Auditions and interviews for music majors

Audition dates

• Nov. 16, 2024: On campus. For spring admission only. All other dates are for fall admission.
• Feb. 8, 2025: On campus.
• Feb. 15, 2025: Virtual interview and recorded audition submission. Faculty highly recommend attending your audition in person.
• Feb. 22, 2025: On campus.

What to prepare for your audition:

The audition must display a level of development that will allow you to start with the listed repertoire or comparable literature. The point of the audition is to demonstrate your current level of playing, so choose works that showcase your sound, musicianship and musical strengths. Piano accompaniment is not required.

Prepare a 15-minute audition to include:

• Major scales: Six major scales of your choosing (three octaves for C, C#, B, B-flat & D).
• Two contrasting etudes from Weissenborn: Fifty Advanced Studies OR one etude from Milde: Concert Study.
• One or two solos/movements from contrasting periods.

Applicants are encouraged to include a work/movement by an underrepresented composer.

Specific repertoire questions should be addressed to Professor Albie Micklich at Albie.Micklich@asu.edu.

For recorded auditions:

The faculty strongly recommends that applicants come to campus for a live audition. Recorded auditions are submitted in your music application. Refer to the audition recordings and portfolios section below for recorded audition guidelines. Bassoon applicants should prepare all materials as specified above.

Virtual interview: The recorded audition will be followed by a virtual interview with the faculty on the virtual experience day. Please be prepared to ask questions and play your instrument.

Audition dates

• Nov. 16, 2024: On campus. For spring admission only. All other dates are for fall admission.
• Jan. 25, 2025: On campus.
• Feb. 8, 2025: On campus.
• Feb. 15, 2025: Virtual interview and recorded audition submission. Faculty highly recommend attending your audition in person.
• Feb. 22, 2025: On campus.

What to prepare for your audition:

The audition must display a level of development that will allow you to start with the listed repertoire or comparable literature. The point of the audition is to demonstrate your current level of playing, so choose works that showcase your sound, musicianship and musical strengths.

Applicants who have questions about repertoire selection and the audition process are encouraged to reach out directly to the appropriate professor: TLandsc@asu.edu.

You should have a well prepared audition regardless of your intended major. Performance majors should anticipate a higher entrance standard than non-performance majors (music learning and teaching, theory, music therapy, Bachelor of Arts). Piano accompaniment is not required. You should prepare the following:

• Performance majors:
  • An outer movement of a concerto.
  • J. S. Bach: Two contrasting movements from any of the unaccompanied cello suites.
  • An etude by Popper or Piatti.
• Non-Performance majors:
  • An etude.
  • Two works contrasting in tempo and style.
  • A contrasting movement of choice.

Recorded auditions:

The faculty strongly recommends that applicants come to campus for a live audition. Recorded auditions are submitted in your music application. Refer to the audition recordings and portfolios section below for recorded audition guidelines.

Virtual interview: The recorded audition will be followed by a virtual interview with the faculty on the virtual experience day. Please be prepared to ask questions and answer interview questions such as: 

• Tell us about your musical background and interest.
• What three words would you use to describe yourself?
• Who, or what, has made the greatest impact (or has been the most influential thus far) in your life as a string player?

Audition dates:

• Jan. 12, 2025: On campus. Reserved for out-of-state applicants.
• Jan. 25, 2025: On campus.
• Feb. 8, 2025: On campus.
• Feb. 15, 2025: Virtual interview and recorded audition submission. Faculty highly recommend attending your audition in person.
• Feb. 22, 2025: On campus.

What to prepare for your audition:

The audition must display a level of development that will allow you to start with the listed repertoire or comparable literature. The point of the audition is to demonstrate your current level of playing, so choose works that showcase your sound, musicianship and musical strengths. Piano accompaniment is not required.

Non-performance majors: (music learning and teaching, theory, music therapy, Bachelor of Arts)

• Scales: All major scales, range from low E to high G (all 2 octaves; E, F, F#, and G with 3 octaves). Some knowledge of minor scales and major scales in thirds (one octave).
• Ability to perform etudes contained in such materials as Melodious and Progressive Etudes, Book 2, edited by David Hite, published by Southern Music, and Rose’s 32 Etudes.
• Audition should consist of contrasting selections from standard clarinet literature and/or the above etudes. One of your selections may be an original piece or improvisation.

Performance majors:

• Scales: All major scales, range from low E to high G (all 2 octaves; E, F, F#, and G with 3 octaves). Ability to perform minor scales in at least one form, range from low E to high G and major scales in thirds (one octave).
• Some knowledge of dominant 7th chords.
• Ability to perform etudes contained in such materials as Melodious and Progressive Etudes, Book 2, edited by David Hite, published by Southern Music, and Rose’s 32 Etudes.
• Audition should consist of contrasting selections from standard clarinet literature and/or the above etudes. Standard literature should be representative of works such as:
  • Weber: Concertos or Concertino
  • Mozart: Concerto
  • Brahms: Sonatas
  • Schumann: Fantasy Pieces
  • 20th-century works such as Stravinsky: Three Pieces
  • You may choose an original piece or improvisation for your contrasting selection. It should highlight your creative work and command of the instrument.

For recorded auditions:

The faculty strongly recommends that applicants come to campus for a live audition. However, the faculty understands it is not always possible to audition in person. Recorded auditions are submitted in your music application. Refer to the audition recordings and portfolios section below for recorded audition guidelines. Please record all scales. Accompaniment is not required for your repertoire recording.

Virtual interview: The recorded audition will be followed by a virtual interview with the faculty on the virtual experience day. Please be prepared to ask the faculty questions, to answer interview questions, and to sight-read on your instrument.

Prescreening and portfolio:

To be considered for an interview, the composition program requires a prescreening portfolio to be uploaded to the music application. Refer to the audition recordings and portfolios section below for technical specifications.

Portfolio requirements:

• Three to five of the applicant's most representative works demonstrating proficiency in a variety of genres or styles. Recent works are preferred. Contrasting works are recommended.
• Materials should include scores in PDF format, or if your work is not notation-based, include a description of how your work was realized.
• We recommend that you also include audio and/or video documentation of your pieces. Computer generated recordings are acceptable.

Interview:

Applicants who pass the prescreening are scheduled for an interview with the composition faculty. In the event that you are not selected for an interview, you may apply for another music degree. Composition applicants are not required to perform an audition to be considered for admission to the composition program. If you wish to take lessons in your main instrument, you must complete an audition and follow those audition repertoire guidelines.

Virtual interviews: Applicants are urged to come to campus for their interview and partake in all audition day activities, meet the faculty, and tour the facilities and campus. However, the faculty understands it is not always possible to interview in person, so virtual interviews are available on the virtual experience day.

• Nov. 16, 2024: On campus. For spring admission only. All other dates are for fall admission.
• Feb. 8, 2025: On campus.
• Feb. 15, 2025: Virtual interview and recorded audition submission. Faculty highly recommend attending your interview in person.
• Feb. 22, 2025: On campus.

Audition dates

• Nov. 16, 2024: On campus. For spring admission only. All other dates are for fall admission.
• Jan. 25, 2025: On campus.
• Feb. 8, 2025: On campus.
• Feb. 15, 2025: Virtual interview and recorded audition submission. Faculty highly recommend attending your audition in person.
• Feb. 22, 2025: On campus.

What to prepare for your audition:

The audition must display a level of development that will allow you to start with the listed repertoire or comparable literature. The point of the audition is to demonstrate your current level of playing, so choose works that showcase your sound, musicianship and musical strengths.

Applicants who have questions about repertoire selection and the audition process are encouraged to reach out directly to professor Catalin Rotaru at Catalin.Rotaru@asu.edu.

You should have a well prepared audition regardless of your intended major. Performance majors should anticipate a higher entrance standard than non-performance majors (music learning and teaching, theory, music therapy, Bachelor of Arts). Piano accompaniment is not required. You should prepare the following:

• An etude exemplifying the applicant's technical ability.
• Two works (or movements) contrasting in tempo and style.

Supplemental material, recorded or written, to augment one’s application is highly encouraged (to show curated musical experiences, previous degree recitals performed, highlight diverse programming/repertoire knowledge, etc.).

Recorded auditions:

The faculty strongly recommends that applicants come to campus for a live audition. Recorded auditions are submitted in your music application. Refer to the audition recordings and portfolios section below for recorded audition guidelines.

Virtual interview: The recorded audition will be followed by a virtual interview with the faculty on the virtual experience day. Please be prepared to ask questions and answer interview questions such as:

• Tell us about your musical background and interest.
• What 3 words would you use to describe yourself?
• Who, or what, has made the greatest impact (or has been the most influential thus far) in your life as a string player?

Jazz applicants:

If you are interested in auditioning for the jazz program, please refer to the jazz instruments section for audition dates and repertoire requirements. A separate audition is required for this program. To audition on both classical and jazz bass, select this option in your application, and email MDTAdmissions@asu.edu to schedule a second audition.

Audition dates

• Nov. 16, 2024: On campus. For spring admission only. All other dates are for fall admission.
• Feb. 8, 2025: On campus.
• Feb. 15, 2025: Virtual interview and recorded audition submission. Faculty highly recommend attending your audition in person.
• Feb. 22, 2025: On campus.

What to prepare for your audition:

Piano accompaniment is not required. Auditions are 15 minutes and you should prepare the following:

• Perform one technical and one lyrical solo or etude or combination of your choice (including but not limited to - solo works, Bordogni/Rochut Lyrical etudes, Tyrell or Kopprasch technical etudes)
• Additional demonstrations or samples of your work as a musician are encouraged and welcomed (jazz, composition, other styles of music, instrument double, other)
• Sight-reading and major scales two octaves

Interview questions will include though are not limited to:

• What are your career goals?
• What type of collaborations have you experienced? What types can you imagine?
• Describe yourself as a member of the euphonium/tuba studio. What are your primary and secondary skill sets?

Recorded auditions:

The faculty strongly recommends that applicants come to campus for a live audition. Recorded auditions are submitted in your music application. Refer to the audition recordings and portfolios section below for recorded audition guidelines. If you will be submitting a recorded audition, please submit a video recording and include the same repertoire as listed for the live auditions. No accompaniment is required.

Virtual interview: The recorded audition will be followed by a virtual interview with the faculty on the virtual experience day. Please be prepared to ask questions and answer interview questions. The recorded audition will be followed by a virtual interview with the faculty.

Audition dates

• Jan. 25, 2025: On campus.
• Feb. 8, 2025: On campus.
• Feb. 15, 2025: Virtual interview and recorded audition submission. Faculty highly recommend attending your audition in person.
• Feb. 22, 2025: On campus.

The flute studio only accepts applications for fall admission. No openings are available for spring admission.

What to prepare for your audition:

The audition must display a level of development that will allow you to start with the listed repertoire or comparable literature. The point of the audition is to demonstrate your current level of playing, so choose works that showcase your sound, musicianship and musical strengths.

You should have a well prepared audition regardless of your intended major. Performance majors should anticipate a higher entrance standard than non-performance majors (music learning and teaching, theory, music therapy, Bachelor of Arts). Piano accompaniment is strongly recommended but not required. You should prepare the following:

• Scales: All major and minor scales, preferably more than two octaves in range.
• One technical etude or study of your choice.
• J.S. Bach: One movement from any sonata.
• One work for solo, unaccompanied flute, or one movement from a standard concerto.

Recorded auditions:

The faculty strongly recommends that applicants come to campus for a live audition. Recorded auditions are submitted in your music application. Refer to the audition recordings and portfolios section below for recorded audition guidelines. For recorded auditions, there is no need to record all major and minor scales. Please record a full chromatic scale from the lowest note to highest note, all slurred, in lieu of major and minor scales.

Virtual interview: The recorded audition will be followed by a virtual interview with the faculty on the virtual experience day. Please be prepared to ask the faculty questions, to answer interview questions (such as why you play the flute and what your goals are), and to play scales, audition material excerpts or sight-read on your instrument.

Audition dates

• Nov. 16, 2024: On campus. For spring admission only. All other dates are for fall admission.
• Jan. 25, 2025: On campus.
• Feb. 8, 2025: On campus.
• Feb. 15, 2025: Virtual interview and recorded audition submission. Faculty highly recommend attending your audition in person.
• Feb. 22, 2025: On campus.

What to prepare for your audition:

The audition must display a level of development that will allow you to start with the listed repertoire or comparable literature. The point of the audition is to demonstrate your current level of playing, so choose works that showcase your sound, musicianship and musical strengths.

Applicants who have questions about repertoire selection and the audition process are encouraged to reach out directly to Professor Martha Masters (martha.masters@asu.edu).

Prior private instruction from a qualified classical guitar teacher is strongly advised. You should have a well prepared audition regardless of your intended major. Performance majors should anticipate a higher entrance standard than non-performance majors (music learning and teaching, theory, music therapy, Bachelor of Arts).

• Three solo works demonstrating different musical styles and techniques at an intermediate level.

Recorded auditions:

The faculty strongly recommends that applicants come to campus for a live audition. Recorded auditions are submitted in your music application. Refer to the audition recordings and portfolios section below for recorded audition guidelines.

Virtual Interview: The recorded audition will be followed by a virtual interview with the faculty on the virtual experience day. Please be prepared to talk about yourself, your background, and your goals for study at ASU, and to ask questions about the program.

Jazz applicants:

If you are interested in auditioning for the jazz program, please refer to the jazz instruments section for audition dates and repertoire requirements. A separate audition is required for this program. To audition on both classical and jazz guitar, select this option in your application, and email MDTAdmissions@asu.edu to schedule a second audition.

Auditions are scheduled on an ad-hoc basis. The audition must display a level of development that will allow you to start with the listed repertoire or comparable literature. The point of the audition is to demonstrate your current level of playing, so choose works that showcase your sound, musicianship and musical strengths. 

Applicants who have questions about repertoire selection and the audition process are encouraged to reach out directly to the appropriate professor: Charles.Lynch@asu.edu.

What to prepare for your audition:

These guidelines should be used for all programs and majors, although performance majors should anticipate a higher entrance standard than non-performance majors (composition, music education, theory, music therapy, Bachelor of Arts). All solos to be performed from memory.

• Two solos of choice in contrasting style, one of which is a programmatic work from the standard harp repertoire.
• One Orchestral Cadenza.
• Supplemental material, recorded or written, to augment one’s application is highly encouraged (to show curated musical experiences, previous degree recitals performed, highlight diverse programming/repertoire knowledge, etc.).

If on campus, applicants may practice and audition on ASU harps. ASU owns a Lyon & Healy 85 CG.

Recorded auditions:

Recorded auditions are submitted in your music application. Refer to the audition recordings and portfolios section below for recorded audition guidelines.

Audition dates

• Nov. 16, 2024: On campus. For spring admission only. All other dates are for fall admission.
• Feb. 8, 2025: On campus.
• Feb. 15, 2025: Virtual interview and recorded audition submission. Faculty highly recommend attending your audition in person.
• Feb. 22, 2025: On campus.

What to prepare for your audition:

The audition must display a level of development that will allow you to start with the listed repertoire or comparable literature. The point of the audition is to demonstrate your current level of playing, so choose works that showcase your sound, musicianship and musical strengths. Piano accompaniment is not required.

You should have a well prepared audition regardless of your intended major. Admission into performance programs requires more advanced development of embouchure, articulation, range, tone and flexibility than is required for non-performance programs (music learning and teaching, theory, music therapy, Bachelor of Arts). While orchestral excerpts are not required of performance applicants, the inclusion of several standard excerpts as a part of your audition is welcomed. Piano accompaniment is not required. In addition to scales and sight-reading, for the live audition prepare the following:

• Two contrasting selections. These may be of your choice and of any musical style, but should of comparable overall technical difficulty to selections from the following representative samples:
  • One technical etude such as found in Kopprasch 60 Selected Studies 
  • One lyric etude such as found in Maxime-Alphonse or the Pottag Preparatory Melodies 
  • A movement or movements of a solo work such as Mozart: Concertos, Saint-Saëns: Morceau de Concert, F. Strauss: Nocturno or Concerto, Op. 8, or R. Strauss: Concerto No. 1

Recorded auditions:

The faculty strongly recommends that applicants come to campus for a live audition. Recorded auditions are submitted in your music application. Refer to the audition recordings and portfolios section below for recorded audition guidelines.

Virtual interview: The recorded audition will be followed by a virtual interview with the faculty on the virtual experience day. Be prepared to do the following in your interview:

• Discuss your recorded audition.
• Perform short excerpts of your recorded audition.
• Play scales at the request of the horn professor.
• Sight-Read on your instrument.
• Ask questions about the horn studio.

Audition dates

• Nov. 16, 2024: On campus. For spring admission only. All other dates are for fall admission.
• Jan. 25, 2025: On campus.
• Feb. 8, 2025: On campus.
• Feb. 15, 2025: Virtual group meeting and recorded audition submission. Faculty highly recommend attending your audition in person.
• Feb. 22, 2025: On campus.

Jazz audition information:

The audition must display a level of development that will allow you to start with the listed repertoire or comparable literature. The point of the audition is to demonstrate your current level of playing, so choose works that showcase your sound, musicianship and musical strengths.

\Applicants interested in auditioning for jazz are able to apply to one of the following degrees: Bachelor of Music in Performance, Bachelor of Music in Music Learning and Teaching, Bachelor of Music in Music Therapy, or Bachelor of Arts in Music and Culture. Jazz instruction and auditions are available on the following instruments:

• Bass
• Guitar
• Piano
• Percussion
• Saxophone
• Trombone
• Trumpet
• Woodwind and string auditions are at the discretion of the jazz faculty.

What to prepare for your audition:

You should present a well prepared 15 minute audition. The titles suggested in this section illustrate the kind and quality of music appropriate for an audition. Applicants are free to choose a program using music from this list or music of comparable quality. Candidates for all instruments (except for drum set: see separate requirements) should prepare something similar to the following, although not all selections may be heard:

• Ballad, in tempo (Body and Soul, Lover Man, In a Sentimental Mood, etc.)
• Jazz Standard, moderate to up-tempo (All the Things You Are, There Will Never Be Another You, There Is No Greater Love, etc.)
• Rhythm Changes (I Got Rhythm, Anthropology, Oleo, etc.)
• Straight-Eighth tune, moderate tempo or faster (Blue Bossa, Little Sunflower, etc)
• 12-Bar Blues, any tempo
• Play a bebop head from memory (Confirmation, Donna Lee, Ornithology, Scrapple from the Apple, etc.) to demonstrate jazz phrasing and articulation skills.
• Chords and Scales: In addition, all candidates are expected to have knowledge of and may be called upon to perform, all major and minor scales, and the II–V7–I progression in arpeggiated format (all chords up to the 9th).
• Original compositions and non-standard repertoire are optional, but acceptable as part of the audition and may be performed or submitted. Please keep in mind that the jazz faculty will not be available to rehearse. Bring 3 photocopies of each selection in lead sheet form.

Instrument-specific requirements

• Piano and guitar (strongly encouraged for all other candidates): One of the above required pieces must be performed as an unaccompanied solo
• Bass: In addition to the above requirements, bassists will be asked to walk bass lines through the progressions of any or all selections.
• Drum set: Candidates for drum set will be asked to sight-read big band charts and demonstrate proficiency in the following areas: brush work at a ballad and medium fast swing tempo, Afro Cuban and related grooves (such as mambo, rhumba and bolero), Brazilian bossa nova, samba, contemporary rock, and grooves in 5/4 or 7/4. Candidates should be prepared to demonstrate ability to play time, delineate form and improvise over the following types of tunes: blues, rhythm changes (I Got Rhythm, Anthropology, Oleo, etc.), and modal (So What, Impressions, Little Sunflower, etc.). In addition, candidates will be asked to trade 4s, 8s and choruses.

Recorded auditions:

The faculty strongly recommends that applicants come to campus for a live audition. Recorded auditions are submitted in your music application. Refer to the audition recordings and portfolios section below for recorded audition guidelines.

Virtual meeting: The recorded audition will be followed by a large group meeting with the faculty on the virtual experience day. All applicants who submit recorded auditions are required to attend the meeting.​​​​​​ Please be prepared to ask questions about the program.

Classical study:

If you wish to take classical lessons you must pass a classical studio audition to be eligible to take these lessons while pursuing jazz studies at ASU. To audition in both classical and jazz, indicate this on your music application and email MDTAdmissions@asu.edu.

If you select music and culture as your first-choice major, you will be scheduled for an interview with at least three musicology faculty to establish your potential as a music and culture major.

What to prepare for your interview:

• Faculty will ask you questions about your musical background and interest in music and culture, as well as related creative, research and interdisciplinary experiences.
• You will also demonstrate your singing voice, sight-reading of rhythm and pitch on voice or your instrument (capacity to sing or play back accurately) during your interview.
• Your examples of musicianship may also consist of such areas of your choice as songwriting, composition, improvisation in some style of your choosing, performance art, a documented interdisciplinary installation of your own creation, etc. in a live demonstration or through video-recorded performance.

Students who wish to take studio lessons as part of the music and culture degree must also perform an audition with the studio faculty. Acceptance into any performance studio is at the discretion of the respective studio faculty. Refer to your instrument or voice on this webpage for audition repertoire.

The faculty strongly recommends that applicants come to campus for a live interview and audition.

Interview dates

• Nov. 16, 2024: On campus. For spring admission only. All other dates are for fall admission.
• Feb. 8, 2025: On campus.
• Feb. 15, 2025: Virtual interview and recorded audition submission. Faculty highly recommend attending your interview in person.
• Feb. 22, 2025: On campus.

If you select Music Learning and Teaching as your first choice major, then you will be scheduled for an interview with faculty. In the interview you will be asked questions about your musical background and interest in music teaching, as well as your experience working with people of various ages. You will also be asked to demonstrate your singing voice, rhythmic sense, audiation (singing back), and improvisation. Please bring your primary instrument with you to the interview, if applicable and if possible; there will be additional options available.

Music Learning and Teaching applicants must also perform an audition to be considered for admission. Refer to your instrument or voice above for audition repertoire.

The faculty strongly recommends that applicants come to campus for a live interview and audition.

Interview dates

• Nov. 16, 2024: On campus. For spring admission only. All other dates are for fall admission.
• Jan. 25, 2025: On campus.
• Feb. 8, 2025: On campus.
• Feb. 15, 2025: Virtual interview and recorded audition submission. Faculty highly recommend attending your interview in person.
• Feb. 22, 2025: On campus.

Audition dates

• Nov. 16, 2024: On campus. For spring admission only. All other dates are for fall admission.
• Jan. 25, 2025: On campus.
• Feb. 8, 2025: On campus.
• Feb. 15, 2025: Virtual group meeting and recorded audition submission. Faculty highly recommend attending your audition in person.
• Feb. 22, 2025: On campus, but reserved for out-of-state applicants.

What to include in your application:

• Repertoire list: Your repertoire list should include all solo repertoire studied. It is not necessary to list choral repertoire unless you were a featured soloist. It is appropriate to list any roles you have performed.
• Resume: Voice performance and music theatre applicants should list any training (voice, acting, dance) and performance experience.

What to prepare for your audition:

The audition should demonstrate your current level of singing, so choose works that showcase your sound, musicianship and musical strengths. Materials must be memorized. The songs must be performed with live piano accompaniment unless otherwise specified.

• Two musical theatre selections (each 1-2 minutes in length) from contrasting time periods and/or styles demonstrating versatility, vocal quality and range. These should be cuts, not full songs.
• Monologue: One monologue speech, memorized with clear character choices made, 60-90 seconds in length. Choose from one of the following options: A monologue of your choosing from a published play or musical, or a monologue from an approved list of monologues.
• Dance assessment: You will be taught two brief combinations on the day of the audition. Wear comfortable movement or dance attire and character shoes that are easy to move in. Dressing rooms are available in which to change before and after the dance audition. The dance call will take place prior to the singing audition.
• If opting to submit a recorded audition instead of attending an on-campus audition, refer to the recorded audition section below.

Accompaniment for live auditions:

ASU accompanists are available for on-campus auditions for music majors. If you are using the ASU accompanist: Within 48 hours of receiving your Audition Schedule email, you must confirm your schedule and submit the titles, composer names and keys of your audition repertoire. There will be a link in your Audition Schedule email to the form where you can enter your repertoire. 

On the day of your audition, you are required to bring piano scores of your audition pieces for the pianist. The scores should be double-sided and organized in a three-ring binder.

The official ASU accompanist, who is an experienced collaborative pianist, is available to meet briefly immediately prior to your audition time to discuss any cuts and/or breath marks. A rehearsal is not possible with an official ASU accompanist. If you wish to be able to rehearse with a pianist prior to the audition, please contact Professor Andrew Campbell to inquire after hiring an accompanist for the audition.

Recorded auditions:

The faculty strongly recommend that students attend a live audition, and live auditions will receive preference for scholarships. 

Recorded audition guidelines (music majors):

• Recorded auditions are submitted in your music application. Refer to the audition recordings and portfolios section below for technical guidelines.
• Live piano accompaniment is preferred with your songs, but recorded accompaniment is allowed.
• Monologue: Please video record your monologue, following the guidelines above.
• Dance assessment:
  • Required: Learn and prepare a music theatre combination. There are three levels from which to choose. Pick the level that best suits your knowledge of dance and you can execute with your best individual efforts and ability. View the audition videos here.
  • Required: Prepare and upload a 60-90 second clip of yourself moving/dancing. Create a piece that has some connection to the music such as story or emotion. Choose a style you feel showcases yourself best.

Virtual meeting: The recorded audition will be followed by a large group meeting with the faculty on the virtual experience day. All applicants who submit recorded auditions are required to attend the meeting.​​​​​​ Please be prepared to ask questions about the program.

If you select music therapy as your first choice major, you will be scheduled for an interview with music therapy faculty to establish your potential as a therapist. 

In the music therapy interview, you will be asked questions about your musical background and interest in music therapy, as well as experience working with people of various backgrounds and abilities. Additionally, you will also be asked to demonstrate your singing voice.

Music Therapy applicants must also perform an audition to be considered for admission. Refer to your instrument or voice on this page for audition repertoire. Applicants are encouraged to apply on the instruments they are the most proficient with.

The faculty strongly recommends that applicants come to campus for a live interview and audition.

Interview dates:

• Nov. 16, 2024: On campus. For spring admission only. All other dates are for fall admission.
• Jan. 25, 2025: On campus.
• Feb. 8, 2025: On campus.
• Feb. 15, 2025: Virtual interview and recorded audition submission. Faculty highly recommend attending your interview in person.
• Feb. 22, 2025: On campus.

Audition dates

• Nov. 16, 2024: On campus. For spring admission only. All other dates are for fall admission.
• Feb. 8, 2025: On campus.
• Feb. 15, 2025: Virtual interview and recorded audition submission. Faculty highly recommend attending your audition in person.
• Feb. 22, 2025: On campus.

What to prepare for your audition:

The audition must display a level of development that will allow you to start with the listed repertoire or comparable literature. The point of the audition is to demonstrate your current level of playing, so choose works that showcase your sound, musicianship and musical strengths. Piano accompaniment is not required.

You should have a well prepared audition regardless of your intended major. Performance majors should anticipate a higher entrance standard than non-performance majors (music learning and teaching, theory, music therapy, Bachelor of Arts). Piano accompaniment is not required. You should prepare the following:

• Basic knowledge of reed making is required (Recorded auditions: this is not necessary to show in the recording, but will be discussed in the virtual interview).
• Scales: Major scales in two octaves up to E-flat and chromatic scale.
• Sight-reading.
• One etude from the list below or from a work of comparable difficulty:
  • Barret: Oboe Method
  • Brod: Oboe Method
  • Ferling: Forty-eight Etudes.
• One solo from the list below or from a work of comparable difficulty
  • Bellini: Concerto.
  • Donizetti: Sonata.
  • Guilhaud: Concertino.
  • Haydn: Concerto.
  • Hindemith: Sonata.
  • Hummel: Adagio, Theme and Variations.
  • Mozart: Quartet or Concerto.
  • Paladilhe: Solo de Concert.
  • Saint-Säens: Sonata.
  • Telemann: Sonata in A-minor.

The etude and solo must be contrasting works that demonstrate a good command of tone, technique, articulation and musicianship.

Recorded auditions:

The faculty strongly recommends that applicants come to campus for a live audition. Recorded auditions are submitted in your music application. Refer to the audition recordings and portfolios section below for recorded audition guidelines. If you will be submitting a recorded audition, you should record two major and two minor scales plus chromatic. No sight reading is required to be recorded.

Virtual interview: The recorded audition will be followed by a virtual interview with the facultyon the virtual experience day. Please be prepared to ask questions, answer interview questions and discuss your recorded audition.

Prospective organists should contact Professor Kimberly Marshall directly to set up an ad-hoc audition (by appointment). The instruments on the ASU Tempe Campus are an important part of your organ studies and you are encouraged to schedule an in-person audition. Applications are not being accepted for spring admission, but are available for fall admission.

The audition must display a level of development that will allow you to start with the listed repertoire or comparable literature. The point of the audition is to demonstrate your current level of playing, so choose works that showcase your touch, sense of timing and registration. Live auditions will be followed by a brief interview.

What to prepare for your audition:

Non-Performance majors (composition, music learning and teaching, theory, music therapy, Bachelor of Arts)

• Two short pieces from any of the following collections:
  • Brahms: 11 Chorale Preludes, Op. 122
  • Vierne: 24 Pieces in Free Style, Op. 31
  • Mendelssohn: Slow movement from any of the 6 sonatas

Performance majors

• Sight-reading of a hymn or four-part chorale.
• Bach: One Prelude and Fugue from Eight Little Preludes and Fugues.
• Bach: Two chorale preludes from Orgelbüchlein.
• One romantic or modern work of your choice. This work may be appropriate for a church service.

Recorded auditions:

Recorded auditions are submitted in your music application. Refer to the audition recordings and portfolios section below for recorded audition guidelines.

Please ensure that the organ sound is captured in the room, not from the console.

Audition dates

• Nov. 16, 2024: On campus. For spring admission only. All other dates are for fall admission.
• Jan. 25, 2025: On campus.
• Feb. 8, 2025: On campus.
• Feb. 15, 2025: Virtual interview and recorded audition submission. Faculty highly recommend attending your audition in person.
• Feb. 22, 2025: On campus.

What to prepare for your audition:

Prepare 20 minutes of music that highlights your strongest percussion work.

If possible, prospective first–year students should demonstrate technical strength and reading ability on some of the following percussion instruments:

• snare drum
• timpani
• drum set
• multiple percussion
• steel pan
• other non-Western percussion instruments

Performances on three or more instruments will improve an applicant's chances of admission and scholarship consideration, and keyboard percussion is strongly recommended for those seeking scholarship support.

The examples listed below are a suggestion. Please prepare music that you feel comfortable playing and best represents your skill and experience. Auditioning students are encouraged to be in touch with Dr. Mike Compitello (compitello@asu.edu) with questions about repertoire.

These guidelines should be used for all programs and majors, although performance majors should anticipate a higher entrance standard than non-performance majors (composition, music education, theory, music therapy, Bachelor of Arts).

• Keyboard
  • Scales - all major scales, two octaves at a moderate tempo (format available here)
  • One significant work for 2 or 4 mallets
  • Optional: a second solo work for 2 or 4 mallets
  • Sight-reading
• Timpani
  • Ability to match pitches on drums.
  • Intervallic tuning on instruments (4ths and 5ths, etc)
  • One solo or etude from Richard Hochrainer’s Etüden für Pauken, volume 1, etudes 1-15 (accessible here)
  • If access to a timpani is currently restricted, you may submit any recording of yourself playing timpani either as a solo or with an ensemble
• Snare Drum
  • Rudimental roll and closed orchestra roll at ppp through fff.
  • One concert style solo (Cirone, Delecluse, or similar)
  • One rudimental style solo (Pratt, Wilcoxen, or similar)
• Drum Set
  • If you have prior drumset ability, we are happy to hear you play different styles (swing, Afro-Cuban, Brazilian, funk, rock and jazz waltz etc). Please be in touch with faculty with questions about drumset materials.
  • If doing a recorded audition: Assessment will be based upon ability to keep steady time and play fills. Candidates should record 16 measures (4 measures of time, 4 measures of solo, 4 measures of time, 4 measures of solo) in at least 4 of the following 6 styles: swing, Afro-Cuban, Brazilian, funk, rock and jazz waltz.
• Steel Pan
  • Solo work of your candidate's choice
• Non-Western Percussion
  • Folkloric styles demonstrating technical and musical facility
• Multiple Percussion
  • While live performance of multiple percussion solos is subject to approval by the faculty, submission of a significant solo is encouraged if submitting a recorded audition.

Transfer applicants:

The examples listed above give an idea of the expected minimum level of ability for first- and second-year students. Performance at the audition will determine how many lesson credits will transfer into the ASU program of study.

Recorded auditions:

The percussion faculty highly recommends that applicants audition in person: we’d love for you to meet the percussion faculty and tour our spaces. Recorded auditions are allowed and are fully considered for acceptance and for scholarship. If submitting a recorded audition, please record 2 major and 2 minor scales.

Recorded auditions are submitted in your music application. Refer to the audition recordings and portfolios section below for recorded audition guidelines.

Virtual interview: The recorded audition will be followed by a virtual interview with the faculty on the virtual experience day. Please be prepared to talk about yourself, your background and goals of study at ASU.

Jazz applicants:

If you are interested in auditioning for the jazz program, please refer to the jazz instruments section for audition dates and repertoire requirements. A separate audition is required for this program. To audition on both classical and jazz percussion, select this option in your application, and email MDTAdmissions@asu.edu to schedule a second audition.

Audition dates

• Nov. 16, 2024: On campus. For spring admission only. All other dates are for fall admission.
• Jan. 25, 2025: On campus.
• Feb. 8, 2025: On campus.
• Feb. 15, 2025: Virtual group meeting and recorded audition submission. Faculty highly recommend attending your audition in person.
• Feb. 22, 2025: On campus, but reserved for out-of-state applicants.

What to prepare for your audition:

The audition must display a level of development that will allow you to start with the listed repertoire or comparable literature. The point of the audition is to demonstrate your current level of playing, so choose works that showcase your sound, musicianship and musical strengths.

The keyboard faculty of the ASU School of Music, Dance and Theatre recognizes that many women and BIPOC composers have been overlooked in what has become the standard concert repertoire. We affirm the lives of these composers and recognize the great contributions they have made and are making. To this end, we encourage applicants to perform music by women, BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, People of Color) and under-represented composers.

Your audition should be well-prepared and must be memorized. You should demonstrate technical facility, musicality and understanding of musical styles consisting of the following works or their equivalents.

Non-performance majors (Music Learning and Teaching, Theory, Music Therapy, Bachelor of Arts):

• Two pieces demonstrating contrasting tempos and styles from the Baroque, Classical or Romantic time periods.
• A third piece of your choice. The piece can be from the 20th or 21st century, an original composition, an improvisation or a piece in a style of your choosing.
• Memorization is required except for complex contemporary works.
• Four-Octave Major and Harmonic Minor Scales with facility and appropriate fingerings. Fingering Charts can be found here:
  • Major scales
  • Harmonic minor
• Sight-reading
• No interior piano performance.
• If you would like to consult with a current ASU professor on your audition repertoire, contact Professor Hannah Creviston. 

Solo performance majors:

• A minimum of three pieces demonstrating contrasting tempos and musical styles. You must include one complete classical sonata.
  Memorization is required except for complex contemporary works.
• Sight-reading
• No interior piano performance.

Collaborative piano:

If you are interested in a collaborative piano major you should prepare the solo performance major audition and email Professor Andrew Campbell prior to their audition.

Recorded auditions:

An in-person audition is highly recommended for scholarship consideration. Recorded auditions are submitted in your music application. Refer to the audition recordings and portfolios section below for recorded audition guidelines.

Virtual meeting: There will be a large group meeting with members of the keyboard faculty on the virtual experience day. All applicants who submit recorded auditions are required to attend the meeting.​​​​​​ Please be prepared to ask questions about the program.

Jazz applicants:

If you are interested in auditioning for the jazz program, please refer to the jazz instruments section for audition dates and repertoire requirements. A separate audition is required for this program. To audition on both classical and jazz piano, select this option in your application, and email MDTAdmissions@asu.edu to schedule a second audition.

Audition/interview dates

• Nov. 16, 2024: On campus. For spring admission only. All other dates are for fall admission.
• Feb. 15, 2025: Virtual interview and recorded audition submission. Faculty highly recommend attending your audition or interview in person.
• Feb. 22, 2025: On campus.

Choosing your audition/interview track:

When applying to the Bachelor of Arts: Popular Music degree, you may choose either the Performer Track or the Non-Performer Track. Please Note: regardless of which track you choose, you can still elect any specializations in the program.

• You should select Performer Track if you would like to take lessons on your instrument/voice during this degree. You will need to perform on your instrument/voice as part of your audition into the program. (Lessons are available for Voice, Piano, Guitar, Bass, or Drumset.)
  • (Please do not select the "Bachelor of Performance: Music" degree in the application. This is the wrong degree. Do select the "Bachelor of Arts: Popular Music" degree.)
• You should select Non-Performer Track if you do not have an instrumental/voice performance focus to your musicianship, or if you don't want to elect the performer specialization as part of your studies in this program.

What to submit in your application:

• Performer track applicants: A portfolio is optional for Performer Track applicants who are auditioning on-campus. You may choose to submit sample work or recordings beyond live performance, such as a recorded sample of your creative popular music work.
  • If you are not auditioning on-campus, a recorded audition is required for Performer track. Please submit a well-prepared performance or presentation consisting of 2 to 3 selections of live or digital music depending on your area. Be sure to demonstrate your instrument/voice. The selections may be original works or selections from popular music repertoire. You may also provide a recorded sample of your creative popular music work.
• Non-performer track applicants: You should submit a portfolio with digital audio sound recordings of 2 to 3 selections. Your selections may be original works or selections from popular music repertoire. You are also welcome to showcase your ability to sing or play instruments. This portfolio is due with your music application on Jan 5.

What to prepare for your audition/interview:

You will be scheduled for a 25 minute interview/audition on one of the dates you select in your music application. Your audition/interview should display your current level of artistry, so choose works that showcase your sound, musicianship and strengths. Popular Music has no set repertoire for the audition process. Please choose whatever pieces or styles will help us to get an understanding of the type of musician you are and will showcase your musicianship the best.

The audition room will have the equipment you need, including amps, microphones, cables, speakers, etc.

Applicants are encouraged to review the Popular Music Program Overview to better prepare themselves for questions that may be asked during the interview portion.

• Performer track applicants: Put together a well-prepared performance or presentation consisting of 5-10min (2 to 3 selections) of live or digital music depending on your area. The selections may be original works or selections from popular music repertoire. You must demonstrate instrumental or vocal proficiency to be eligible for the Performer Track.
• Non-performer track applicants: Please prepare to present 1-2 of your strongest pieces, and be prepared to describe your workflow and creative process. Feel free to bring supporting materials such as lead sheets, session files, etc. You are also welcome to showcase your ability to sing or play instruments.
• All applicants:
  • Complete a call and response playing, clapping or singing of rhythms or melodies
  • Identify intervals and chord qualities
  • Answer questions
    • What has been your experience studying music thus far?
    • What are your goals as a professional in the industry?
    • Which areas are you interested in specializing in? (Specializations: Music Business, Engineer / Producer, Songwriter / Producer, Sound Designer / Producer, DIY Creative Careers, Contemporary Composer / Producer, Educator / Advocate, Performance.)
    • What will you contribute to the ASU Popular Music program?

Virtual interview and audition:

If you will be completing a virtual interview instead of coming to campus, you will be scheduled for a 20 minute interview/audition. Have your instrument ready (if you are auditioning with one), and amplification (if required for your instrument).

Recorded auditions are submitted in your music application. Refer to the audition recordings and portfolios section below for recorded audition guidelines.

Classical/traditional lessons:

Students interested in pursuing classical music lessons in addition to their popular music studies are required audition and follow the classical repertoire audition requirements listed under their instrument/voice dropdown on this webpage. Classical/Traditional auditions do not take place on the same dates nor at the same locations as popular music auditions, so you may need to audition on two separate days.

Audition dates

• Nov. 16, 2024: On campus. For spring admission only. All other dates are for fall admission.
• Jan. 25, 2025: On campus.
• Feb. 8, 2025: On campus.
• Feb. 15, 2025: Virtual interview and recorded audition submission. Faculty highly recommend attending your audition in person.
• Feb. 22, 2025: On campus.

What to prepare for your audition:

The point of the audition is to demonstrate your current level of playing, so choose works that showcase your sound, musicianship and technique. Piano accompaniment is not required.

These guidelines should be used for all programs and majors, although performance majors should anticipate a higher entrance standard than non-performance majors (music learning and teaching, theory, music therapy, Bachelor of Arts).

• Scales: All Full-Range major, harmonic minor and chromatic scales (using appropriate fingerings for the chromatic scale).
• One or more selections that showcase your abilities and exemplify your best efforts at preparation, exhibiting contrasting melodic and technical sections. Standard repertoire is suggested, and memorization is highly encouraged.
• Sight-reading
• Optional, but strongly encouraged: Jazz solo transcription or jazz etude and/or improvisation over a common standard or blues changes.

Recorded auditions:

The faculty strongly recommends that applicants come to campus for a live audition. Recorded auditions are submitted in your music application. Refer to the audition recordings and portfolios section below for recorded audition guidelines.

Please record all major scales in a single video, all harmonic minors in a single video, and chromatic (using appropriate alternate fingerings) in a separate video. Be sure to frame your videos so that both your hands and embouchure can be seen.

Virtual interview: The recorded audition will be followed by a virtual interview with the faculty on the virtual experience day. Please be prepared for a Q+A with Dr. Christopher Creviston.

Jazz applicants:

If you are interested in auditioning for the jazz program, please refer to the jazz instruments section for audition dates and repertoire requirements. A separate audition is required for this program. To audition on both classical and jazz saxophone, select this option in your application, and email MDTAdmissions@asu.edu to schedule a second audition.

Audition dates

• Nov. 16, 2024: On campus. For spring admission only. All other dates are for fall admission.
• Jan. 25, 2025: On campus.
• Feb. 8, 2025: On campus.

• Feb. 15, 2025: Virtual interview and recorded audition submission. Faculty highly recommend attending your audition in person.

   

What to prepare for your audition:

The audition must display a level of development that will allow you to start with the listed repertoire or comparable literature. The point of the audition is to demonstrate your current level of playing, so choose works that showcase your sound, musicianship and musical strengths. Piano accompaniment is not required.

If possible, you are encouraged to visit the ASU campus for a lesson and visit with Professor Bradley Edwards.  Please email well in advance to arrange a time. If applicants feel that they cannot visit campus, they can arrange an online lesson and should email Professor Bradley Edwards.

These guidelines should be used for all programs and majors, although performance majors should anticipate a higher entrance standard than non-performance majors (music learning and teaching, theory, music therapy, Bachelor of Arts). You should choose music on which you sound your best, including presenting creative work that reflects something unique about you.

• 2–3 pieces in contrasting styles: lyrical/legato and technical/tongued. These varied styles can be different movements from the same work. You may select etudes, solos or orchestral excerpts.
• Sight-reading is required
• You are free to select other works of comparable difficulty. 

Tenor trombone

• Suggested solos:
  • Guilmant: Morceau Symphonique
  • Galliard or Marcello: Sonata 1
  • Barat: Andante et Allegro
  • St. Sëans: Cavatine
  • Larsson: Concertino (esp. mvts II and III)
• Suggested etudes:
  • Bordogni/Rochut: Melodious Etudes for Trombone
• Voxman, ed.: Selected Studies
• Suggested excerpts (not required)
  • Mozart: "Tuba mirum" from Requiem
  • Berlioz: "Hungarian March" from The Damnation of Faust

Bass trombone

• Suggested solos:
  • Haddad: Suite for Tuba (esp. mvts I and II)
  • Lassen/Bollinger: Two Fantasy Pieces
  • Jacob: Cameos (esp. mvts. I, II or III)
  • Hindemith: Drei Leichte Stucke (Three Easy Pieces)
• Suggested etudes:
  • Bordogni/Rochut: Melodious Etudes for Trombone (down one octave)
  • Bordogni/Ostrander: Melodious Etudes for Bass Trombone
  • Grigoriev: Studies

Recorded auditions:

The faculty strongly recommends that applicants come to campus for a live audition. If you choose to submit a recorded audition instead, recorded auditions are submitted in your music application. Refer to the audition recordings and portfolios section below for recorded audition guidelines.

Make sure that you are recording with high-quality audio and reasonable video. Please place the camera 45 degrees to your right so we can see your slide and your embouchure. We also request that your audition recordings be done in a single take.

Those submitting recorded auditions will be asked to do a one-day turnaround sight-reading. This means they will have one day to send in a recording after receiving it. Normally this would take place in the week before the audition date.

Virtual interview: The recorded audition will be followed by a virtual interview with the faculty on the virtual experience day. Please be prepared to ask questions related to trombone studies at ASU, answer interview questions, and complete sight-reading on your instrument.

Jazz applicants:

If you are interested in auditioning for the jazz program, please refer to the jazz instruments section for audition dates and repertoire requirements. A separate audition is required for this program. To audition on both classical and jazz trombone, select this option in your application, and email MDTAdmissions@asu.edu to schedule a second audition.

Audition dates

• Nov. 16, 2024: On campus. For spring admission only. All other dates are for fall admission.
• Feb. 8, 2025: On campus.
• Feb. 15, 2025: Virtual interview and recorded audition submission. Faculty highly recommend attending your audition in person.

• Feb. 22, 2025: On campus.

   

What to prepare for your audition:

Applicants are encouraged to contact Professor Burgstaller with any and all questions. The audition should demonstrate your current level of playing, so choose works that showcase your sound, musicianship and musical strengths. Do not work up the hardest pieces you can find in an effort to impress. Choose pieces that represent your strengths and that you have experience playing. This is not the type of audition where missing notes means you “lose”. Rather, this is an evaluation and interview for you, and Professor Burgstaller to see if there is a good fit for all parties. Piano accompaniment is not required for your audition.

We want to hear your best sounds, hear you demonstrate your personal musicality and interpretation, and learn about your creative process, who you are, your diverse musical interests, your dreams and career goals, etc.  Share as much as you can in as many different ways as you know to see if ASU can get you to “the next level”. There are many paths to “success” available and much of that success depends on you being who you are. And growing and expanding too, of course!

• Choose three contrasting pieces of music of your choice (solos, etudes, standard excerpts, movements, pieces). A mix of “standard” and “non-standard” pieces, including pieces of varying genres is welcomed. Professor Burgstaller has a diverse musical background and career and appreciates your diversity and interests. Choose pieces that represent different facets of the career path you would like to pursue, and choose pieces that represent your personal mix of musical background. If it is in your skill set, include in your mix of repertoire an original composition or an improvisation. If you have other ideas and are not sure about them, please email Professor Burgstaller to discuss.
• Scales: Be prepared to play all major scales in two octaves where capable.
• Sight Reading: Be prepared to sight read at your audition.

Interview questions during the audition:

Be prepared to answer interview questions such as:

• Why ASU?
• Describe yourself as a leader and a role model.
• What are your career goals? 
• Describe yourself as a member of the trumpet studio. 
• What do you bring other than playing trumpet well?
• Share a story that illustrates your self-starting mindset.
• In what way do you see yourself sharing music with your community? 
• What type of collaborations do you pursue? 
• What are your primary and secondary skill sets? 

Recorded auditions:

The faculty strongly recommends that applicants come to campus for a live audition. Recorded auditions are submitted in your music application. Refer to the audition recordings and portfolios section below for recorded audition guidelines.

Virtual interview: The recorded audition will be followed by a virtual interview with the faculty on the virtual experience day. Please be prepared to ask questions, answer interview questions, discuss your recorded audition and play excerpts from your audition material.

Jazz applicants:

Professor Burgstaller has a diverse musical background that includes several charted crossover CDs as well as some Canadian Brass CDs that focus on traditional Jazz as realized by the late great Luther Henderson (of Louis Armstrong, Duke Ellington, etc.). So if you enjoy doing both classical and jazz and are trained or have experience in both, you can be involved in all genres at ASU! 

If you are interested in auditioning for the jazz program, please refer to the jazz instruments section for audition dates and repertoire requirements. A separate audition is required for this program. To audition on both classical and jazz trumpet, select this option in your application, and email MDTAdmissions@asu.edu to schedule a second audition.

Audition dates

• Nov. 16, 2024: On campus. For spring admission only. All other dates are for fall admission.
• Feb. 8, 2025: On campus.
• Feb. 15, 2025: Virtual interview and recorded audition submission. Faculty highly recommend attending your audition in person.
• Feb. 22, 2025: On campus.

What to prepare for your audition:

Piano accompaniment is not required. Undergraduate auditions are 15 minutes in length.

• Perform one technical and one lyrical solo or etude or combination of your choice
• Additional demonstrations or samples of your work as a musician are encouraged and welcomed (jazz, composition, other styles of music, instrument double, other)
• Sight-reading and major scales two octaves

Interview questions will include though are not limited to:

• What are your career goals?
• In what way do you see yourself sharing music with your community?
• What type of collaborations have you experienced? What types can you imagine?
• Describe yourself as a member of the euphonium/tuba studio. What are your primary and secondary skill sets?
• Describe yourself in three words.

Recorded auditions:

The faculty strongly recommends that applicants come to campus for a live audition. Recorded auditions are submitted in your music application. Refer to the audition recordings and portfolios section below for recorded audition guidelines. If you will be submitting a recorded audition, please submit a video recording and include the same repertoire as listed for the live auditions. No accompaniment is required.

Virtual interview: The recorded audition will be followed by a virtual interview with the faculty on the virtual experience day. Please be prepared to ask questions and answer interview questions.

Audition dates

• Jan. 25, 2025: On campus.
• Feb. 8, 2025: On campus.
• Feb. 15, 2025: Virtual interview and recorded audition submission. Faculty highly recommend attending your audition in person.
• Feb. 22, 2025: On campus.

What to prepare for your audition:

The audition must display a level of development that will allow you to start with the listed repertoire or comparable literature. The point of the audition is to demonstrate your current level of playing, so choose works that showcase your sound, musicianship and musical strengths. Piano accompaniment is not required. Applicants who have questions about repertoire selection and the audition process are encouraged to reach out directly to the appropriate professor: (Nancy.Buck@asu.edu).

Performance majors should anticipate a higher entrance standard than non-performance majors.

Non-performance majors (music learning and teaching, music theory, music therapy, Bachelor of Arts)

• Two pieces written for solo viola (or for viola and piano), contrasting in style and tempo.
• One 3-octave major scale (with arpeggio) and one 3-octave minor scale (with arpeggio) from this list of key options: A-Flat Major, D-flat Major, E Major, B Major, F-sharp Melodic Minor, B Melodic Minor, G Melodic Minor, A Melodic Minor

Performance majors

• J.S. Bach: One movement from any of the unaccompanied cello suites.
• A movement or piece from the standard viola repertoire comparable to:
  • Bloch Suite Hebraique
  • Handel Casadesus B Minor Concerto
  • Hummel Fantasie
  • Stamitz Concerto
  • Vaughan Williams Suite
  • Weber Andante and Hungarian Rondo

Supplemental material, recorded or written, to augment one’s application is highly encouraged (to show curated musical experiences, previous degree recitals performed, highlight diverse programming/repertoire knowledge, etc.).

Recorded auditions:

The faculty strongly recommends that applicants come to campus for a live audition. Recorded auditions are submitted in your music application. Refer to the audition recordings and portfolios section below for recorded audition guidelines. For those submitting recorded auditions, you should record:

• one 3-octave major scale with arpeggio, slurring 3 or more notes per bow
• one 3-octave minor scale with arpeggio, slurring 3 or more notes per bow
• and 2 pieces from the standard viola repertoire demonstrating contrasting styles and tempos.

Piano accompaniment is not required. Recordings should be in one take, unedited, and not exceed 15 minutes total. Recordings must have been recorded within the last several months (no earlier than September 2024 for fall admission).

Virtual interview: The recorded audition will be followed by a virtual interview with the faculty on the virtual experience day. Please be prepared to ask questions and answer interview questions such as:

• Tell us about your musical background and interest.
• What 3 words would you use to describe yourself?
• Who, or what, has made the greatest impact (or has been the most influential thus far) in your life as a string player?

Audition dates

• Nov. 16, 2024: On campus. For spring admission only. All other dates are for fall admission.
• Jan. 25, 2025: On campus.
• Feb. 8, 2025: On campus.
• Feb. 15, 2025: Virtual interview and recorded audition submission. Faculty highly recommend attending your audition in person.
• Feb. 22, 2025: On campus.

What to prepare for your audition:

The audition must display a level of development that will allow you to start with the listed repertoire or comparable literature. The point of the audition is to demonstrate your current level of playing, so choose works that showcase your sound, musicianship and musical strengths. Piano accompaniment is not required.

Applicants who have questions about repertoire selection and the audition process are encouraged to reach out directly to the appropriate professor: (violin faculty are Professor Danwen Jiang, Professor Katherine McLin, Professor Jonathan Swartz).

Performance majors should anticipate a higher entrance standard than non-performance majors.

Performance Majors

• An outer movement of a standard concerto.
• J.S. Bach: One movement from any of the unaccompanied violin partitas or sonatas.

Non-Performance Majors (music learning and teaching, theory, music therapy, Bachelor of Arts)

• Two works contrasting in style and tempo.

Supplemental material, recorded or written, to augment one’s application is encouraged (to show curated musical experiences, previous degree recitals performed, highlight diverse programming/repertoire knowledge, etc.).

Recorded auditions:

The faculty strongly recommends that applicants come to campus for a live audition. Recorded auditions are submitted in your music application. Refer to the audition recordings and portfolios section below for recorded audition guidelines.

Virtual interview: The recorded audition will be followed by a virtual interview with the faculty on the virtual experience day. Please be prepared to talk about yourself, your background and goals of study at ASU.

Audition dates

• Nov. 16, 2024: On campus. For spring admission only. All other dates are for fall admission.
• Jan. 25, 2025: On campus.
• Feb. 8, 2025: On campus.
• Feb. 15, 2025: Virtual group meeting and recorded audition submission. Faculty highly recommend attending your audition in person.
• Feb. 22, 2025: On campus, but reserved for out-of-state applicants.

What to include in your application:

• Repertoire list: Your repertoire list should include all solo repertoire studied. It is not necessary to list choral repertoire unless you were a featured soloist. It is appropriate to list any roles you have performed.
• Resume: Voice performance and music theatre applicants should list any training (voice, acting, dance) and performance experience.

What to prepare for your audition:

The audition should demonstrate your current level of singing, so choose works that showcase your sound, musicianship and musical strengths. Materials must be memorized. The songs must be performed with live piano accompaniment unless otherwise specified.

• Voice Performance major: Two classical songs in varying styles or tempi, one in English and one in a language other than English.
• BA Music: Two selections of your choice, which demonstrate your artistic strengths, flexibility, personality and unique attributes – pieces that show us who you are. These may be classical, music theatre, jazz, gospel, popular, etc. One of these may be an original composition.
• Music Therapy, Music Learning and Teaching, Music Theory: A classical song. This can be in any language, including English. A second song, from any genre you choose, such as classical, music theatre, popular, hip-hop, folk, jazz, gospel, or others.
• Music Theatre: Refer to the Music Theatre section on this webpage instead (scroll up).

Accompaniment for live auditions:

ASU accompanists are available for on-campus auditions for music majors. If you are using the ASU accompanist: Within 48 hours of receiving your Audition Schedule email, you must confirm your schedule and submit the titles, composer names and keys of your audition repertoire. There will be a link in your Audition Schedule email to the form where you can enter your repertoire. 

On the day of your audition, you are required to bring piano scores of your audition pieces for the pianist. The scores should be double-sided and organized in a three-ring binder.

The official ASU accompanist, who is an experienced collaborative pianist, is available to meet briefly immediately prior to your audition time to discuss any cuts and/or breath marks. A rehearsal is not possible with an official ASU accompanist. If you wish to be able to rehearse with a pianist prior to the audition, please contact Professor Andrew Campbell to inquire after hiring an accompanist for the audition.

Recorded auditions:

The faculty strongly recommends that students attend a live audition, and live auditions will receive preference for scholarships. Recorded auditions are submitted in your music application. Refer to the audition recordings and portfolios section below for technical guidelines. For those submitting a recorded audition, a live piano accompaniment is preferred, but recorded accompaniment is allowed.

Virtual meeting: The recorded audition will be followed by a large group meeting with the faculty on the virtual experience day. All applicants who submit recorded auditions are required to attend the meeting.​​​​​​ Please be prepared to ask questions about the program.