Audition Repertoire & Requirements

Coordinator: Dr. Don Traut

Composition

For more information or if you have specific questions, please contact Dr. Kay He at kayhecomposer@email.arizona.edu.

Musicology

Application materials for graduate students applying to musicology/ethnomusicology should include the following:

• A 1-2 page Statement of Purpose
• All transcripts from prior academic work
• One or more Writing Samples
• 3 letters of reference

For more information or if you have specific questions, please contact Dr. Jay Rosenblatt at jrosenbl@email.arizona.edu.

Theory

For more information or if you have specific questions, please contact Dr. Boyd Pomeroy at pomeroy@email.arizona.edu.

Coordinator: Dr. Chad Nicholson – crnichol@email.arizona.edu

Choral

For audition requirements go to https://choral.music.arizona.edu.

For more information or if you have specific questions, please contact Dr. Elizabeth Schauer at erschaue@email.arizona.edu

Orchestral

For more information or if you have specific questions, please contact Dr. Tom Cockrell at cockrell@email.arizona.edu.

Wind Band

For more information or if you have specific questions, please contact Dr. Chad Nicholson directly at crnichol@email.arizona.edu.

Coordinator: Dr. Angelo Versace – aversace@email.arizona.edu

Jazz Studies

• Prepare 3 memorized, contrasting jazz standards (i.e., medium swing, ballad, waltz, samba, odd meter, etc.). Play the melody, and then take a few choruses of solo. A pianist will accompany you at the audition.
• Piano/Guitar – demonstrate your ability to comp on the standards that you choose
• Bass – demonstrate your ability to play bass lines (walk, 2 feel, tumbao etc.) over the standards that you choose.
• Prepare 2 octave, major and minor (natural, melodic, and harmonic) scales in every key.
• Prepare 2 octave, major and minor triad arpeggios in every key.
• Drums – demonstrate your ability to play the following grooves:
  – Medium 4/4 Swing (mm=130)
  – Bright 4/4 Swing (mm=290+)
  – Samba (mm=230)
  – Bossa Nova (mm=110)
  – Jazz Waltz (mm=170)
  – Ballad – use brushes (mm=60)

***Please be sure to email the major professor on your instrument. Certain applied areas require additional specific audition repertoire and materials.

Coordinator: Dr. Daniel Linder – dlinder@email.arizona.edu

Piano and Organ

For audition requirements go to: keyboard.music.arizona.edu/audition-information.

Area Faculty

• Dr. Pamela Decker (Organ/Harpsichord) – pdecker@email.arizona.edu
• Dr. Fanya Lin – fanyalin@email.arizona.edu
• Dr. Daniel Linder – dlinder@email.arizona.edu

Coordinator: Dr. Matthew Williams – mlwilliams@arizona.edu

Undergraduate Applicants

• Admission to the University of Arizona
• Bachelor of Music application
• Letter of recommendation from someone who can speak to your potential: e.g. a music teacher, band, orchestra, choir director, private instructor or non-music mentor who knows you well.
• Audition for your primary instrument/voice– either: uploaded; live online, or live in-person on campus. Repertoire requirements can be found under the area drop-downs on this page.
• A recorded “interview” –  information can be found here
• A Written Statement of Purpose.

Graduate Applicants

Audition materials for graduate students applying to music education include the following:

• Academic transcripts
• Copy of current teacher certificate(s) if any
• Resume/CV
• 1-2 page Statement of Purpose
• 3 letters of reference
• Written Philosophy of Teaching
• Writing Sample (10-12 page research/academic paper preferred — PhD applicants only)
• TOEFL scores (international applicants only)

In addition, those applying for a Graduate Teaching Assistantship (GTA) position need to submit a teaching video.  A group teaching situation is preferred.  The teaching episode should be a minimum of 20 minutes in length but not to exceed 40 minutes.

Coordinator: Dr. Theodore Buchholz

Harp

Undergraduate

The undergraduate audition for harp consists of these elements:

(1) Three solo (unaccompanied) works

• Choose works that demonstrate your current level of performance and a broad command of stylistic differences.
• At least two of the works should be performed from memory.
• Original works for harp are preferred, but it is acceptable to include one transcription, particularly for repertoire from the Baroque or Classical periods. Examples would include sonatas by D. Scarlatti and selections from the Bach-Grandjany Etudes for Harp.
• One of your solos should be written after 1950. You may use music for the performance of contemporary scores.

(2) One cadenza from the standard orchestral repertoire

• Please choose from the following list:
  • Britten – Young Person’s Guide to the Orchestra
  • Donizetti – Lucia di Lammermoor (any edition)
  • Ravel – Tzigane
  • Tchaikovsky – Waltz of the Flowers OR Swan Lake

(3) Sight-reading during the audition.

Please contact Carla Fabris.

Graduate

The graduate audition for harp consists of these elements:

(1) Three solo (unaccompanied) works

• Choose works that demonstrate your current level of performance and a broad command of stylistic differences.
• At least two of the works should be performed from memory.
• Original works for harp are preferred, but it is acceptable to include one transcription, particularly for repertoire from the Baroque or Classical periods. Examples would include sonatas by D. Scarlatti and selections from the Bach-Grandjany Etudes for Harp. You are also welcome to include your own transcription of a work, but music must be provided to the panel during the audition.
• One of your solos should be written after 1950. You may use music for the performance of contemporary scores.

(2) Concerto excerpt (choose one)

• Mozart, Concerto for Harp, 1^st movement (no cadenza)
• Handel, Concerto for Harp in Bb Major, 1^st movement (no repeats)
• Ravel, Introduction et Allegro, complete
• Debussy, Danses, complete

(3) One orchestral excerpt or cadenza from the following list:

• Berlioz: Symphonie Fantastique, Harp 1 (Mvt. II: beginning to 1 measure after reh 33)
• Britten: Young Person’s Guide to the Orchestra (cadenza)
• Debussy: La Mer, Harp 1 (Mvt. I: Reh 2-6 and Mvt II: 4 measures after reh 33 to 5 measures after reh 36)
• Donizetti: Lucia di Lammermoor (cadenza; any edition)
• Ravel: Tzigane (cadenza)
• Strauss: Salome’s Dance, Harp 1 (letter F to V)
• Stravinsky: Symphony in Three Movements (Mvt. III: 1 measure before Reh 172 to 177)
• Tchaikovsky – Swan Lake (cadenza)

Guitar

For audition requirements, please contact Professor Tom Patterson.

Violin

Undergraduate

Please prepare the following:

• The first or last movement of a standard concerto
• A movement of a Bach Sonata or Partita for solo violin
• A showpiece, movement of a sonata, or other work of your choice

Graduate

Please prepare the following:

• The first or last movement of a standard Romantic or 20th-century concerto
• The first movement of Mozart Concerto No.3, No.4, or No.5, including cadenza
• Two contrasting movements of a Bach Sonata or Partita for solo violin, or the Chaconne
• A showpiece, movement of a sonata, or other work of your choice

Viola

Undergraduate

• A movement of a concerto
• A movement of solo Bach
• A piece of your choice that contrasts with the concerto and the Bach

Prepare the following:

• A movement of a concerto
• At least two contrasting movements of solo Bach
• A piece of your choice that contrasts with the concerto and the Bach

Cello

Prepare three pieces including a movement from the Bach Suites, a movement from a concerto or sonata, and either an etude or a short piece demonstrating technical ability.

For more information or if you have specific questions, please contact Dr. Theodore Buchholz.

Bass

Prepare all major scales in at least two octaves. Prepare a piece to show musical ability, such as a Baroque sonata or Classical concerto. Prepare an orchestral excerpt. Optional requirement: prepare a jazz standard (melody, walking bass line over changes, and improvised solo).

For more information or if you have specific questions, please contact Dr. Philip Alejo.

Coordinator: Dr. Kristin Dauphinais – kdauphin@email.arizona.edu

Area Faculty

• Dr. Kristin Dauphinais – kdauphin@arizona.edu
• Professor Yunah Lee – yunahlee@arizona.edu
• Dr. Andrew Stuckey – wastuckey@arizona.edu
• Professor Cynthia Stokes – cynthiastokes@arizona.edu

Audition Dates

In addition to the all-school audition dates of Saturday, February 8, 2025 or Saturday, March 1, 2025, applicants auditioning for vocal programs are invited to audition on the following dates:

• Dates to be confirmed for Fall 2025 applicants. Applicants must audition on or before March 1, 2025 to receive full consideration for available scholarship funds.

Undergraduate Degrees with vocal emphasis

At the University of Arizona we have several different tracks to specifically align with the goals and talents of our various students. Each student should consider which path will help them to obtain the skillset required to reach their personal aspirations and audition accordingly.

Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Music

The Bachelor of Arts offers a diverse liberal arts approach to musical study. It is best suited to the student who would like to incorporate knowledge of vocal arts into their career, but perhaps not work as a full-time performer.  Students following the track in a BA in vocal studies have gone on to become lawyers, physicians, song leaders in houses of worship, arts administrators, sound technicians, and business professionals.

Bachelor of Music (BM) in Music Education

The Bachelor of Music in Music Education prepares students to become certified music educators in elementary through high school levels in the state of Arizona and many other states as well.

Bachelor of Music (BM) in Performance

The Bachelor of Music Performance degree prepares students for continued graduate studies in voice and for a competitive career as a classical singer on stage in opera, oratorio, song, and other related performance genres.  Most students in this track have had prior private vocal training and some stage experience.  It is highly recommended that any student wishing to audition for placement in the vocal performance degree path come to the U of A for a live audition.

Undergraduate Audition Requirements

Bachelor of Arts students who wish to take applied voice lessons

• Two contrasting musical compositions from classical vocal literature representing different periods and styles, for example, Classical, Romantic, Impressionistic or Contemporary Art Songs or Arias. One selection may be from Broadway theatre repertoire. All selections must be memorized.

Bachelor of Music in Music Education

• Two contrasting musical compositions from classical vocal literature representing different periods and styles, for example, Classical, Romantic, Impressionistic or Contemporary Art Songs or Arias. One selection may be from Broadway theatre repertoire. All selections must be memorized.
• Interview with the Music Education Faculty

Bachelor of Music in Performance*

• Three musical compositions from classical vocal literature representing different periods and styles, for example, Classical, Romantic, Impressionistic or Contemporary Art Songs or Arias. One selection may be from Broadway theatre repertoire. All selections must be memorized.

* a minimum of one year of private study prior to your audition is highly recommended

Graduate Degrees

MM – Vocal Performance

The Master of Music in vocal performance expands upon the knowledge of an individual with a BM in vocal performance. The degree offers training in opera history, art song, vocal pedagogy as well provides the singer an opportunity to hone their craft as a performing artist in terms of vocal technique, stage deportment, and the refinement of foreign languages. This degree further prepares students for a career as a professional classical singer, a teacher of singing in a community college or home studio, or continuation into a doctorate of musical arts. The MM student at UA has multiple opportunities for gaining stage time, experience in competitions, recital performances, and ensemble experiences.

DMA – Vocal Performance

The Doctorate of Musical Arts is the terminal degree for the field of vocal performance and requires the completion of both a bachelor and masters degree. It is intended to cultivate the highest level of scholarship and performance in vocal arts and prepare students to become teachers, performers and scholars at the university/professional level. Students in the DMA program at UA also select a secondary track of emphasis to best prepare them for the current job market. This secondary emphasis is known as the doctoral minor.  Common doctoral minors for vocal performance majors include: opera direction, conducting, musicology, and music theory. However, students also have the opportunity to create an individualized minor in coordination with the graduate committee.

Graduate Audition Requirements

Master of Music in Vocal Performance

Pre-screen Requirements (Deadline December 1st)

Students seeking admission must submit the following via the online Acceptd portal:

• Recorded audition: 5 selections of contrasting tempi, style, periods, and languages. Both art songs and arias should be represented, and a student may also choose to include one selection from the oratorio repertoire. The singer will be evaluated for musicality, dramatic interpretation, diction, and professional potential. Note: All selections must be memorized
• Statement of purpose
• Résumé

In-person audition (See posted audition dates)

Students who pass the pre-screen audition will be notified by January 10 and be invited to a live audition which will include:

• Two or more of your selections to be performed with a provided pianist. NOTE: PDF copies of all five pieces must be sent to the pianist a minimum of two weeks in advance of the audition. 
• Interview to discuss professional goals and aspirations. International students or out-of-state students who are unable to travel for an in-person interview may be invited to participate in an online interview.  (Note: Priority for scholarships is given to those who participated in live auditions.)

Additional requirements needed for consideration for a graduate teaching position

• Teaching résumé
• Video of classroom and/or private teaching in English
• Speaking interview with the director of graduate studies to determine language proficiency and/or suitability for specific teaching assignments. 

Doctor of Musical Arts in Vocal Performance

Pre-screen Requirements (Deadline December 1st)

Students seeking admission must submit the following via the online Acceptd portal:

• Recorded audition: 5 selections of contrasting tempi, style periods, and languages. Both art songs and arias should be represented, and a student may also choose to include one selection from the oratorio repertoire. The singer will be evaluated for musicality, dramatic interpretation, diction, and professional potential. Note: All selections must be memorized
• An example of scholarly writing. This document may be a paper previously submitted for a course from a previous degree.
• A statement of purpose 
• Résumé
• Repertoire list for a 30-minute recital, which may include the 5 pre-recorded selections. Repertoire for the in-person audition will be selected by the faculty at the time of audition from this submitted program.

In-person audition (See posted audition dates)

Students who pass the pre-screen audition will be notified by January 10 and invited to a live audition which will include:

• A performance of two or more of your selections from your submitted 30-minute program to be selected by the faculty at the time of audition. (Note: All selections must be memorized)
• An interview to discuss professional goals and aspirations. International students or out-of-state students who are unable to travel for an in-person interview may be invited to participate in an online interview and submit the selected repertoire electronically. (Note: Priority for scholarships is given to those who participated in live auditions.)

Additional requirements needed for consideration for a graduate teaching position

• Teaching résumé
• Video of classroom or private teaching in English
• Speaking interview with the director of graduate studies to determine language proficiency and/or suitability for specific teaching assignments. 

Students who pass the pre-screen audition are eligible to receive a 30- minute trial lesson with any/all of the UA voice faculty. 

Coordinator: Dr. Sara Fraker

Flute

Undergraduate applicants

Repertoire

Prepare two contrasting works or other similar repertoire, one demonstrating technical proficiency and another, lyricism. If you wish to use other works that are commensurate with the suggested repertoire, contact Dr. Luce. It may be possible to perform the works with piano during the audition. The following selections are representative of this type of diverse repertoire.

• Group A
  • J.S. BACH: Sonata in E Major, movements I and II
  • J.S. BACH: Sonata in E-flat Major, movements I and II
  • J.S. BACH: Sonata in C Major, movements I and II
  • G.F. HANDEL: Sonata in G Major, movements I and II
• Group B
  • GABRIEL FAURE: Fantaisie, Op. 79
  • LOUIS GANNE: Andante et Scherzo
  • BENJAMIN GODARD: Suite de Trois Morceaux, movements I and II
  • GEORGES ENESCO: Cantabile et Presto

Live Audition
Contact the School of Music and Dr. Luce to schedule an audition during one of the regular audition dates or at a time when you wish to visit the campus. Your chosen audition repertoire may be performed from memory. You will also be asked to perform scales and arpeggios from memory as well as sight read.

Recorded Audition
Although a live audition is preferable, prospective students may prepare an unedited recording of the works and include performance of six major and minor scales, six major and minor arpeggios, and six two-octave scales of your choice. The recording may be physically delivered on digital media or uploaded to your secondary application and/or YouTube™. You may also submit audio or video recordings via email or a file sharing service.

Graduate applicants

Repertoire
All applicants will perform the first movement of either the Mozart G-Major or D-Major concerto including a cadenza from memory.  In addition, candidates are to compliment this concerto movement with approximately 15 to 20 minutes of repertoire including: sonata or sonatina movements, French contest works, unaccompanied pieces, and orchestral excerpts.

Live Audition
Contact the School of Music and Dr. Luce to schedule an audition during one of the regular audition dates or during a time when you wish to visit the University of Arizona.  A live audition is preferable as it also allows you the opportunity to visit the campus, meet current students, and discuss the program with the professor.

Recorded Audition
Prepare an unedited video recording of the repertoire outlined above including a memorized performance of the Mozart concerto movement.  Record any accompanied works with piano.  Additionally, include five minutes of any technique exercise(s) of your choosing in 6 different major and 6 different minor keys (e.g. Taffanel et Gaubert 17 Daily Exercises, Moyse Daily Exercises, etc.).  The recording may be physically delivered on digital media or uploaded to Acceptd or YouTube™.  You may also submit audio or video recordings via email or a file sharing service.

For more information or if you have specific questions, please contact Dr. Brian Luce.

Oboe

Undergraduate applicants should prepare the following:

• All major and minor scales over the full range of the instrument.
• Two contrasting études from the Barret Oboe Method and/or Ferling 48 Etudes.
• One solo from the repertoire list below (or a work of comparable difficulty). Single movements are acceptable.
  • Benjamin Britten, Six Metamorphoses after Ovid
  • Madeleine Dring, Danza Gaya
  • G.F. Handel, Oboe Sonata in C minor HWV 366
  • Ulysses Kay, Suite in B
  • Alessandro Marcello, Oboe Concerto in D minor
  • Alyssa Morris, Four Personalities
  • Carl Nielsen, Two Fantasy Pieces
  • Émile Paladilhe, Solo de Concert
  • Camille Saint-Saëns, Oboe Sonata
  • William Grant Still, Incantation and Dance
  • G.P. Telemann, Oboe Sonata in A minor TWV 41:a3

Graduate applicants should prepare the following:

• All major and minor scales over the full range of the instrument.
• Two contrasting études from the Barret Oboe Method and/or Ferling 48 Etudes.
• Two solos from the standard repertoire, drawn from two different historical periods. Single movements are acceptable.
• Four standard orchestral excerpts.

For more information, please contact Dr. Sara Fraker.

Bassoon

Undergraduate applicants

• All major scales and arpeggios at your chosen tempo
• Chromatic scale that indicates your full range
• One etude from the following:
  • Weissenborn 50 Concert Studies
  • Orefici 20 Melodious Studies
  • Milde 25 Studies in Scales and Chords, op 24
• One solo composition of your choice: include selections that demonstrate both lyrical and technical playing
• Suggested solo pieces: 
  • Bourdeau: Premiere Solo
  • Brandon: Colored Stones
  • Hailstork: Bassoon Set
  • Siqueira: Three Études for Bassoon and Piano
  • Smalys: Confessions
  • Telemann: Sonata in F minor

Graduate Applicants

• All major and minor scales and arpeggios
• Chromatic scale that indicates your full range
• One Milde Concert Study of choice
• 2 works of your choice contrasting in era and style. One must be from the following:
  • Jenni Brandon: Colored Stones
  • Nancy Galbraith: Sonata for Bassoon and Piano
  • Adolphus Hailstork: Bassoon Set
  • Kaghondi wm Mwanga: A Nightmare
  • Jeff Scott: Elegy for Innocence
  • José Siqueira: Three Études for Bassoon and Piano
• 2-3 contrasting orchestral excerpts

For more information or if you have specific questions, please contact Professor Marissa Olegario at molegario@arizona.edu.

Clarinet

Undergraduate applicants

• All major scales over the full range of the instrument
• An etude of your choice from the Rose: 32 Studies for Clarinet (or an etude of comparable difficulty)
• A solo of the applicant’s choice.
  Examples can include, but are not limited to the following pieces:
  – Weber: Concertino
  – Weber: Concerto No. 1 or 2
  – Osborne: Rhapsody
  – Harvey: 3 etudes on themes of Gershwin
  – Rabaud: Solo de concours
  – Messager: Solo de concours
  – Saint-Saens: Sonata, 1st or 4th movement

Graduate applicants

• 2-3 contrasting pieces/movements from the standard literature (applicant’s choice).
  Examples include:
  – First movement of a major concerto
  – Standard sonatas or other works for clarinet and piano
  – A 20th or 21st-century solo work
• 3-4 contrasting standard orchestral excerpts (choose three that showcase lyricism, technique, and articulation)

Live auditions are strongly encouraged. If you cannot attend one of the School of Music audition dates, please contact Dr. Jackie Glazier to schedule an alternative audition date. If you are unable to perform an live audition, you may set up an audition time via Zoom.

Saxophone

For audition requirements go to UA Saxophone Studio Audition Requirements to view/download a PDF with all the information.

For more information, or if you have specific questions, please contact Dr. Edward Goodman.

Horn

For audition requirements go to the prospective horn students page.

For more information or if you have specific questions, please contact Professor Johanna Lundy.

Trumpet

Undergraduate applicants

• All Major Scales (1.5-2 octaves)
• Technical Etude: Arban’s Characteristic Study or similar etude from the Brandt, Charlier, Bitsch, Top Tones, Goldman, or other etude book.
• Lyrical Etude or Piece: 2nd movement Haydn Trumpet Concerto, Charlier #2, or similar.

Graduate Applicants

Graduate Auditions would include all of the above plus a selection from a more advanced solo work or concerto or contest piece such as: Kennan Sonata, Stevens Sonata, Ewazen Sonata, Arutunian Trumpet Concerto, Honegger Intrada, Enesco Legende, Bitsch Variations on a Theme of Scarlatti, Piccolo Trumpet Concerti, Haydn or Hummel on Eb Trumpet.

For more information or if you have specific questions, please contact Professor Jason Carder.

Trombone

 Undergraduate 

• Two contrasting solos or etudes, demonstrating lyrical and technical playing
• One major and one minor scale and a chromatic scale starting on low E 2 octaves 
• Orchestral excerpts
  • Tenor Trombone
    • Mozart Requiem: Tuba Mirum, 2nd trombone solo
    • Berlioz: Hungarian March, 2nd trombone, 6 before reh #4 through 2 after reh # 5
  • Bass Trombone
    • Haydn: Creation no. 26
    • Schumann: Symphony No. 3, 4th movement, opening passage

Graduate 

• Two contrasting solos from standard solo literature
• Orchestral Excerpts
  • Tenor Trombone
    • Ravel: Bolero
    • Mozart Requiem: Tuba Mirum, 2nd trombone solo
    • Rossini: William Tell
    • Saint Saens: Symphony no 3, 1st Trombone solos, 1st movement
    • Mahler: Symphony no. 3, solo, 1st movement (first solo)
  • Bass Trombone
    • Haydn: Creation no.26
    • Beethoven: Symphony no. 9, 4th movement
    • Respighi: Fountains of Rome
    • Wagner: Das Rheingold ending

For more information or if you have specific questions, please visit the Trombone Studio website or contact Professor Michael Becker.

Tuba/Euphonium

Your recorded audition must be an unedited audio and video submission submitted to a link which Dr. Tropman will provide, with a length of 10-15 minutes in length (undergraduate) or 15-20 minutes in length (graduate). Please contact Dr. Tropman if you wish to discuss repertoire choice. Your selected repertoire should demonstrate the full breadth of your technical and musical capabilities. For undergraduates from the State of Arizona, do not use the AMEA etudes. Other etudes and solos are acceptable. For graduates, 1-2 significant works for the instrument (full works or movements are acceptable) or transcriptions are acceptable. At least one work should be originally composed for euphonium or tuba. Please also include 1-2 standard orchestral or band excerpts. Tubists who play both bass and contrabass tuba should submit recordings on both instruments.

For more information or if you have specific questions, please contact Dr. Matt Tropman.

Percussion

For audition requirements go to percussion.music.arizona.edu.

For more information or if you have specific questions, please contact Dr. Morris Palter.