String Auditions

In addition to applying for admission to the University, all applicants interested in pursuing a music degree must perform an audition on their major instrument prior to their first semester enrolling in music courses. Schedule your audition by filling out the Online Audition Application. Audition applications are accepted at any time, but those wanting to secure an audition time on our designated audition date(s) should submit their application by Saturday, January 24, 2026.  Auditions serve admission and placement purposes, and are also for talent scholarship consideration.

Please know that we are happy to accept video auditions. All video auditions are due on Saturday, February 14, 2026. Applicants wishing to submit a video audition should submit their video recording link directly to the application form.

String scholarships are awarded only to intended music performance or music education majors.

A pianist collaborator is not required. Applicants may bring their own pianists or contact the Music Department for suggestions.

Applicants with violin, viola, cello, or bass as their primary instrument considering a Bachelor of Music in Music Education: Orchestra emphasis, or a Bachelor of Music in Music Performance: String emphasis, should prepare the following, specific to their instrument.

2026-2027 In-Person Audition Dates
  • Saturday, January 31, 2026 in Daines Concert Hall (Violin, Viola, Cello)
  • Saturday, January 31, 2026 in FAC 217A (Bass)

Violin Audition Requirements

  1. One movement from a Bach Solo Sonata or Partita
  2. One first or third movement from a standard violin concerto (other than a Bach concerto)
  3. A study such as Dont, Gavinies, Kreutzer, Rode, or Paganini
  4. Major and minor scales in all keys, played in quarter notes, slurred 3 or 4 per bow. Tempo should be quarter note = 80. If you’re sending a video audition, please include a sample of one major and minor scale.

Either the Bach solo piece or the concerto movement should be memorized, and compositions chosen should demonstrate the applicant's ability in phrasing, sustained playing, and technical facility, including varied bow strokes and tempi.

Viola Audition Requirements

  1. One movement from the Bach cello suites
  2. One technical study or etude
  3. One first or third movement from a standard concerto
  4. Major and minor scales in all keys, played in quarter notes, slurred 3 or 4 per bow.  Tempo should be quarter note = 80.

Either the Bach solo piece or the concerto movement should be memorized, and compositions chosen should demonstrate the applicant's ability in phrasing, sustained playing, and technical facility, including varied bow strokes and tempi.

Cello Audition Requirements

  1. One movement from the Bach cello suites
  2. One technical study or etude such as the Popper High School for Cello or equivalent
  3. One first or third movement from a standard concerto
  4. Four octave major and minor scales

Both the Bach solo piece and the concerto movement should be memorized, and compositions chosen should demonstrate the applicant's ability in phrasing, sustained playing, and technical facility, including varied bow strokes and tempi.

Classical Bass Audition Requirements

  1. One movement from the standard solo repertoire
  2. One orchestral excerpt or etude
  3. One three-octave major scale with arpeggio

The solo piece and the scale should be played from memory. The repertoire chosen should demonstrate the applicant's ability in phrasing, sustained playing, and technical facility, including varied bow strokes and tempi.

Jazz Bass Audition Requirements

  1. Two contrasting jazz tunes
  2. One solo piece, orchestral excerpt, or etude (with the bow)
  3. One three-octave major scale with arpeggio

Electric Bass Audition Requirements

The bass program at Utah State University focuses primarily on the study of the double bass. Electric bass performance skills are addressed in lessons and utilized in jazz ensembles, but the course of study is oriented towards the double bass.  Students who have a background in electric bass may audition on electric bass and be admitted given that they show the aptitude and desire to develop proficiency on the double bass along with continuing to develop their electric bass skills. Students wishing to audition on electric bass should contact Professor Braun Khan at braun.khan@usu.edu.

Music Therapy Classical Bass Video Audition Requirements

  1. One movement from the standard solo repertoire
  2. One orchestral excerpt or etude
  3. One three-octave major scale with arpeggio

 Music Therapy Jazz Bass Video Audition Requirements

  1. Two contrasting jazz tunes
  2. One solo piece, orchestral excerpt, or etude (with the bow)
  3. One three-octave major scale with arpeggio

 Music Therapy Violin, Viola, and Cello Video Audition Requirements:

  1. A first or third movement of a concerto
  2. A contrasting piece of your choice
  3. One three-octave major or minor scale of your choice

Additional Contact Information

Anne Francis Bayless

Anne Francis Bayless

Professional Practice Professor & Fry Street Quartet

Music (Cello)

Phone: 435-881-2475
Office Location: FA 210
Braun Khan

Braun Khan

Professional Practice Associate Professor

Music (Bass)

Phone: (435) 797-5521
Office Location: FA 217A
Rebecca McFaul

Rebecca McFaul

Professional Practice Professor & Fry Street Quartet

Music (Violin)

Phone: (435) 232-2861
Office Location: FA 208
Bradley Ottesen

Bradley Ottesen

Professional Practice Professor & Fry Street Quartet

Music (Viola)

Phone: 435-881-5582
Office Location: FA 208
Robert Waters

Robert Waters

Professional Practice Professor & Fry Street Quartet

Music (Violin)

Phone: (773) 354-3273
Office Location: FA 204

Applicants wishing to submit a video audition will receive instructions after submitting the Audition Application.