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听听
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鈥痑nd list your future goals as a musician. Comment on your musical background and share anything else you would like us to know.听
- 鈥淢usic lets you rediscover your humanity, and your connection to humanity.鈥� -Hans Zimmer. In what ways do you believe music can or should connect people across difference?听
Degree sheets
Oboe studio听听听听
Woodwinds
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) () 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.听
- 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.
- 脡迟耻诲别蝉
- Ludwig Milde鈥�Concert Studies Op. 26 Books I + II
- Alberto Orefici鈥�20 Melodic Studies
- Eug猫ne Jancourt鈥�26 Melodi Studies
- Solos
- Antonio Vivaldi鈥�Bassoon Concerto听
- Antonio Vivaldi鈥�Sonata for Cello
- Jerome Besozzi鈥�Sonata for Bassoon
- 听G.P. Telemann鈥�Sonata in F minor
- 叠补肠丑鈥�Cello Suites No.听1-4
- Fran莽ois Devienne鈥�Sonata for Bassoon, Op. 24, No. 3 or No. 4
- W. A. 惭辞锄补谤迟鈥�Concerto for Bassoon and听Orchestra
- Carl Maria von Weber鈥�Concerto for Bassoon and Orchestra
- Carl Maria von Weber鈥�Andante and Hungarian Rondo
- Francisco Mignone鈥�Concerto for Bassoon and Orchestra
- Eugene Bozza鈥�Recit Scicilienne et Rondo
- Burrell Phillipps鈥�Concert Piece for Bassoon and Orchestra
- Alec Wilder鈥�Sonata No. 1 or No. 2 for Bassoon and Piano听
- 脡迟耻诲别蝉
Applicants may choose to audition in-person or remotely. To audition remotely, applicants must complete both听of听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听听
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鈥痑nd list your future goals as a musician. Comment on your musical background and share anything else you would like us to know.听
- 鈥淢usic lets you rediscover your humanity, and your connection to humanity.鈥� -Hans Zimmer. In what ways do you believe music can or should connect people across difference?听
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,听nathan.mertens@colorado.edu.听
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听of听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听听
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鈥痑nd list your future goals as a musician. Comment on your musical background and share anything else you would like us to know.听
- 鈥淢usic lets you rediscover your humanity, and your connection to humanity.鈥� -Hans Zimmer. In what ways do you believe music can or should connect people across difference?听