Cello

Studio Overview

Cello studies at Colorado State University support the full range of undergraduate and graduate degrees. Our students participate in the CSU symphony orchestra and chamber music regularly. The studio meets once a week for cello studio class and introduces our new students to the routine with a mentor program and numerous ways to connect to the CSU community.

With a goal of helping students identify their career path, Professor Monsanto exposes students to standard and new solo, small ensemble, and orchestral repertoire. Once students recognize their interests, they receive specific guidance in performance, music education, music therapy, or entrepreneurial skills.

The CSU cello studio class creates a community among students who share their music. Students perform for their peers and discuss music and technique while being submerged in the latest career trends for music and cello. The program is designed to help students prepare to enter the current musical environment. Through multiple studio and solo recitals, ensemble concerts, and professional and personal opportunities, each semester, CSU cello students are encouraged to share their learnings with the university and Front Range community.

"The cello studio at CSU is like a hodge-podge family! We play for each other every week and discuss, praise, and critique our performances afterward. The first studio performances are always nerve-wracking, but our camaraderie makes it a comfortable and constructive environment. All the cello [students] are very supportive and fun...I wouldn't want to play any other instrument at CSU!" said one recent student.

Study With

Audition Requirements

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

Bachelor of Music, Music Education; and Bachelor of Music, Music Therapy

  • Two contrasting pieces of your choice
  • Two scales: one major and one minor

Bachelor of Music, Composition

  • Two contrasting pieces of your choice
  • Two scales: one major and one minor
  • 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
  • Two scales: one major and one minor

Master of Music, Performance Option

  • A movement of your choice from the standard concerto repertoire
  • Two contrasting movements from an unaccompanied Bach Suite
  • One Popper Etude or Piatti Caprice of your choice.
  • Optional: a piece from solo cello from the 20th/21st century in addition to the above requirements.
  • Major/Minor scales with arpeggios may be asked for at your audition.

Master of Music, Music Education Specialization and Master of Music, Music Therapy Specialization

  • One concerto movement
  • One movement of a Bach Suite
  • Two scales—one major, one minor—three octaves (fast/slow)
  • One etude

Guest Artists

Guest Artist and Poster Gallery