Apply / Audition
Apply, Audition, and Interview for the School of Music, Theatre, and Dance
Process
Admission into all music degree programs as an undergraduate major or minor requires an audition for and acceptance into the School of Music, Theatre, and Dance as well as acceptance by the CSU Office of Admissions.
- Please refer to your degree and instrument/voice audition requirements (on this page).
- For Fall 2023 start, students have the option to audition either in-person or virtually.
- Program applications and auditions submitted after the final scheduled audition date will be heard on a space available basis.
- You may audition/interview prior to applying to CSU.
- Fill out your CSU Music program application and schedule your audition/interview
- Apply to CSU through the Office of Admissions.
- We urge you to apply for admission to the university as soon as possible during your senior year.
- Acceptance, waitlist, or deny letters will be sent on a rolling basis following schedule audition dates or by March 1.
- Please notify us of your intent to attend CSU as a music major/minor by May 1 to assure that there is space available in the program.
- Scholarships are awarded based on audition results; there is not a separate audition for scholarships.
- Scholarship notification will be sent by email by March 15.
- Please accept your scholarship offer by May 1.
- Full list of undergraduate scholarships.
If you have questions about this process, please contact SMTD@colostate.edu.
Degree Area Audition/Interview Requirements
All students wishing to enroll in this degree program must first be accepted to the School of Music, Theatre, and Dance by completing an audition on their primary instrument/voice. Prospective composition students should meet the Bachelor of Arts level requirement for their instrument. After completion of the audition, students will be enrolled as general music majors during their freshman year.
During the spring semester of their freshman year, prospective composition majors will complete an entrance interview with the composition faculty. Students will provide at least two scores (original compositions only) composed in the past five years as part of the interview process. Successful completion of the interview will be based on the quality of the scores submitted and the student’s general knowledge of music and background in composition.
Please also follow the requirements for your instrument/voice listed below. Please follow the audition/interview day details listed on the right side of this page.
PLEASE COMPLETE THE MUSIC AUDITION/INTERVIEW APPLICATION HERE
Music Education Interview and Audition (3 parts)
- Interview: Students are required to interview with members of the Music Education faculty. Your audition will be 10 minutes in length. Make sure to sign up for an interview slot when you register for your audition.
- Skills Test: After your interview, you will be asked to take a basic skills test for diagnostic purposes:
- Sightsinging, including singing a few short diatonic melodies and short pitch matching exercises.
- Keyboard proficiency, including sight reading a simple two-hand exercise.
- Instrument Audition: prepare the required materials for your principal instrument.
- PLEASE NOTE: In addition to the CSU Music audition, students must apply to CSU through the Office of Admissions.
Suggested Preparation for Your Music Education Interview
- Formal dress is recommended.
- Come prepared to discuss your reasons for pursuing music education, your personal goals, and any experience you have working with kids.
- Bring 1-2 questions you have about the degree program.
Please also follow the requirements for your instrument/voice listed below. Please follow the audition/interview day details listed on the right side of this page.
PLEASE COMPLETE THE MUSIC AUDITION/INTERVIEW APPLICATION HERE
Undergraduate Music Therapy Audition/Interview Process
Students applying to the B.M. in Music Therapy are required to interview and audition with members of the Music Therapy faculty. Students may elect to audition for an applied studio (i.e., flute, voice) or to audition for therapy only (no. studio). Students auditioning for a studio must also complete the audition/interview for that studio.
Prospective music therapy students have the option of auditioning to be part of an applied studio (e.g., flute, violin, voice), in addition to the music therapy area. Acceptance into an applied studio is recommended and is necessary if a student will engage in lessons on their primary instrument for their elective credits. Please note that scholarships at CSU music are funded through applied studios and students wishing to earn a scholarship must audition for an applied studio (and continue playing in the studio/ensembles to maintain their scholarship).
For more information about the studio or no-studio options, please visit the music therapy webpage.
Audition Required of All Music Therapy Applicants
All prospective music therapy students will be asked to complete the following audition and interview process for the music therapy program. Students who wish to take lessons in an applied studio (i.e., flute, voice) also need to audition for that studio (see studio audition information here). However, studio membership is not required for entry to the music therapy program and students may elect to enter on a “no studio” track.
The music therapy portion of the audition process consists of a 20-minute interview and audition. You will sign up for this time in Acceptd. During this audition/interview you will be asked to:
- Sing three prepared songs from different genres (i.e., one children’s song, one popular music song, and one country song). You are encouraged to accompany yourself (i.e., guitar, piano, etc.…) while singing these songs; however, you may sing a cappella or use a recorded accompaniment if you have no prior accompaniment instrument experience.
- Sightread rhythms and play by ear/match pitch.
- Interview with the faculty regarding your understanding of music therapy, why you have selected the music therapy major, and what you will contribute to the program.
WATCH A VIDEO ABOUT THE MUSIC THERAPY AUDITION SONG SELECTION
Decisions following the music therapy audition process:
- Accepted to a studio and the music therapy major: Students would take lessons in the applied studio for at least one academic year as a part of their music therapy coursework.
- Accepted to a studio and not the music therapy major: Students could pursue another degree program (Such as the Bachelor of Arts) and study within the applied studio. Students may reapply for the music therapy program for next academic year.
- Accepted to major, not accepted to the applied studio: Students could join the music therapy program; however, would not take lessons in the applied studio in their first year. Students may re-audition for the applied studio in their second year at CSU.
Please also follow the requirements for your instrument/voice listed below. Please follow the audition/interview day details listed on the right side of this page.
PLEASE COMPLETE THE MUSIC AUDITION/INTERVIEW APPLICATION HERE
Please follow the requirements for your instrument/voice listed below. Please follow the audition/interview day details listed on the right side of this page.
PLEASE COMPLETE THE MUSIC AUDITION/INTERVIEW APPLICATION HERE
Audition Requirements
In addition to the performance degree audition requirements listed on the individual instrument web pages, students must also audition for the jazz area.
- Prepare two jazz standards and/or classics of your choice, including melody and improvisation (accompaniment will be provided, or the auditioning student can provide an audio track)
- Pianists should also be prepared to play accompaniment (comp) on the chord progression
- Bassists should also be prepared to play a bass line in the appropriate style on the chord progression
- Drummers should prepare multiple jazz styles including swing, bossa nova, samba, ballad, funk and rock, as well as ¾ time. Drummers should also be prepared to demonstrate knowledge of blues and AABA form.
- Sight reading will also be included in all auditions
Please also follow the requirements for your instrument/voice listed below. Please follow the audition/interview day details listed on the right side of this page.
PLEASE COMPLETE THE MUSIC AUDITION/INTERVIEW APPLICATION HERE
Please follow the requirements for your instrument/voice listed below. Please follow the audition/interview day details listed on the right side of this page.
PLEASE COMPLETE THE MUSIC AUDITION/INTERVIEW APPLICATION HERE
Instrument/Voice Audition Requirements
Bachelor of Music, Performance
- First movement of a standard concerto
- Two contrasting movements of a Solo Sonata or Partita by J.S. Bach
- Two scales: one major, one minor (three octaves - fast/slow)
- Memorization is strongly encouraged for the concerto portion of the audition.
Bachelor of Music, Music Education; and Bachelor of Music, Music Therapy
- First movement of a concerto (or equivalent)
- Contrasting piece
- Two scales: one major, one minor (three octaves - fast/slow)
- Memorization is strongly encouraged for the concerto portion of the audition.
Bachelor of Music, Composition
- Two contrasting pieces
- Two scales: one major, one minor (three octaves - fast/slow)
-
Prospective composition students will interview for admission to the composition degree at the end of their freshman year; students submit a portfolio of at least two compositions completed in the past five years during the interview.
Bachelor of Arts; and Music Minor
- Two contrasting pieces
- Two scales: one major, one minor (three octaves - fast/slow)
Bachelor of Music, Performance
- First movement of a concerto C. Stamitz, Hoffmeister, Zelter, or Hummel: Fantasie.
- Two movements of a Bach suite.
- One major and one minor scale (three octaves).
- An etude of either Mazas or Kreutzer.
Note: memorization of Bach is strongly encouraged.
Bachelor of Music, Music Education; and Bachelor of Music, Music Therapy
- First movement of a concerto by J. Schubert or Zelter
- One movements of a Bach Suite
- Two scales (three octaves)
Bachelor of Music, Composition
- One movement of a concerto or Bach suite
- Two scales (three octaves)
- Prospective composition students will interview for admission to the composition degree at the end of their freshman year; students submit a portfolio of at least two compositions completed in the past five years during the interview.
Bachelor of Arts in Music
- One movement of a concerto or Bach suite
- Two scales (three octaves)
Minor in Music
- One movement of a Bach Cello Suite and a movement of the Telemann Viola Concerto.
- Two scales (three octaves)
Bachelor of Music, Performance
- A movement of your choice from the standard concerto repertoire
- One movement from an unaccompanied Bach Suite
- One etude of your choice, preferably Popper or Piatti
Optional: A piece for solo cello from the 20th/21st century in addition to the above requirements.
Bachelor of Music, Music Education; and Bachelor of Music, Music Therapy
- Two contrasting pieces of your choice (i.e. Saint-Saens:Allegro appassionato; a Vivaldi sonata; Bach: G Major Suite
- Two scales
Bachelor of Music, Composition
- Two contrasting pieces of your choice (i.e. Saint-Saens:Allegro appassionato; a Vivaldi sonata; Bach: G Major Suite
- Two scales
- Prospective composition students will interview for admission to the composition degree at the end of their freshman year; students submit a portfolio of at least two compositions completed in the past five years during the interview.
Bachelor of Arts; and Minor in Music
- Two contrasting pieces of your choice (i.e. Saint-Saens:Allegro appassionato; a Vivaldi sonata; Bach: G Major Suite
- Two scales
Bachelor of Music, Performance
- A standard etude selected from Simandl: 30 Studies (or comparable)
- Two contrasting movements from a standard solo, sonata or concerto
- An orchestral excerpt of the applicant’s choice from any Brahms, Beethoven, or Mozart symphony
- Three major and three melodic minor scales of the applicant’s choice (three octaves)
Bachelor of Music, Music Education; and Bachelor of Music, Music Therapy
- One movement from a standard solo, concerto, or sonata
- Two major and two melodic minor scales of the applicant’s choice (three octaves)
Bachelor of Music, Composition
- One movement from a standard solo, concerto, or sonata
- Two major and two melodic minor scales of the applicant’s choice (three octaves)
- Prospective composition students will interview for admission to the composition degree at the end of their freshman year; students submit a portfolio of at least two compositions completed in the past five years during the interview.
Bachelor of Arts; and Minor in Music
- One movement from a standard solo, concerto, or sonata
- Two major and two melodic minor scales of the applicant’s choice (three octaves)
Undergraduate Audition
- Two pieces of contrasting style
- Tchaikovsky: Cadenza from The Nutcracker
Undergraduate Audition (all degrees)
- A 2 or 3 octave major scale from the Segovia, Shearer, or similar pedagogical systems
- A 2 or 3 octave melodic minor scale from the Segovia, Shearer, or similar pedagogical systems
- Two pieces in contrasting styles from the standard classical guitar literature
- Sight-reading
Undergraduate Audition Requirements (all degrees):
I. Auditions will consist of prepared repertoire, major scales with arpeggios, harmonic minor scales with arpeggios, and sight reading.
II. Prepare one (1) standard work for flute such as:
- Bach: Sonatas (any)
- Mozart: Concerto (G or D)
- Any works from the book “Flute Music by French Composers” (ed. by L. Moyse)
- Hindemith: Sonata
- Poulenc: Sonata
III. Prepare one (1) work of your choice. May be one movement from a selected piece.
Undergraduate Audition Requirements (all degrees)
- Two contrasting works
- Scales, all major scales with arpeggios, and minor scales in preferably the Harmonic form
- Sight Reading
- Suggested Etude Books: Ferling 48 Studiesand Barret40 Progressive Melodiesor 15 Grand Studies
Suggested Standard Literature:
- Albinoni Concerto
- Handel Sonata
- Mozart Concerto
- Poulenc Sonata
- Telemann Sonata or Partita
Undergraduate Audition Requirements (all degrees)
Fundamentals
- All major scales and arpeggios, at a tempo of your choosing
- Chromatic scale, indicating your full range, at a tempo of your choosing
Musical Selections
- Two (2) Contrasting selections: These may be movements from the standard clarinet literature and/or etudes.
Suggested solos at or above approximate level:
- Weber: Concertos or Concertino
- Mozart: Concerto
- Schumann: Fantasy Pieces
- Osborne: Rhapsody
- Stravinsky: Three Pieces
- Vaughn Williams: Six English Folk Songs
- Finzi: Five Bagatelles
Etude Books (student may choose to perform an etude from one of the following books)
- Melodious and Progressive Etudes, Book 2, edited by David Hite, published by Southern Music
- Rose's 32 Etudes
Standard Clarinet Literature (only a suggestion, other pieces may be used without prior permission)
Sigh Reading
- Students will be asked to sight-read a short selection during their audition
Fundamentals
- All major scales and arpeggios, at a tempo of your choosing
- Chromatic scale, indicating your full range, at a tempo of your choosing
Musical Selections
- Two (2) Contrasting selections: These may be movements from the standard clarinet literature and/or etudes.
Suggested solos at or above approximate level:
- Weber: Concertos or Concertino
- Mozart: Concerto
- Schumann: Fantasy Pieces
- Osborne: Rhapsody
- Stravinsky: Three Pieces
- Vaughn Williams: Six English Folk Songs
- Finzi: Five Bagatelles
Etude Books (student may choose to perform an etude from one of the following books)
- Melodious and Progressive Etudes, Book 2, edited by David Hite, published by Southern Music
- Rose's 32 Etudes
Standard Clarinet Literature (only a suggestion, other pieces may be used without prior permission)
Sigh Reading
- Students will be asked to sight-read a short selection during their audition
Undergraduate Audition Requirements (all degrees)
FUNDAMENTALS:
- All major scales and arpeggios, at a tempo of your choosing
- Chromatic scale, indicating your full range, at a tempo of your choosing
One concert etude selected from:
- Jancourt: 26 Melodic Etudes
- Milde: Concert Studies
- Weissenborn: 50 Advanced Studies
One solo composition of your choice
Include selections to demonstrate both lyrical (slow) and technical (fast) playing.
Suggested solos at or above approximate level of:
- Bourdeau: Premier Solo
- Brandon: Colored Stones
- Mozart: Sonata, K. 292 or Concerto, K. 191
- Hindemith: Sonate
- Telemann: Sonata in F minor
Undergraduate Transfer Audition Requirements (all degrees)
If you are interested in transferring for your senior undergraduate year only, please contact me so we can discuss the specifics of your situation and expectations for study.
FUNDAMENTALS:
- All major and minor scales and arpeggios
- Chromatic scale, indicating your full range
One concert etude selected from:
- Milde: Concert Studies
- Weissenborn: 50 Advanced Studies
- Piard: 90 Etudes or 16 Characteristic Studies
One solo composition of your choice, at or above the approximate level of:
- Fasch: Sonata in CM
- Siqueira: Drei Etuden
- Mozart: Concerto, K. 191
- Villa Lobos: Ciranda Das Sete Notas
- Weber: Concerto in F Major
Two (2) orchestral excerpts of your choice
Undergraduate Audition Requirements (All Degrees)
- Scales
- Major scales with arpeggios (as many keys as possible).
- Minor scales (ability to perform in at least one minor form) with arpeggios (also in as many keys as possible).
- Sight reading (provided at audition)
- Two Contrasting works: Audition should consist of contrasting selections or movements from standard saxophone literature and/or etudes.
Suggested Etude Books
- A.M.R. Barret, Forty Progressive Melodies (for Saxophone), edited by Hite, Southern Music
- W. Ferling, 48 Famous Studies (for Oboe or Saxophone), revised by Andraud, Southern Music (note: other editions of these studies, including the edition edited by Mule and published by Leduc, are fine as well)
- Guy Lacour, 50 Etudes (50 Easy and Progressive Etudes): Book 2, Gerard Billaudot (publisher)
Suggested Standard Literature
- Bozza, Aria
- Creston, Sonata (any movement)
- Glazounov, Concerto
- Maurice, Tableaux de Provence (any movement)
OPTIONAL: A jazz etude or the performance of a jazz standard or classic with or without pre-recorded accompaniment. Improvisation is not required, but encouraged.
Undergraduate Audition Requirements (for all degrees)
- All Major scales, one octave
- Chromatic scale showing full range of the player
- Two contrasting solo pieces or etudes
- Sight reading
Undergraduate Audition Requirements (all degrees)
Required Solo Work (accompaniment optional)
- All candidates for admission must perform the first movement or rondo of a Mozart Concerto for Horn (K.412, K.417, K.447, or K.495). The Mozart Concert Rondo (K.371) or Mozart Horn Quintet (K.407) are also acceptable works.
Solo Work of Choice (accompaniment optional)
- A solo movement of the candidate’s choice. This repertoire may include (but is not limited to):
- Beethoven, Sonata, Op. 17
- Bozza, En Foret
- Dukas, Villanelle
- Saint-Saens, Morceau de Concert
- Strauss, Franz, Concerto Op. 8
- Strauss, Richard, Concerto No. 1 or 2
Orchestral Excerpts (OPTIONAL)
- Please choose any three (3) excerpts from the following list:
- Beethoven, Symphony No. 6, mvmt. III (horn 1)
- Brahms, Symphony No. 3, mvmt. III (horn 1)
- Mahler, Symphony No. 1, mvmt. III (horn 2)
- Shostakovich, Symphony No. 5, mvmt. I low tutti (horn 1)
- Strauss, Till Euilenspiegel, opening call (horn 1)
- Tchaikovsky, Symphony No. 4, mvmt. I opening (horn 1 and/or 2)
- Tchaikovsky, Symphony No. 5, mvmt. II (horn 1)
- Wagner, Gotterdammerung, Siegfried’s Rhine Journey Short Call (horn 1)
Undergraduate Audition Requirements (all degrees)
Auditions to be accepted as a music major or music minor at CSU are performed for the entire brass faculty. Please be prepared to perform music from the categories listed below. There will also be a short interview portion with questions from the brass faculty, as well as a chance for the applicant to ask questions and tolearn more about the degree programs and brass department.
I. Scales
The applicant will be asked to perform a few two octave major scales and a chromatic scale of at least two octaves.
- All scales must be performed ascending and descending
- All scales must be performed by memory
IIa. Prepared Music, Undergraduate Tenor Trombone:
A prepared piece of the applicant's choice, featuring differing styles and showcasing the best of their abilities. The applicant may perform two short pieces/etudes, in contrasting styles, if they choose.
Suggested repertoire (not required):
- Morceau Symphonique, Guilmant
- Concertino Op.4, David
- Cavatine, Camille Saint-Saens
- Concerto, Nicolai Rimsky-Korsakov
- Melodious Etudes, Bordogni/Rochut
- Any all-district/all-state audition piece, or piece of equal difficulty/quality
Please contact Dr. Drew Leslie, Assistant Professor of Trombone with any questions about repertoire choices.
IIb. Prepared Music, Undergraduate Bass Trombone
A prepared piece of the applicant's choice, featuring differing styles and showcasing the best of their abilities. The applicant may perform two short pieces/etudes, in contrasting styles, if they choose.
Suggested repertoire (not required):
- Concerto Allegro, Lebedev
- Concertino Basso, Lieb
- Cameos, Jacob
- Any all-district/all-state audition piece, or piece of equal difficulty/quality
Please contact Dr. Drew Leslie, Assistant Professor of Trombone with any questions about repertoire choices.
III. Sight-reading
All applicants will be asked to perform a short sight-reading passage.
Undergraduate Audition Requirements (all degrees):
- One complete, multi-movement work (concerto, sonata, or suite) from any historical period.
- One lyrical, and one technical etude. Blazhevich, Rochut/Bordogni, Fink, Kopprasch, Snedecor, Tyrell, and Voxman etudes are highly recommended.
- All major and minor scales, in quarter notes, quarter = 120 minimum. Be able to demonstrate the upper and lower extremities of your range.
Undergraduate Audition Requirements (all degrees)
PLEASE NOTE: VIRTUAL AUDITIONS ARE NOT AVAILABLE FOR PERCUSSION APPLICANTS. PERCUSSION AUDITIONS WILL BE HELD IN-PERSON ONLY. No pre-screen video is required.
Freshman Audition Requirements:
- Snare drum: Contest solo from Peters, Cirone, Wilcoxon, Whaley, or the equivalent.
- Mallet Percussion: Major/Natural Minor/Harmonic Minor Scales 2 octaves, Contest solo or etude for 2 mallets AND a contest solo or etude for 4 mallets.
- Timpani: Contest solo or etude for at least 3 drums that includes rolls
- Drum set (optional, but recommended): A demonstration of basic styles, i.e., Swing (trade 4’s), Latin, Rock.
Additional Requirements for Freshman Audition:
- Snare drum rudiments from the PAS 40 Rudiments performed open-closed-open. Sight-reading on mallets.
Transfer Audition Requirements (demonstrate the following areas):
- Snare drum: Etudes reflecting a concert and rudimental approach, i.e., Concert: Peters, Delecluse, Cirone: Rudimental: Wilcoxon; Pratt or equivalent.
- Mallet Percussion: J.S. Bach transcription (2 or 4 mallet)
- Four-Mallet suggested repertoire: Burritt: October Night, Deane: Etude for a Quiet Hall, Dietz: Madison’s Unicorn, Edwards: Marimba Dances, Klatzow: Inyanga, Sammut: Four Rotations, Smadbeck: Virginia Tate, Tanaka: Two Mvts. For Marimba, Stasack: Six Elegies Dancing, Stout: Astral Dance, Yoshioka: Suites 1-3
- Timpani: Etude or Solo i.e., Delecluse, Hochrainer, Carter, or equivalent.
- Drum Set: (demonstration of basic Swing, Rock, and Latin styles as listed below, and trade fours in each style)
Additional Requirements for Transfer Audition:
- Snare drum rudiments from the PAS 40 - open/closed/open
- Major and minor (natural, harmonic) scales (two octaves)
- Sight-reading on mallets and snare drum
Undergraduate Voice Audition Information
Audition Information and Suggested Repertoire (all music majors and the minor)
I. Prospective first-year voice majors in Vocal Performance, Music Education, Music Therapy and Bachelor of Arts will demonstrate vocal technique as well as musical skills:
- Perform two prepared vocal solos from memory (see repertoire suggestions below). A piano accompanist will be provided. Bring sheet music in the key you are singing.
- Demonstrate musical skills through a brief music-reading exam (note names, key signature, time signatures, etc.), melodic sight-reading, rhythmic sight-reading, aural recall (tonal memory), and minimal piano proficiency (playing a single line vocal melody on the piano).
II. Audition Repertoire: solos are comparable to songs that would be prepared and memorized for high school All-State Choir auditions and solo/ensemble competitions. Prepare two contrasting selections:
- One art song or aria* in Italian or English
- A second art song or aria in English, Italian, German, French, or Spanish (one musical theater, spiritual, or folk song selection may be substituted for either song).
*Opera arias from the 19th century (Puccini, Verdi etc.) are discouraged for freshman singers. Opera or oratorio arias from the 17th and 18th century are appropriate (Handel, Caldara, Scarlatti, etc.).
III. Suggested Repertoire – selections from:
- The First Book of Soprano (or Mezzo-Soprano, Tenor, Baritone) Solos
- The Second Book of Soprano (or Mezzo-Soprano, Tenor, Baritone) Solos
- 26 Italian Songs and Arias, (Medium High or Medium Low)
- Folk Songs for Solo Singers, (Medium High or Medium Low) – (published by Alfred)
IV. Audition Dress – Professional dress is recommended: skirts/dresses/dressy slacks for women; dress slacks/dress shirt for men. Please, no jeans, T-shirts, or sneakers.
V. Transfer Student Auditions
- Perform two prepared vocal solos or arias from memory, appropriate to your training and experience. A piano accompanist will be provided. Bring sheet music in the key you are singing. Bring a performance resume and/or repertoire list if you have one.
- Demonstrate musical skills as requested.
VI. Voice students seeking the Music Education or Music Therapy degree path will also have an interview with faculty from those areas.
Undergraduate Audition Requirements
- Two contrasting pieces: A movement of a classical sonata (Mozart, Haydn, or Beethoven), a work form the 19th century (e.g., Chopin Prelude, Nocturne, or Fantasy Impromptu; Brahms Intermezzo, etc.) a Bach Invention or Prelude & Fugue from the WTC, an Impressionistic work (Debussy Prelude or Ravel piece), or 20th Century (Bartok, Ginastera, Gershwin, etc.).
- Scales: major and minor
- Sight reading: Level of vocal arias, hymns, etc.
- NOTE: Bachelor of Music, Performance Concentration major auditions should be played from memory; music therapy and music education auditions may use music. The other music majors/minor degrees do not require memorization.
Piano and the B.M., Music Education Concentration
Pianists may audition for the keyboard faculty for the B.M. Music Education Concentration as either choral-track or instrumental-track. Piano will be considered as their principal instrument on which they will pursue applied study. Piano applicants must also interview with the Music Education area to be considered for the B.M. Music Education degree program, and should have experience as a performing member of one or more large, secondary music ensembles to receive consideration for admittance into the degree program.
Undergraduate Audition (all degrees)
-
Two pieces: one from the German Baroque (a prelude/fugue or chorale prelude by Bach, Buxtehude, Bruhns, etc.), and a contrasting piece from the Romantic or Contemporary repertoire (for example, a Mendelssohn sonata movement, Brahms chorale prelude, piece by Langlais, etc.)
-
Sight reading: a hymn
Fall 2023 Start Audition Dates
- Saturday, Jan. 21 – in-person and virtual
- Saturday, Feb. 11 – in person and virtual
- Saturday, Feb. 18 – in-person and virtual
Program applications and auditions submitted after the final scheduled audition date will be heard on a space available basis.
If you have questions, please contact SMTD@colostate.edu
- All prospective students will submit an application through the Acceptd audition portal.
- Please refer to the audition requirements, suggested repertoire, and interview details for your instrument and degree area (on this page).
- Once the application is complete, you will schedule your in-person audition and interview session(s).
- Session Details:
- Students will have a 10-15 minute playing audition and interview with an applied music faculty panel. Additional scales and sight reading may be requested. Voice students will be vocalized during the session. (Music Therapy applicants who do not wish to be in a studio (no-studio track) will not have a playing audition.)
- Students will take a music theory assessment. This is only a levels assessment and does not impact entry to the music degrees.
- Music Education applicants will have an additional interview with faculty. Sight-reading and pitch-matching ability will be assessed during the interview. Please refer to music education audition details here.
- All Music Therapy applicants (studio and no studio options) have a 20-minute interview with music therapy faculty. The session includes singing three songs and sight-reading. Please refer to music therapy audition details here.
PLEASE NOTE: VIRTUAL AUDITIONS ARE NOT AVAILABLE FOR PERCUSSION APPLICANTS. PERCUSSION AUDITIONS WILL BE HELD IN-PERSON ONLY.
- All prospective students choosing to audition virtually will submit an application and video audition through the Acceptd audition portal.
- Please refer to the audition requirements and suggested repertoire for your instrument and degree area.
- Video audition length should be approximately ten minutes and selected pieces should be representative of your best ability. Scales should be included as part of your video audition.
- After your application is submitted, including your audition video, you will be able to schedule your interview session(s).
- The 10-minute interview with an applied music faculty panel may include additional scales and sight reading. Voice students will be vocalized during the interview.
- Music Education applicants will have an additional interview with faculty. Sight-reading and pitch-matching ability will be assessed during the interview. Please refer to music education audition details here.
- All Music Therapy applicants (studio and no studio options) have a 20-minute interview with music therapy faculty. The session includes singing three songs and sight-reading. Please refer to music therapy audition details here.
Resume and Letters
- As part of the audition registration process, please upload an artistic/performance resume. An artistic resume is a list of the performances of which you have been a part, groups with which you have performed, a list of solos or instances that you been individually featured in a piece of music, competitions you have entered, awards you have won, Teachers with whom you have studied, and any other information that you feel tells us something about what you have done as an artist.
- You are also asked to provide the names and email addresses of two references.