String Auditions

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.

Recorded Auditions

Applicants wishing to submit a video audition should submit their video recording link directly to the application form.

Recorded Audition Best Practices

• Read audition requirements carefully. Select your repertoire with the help of your private instructor, or a trusted ensemble director at your school. If you have any questions about the audition requirements, contact our faculty.
• Recorded auditions must include both audio and video.
• Dress in audition appropriate attire, similar to what you would wear for a concert or recital. Remove any distractions from the background.
• Please be sure the lighting in your video is balanced. It may help to turn on lights or stand near a window. On the other hand, you may need to close window blinds or move away from bright lights.
• Your video frame should capture as much of your body and instrument as possible. Do your best to make sure your hands and face are visible.
• Do an audio test before you record your audition materials. Be sure to test various dynamic and pitch ranges. You may need to adjust your microphone placement in order to capture the best possible sound.
• Introduce yourself, your accompanist (if applicable), and the selections you are performing.

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