To qualify for admission to the School of Music and/or music applied lessons, all students must audition with School of Music faculty. The actual time of your audition will be limited to 15 minutes including entrance, performance, and exit. Use the following list as a guide for planning your scholarship audition repertoire. We invite you to contact the studio faculty for additional audition requirements and repertoire.
Bass Clarinet: UNDERGRADUATE: 1) Two contrasting selections from the standard repertoire (this can include transcriptions), for example, a movement from a classical concerto (e.g. Mozart bassoon concerto), a sonata movement from any period (e.g. Schubert sonata, "Arpeggione"), a 20th century piece (e.g. Bozza, "Ballade for Bass Clarinet). 2) All major and minor scales, quarter note - 76 BPM, from Wolfgang Gabriel, "Etudes for the Bass Clarinet," Op 85, Volumes 1 & 2 (available at www.bassclarinet.org). 3) Two contrasting orchestra excerpts from the following list: George Gershwin, "Rhapsody in Blue," No. 6 through downbeat of two before No. 9; Guiseppe Verdi, "Aida," Act IV, "Duet amernis e radames;" Paul Hindemith, "Symphonic Metamorphoses" Movement II, Letter J through the downbeat of Letter N; Ravel, "Daphnis et Chloe," Second series, No. 167, three measures total; Shostakovich Violin Concerto, Movement II, No. 23 through the downbeat of 13 after No. 24. (Note: all orchestral excerpts can be found in "Symphonic Repertoire for the Bass Clarinet" by Michael Drapkin). 4) Sight reading. GRADUATE: 1) All major and minor scales, three octaves where possible, quarter note = 92 BPM, from Wolfgang Gabriel's "Etudes for the Bass Clarinet," Op 85, Volumes 1 & 2 (available from www.bassclarinet.org). 2) Two contrasting selections from the standard 20th-21st century repertoire (e.g. Andrew Schultz, "As;" Mark Isaacs, "Cantilena;" Bozza, "Ballade for Bass Clarinet;" Osvaldo Golijov, "Dreams and Prayers of Isaac the Blind;" David Lang, "Press Release"). 3) All of the following orchestral excerpts: Guiseppe Verdi, "Aida," Act IV, "Duet Amneris e Radames;" Maurice Ravel, "Daphnis et Chloe," Second series, complete excerpt (Drapkin, pgs 53-55); Shostakovich Violin Concerto, complete excerpt (Drapkin pgs 60-61); and Wagner, "Die Walkure," Act III (Note: most orchestral excerpts can be found in "Symphonic Repertoire for the Bass Clarinet" by Michael Drapkin). 4) Sight-reading.
Bassoon: Two or three contrasting selections from the standard repertoire. For example, a movement from a classical concerto, a sonata movement from any period, a French Conservatoire piece or an unaccompanied piece. Scales, three octaves, will be required.
'Cello: 1) A movement from a concerto from a composer such as Saint-Saëns, Boccherini, Haydn, Dvořák, Elgar, Schumann, Shostakovich, etc. AND/OR a movement from a sonata from a composer such as Beethoven, Brahms, Chopin, etc.; 2) a movement from a Bach Suite; and 3) one 4-octave scale in a major key and one 4-octave scale in a minor key.
Choral Conducting: 1) Conduct a choir during a campus visit or, if living more than 1000 miles away, send in a videotape of a recent performance and/or rehearsal 2) Submit a brief resume of conducting experience 3) Pass a harmonic dictation exam (e.g., Bach chorale) and a sight-singing exam (e.g., Verdi chorus) 4) Play a short piano work demonstrating personal proficiency level 5) Submit a short example of academic work. Contact Dr. Geoffrey Boers at (206) 543-9212 for more information
Clarinet: UNDERGRADUATE: 1) Two contrasting selections from the standard repertoire. For example, a movement from a classical concerto, a sonata movement from any period, a French Conservatoire piece or an unaccompanied piece. 2) One Etude from C. Rose "32 Etudes." 3) All major and minor scales, quarter note = 92 BPM, from Baermann, Op 63, third division. 4) Sight-reading. 5) One excerpt from the following list - Beethoven Symphony #6 (second movement) or 8 (third movement); Mendelssohn Scherzo from "A Midsummer Night's Dream"; Brahms Symphony #3 (second movement); or Rimsky-Korsakov "Capriccio Espagnole" (first movement). GRADUATE: 1) All major and minor scales, quarter note = 108 BPM, from either Baermann, Op 63, third division, or Jettel Klarinettenschule, Book 2. 2) Nielsen Concerto - complete. 3) Two contrasting complete solos from the following list: Debussy "Premiere Rhapsodie," Copland Clarinet Concerto, Martino "A Set for Solo Clarinet", William O Smith "Five Pieces for Clarinet Alone," Weber Concerto No. 2 in Eb Major, 4) Two contrasting excerpts from the following list (complete first clarinet parts, unless specified): Shostakovich - Symphony No. 1; Tchaikovsky, "Francesca da Rimini;" Rachmaninov - Symphony No. 2, slow movement; Mendelssohn - Scherzo from "A Midsummer Night's Dream;" Stravinsky - Firebird Suite (1919 version); Beethoven - Symphony No. 6 in F major; Respighi - Pines of Rome, third movement, 5) Sight-reading. (Note: Bass Clarinet listed separately)
Composition: UNDERGRADUATE: To be considered for admission to the Composition major, students must complete MUSIC 302 & MUSIC 305; MUHST 212; and MUSIC 216, MUSIC 217, & MUSIC 218 (Introductory Composition). Pass a voice or instrumental audition. Submit a portfolio of recent compositions. See the composition program plan for additional information. GRADUATE: Submit portfolio of compositions, including scores and recordings.
Double Bass: One movement from the following: Dragonetti Concerto in A major, Dittersdorf Concerto in E major, Bottesini Concerto #1 or #2, Koussevitzky Concerto, or two movements from any of the following: Any Vivaldi or Marcello Sonatas or the Eccles Sonata. Two orchestral excerpts from the following: Beethoven 5 or 9, Brahms Symphony #1 or #2, Strauss "Don Juan" or "Ein Heldenleben", Verdi "Othello", Britten "Young Persons Guide to the Orchestra", Bach Orchestral Suite #2 (Badinerie and Double).
Euphonium: Two contrasting solo movements; an example could be 1st and 2nd movements of Ellerby concerto or Horovitz concerto or any two contrasting solo pieces that demonstrate technique and lyrical playing. Know all major and minor scales.
Flute: UNDERGRADUATE: Two or three contrasting selections from the standard repertoire (for example, a movement from a classical concerto, a sonata movement from any period, a French Conservatoire piece or an unaccompanied piece). Sight-reading and scales may be required. GRADUATE: Three or four contrasting selections from the standard repertoire (for example, a movement from a classical concerto, a sonata movement from any period, a French Conservatoire piece or an unaccompanied piece), plus three or four orchestral excerpts. Sight-reading and scales may be required. Applicant must also bring a list of solo repertoire studied to his/her audition.
French Horn: All major scales; two movements or pieces of contrasting style such as a Mozart or Haydn concerto, the Beethoven Sonata, the Hindemith Sonata, a Strauss concerto, or the Villanelle by Dukas.
Guitar: Two works of contrasting style from the Renaissance, Baroque, 19th and/or 20th century repertoire for classical guitar. Be prepared to sight-read a short excerpt in the first or second position.
Harp: Two or three contrasting works, one of which must be from the 20th century. You may also play the harp cadenza from the Nutcracker or scales and arpeggios over three octaves.
Harpsichord: Non-performance major: 3 compositions (Bach, French Baroque, and any period; (1) Bach: Any 2 or 3 part invention, Little prelude, Prelude and fugue from the WTC I or II or movements from a suite or partita; (2) French Baroque: 2 movements from a French suite; (3) (3) A piece of your own choice from any period. NOTE: None of the pieces have to be memorized. GRADUATE: 3 compositions (Bach, French Baroque, and any period; (1) Bach: Any composition from the WTC I or II, Three part inventions, suites, partitas, and toccatas; (2) Five to six movements from a French Baroque suite; (3) A piece of your own choice from any period. NOTE: Pieces must be memorized.
Instrumental Conducting: Submit 1) a videotape of a recent rehearsal and performance of an instrumental ensemble, and 2) a resume of musical background and achievements.
Jazz Studies (UNDERGRADUATE PROGRAM ONLY) Performance Major: 1) Major scales memorized. 2) Be able to play and improvise 3 jazz standards in solo style (e.g., Green Dolphin Street, My Romance, All the Things You Are, Night and Day, Blue Bossa, I Love You, Confirmation, Stella By Starlight), one must be a standard jazz tune in a swing feel, and two can be chosen from Blues, Latin, Funk, Ballad, etc. 3) Sight-read. A drum set and a CD and tape player with good speakers will be provided if needed. Jazz Piano: 1) Major scales 3 octaves, hands together. 2) Be able to play and improvise 3 jazz standards in solo piano style (e.g., Green Dolphin Street, My Romance, All the Things You Are, Night and Day, Blue Bossa, I Love You, Confirmation, Stella By Starlight). 3) Play a "Blues" in the Jazz style; 4) Sight-read a "lead" sheet. (Contact Marc Seales, 543-1231) Jazz Double Bass/Electric Bass: 1) Perform walking bass lines based on the following chord progressions: 12 bar blues in all keys, Rhythm changes in B-flat, How High the Moon (Ornithology) in G, Cherokee in B-flat. 2) Play the following melodies: Any standard based on 12 bar blues, Any melody based on rhythm changes in B-flat, How High the Moon or Ornithology in G, Cherokee in B-flat. 3) Be prepared to improvise a solo on above chord changes. 4) Prepare 2 octave scales in major, mixolydian, Dorian, diminished and auxiliary diminished. 5) Prepare the following arpeggios in at least one octave: Major, minor, diminished, augmented and dominant seventh. Jazz Saxophone: Visit http://faculty.washington.edu/brockman/UWSaxophoneFlyer03.html for audition requirements.
Music Education: UNDERGRADUATE: 1) Pass an instrumental or voice audition 2) Pass a Music Education Entrance Exam/Audition, which consists of demonstrating competency in four areas: a) performance on your principal instrument or voice; b) sight-singing; c) piano skills; and d) interview. POST-BAC OR MASTER'S PLUS CERTIFICATION: Pass a Music Education Entrance Exam/Audition, which consists of demonstrating competency in four areas: a) performance on your principal instrument or voice; b) sight-singing; c) piano skills; and d) interview. (NOTE: Master's plus certification students must also complete separate Music Education MA application)
Oboe: Two or three contrasting selections from the standard repertoire; for example, a movement from a classical concerto, a sonata movement from any period, a French Conservatoire piece or an unaccompanied piece. Scales, two octaves, may be required.
Opera Production: (GRADUATE PROGRAM ONLY) Contact Claudia Zahn (czahn@u.washington.edu) for requirements. Directing experience recommended.
Organ: UNDERGRADUATE: Performance Major: 3 compositions (Bach Romantic and Contemporary: (1) Bach: Any Prelude an Fugue except the Eight Little Preludes and Fugues; (2) Romantic: A major work by Brahms, Mendelssohn, Reger, Franck, Vierne, or Widor for the French organ symphonies only first. last and scherzo movements are allowed; (3) Contemporary: Any work from Dupré, Duruflé, or Alain through the present day. NOTE: Pieces must be memorized. Non-Performance major: 3 compositions (Bach Romantic and Contemporary: (1) Bach: Orgelbüchlein or other chorale preludes; any prelude and fugue including the Eight Little Preludes and Fugues; (2) A slow movement of a Mendelssohn Sonata, a Brahms Chorale prelude, smaller pieces of Reger and Vierne; (3) A contemporary work. NOTE: None of the pieces have to be memorized. GRADUATE: 3 compositions (1) Bach: Any prelude and fugue from the following: BWV 532,534, 538, 540, 541, 542,543,544, 545, 546, 547, 548, 550, 552, 564, 572, 582: A complete trio sonata or concerto; (2) Romantic/Modern: A work, preferably of a virtuosic nature by Mendelssohn, Rheinberger, Reger, Franck, Vierne, Widor, Dupré, or Duruflé; (3) Contemporary: A piece by one of the following: Alain, Messiaen, Guillou, Heiller, Hindemith, or a piece written within the past 30 years. NOTE: Pieces must be memorized.
Percussion: Choose from two of the following: 1) Mallet solo with or without accompaniment (xylophone, marimba, vibraphone) 2) snare drum solo 3) multi-percussion solo 4) timpani solo. NOTE: Jazz Studies degree applicants may audition on the drum set (drum set not provided by the School of Music). Please provide complete repertoire list.
Piano: UNDERGRADUATE PERFORMANCE MAJOR: 3 compositions (Bach, Classical, Romantic/Contemporary): 1) Bach: Any Prelude and Fugue from W.T.C. I or II or movements from a Suite or Partita, or the Italian Concerto. 2) Any first movement from Haydn, Mozart, Beethoven sonatas (except the following: Beethoven Sonatas, Op. 49, Nos. 1 and 2. 3) Romantic or Contemporary work, preferably of virtuosic nature. NOTE: Pieces must be memorized. UNDERGRADUATE NON-PERFORMANCE MAJOR: 3 compositions (Bach, Classical, Romantic/Contemporary) 1) Bach: Any 2 or 3 Part Invention (as minimum), Little Prelude, Prelude and Fugue from W.T.C. I or II or movements from a Suite or Partita. 2) Haydn, Mozart, Clementi, or Beethoven: Any first movement from a sonata. 3) Romantic or Contemporary: Any one work. NOTE: None of the pieces have to be memorized. GRADUATE MM: 1) Prepare an entire sonata by any of the following composers: Beethoven, Mozart, Haydn, Clementi, or Schubert; 2) Large Bach work such as a Partita, English Suite or Toccata; 3) Romantic or Contemporary work, preferably of a virtuosic nature NOTE: Pieces must be memorized. Concerto literature is not acceptable. GRADUATE DMA: 1) Prepare an entire sonata by any of the following composers: Beethoven, Mozart, Haydn, Clementi, or Schubert; 2) a Bach work taken from among the following categories - a Toccata, a complete English suite, or a complete Partita 3) a Romantic or Contemporary work, preferably of a virtuosic nature. NOTE: Pieces must be memorized. Concerto literature is not acceptable.
Saxophone: Visit faculty.washington.edu/brockman/UWSaxophoneFlyer03.html for audition requirements.
Trumpet: A selection of contrasting works; for example, 1st movement of Hummel Concert, 2nd movement of the Haydn Concerto, 1st movement of the Hindemith or Halsey Stevens Sonata, Goedicke Concert Etude.
Trombone: A selection of contrasting pieces: for example, Ballade by Bozza, Morceaux Symphonique by Guillmant. Prepare at least three major and minor scales.
Tuba: Two contrasting solo movements; for example, the 1st and 2nd movements of Vaughn Williams tuba concerto or Gregson Tuba concerto, or any two contrasting solo pieces that demonstrate technique and lyrical playing. Know all major and minor scales.
Viola: Two contrasting selections from the standard repertoire.
Violin: Two contrasting selections from the standard repertoire.
Voice: UNDERGRADUATE: Performance major - 1) Each applicant must sing two works from the classical repertoire (memorized), preferably in two languages 2) Demonstrate entrance level sight-reading ability 3) Include 4 copies of a repertoire list of works performed and/or studied. Non-Performance major - 1) Each applicant must sing two memorized works from the classical or light music repertoire. Foreign language skills need not be demonstrated at the time of audition 2) Demonstrate entrance level sight-reading ability. GRADUATE: 1) Must have an undergraduate degree in vocal performance or the equivalent. 2) Audition must consist of a 15 minute program that includes art songs and one aria, and demonstrates ability in two languages. 3) Include 4 copies of a repertoire list. 4) Demonstrate Master's level sight-reading.
