Graduate music audition and interview

Audition dates

• Jan. 27, 2024: On campus.
• Feb. 10, 2024: On campus.
• Feb. 17, 2024: Virtual interview and recorded audition submission. Faculty highly recommend attending your audition / interview in person.
• Feb. 24, 2024: On-campus.

What to prepare for your audition:

Prepare a 20-minute audition including the following:

• One first movement from a standard concerto.
• Two or three solos/movements from contrasting periods.
• One Milde Concert Study.
• Four contrasting orchestral excerpts.

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

Specific repertoire questions should be addressed to Abie Micklich, the bassoon professor (Albie.Micklich@asu.edu).

Recorded auditions:

The faculty strongly recommends that applicants come to campus for a live audition. Recorded auditions are submitted in your music application. Review 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 the faculty questions, to answer interview questions, and to sight-read on your instrument.

Multiple woodwinds emphasis:

If you are applying for the Master of Music: Performance with the Multiple woodwinds emphasis, you will audition on three woodwind instruments: one primary and two secondary. Please prepare the Master's-level requirements listed above for your primary instrument. For your two secondary instruments, please prepare the requirements listed under the "Multiple Woodwinds" dropdown on this webpage.

Prescreening requirement:

You are required to submit a YouTube or Vimeo link to your prescreening recording when you submit your music application. The deadline for spring admission is Oct. 1, and for fall admission is Dec. 1.

Prepare a 20-minute prescreening recording of the following:

• Two or three works/movements from contrasting periods.
• One Milde Concert Study.
• Two contrasting orchestral excerpts.

Passing the prescreening round:

You will be notified by email approximately three weeks after the application deadline with your prescreening decision. If you pass, you will be invited to audition. All woodwind DMA auditions are in-person.

For the audition:

Prepare a 30-minute audition to include the following:

• One first movement from a standard concerto.
• Two or three works/movements from contrasting periods.
• One Milde Concert Study.
• Four contrasting orchestral excerpts.

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

Specific repertoire questions should be addressed to Albie Micklich, the bassoon professor (Albie.Micklich@asu.edu).

Audition dates

• Nov. 18, 2023: On campus. For spring admission only. All other dates are for fall admission.
• Feb. 10, 2024: On campus.
• Feb. 17, 2024: Virtual interview and recorded audition submission. Faculty highly recommend attending your audition / interview in person.
• Feb. 24, 2024: On-campus.

What to prepare for your audition:

Piano accompaniment is not required for your cello audition. However, you are permitted to perform with accompaniment through your own arrangements, if you wish. Applicants who have questions about repertoire selection and the audition process are encouraged to reach out directly to the appropriate professor: (TLandsc@asu.edu).

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.).

Master of Music

• An outer movement of a standard concerto. 
• J.S. Bach: Two contrasting movements from any of the unaccompanied cello suites.
• An etude by Popper or Piatti.

Doctor of Musical Arts

Prescreening requirement:

You are required to submit a YouTube or Vimeo link to your prescreening recording when you submit your music application. The deadline for spring admission is Oct. 1, and for fall admission is Dec. 1. Prepare the following for your prescreening:

• An outer movement of a standard concerto and two movements of unaccompanied Bach.

Passing the prescreening round: You will be notified by email approximately three weeks after the application deadline with your prescreening decision. If you pass, you will be invited to audition.

For the audition, prepare the following by memory:

• A complete concerto.
• J.S. Bach: A complete unaccompanied cello suite.
• An additional work of contrasting style.

Recorded auditions:

The faculty strongly recommends that applicants come to campus for a live audition. Recorded auditions are submitted in your music application. Review 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

• Nov. 18, 2023: On campus. For spring admission only. All other dates are for fall admission.
• Jan. 27, 2024: On campus.
• Feb. 10, 2024: On campus.
• Feb. 17, 2024: Virtual interview and recorded audition submission. Faculty highly recommend attending your audition / interview in person.
• Feb. 24, 2024: On-campus.

What to prepare for your audition:

Piano accompaniment is not required.

• The clarinet area keeps auditions less formulaic and does not have a required repertoire list so you have the opportunity to present yourself in what you feel is your best possible light. We suggest two contrasting works—these can be excerpts of pieces as well as a couple of short orchestral excerpts.

Recorded auditions:

The faculty strongly recommends that applicants come to campus for a live audition. Recorded auditions are submitted in your music application. Review 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 the faculty questions, to answer interview questions, and to sight-read on your instrument.

Multiple woodwinds emphasis:

If you are applying for the Master of Music: Performance with the Multiple woodwinds emphasis, you will audition on three woodwind instruments: one primary and two secondary. Please prepare the Master's-level requirements listed above for your primary instrument. For your secondary instruments, please prepare the requirements listed under the "Multiple Woodwinds" dropdown on this webpage.

Prescreening requirement:

You are required to submit a YouTube or Vimeo link to your prescreening recording when you submit your music application. The deadline for spring admission is Oct. 1, and for fall admission is Dec. 1.

The prescreening consists of a 20-minute audio/video recording of the following:

• One to two movements of a standard piece.
• One piece demonstrating command of contemporary techniques.
• Additional selections of the applicant's choice. This selection may be an original piece or improvisation. It should highlight your creative work and command of the instrument.

Passing the prescreening round: You will be notified by email approximately three weeks after the application deadline with your prescreening decision. If you pass, you will be invited to audition. All woodwind DMA auditions are in-person. Choices of literature can be changed from the list below if changes are discussed with the clarinet faculty and will “show you off” at your best.

The audition for the DMA program consists of six sections:

• A standard classical piece for clarinet such as a movement from Mozart: Concerto, K. 622.
• A Romantic era work such as one or two movements of a Brahms sonata.
• A 20th-century work with piano accompaniment such as Berg: Four Pieces or Berry: Fantasy in Five Statements.
• A 20th-century unaccompanied work such as Stravinsky: Three Pieces for Solo Clarinet.
• Orchestral excerpts such as the following:
  • Rimsky-Korsakov: Scheherazade, the excerpts from the International Series;
  • Mendelssohn: MidSummer Nights Dream
  • Rimsky-Korsakov: Capriccio Espagnol: first movement and cadenza only, and a slow excerpt of your choice.
• You may choose an original piece or improvisation for your contrasting selection. It should highlight your creative work and command of the instrument.

Prescreening:

To be considered for an interview, the composition program requires a prescreening portfolio to be uploaded to the music application:

• 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 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:

If you pass the prescreening round, you will be notified by email approximately three weeks after the application deadline. The interview will include an ear training test and theory exam, which are required to be taken for teaching assistantship eligibility.

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.

For applicants interested in a teaching assistantship:

Be prepared to demonstrate your understanding of the basics of tonal harmony. You will also be asked to demonstrate your error-detection and sight-singing skills through a mock coaching session with one of the faculty acting as an aural skill student.

International Students interested in a Teaching Assistantship must demonstrate proficiency in communicative ability in the English language. Different ways to meet the requirement can be found on the International Teaching Assistant English Qualifications page.

• Nov. 18, 2023: On campus. For spring admission only. All other dates are for fall admission.
• Feb. 10, 2024: On campus.
• Feb. 17, 2024: Virtual meeting/interview with recorded audition. Faculty highly recommend attending your audition / interview in person.
• Feb. 24, 2024: On-campus.

Conductors specializing in choral conducting expand their expertise in global, intercultural approaches to communal vocal musicking and work to integrate this into their pedagogy and rehearsal process. Score study integrates musical, textual and socio-critical analysis in order for students to gain insights into the unique interpretive demands of each work. Gestural study regards integrated approaches of western ideals of conducting with Laban movement, global dance forms and body mapping. Conductors receive a plethora of podium time, both as primary conductors of ASU choral ensembles and as assistant conductors to faculty-led ensembles.

Prescreening requirement:

You are required to submit a YouTube or Vimeo link to your prescreening recording when you submit your music application. The deadline is Dec. 1 for fall admission. The following items will be reviewed during the prescreening round:

• Review of the Resume or Curriculum Vitae submitted in the music application.
• Review of the Writing Sample submitted in the music application. 
• A 10-minute video that shows you conducting in rehearsal. The camera should be placed from the point of view of the singers. All instructions to the choir should be clearly audible and understandable. If the candidate is facilitating instruction in a language other than English, please provide real-time subtitles in English. The goal is to see how you interact with the choir and how you respond to and address things you want to change, so be sure that the video includes some instruction.
• DMA only: An 8-10 minute video that shows you conducting an ensemble in performance. The camera should be placed from the point of view of the singers. The video should include at least two contrasting works.

Passing the prescreening round:

You will be notified by email approximately three weeks after the application deadline with your prescreening decision. If you pass the prescreening, prepare for the following:

• You may be asked to submit additional videos of your work.
• You will be contacted by the conducting faculty to schedule an audition in February, which will include:
  • Rehearsal: Every candidate will receive 10 minutes of podium time to rehearse the ASU Concert Choir on an assigned piece. You are not expected to run through the entire work. Instead, you are expected to show a rehearsal arc that exhibits an improvement of tone and/or a celebration of the piece’s stylistic elements.
  • Choral Literature Diagnostic: A 50-minute exam that measures your knowledge and application of significant choral works, genres, and their social and cultural impact from the Renaissance era to the present day.
  • Aural Skills Diagnostic: A 15-minute exam that consists of a dictation of a chorale and a sight-singing assessment.
  • Piano Diagnostic: You will be asked to sight read a four-part hymn and play three two-octave scales— one in natural minor, one in lydian, and the other in dorian.
  • Singing: A performance of a vocal work of your choosing. Please keep the work under two minutes, cuts are allowed. A collaborative pianist will be provided.
  • Interview with Choral Program Faculty: This 20-minute interview is an opportunity for the faculty to learn more about your teaching philosophy, creative work, research interests, professional goals, and how they can support you should you be accepted.

The conducting program in music theatre is geared toward those with strong keyboard/piano skills who are eager to learn the skills necessary for a successful career as a musical director. This competitive program admits only one student per year and includes the opportunity to study music theater as well as opera. Graduates of this program have had a remarkable record of success, whether working in the profession, in academia or in pursuing further conducting study.

Prerequisites:

• Basic knowledge of conducting technique.
• Basic knowledge of either music theatre or opera repertoire.
• Proficiency as an instrumental or vocal performer, including strong keyboard and sight-reading skills.

Prescreening requirement:

You are required to submit a YouTube or Vimeo link to your prescreening recording when you submit your music application. The deadline is Dec. 1 for fall admission.

The prescreening consists of the following:

• Video recording containing excerpts of you leading a rehearsal or performance from either the keyboard or the podium with a small or varied ensemble (may include singers and piano/keyboard, or a small mixed ensemble or larger). 10–15 minutes in length total.
• Video recording of you performing two pieces at the piano - this may be a solo piano excerpt or accompaniment with vocal or instrumental soloists. Chosen repertoire should demonstrate as wide a range of repertoire as possible. 10–15 minutes in length total.
• You may upload multiple links to your recordings in your application.

Audition requirement:

Passing the prescreening round: You will be notified by email approximately three weeks after the application deadline with your prescreening decision. If you pass the prescreening, you will be contacted with an itinerary for your audition. Your audition must be performed for the music theatre faculty. The audition takes approximately one hour and is arranged by invitation only (pending review of prescreening and application materials). 

At the piano:

• Perform one solo piano piece or movement, preferably from memory. Not to exceed 10 minutes.
• Play and sing a prepared vocal solo excerpt from a musical or opera of the applicant's choosing.
• Play a prepared excerpt of a complex orchestral section of a musical or an opera, such as an overture or dance selection of your choosing.
• Sight-read excerpts from musicals or operas.
• You will conduct a pianist in a previously agreed upon excerpt from a musical or opera to demonstrate proficiency in the basic knowledge of conducting patterns, etc.

Interview:

• You will be interviewed by the faculty on your basic knowledge and experience in music theatre and/or opera performance, repertoire, goals, research/performing interests, etc.

Additional items:

• If you come to campus for the audition, you will have the opportunity on the day of the audition to speak with current students, attend classes and rehearsals, and tour the facility.
• If your major performance area is not piano, you may also perform one memorized piece or movement in your major performance area (instrumental or voice). Not to exceed 10 minutes.

Prescreening requirement:

You are required to submit a YouTube or Vimeo link to your prescreening recording when you submit your music application. The deadline is Dec. 1 for fall admission. Prepare the following for your prescreening recordings:

• An initial screening video recording of recent conducting approximately 10–15 minutes in length. It is preferred that the video recording has both performance and rehearsal excerpts of contrasting repertoire and that you are facing the camera.
• A short video (2 minutes or less) of the candidate speaking about what makes them unique as a future arts leader and educator, on and off the podium, and what their short and long term career goals are.

Passing the prescreening round: You will be notified by email approximately three weeks after the application deadline with your prescreening decision. If you pass the prescreening, you will be contacted with an itinerary for your audition. The audition takes an entire day in February and is arranged by invitation only (pending review of prescreening and application materials).

Prescreening requirement:

You are required to submit a YouTube or Vimeo link to your prescreening recording when you submit your music application. The deadline is Dec. 1 for fall admission. Prepare the following for your prescreening recordings:

• An initial screening video recording of recent conducting approximately 10 – 15 minutes in length. It is preferred that the video recording has both performance and rehearsal excerpts of contrasting repertoire and that you are facing the camera.
• A short video (2 minutes or less) of the candidate speaking about what makes them unique as a future arts leader and educator, on and off the podium, and what their short and long term career goals are.

Passing the prescreening round: You will be notified by email approximately three weeks after the application deadline with your prescreening decision. If you pass the prescreening, you will be contacted with an itinerary for your audition. The audition takes an entire day in February and is arranged by invitation only (pending review of prescreening and application materials).

Prescreening requirement:

Please submit a YouTube or Vimeo link to your prescreening recording when you submit your music application. The deadline is Dec. 1 for fall admission.

The prescreening consists of the following:

• A 10–15 minute video that demonstrates your ability to both perform and rehearse an array of repertoire. Ideally, the camera should be placed from the point-of-view of the ensemble (not behind you) and all instructions to the ensemble should be clearly audible and understandable.

Passing the prescreening round: You will be notified by email approximately three weeks after the application deadline with your prescreening decision. If you pass the prescreening, you will be contacted with an itinerary for your audition. The audition takes approximately the entire day and is arranged by invitation only (pending review of prescreening and application materials).

Audition dates

• Nov. 18, 2023: On campus. For spring admission only. All other dates are for fall admission.
• Jan. 27, 2024: On campus.
• Feb. 10, 2024: On campus.
• Feb. 17, 2024: Virtual interview and recorded audition submission. Faculty highly recommend attending your audition / interview in person.
• Feb. 24, 2024: On-campus.

What to prepare for your audition:

Piano accompaniment is not required for your double bass audition. However, you are permitted to perform with accompaniment through your own arrangements, if you wish. Applicants who have questions about repertoire selection and the audition process are encouraged to reach out directly to the appropriate professor: (Catalin.Rotaru@asu.edu).

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.).

Master of Music

• Two contrasting movements of a standard concerto.
• A movement of a standard sonata.
• A shorter work from an additional style period.

Doctor of Musical Arts

Prescreening requirement: You are required to submit a YouTube or Vimeo link to your prescreening recording when you submit your music application. The deadline for spring admission is Oct. 1, and for fall admission is Dec. 1.

The prescreening consists of the following:

• An outer movement of a standard concerto and two movements of unaccompanied Bach.

Passing the prescreening round: You will be notified by email approximately three weeks after the application deadline with your prescreening decision. If you pass, you will be invited to audition.

For the audition prepare the following:

• A complete concerto.
• J.S. Bach: 3–4 contrasting movements from any of the unaccompanied cello suites.
• An additional work of contrasting style.

Recorded auditions:

The faculty strongly recommends that applicants come to campus for a live audition. Recorded auditions are submitted in your music application. Review 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?"

Audition dates

• Nov. 18, 2023: On campus. For spring admission only. All other dates are for fall admission.
• Jan. 27, 2024: On campus.
• Feb. 10, 2024: On campus.
• Feb. 17, 2024: Virtual interview and recorded audition submission. Faculty highly recommend attending your audition / interview in person.
• Feb. 24, 2024: On-campus.

What to prepare for your audition:

Please scroll all the way down for notes on recorded auditions and virtual interviews.

Master of Music

Auditions are 20 minutes in length.

• Sight-reading.
• Three band/orchestra excerpts.
• Perform two contrasting solo works or selected movements of your choice.
• Additional demonstrations or samples of your work as a musician are welcome (jazz, composition, other styles of music, instrument double, other).

Interview questions will include but 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 type of collaborations 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.

Doctor of Musical Arts

Prescreening requirement:

You are required to submit a YouTube or Vimeo link to your prescreening recording when you submit your music application. The deadline for spring admission is Oct. 1, and for fall admission is Dec. 1. The prescreening consists of the following:

• Two solo movements of contrasting style.
• Two band or orchestra excerpts of your choice.
• One-minute video talking about a potential creative (or research) project you are interested in pursuing.

Passing the prescreening round: You will be notified by email approximately three weeks after the application deadline with your prescreening decision. If you pass, you will be invited to audition.

For the audition, prepare the following:

• Three band/orchestra excerpts of choice.
• Two contrasting solo works.
• Additional demonstrations or samples of your work as a musician are welcome (jazz, composition, other styles of music, instrument double, other).

Interview questions will include but 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 type of collaborations can you imagine?
• Describe yourself as a member of the euphonium/tuba studio.
• What are your research interests?
• If you were asked to submit an article to the ITEA Journal, what topic is of interest to you?
• Thinking about Diversity, Equity and Inclusion, how can you re-imagine teaching and organizing curriculum in applied music?
• Describe yourself as a leader and role model.

Recorded auditions:

The faculty strongly recommends that applicants come to campus for a live audition. Recorded auditions are submitted in your music application. Review 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 about the euphonium/tuba studio, answer interview questions, and discuss your recorded audition.

Audition dates

• Jan. 27, 2024: On campus.
• Feb. 10, 2024: On campus.

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

What to prepare for your audition:

Piano accompaniment strongly recommended but not required:

• Mozart: One movement from either the G Major or D Major Concerto, with cadenza
• One 20th-century work for solo flute or flute and piano.
• One 21st-century work for solo flute or flute and piano.
• Three orchestral excerpts.

Recorded auditions:

The faculty strongly recommends that applicants come to campus for a live audition. Recorded auditions are submitted in your music application. Review 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. 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.

Multiple woodwinds emphasis:

If you are applying for the Master of Music: Performance with the Multiple woodwinds emphasis, you will audition on three woodwind instruments: one primary and two secondary. Please prepare the Master's-level requirements listed above for your primary instrument. For your secondary instruments, please prepare the requirements listed under the "Multiple Woodwinds" dropdown on this webpage.

Prescreening requirement:

You are required to submit a YouTube or Vimeo link to your prescreening recording when you submit your music application. The deadline for spring admission is Oct. 1, and for fall admission is Dec. 1. The prescreening consists of a 20-minute audio recording of the following:

• Two contrasting movements of a standard sonata for flute and piano.
• One movement from either the Mozart G-major or D-major Concerto with cadenza.
• One piece demonstrating command of 20th/21st century extended techniques.
• Three orchestral excerpts of your choice.

Passing the prescreening round: You will be notified by email approximately three weeks after the application deadline with your prescreening decision. If you pass, you will be invited to audition. All woodwind DMA auditions are in-person. 

For your audition:

Please prepare the following with piano accompaniment:

• Mozart G-major Concerto, all movements with cadenzas.
• A variety of repertoire from the Baroque, Romantic, and 20th-century and contemporary periods: one major work from each period either for solo flute or flute and piano.
• Five orchestral excerpts of your choice.

Audition dates

• Nov. 18, 2023: On campus. For spring admission only. All other dates are for fall admission.
• Feb. 10, 2024: On campus.
• Feb. 17, 2024: Virtual interview and recorded audition submission. Faculty highly recommend attending your audition / interview in person.
• Feb. 24, 2024: On-campus.

What to prepare for your audition:

Piano accompaniment is not required for your guitar audition, however, you are permitted to perform with accompaniment through your own arrangements if you wish. Applicants who have questions about repertoire selection and the audition process are encouraged to reach out directly to the appropriate professor: Professor Martha Masters (martha.masters@asu.edu).

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.).

Master of Music

• Three solo works demonstrating different musical styles and techniques at an advanced level (any era). *It is strongly encouraged to play at least one composition by a BIPOC or a female composer (e.g. Casseus, Bebey, Snijders, E. Giuliani, Lutyens, Tower, Holland, Coulanges, C. Assad, Kruisbrink, León, etc)
• Applicants can also choose to demonstrate one (1) of their own compositions or an arrangement. *optional
• OR a curated (themed) recital program.
• Questions regarding repertoire should be direction to Professor Martha Masters (email will post later).

Doctor of Musical Arts

Prescreening requirement: You are required to submit a YouTube or Vimeo link to your prescreening recording when you submit your music application. The deadline for spring admission is Oct. 1, and for fall admission is Dec. 1. The prescreening consists of the following:

• Four solo works demonstrating different musical styles and techniques at an advanced level (any era). The chose works may all be a QTPOC or under represented female composer. It is recommended to include one piece by a non cis male composer.
• Optional: You can also choose to demonstrate one of your own compositions or arrangements.

Passing the prescreening round: You will be notified by email approximately three weeks after the application deadline with your prescreening decision. If you pass, you will be invited to audition.

For your audition, please prepare the following:

• Four solo works demonstrating different musical styles and techniques at an advanced level (any era). The chosen works may all be by BIPOC or female composers. *It is strongly encouraged for a Doctoral applicant to include one piece by a BIPOC and a female composer. (e.g. Casseus, Bebey, Snijders, E. Giuliani, Lutyens, Tower, Holland, Coulanges, C. Assad, Kruisbrink, León, etc)
• As per the Master’s audition requirements, original compositions/curated (themed) programs would be accepted as well.
• Questions regarding repertoire should be direction to Professor Martha Masters (email will post later).

Recorded auditions:

The faculty strongly recommends that applicants come to campus for a live audition. Recorded auditions are submitted in your music application. Review 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 answer interview questions and ask questions about the program.

Applicants may use ASU school harps to practice and audition on. ASU owns a Lyon & Healy 85 CG. Piano accompaniment is not required for your audition. However, you may perform with accompaniment through your own arrangement if you so choose.

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).

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.).

What to prepare for your audition:

Master of Music

All solos are to be performed from memory.

• One solo of choice, from the standard harp repertoire.
• One solo work from the Baroque or Classical period.
• One solo work from the 20th Century period.
• Two Orchestral Cadenzas.

Doctor of Musical Arts

Prescreening requirement: You are required to submit a YouTube or Vimeo link to your prescreening recording when you submit your music application. The deadline for spring admission is Oct. 1, and for fall admission is Dec. 1. The prescreening consists of the following:

• 20–30 minutes of any portion of a public recital, concerto, or chamber music performance showcasing your ability in the most positive way.

Passing the prescreening round: You will be notified by email approximately three weeks after the application deadline with your prescreening decision. If you pass, you will be invited to audition.
Please prepare the following for your audition. All solos are to be performed from memory.

• One solo of choice, from the standard harp repertoire.
• One solo work from the Baroque or Classical period.
• One solo work from the 20th Century period.
• Two Orchestral Cadenzas.

Recorded auditions:

Recorded auditions are submitted in your music application. Review the “Audition recordings and portfolios” section below for recorded audition guidelines.

Audition dates

• Nov. 18, 2023: On campus. For spring admission only. All other dates are for fall admission.
• Jan. 27, 2024: On campus.
• Feb. 10, 2024: On campus.
• Feb. 17, 2024: Virtual interview and recorded audition submission. Faculty highly recommend attending your audition / interview in person.
• Feb. 24, 2024: On-campus.

What to prepare for your audition:

The entrance audition must display a level of development in embouchure, articulation, range, tone, flexibility and musicality that allows you to start with the listed repertoire or comparable literature. Piano accompaniment is not required for brass auditions.

Master of Music

• Transposing at sight 
• Orchestra excerpts to include:
  • Brahms: Symphony No. 3 (third movement–first horn)
  • Strauss: Till Eulenspiegel (opening calls–first horn)
  • Four other orchestral excerpts of the applicant's choice
• Two works comparable in difficulty to the following representative samples:
  • Beckel: Glass Bead Game
  • Bozza: En Foret
  • Dukas: Vilanelle
  • Gliere: Concerto
  • Mozart: Concerto No. 2 or 4
  • Schumann: Adagio and Allegro
  • R. Strauss: Concerto No.2

Doctor of Musical Arts

Prescreening requirement: You are required to submit a YouTube or Vimeo link to your prescreening recording when you submit your music application. The deadline for spring admission is Oct. 1, and for fall admission is Dec. 1. The prescreening consists of the following:

• Two solo works or movements of contrasting style.
• Three standard excerpts.

Passing the prescreening round: You will be notified by email approximately three weeks after the application deadline with your prescreening decision. If you pass, you will be invited to audition.
Please prepare the following for the audition:

• Transposing at sight.
• Orchestra excerpts to include:
  • Brahms: Symphony No. 3 (third movement–first horn)
  • Strauss: Till Eulenspiegel (opening calls–first horn)
  • Four other orchestral excerpts of the applicant's choice
• Two works comparable in difficulty to the following representative samples:
  • Beckel: Glass Bead Game
  • Bozza: En Foret
  • Dukas: Vilanelle
  • Gliere: Concerto
  • Mozart: Concerto No. 2 or 4
  • Schumann: Adagio and Allegro
  • R. Strauss: Concerto No.2

Recorded auditions:

The faculty strongly recommends that applicants come to campus for a live audition. Recorded auditions are submitted in your music application. Review 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. Be prepared to do the following in your interview:

• Discuss your recorded audition.
• Perform short excerpts of your recorded audition.
• Perform sight-reading and transposition.
• Ask questions about the horn studio.

Audition dates

• Nov. 18, 2023: On campus. For spring admission only. All other dates are for fall admission.
• Jan. 27, 2024: On campus.
• Feb. 10, 2024: On campus.
• Feb. 17, 2024: Virtual meeting and recorded audition submission. Faculty highly recommend attending your audition / interview in person.
• Feb. 24, 2024: On-campus.

This degree is offered on the following instruments:

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

What to prepare for your audition:

The titles suggested in this section illustrate the kind and quality of music appropriate for an audition. You 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:

Required with improvisation on all selections:

• Ballad, in tempo (Body and Soul, Embraceable You, In a Sentimental Mood, etc.)
• Jazz Standard, moderate to up-tempo (All the Things You Are, Stella By Starlight, There Is No Greater Love, etc.)
• Rhythm Changes (I Got Rhythm, Anthropology, Oleo, etc.)
• Straight-Eighth tune, moderate tempo or faster (Recorda-Me, Wave, etc.)
• 12-Bar Blues, any tempo

Instrument-specific requirements:

• Piano and Guitar (strongly encouraged for all candidates): One of the above required pieces must be performed as an unaccompanied solo.
• Drum Set: You 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, you will be asked to trade 4s, 8s and choruses.
• 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. Provide 3 photocopies of each selection in lead sheet form.

Recorded auditions:

The faculty strongly recommends that applicants come to campus for a live audition. Recorded auditions are submitted in your music application. Review 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, answer interview questions and discuss your recorded audition.

Audition dates

• Nov. 18, 2023: On campus. For spring admission only. All other dates are for fall admission. (No flute auditions will be heard for spring admission. If flute is a primary or secondary instrument, please audition for fall admission.)
• Jan. 27, 2024: On campus.
• Feb. 10, 2024: On campus.
• Feb. 17, 2024: Virtual interview and recorded audition submission. Faculty highly recommend attending your audition / interview in person.
• Feb. 24, 2024: On-campus.

What to prepare for your audition:

If you are applying for the Master of Music: Performance with the Multiple woodwinds emphasis, you will select one primary instrument and two secondary instruments, and will audition on both.

For your primary instrument, please prepare the "Master of Music" requirements listed under that instrument's dropdown on this webpage. The audition materials will be the same as if you were applying for the Master of Music: Performance on a single instrument.

For your secondary instruments, please prepare the requirements listed below for each of your secondary instruments.

Bassoon

• Scales: Major scales up to 4 sharps and 4 flats  (three octaves for B-flat and C; two octaves for all others).
• One technical etude of your choice. 
• One musical etude of your choice.
• One work or movement for bassoon from a standard sonata or concerto.
• If you do not have access to a bassoon for your audition, you may submit a recording in lieu of a live audition. Please contact Dr. Micklich for more information at Albie.Micklich@asu.edu. 

Clarinet

• 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.

Flute

• 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.

Oboe

• 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.

Saxophone

• All major, harmonic minor and chromatic scales (using appropriate fingerings for the chromatic scale).
• A selection that showcases your musicality and technique and exemplifies your best efforts at preparation, exhibiting contrasting melodic and technical sections. Standard repertoire is probably best, and memorization is highly encouraged.
• Sight-reading
• Optional, but strongly encouraged: Jazz transcription or improvisation over jazz standard or blues.

Prerequisites:

• Applicants with undergraduate degrees specifically in music therapy are eligible to apply for the Master of Music program in Music Therapy: Two Year Track.
• Applicants with undergraduate degrees in music (Bachelor of Music or Bachelor of Arts in Music), but not specifically in music therapy, are eligible to apply for the Master of Music program in Music Therapy: Three Year Track.
• Applicants without undergraduate degrees in music or music therapy are not eligible to apply and are instead recommended to pursue a bachelor's degree in music therapy from the ASU School of Music, Dance and Theatre.

Application requirements:

Two-Year Track:

• Personal Statement (PDF): a one-to-two page statement of your music therapy philosophy, including models of choice, influences, and reason for pursuing an advanced degree. The PDF document should be uploaded in your  music application.
• An in-depth interview emphasizing your music therapy philosophy, research activities and clinical interests. This will also include an audition in functional music skills, involving the demonstration of advanced guitar accompaniment skills, piano accompaniment in several styles, improvisation skills and vocal abilities is required. 

Three-Year Track:

• Personal statement (PDF): a one-page statement of your interest in pursuing an advanced degree in music therapy. The PDF document should be uploaded in your music application.
• An in-depth interview emphasizing your decision to pursue a music therapy degree, experience working with people of various backgrounds and abilities. This will also include an audition in functional music skills, involving the demonstration of basic guitar accompaniment skills, basic piano accompaniment in several styles, and vocal abilities is required. 

Audition/Interview requirements for both tracks:

• A short piece on your major instrument or voice
• A simple song sung while accompanying yourself on the piano
• A simple song sung while accompanying yourself on the guitar
• A song sung without accompaniment
• If applying for the Two Year Track: 1-2 songs you have written or adapted for a music therapy client
• All applicants: an interview

Virtual interview and recorded audition:

If you elect this option, you will submit recordings of your audition in your music application. Review the “Audition recordings and portfolios” section below for recorded audition guidelines. You will also complete a 15 minute virtual interview with the music therapy faculty on the virtual experience day. Be prepared to sing with and without accompanying yourself on guitar or piano, and also answer interview questions in the virtual interview. Please note, the faculty strongly recommends that applicants come to campus for a live interview.

Audition/Interview dates

• Nov. 18, 2023: On campus. For spring admission only. All other dates are for fall admission.
• Jan. 27, 2024: On campus.
• Feb. 10, 2024: On campus.
• Feb. 17, 2024: Virtual meeting/interview with recorded audition. Faculty highly recommend attending your audition / interview in person.
• Feb. 24, 2024: On-campus.

Audition dates

• Nov. 18, 2023: On campus. For spring admission only. All other dates are for fall admission.
• Jan. 27, 2024: On campus.
• Feb. 10, 2024: On campus.
• Feb. 17, 2024: Virtual interview and recorded audition submission. Faculty highly recommend attending your audition / interview in person.
• Feb. 24, 2024: On-campus.

What to prepare for your audition:

Prepare a 15–20 minute audition including the following (etudes are acceptable):

• A Baroque selection from the standard oboe repertoire.
• A post-1950 work from the standard oboe repertoire. 
• One to two orchestral excerpts. 

Recorded auditions:

The faculty strongly recommends that applicants come to campus for a live audition. Recorded auditions are submitted in your music application. Review the “Audition recordings and portfolios” section below for recorded audition guidelines. Recordings should be submitted in a single, unedited video.

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

Multiple woodwinds emphasis:

If you are applying for the Master of Music: Performance with the Multiple woodwinds emphasis, you will audition on three woodwind instruments: one primary and two secondary. Please prepare the Master's-level requirements listed above for your primary instrument. For your secondary instruments, please prepare the requirements listed under the "Multiple Woodwinds" dropdown on this webpage.

Prescreening requirement: You are required to submit a YouTube or Vimeo link to your prescreening recording when you submit your music application. The deadline for spring admission is Oct. 1, and for fall admission is Dec. 1. The prescreening consists of a 20-minute audio recording of the following:

• One to two movements of a standard piece.
• One piece demonstrating command of 20th/21st century techniques.
• Additional selections of the applicant's choice.

Passing the prescreening round: You will be notified by email approximately three weeks after the application deadline with your prescreening decision. If you pass, you will be invited to audition. All woodwind DMA auditions are in-person.

Audition: Prepare a 30-minute recital including the following to demonstrate a very high level of musical and instrumental accomplishment:

• Orchestral excerpts.
• One selection in modern 20th-century language (i.e. not Poulenc or Hindemith).

Prospective organists should contact Kimberly Marshall directly to set up an ad-hoc audition (by appointment). Applications are not being accepted for spring admission, but are available for fall admission.

What to prepare for your audition:

Master of Music

The program should include 15–20 minutes of the following:

• Some pre-Bach, such as Frescobaldi, Buxtehude or Scheidemann.
• A major work by Bach.
• A later work (that can be played effectively without a Swell box on the Fritts organ).
• You may be asked to sight read a hymn or to provide a simple analysis of an organ score during the audition (this will take place during the virtual interview or optional on-campus interview)

Contact 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 it is encouraged that you schedule an in-person audition. Live auditions will be followed by a brief interview.

Doctor of Musical Arts

Prescreening is not required of doctoral organ applicants. The audition program should be prepared for the Fritts organ. The program should last about 20 minutes and include the following:

• Some pre-Bach, such as Frescobaldi, Buxtehude or Scheidemann.
• A major work by Bach.
• A later work (that can be played effectively without a Swell box on the Fritts organ).
• You may be asked to sight read a hymn or to provide a simple analysis of an organ score during the audition.

Contact 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 it is encouraged that you schedule an in-person audition. Live auditions will be followed by a brief interview.

Recorded auditions:

Recorded auditions are submitted in your music application. Review 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. Contact Kimberly Marshall directly to set up an ad-hoc virtual interview (by appointment).

Audition dates

• Nov. 18, 2023: On campus. For spring admission only. All other dates are for fall admission.
• Feb. 17, 2024: Virtual interview and recorded audition submission. Faculty highly recommend attending your audition / interview in person.
• Feb. 24, 2024: On-campus.
• Ad-Hoc: Signing up for an in-person audition on the dates listed above is recommended; however, if you encounter unavoidable conflicts, please choose an Ad-Hoc audition in your application and contact Dr. Mike Compitello (compitello@asu.edu) to schedule your audition.

What to prepare for your audition:

Performance of the following (or works of comparable difficulty) is required. You are encouraged to demonstrate abilities on other instruments as well, such as drum set, world percussion, and auxiliary instruments. 

• Keyboard
  • Two significant keyboard solos, one of which must be 4 mallets
  • Sight-reading at the discretion of the faculty
  • 2 orchestral excerpts
• Timpani
  • 1 significant timpani solo (Carter, Delecluse, Hinger, or similar)
  • 2 orchestral excerpts of candidate's choice
  • If access to timpani is currently restricted, candidates may submit any recording of themselves playing timpani, either solo or with an ensemble 
• Snare Drum
  • 1 significant concert style solo (Delecluse, Cirone, or similar)
  • 1 rudimental style solo
  • 2 orchestral excerpts of candidate's choice
• Optional: Drumset
  • Demonstrate time and soloing in the following styles: medium swing, up-tempo swing, rock, bossa nova, samba, funk, etc.
• Optional: Multiple Percussion
  • One significant solo
• Optional: Steel Pan
  • Solo work of candidate's choice
  • Required for candidates interested in TA positions around Steel Band
• Optional: Non-Western Percussion
  • Folkloric styles demonstrating technical and musical facility
  • Required for students interested in TA positions around World Percussion

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. Review the “Audition recordings and portfolios” section below for technical specifications.

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

To be considered for an audition with faculty, applicants for all doctoral performance concentrations must upload a prescreening recording to the music application and submit the application by Oct. 1 for spring admission and Dec. 1 for fall admission. 

Prescreening requirements:

• Marimba and/or Vibraphone
  • one significant solo work
• Snare Drum
  • one significant concert style solo (Delécluse, Cirone, or similar)
• Timpani
  • 2 orchestral excerpts of your choice
  • If access to timpani is restricted, candidates may submit any recording of themselves playing timpani, either solo or with an ensemble 
• Optional
  • Drumset, multiple percussion, non-Western percussion, and/or orchestral accessories

Audition requirements:

For the live audition, please prepare the following. Candidates may use repertoire from their prescreening recording in their audition.

• Keyboard
  • Two significant keyboard solos, one of which must be 4 mallets
  • 2 orchestral excerpts for xylophone and/or glockenspiel
  • Sight-reading at the discretion of the faculty
• Timpani
  • 1 significant timpani solo (Carter, Delecluse, Hinger, or similar)
  • 2 orchestral excerpts of candidate's choice
  • If access to timpani is currently restricted, candidates may submit any recording of themselves playing timpani, either solo or with an ensemble 
• Snare Drum
  • 1 significant concert style solo (Delecluse, Cirone, or similar)
  • 1 rudimental style solo
  • 2 orchestral excerpts of candidate's choice
  • Sight-reading at the discretion of the faculty
• Drumset:
  • 2-3 musical styles
• Optional: Orchestral Accessories
  • Excerpts for cymbals, bass drum triangle, tambourine, or castanets. Candidates are encouraged to demonstrate abilities on other instruments as well.
• Optional: Steel Pan
  • Solo work of candidate's choice
  • Required for candidates interested in TA positions around Steel Band
• Optional: Non-Western Percussion
  • Folkloric styles demonstrating technical and musical facility
  • Required for students interested in TA positions around World Percussion

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. Recorded auditions are submitted in your music application. Review the “Audition recordings and portfolios” section below for technical specifications.

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

Audition dates

• Nov. 18, 2023: On campus. For spring admission only. All other dates are for fall admission.
• Feb. 3, 2024: On campus.
• Feb. 17, 2024: On campus.

What to Prepare for You Audition:

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.

Applicants must email audition repertoire choices to Andrew Campbell by Jan. 10 for fall admission. You may bring your own collaborative partner or use one provided by ASU for your audition. If you use ASU partners, repertoire substitutions are not allowed. Exact rehearsal and audition times will be sent one week prior to your audition day. Tests in sight reading and foreign languages will be given. Applicants will be asked about their prior language study and assessed on their ability to pronounce materials in French, German and Italian.

Master of Music

When submitting your Graduate Admissions Application, select Piano, Collaborative (MM) from the degree search list.

An audition is required, consisting of the following: 

• All of the following songs (high key):
  • Mozart: An Chloë
  • Schubert: Gretchen am Spinnrade
  • Debussy: Il pleure dans mon coeur
  • Strauss: Allerseelen
  • Barber: The Monk and His Cat
  • Puccini: Mi chiamano Mimi and Quando m'en vo' from La Bohème
• One of the following instrumental works:
  • Schumann: Fantasiestücke, Op. 73
  • Brahms: Sonata in f minor, Op. 120, #1, Movement I
  • Brahms: Sonata in E-flat major, Op. 120, #2, Movement I
• Three solo compositions from contrasting stylistic periods performed from memory. Individual movements from larger works are allowed.

Doctor of Musical Arts

When submitting your Graduate Admissions Application, select Music Performance (DMA) from the degree search list. You will have an opportunity to designate Collaborative Piano as your emphasis on the Music Application.

Prerequisites:

• A master's degree in piano performance or in collaborative piano, piano accompanying/chamber music, or its equivalent.
• Sufficient vocal and instrumental repertoire to suggest that the applicant will be able to fulfill the degree requirements.

Prescreening:

To be considered for a live, in-person audition, applicants for all doctoral performance concentrations must upload a prescreening recording to the music application and submit the application by Oct. 1 for spring admission and Dec. 1 for fall admission. Review the “Audition recordings and portfolios” section below for technical specifications. The prescreening consists of the following:

• Two songs of contrasting styles and one large outer movement of a duo sonata (Brahms, Franck, Beethoven, etc). All selections must include a collaborative partner.

Audition:

If you pass the prescreening round, you will be invited to a live audition. An audition is required for admission, and should consist of the following repertoire. Repertoire substitutions are allowed only if you are bringing your own partners and must be approved in advance.

• All of the following songs (high key):
  • Mozart: An Chloë
  • Schubert: Gretchen am Spinnrade
  • Debussy: Il pleure dans mon coeur
  • Strauss: Allerseelen
  • Barber: The Monk and His Cat
  • Puccini: Mi chiamano Mimi and Quando m'en vo' from La Bohème
• One of the following duo sonatas:
  • Beethoven: Violin Sonata in F major, Op. 24
  • Brahms: Sonata in f minor or E–flat major, Op. 120, #1 or #2
  • Franck: Sonata in A major
  • Prokofiev: Sonata Op. 94
• One solo composition performed from memory. One large individual movement is acceptable.

Audition dates

• Nov. 18, 2023: On campus. For spring admission only. All other dates are for fall admission.
• Jan. 27, 2024: On campus.
• Feb. 10, 2024: On campus.
• Feb. 17, 2024: Virtual group meeting and recorded audition submission. Faculty highly recommend attending your audition / interview in person.
• Feb. 24, 2024: On-campus, but reserved for out-of-state applicants.

What to prepare for your audition:

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.

Prescreening requirement:

You are required to submit a YouTube or Vimeo link to your prescreening recording when you submit your music application. The deadline for spring admission is Oct. 1, and for fall admission is Dec. 1. The prescreening consists of the following:

• Performance: 15–25 minutes of solo repertoire (no concertos or chamber music), representing a variety of styles. Complete works are not required: movements or sections of larger works are acceptable. Memorization is required except for complex contemporary works.
• Teaching Demonstration (uploaded to music application): Provide a video demonstrating your private lesson piano teaching. Students may be of any level. Demonstration must be in English and video should total no more than 15–20 minutes.

Passing the prescreening round: You will be notified by email approximately three weeks after the application deadline with your prescreening decision. If you pass, you will be invited to audition.

You should prepare the following for your audition:

• Solo recital program of a minimum of 45 minutes. Three complete works representing a variety of styles are required. Concertos are not accepted. Memorization is required except for complex contemporary works. Movements or sections of larger works are not acceptable.
• Be prepared to answer questions related to the musical and historical background of your audition repertoire.
• No interior piano performance allowed.
• Please scroll down for information on Teaching Assistantship requirements.

Recorded auditions:

The recorded audition option is only available to master's applicants. Recorded auditions are submitted in your music application. Review the “Audition recordings and portfolios” section below for recorded audition guidelines. An in-person audition is highly recommended for scholarship/TA consideration.

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.

Prescreening requirement:

You are required to submit a YouTube or Vimeo link to your prescreening recording when you submit your music application. The deadline for spring admission is Oct. 1, and for fall admission is Dec. 1. The prescreening consists of the following:

• A graded paper written for a master's level music theory or music history course. The paper must be in English, written by you and use correct citations and footnotes.
  More information.
• Performance: 15–25 minutes of solo repertoire (no concertos or chamber music), representing a variety of styles. Complete works are not required: movements or sections of larger works are acceptable. Memorization is required except for complex contemporary works.
• Teaching Demonstration (uploaded to music application): Provide a video demonstrating your private lesson piano teaching. Student may be of any level. Demonstration must be in English and video should total no more than 15–20 minutes.
• Please scroll down for information on Teaching Assistantship requirements.

Passing the prescreening round: You will be notified by email approximately three weeks after the application deadline with your prescreening decision. If you pass, you will be invited to a live audition. All doctoral piano auditions take place on campus.

You should prepare the following for your audition:

• Solo recital program of a minimum of 60 minutes. Complete works representing a variety of styles are required. Memorization is required except for complex contemporary works.
• Be prepared to answer questions related to the musical and historical background of your audition repertoire.
• No interior piano performance allowed.

If you would like to be considered for a teaching assistantship in class piano, please do the following:

• In your music application, be sure to select "Yes" when asked if you would like to be considered for a teaching assistantship.
• In your music application, provide an additional clip demonstrating your piano teaching. Individual and/or group lessons at any level are acceptable. The demonstration must be in English and the video should total no more than 30 minutes. (If you did not upload your teaching demonstration to your music application, please email mdtadmissions@asu.edu to submit the Youtube link of your recording.)
• It is also advised that the three recommendation letters address the applicant’s teaching ability and probability of success as a teaching assistant.

Audition dates

• Nov. 18, 2023: On campus. For spring admission only. All other dates are for fall admission.
• Jan. 27, 2024: On campus.
• Feb. 10, 2024: On campus.
• Feb. 17, 2024: Virtual group meeting and recorded audition submission. Faculty highly recommend attending your audition / interview in person.
• Feb. 24, 2024: On-campus, but reserved for out-of-state applicants.

What to prepare for your audition:

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.

Prescreening requirement:

You are required to submit a YouTube or Vimeo link to your prescreening recording when you submit your music application. The deadline for spring admission is Oct. 1, and for fall admission is Dec. 1. The prescreening consists of the following:

• Performance: 15–25 minutes of solo repertoire (no concertos or chamber music), representing a variety of styles. Complete works are not required: movements or sections of larger works are acceptable. Memorization is required except for complex contemporary works.

Passing the prescreening round: You will be notified by email approximately three weeks after the application deadline with your prescreening decision. If you pass, you will be invited to audition.

You should prepare the following for your audition:

• Solo recital program of a minimum of 45 minutes. Three complete works representing a variety of styles are required. Concertos are not accepted. Memorization is required except for complex contemporary works. Movements or sections of larger works are not acceptable.
• Be prepared to answer questions related to the musical and historical background of your audition repertoire.
• No interior piano performance allowed.
• Please scroll down for information on Teaching Assistantship requirements.

Recorded auditions:

The recorded audition option is only available to master's applicants. Recorded auditions are submitted in your music application. Review the “Audition recordings and portfolios” section below for recorded audition guidelines. An in-person audition is highly recommended for scholarship/TA consideration.

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.

Prescreening requirement:

You are required to submit a YouTube or Vimeo link to your prescreening recording when you submit your music application. The deadline for spring admission is Oct. 1, and for fall admission is Dec. 1. The prescreening consists of the following:

• A graded paper written for a master's level music theory or music history course. The paper must be in English, written by you and use correct citations and footnotes. The submitted document should include the final grade received on the paper.
  More information.
• Performance: 15–25 minutes of solo repertoire (no concertos or chamber music), representing a variety of styles. Complete works are not required: movements or sections of larger works are acceptable. Memorization is required except for complex contemporary works.

Passing the prescreening round: You will be notified by email approximately three weeks after the application deadline with your prescreening decision. If you pass, you will be invited to a live audition. All piano doctoral auditions take place on campus.

Audition requirement:

Please prepare the following for your audition:

• Solo recital program of a minimum of 60 minutes. Complete works representing a variety of styles are required. Memorization is required except for complex contemporary works.
• Be prepared to answer questions related to the musical and historical background of your audition repertoire.
• No interior piano performance allowed.

If you would like to be considered for a teaching assistantship in class piano, please do the following:

• In your music application, be sure to select "Yes" when asked if you would like to be considered for a teaching assistantship.
• In your music application, upload a video recording of piano teaching in English, including two complete lessons, preferably of students at different levels. Individual and/or group lessons at any level are acceptable. (If you did not upload your teaching demonstration to your music application, please email mdtadmissions@asu.edu to submit the Youtube link(s) of your recording(s).)
• It is also advised that the three recommendation letters address the applicant’s teaching ability and probability of success as a teaching assistant.

Audition dates

• Nov. 18, 2023: On campus. For spring admission only. All other dates are for fall admission.
• Jan. 27, 2024: On campus.
• Feb. 10, 2024: On campus.
• Feb. 17, 2024: Virtual interview and recorded audition submission. Faculty highly recommend attending your audition / interview in person.
• Feb. 24, 2024: On-campus.

What to prepare for your audition:

Auditions are 20 minutes long and may be drawn from the following:

• Scales: All full range major and harmonic minor scales, thirds, fourths and arpeggios, and full range chromatic scale.
• 3–4 contrasting works showcasing your comfort in a breadth of styles, your technique and musicality and exemplifying your best efforts in regard to preparation. Memorization is highly encouraged.

Some suggested repertoire:

• William Albright: Sonata
• William Bolcom: Concerto for Soprano Saxophone
• Dorothy Chang: Two Preludes
• Ingolf Dahl: Concerto
• Edison Denisov: Sonata
• Stacy Garrop: Phoenix Rising
• Kristin Kuster: Jellyfish
• Lars Erik Larsson: Concerto
• John Anthony Lennon: Symphonic Rhapsody
• Joel Love: Solace
• Carter Pann: Sonata
• Mischa Zupko: In Transit
• Optional, but strongly encouraged: jazz transcript or improvisation over a jazz 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. Review 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 for a Q+A with Dr. Christopher Creviston.

Multiple woodwinds emphasis:

If you are applying for the Master of Music: Performance with the Multiple Woodwinds emphasis, you will audition on three woodwind instruments: one primary and two secondary. Please prepare the Master's-level requirements listed above for your primary instrument. For your two secondary instruments, please prepare the requirements listed under the "Multiple Woodwinds" dropdown on this webpage.

Prescreening requirement:

You are required to submit a YouTube or Vimeo link to your prescreening recording when you submit your music application. The deadline for spring admission is Oct. 1, and for fall admission is Dec. 1. The prescreening consists of a 20 minute video recording of the following:

• 2–3 standard works.
• At least one of these pieces should demonstrate command of "extended techniques."
• Optional: Jazz transcription or improvisation.

Passing the prescreening round: You will be notified by email approximately three weeks after the application deadline with your prescreening decision. If you pass, you will be invited to audition. All woodwind DMA auditions are in-person.

Audition requirement:

Auditions are 30 minutes long and may be drawn from the following:

• All full range major and harmonic minor scales, thirds, fourths and arpeggios, and full range chromatic scale. Extended major scales from low Bb to altissimo F. 
• 3–4 contrasting works (or movements) showcasing your comfort in a breadth of styles, your technique and musicality and exemplifying your best efforts in regard to preparation. Memorization is highly encouraged.
• Some suggested repertoire:
  • William Albright: Sonata
  • William Bolcom: Concerto for Soprano Saxophone
  • Dorothy Chang: Two Preludes
  • Ingolf Dahl: Concerto
  • Edison Denisov: Sonata
  • Stacy Garrop: Phoenix Rising
  • Kristin Kuster: Jellyfish
  • Lars Erik Larsson: Concerto
  • John Anthony Lennon: Symphonic Rhapsody
  • Joel Love: Solace
  • Carter Pann: Sonata
  • Mischa Zupko: In Transit
  • Optional, but strongly encouraged: jazz transcription or improvisation over a jazz standard or blues changes

Audition dates

• Nov. 18, 2023: On campus. For spring admission only. All other dates are for fall admission.
• Jan. 27, 2024: On campus.
• Feb. 10, 2024: On campus.
• Feb. 17, 2024: Virtual interview and recorded audition submission. Faculty highly recommend attending your audition / interview in person.
• Feb. 24, 2024: On-campus.

What to prepare for your audition:

The entrance audition must display a level of development in embouchure, articulation, range, tone, flexibility and musicality that allows you to start with the listed repertoire or comparable literature, including presenting creative work that reflects something unique about you. Piano accompaniment is not required for your audition.

Tenor Trombone

• Suggested solos:
  • Arnold: Fantasy
  • Crespo: Improvisation No. 1
  • Defaye: Deux Dances
  • Hindemith: Sonata
  • Martin: Ballade
  • Ropartz: Piece in E-flat minor
  • Stojowski: Fantasy
  • Tomasi: Concerto
• Suggested excerpts:
  • Berlioz: "Hungarian March" from The Damnation of Faust
  • Mozart: "Tuba mirum" from Requiem
  • Ravel: Bolero
  • Wagner: "Ride of the Walküre" from Die Walküre

Bass Trombone

• Suggested solos:
  • Fetter: Spain
  • Hidas: Meditation
  • Bozza: New Orleans
  • Ewazen: Concerto
  • Ritter George: Concerto
  • Lebedev: Concerto
  • Spillman: Concerto
• Suggested excerpts:
  • Bach: "Sarabande" from Cello Suite No. 5
  • Haydn: The Creation
  • Schumann: Symphony No. 3, "Rhenish"
  • Wagner: Das Rheingold {entrance of the gods}
  • Wagner: "Ride of the Walküre" from Die Walküre

Recorded auditions:

The faculty strongly recommends that applicants come to campus for a live audition. Recorded auditions are submitted in your music application. Review the “Audition recordings and portfolios” section below for recorded audition guidelines. Those submitting recorded auditions will be asked to do a 24-hour turnaround sight-reading. This means they will have 24 hours 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. You may also be asked to perform excerpts from your recorded audition.

Prescreening requirement:

You are required to submit a YouTube or Vimeo link to your prescreening recording when you submit your music application. The deadline for spring admission is Oct. 1, and for fall admission is Dec. 1. The prescreening consists of the following:

• Two solo works or movements of contrasting style.
• Three standard excerpts.

Passing the prescreening round: You will be notified by email approximately three weeks after the application deadline with your prescreening decision. If you pass, you will be invited to audition.
For the audition, please prepare the following or similar works:

Tenor Trombone Audition Requirements

• Suggested solos:
  • Arnold: Fantasy
  • Crespo: Improvisation No. 1
  • Defaye: Deux Dances
  • Hindemith: Sonata
  • Martin: Ballade
  • Ropartz: Piece in E-flat minor
  • Stojowski: Fantasy
  • Tomasi: Concerto
• Suggested excerpts:
  • Mozart: "Tuba mirum" from Requiem
  • Ravel: Bolero
  • Rossini: William Tell Overture (Storm Scene)
  • Wagner: "Ride of the Walküre" from Die Walküre
  • Schumann: Symphony No. 3, "Rhenish"
  • Strauss: Til Eulenspiegel 
  • Strauss: Ein Heldenleben (Battle Scene)

Bass Trombone Audition Requirements

• Suggested solos:
  • Fetter: Spain
  • Hidas: Meditation
  • Bozza: New Orleans
  • Ewazen: Concerto
  • Ritter George: Concerto
  • Lebedev: Concerto
  • Spillman: Concerto
• Suggested excerpts:
  • Bach: "Sarabande" from Cello Suite No. 5
  • Haydn: The Creation
  • Respighi: The Fountains of Rome
  • Rossini: William Tell Overture (Storm Scene)
  • Schumann: Symphony No. 3, "Rhenish"
  • Wagner: Das Rheingold
  • Wagner: "Ride of the Walküre" from Die Walküre

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. Review 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 24-hour turnaround sight-reading. This means they will have 24 hours 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. You may also be asked to perform excerpts from your recorded audition. If interested in a teaching assistantship, be prepared to answer questions about your teaching experience.

Audition dates

• Nov. 18, 2023: On campus. For spring admission only. All other dates are for fall admission.
• Feb. 10, 2024: On-campus.
• Feb. 17, 2024: Virtual interview and recorded audition submission. Faculty highly recommend attending your audition / interview in person.

What to prepare for your audition:

Applicants are encouraged to contact Professor Burgstaller at joeburgstaller@asu.edu with any and all questions.

The entrance audition must display a level of development in embouchure, articulation, range, tone, flexibility and musicality that allows you to start with the listed repertoire or comparable literature. Piano accompaniment is not required for your audition.

Master of Music

Choose four contrasting pieces of music of your choice (solos, movements, pieces or etudes). A mix of "standard" and "non-standard" pieces, including pieces of varying genres is welcomed. Professor Burgstaller has a diverse musical background and appreciates diversity and all interests. Choose pieces that represent different facets of the career path you would like to pursue, and that represent your personal mix of musical background. If it is in your skillset, prepare a mix of repertoire of an original composition or an improvisation.

• Four standard orchestral works.
• Be prepared to play all major scales in two octaves where capable
• Improvisation: this skill is not required, but if prepared to improvise over a basic blues form, it would be welcomed.
• When considering your choices, plan to show your proficiency on B-flat, C and piccolo trumpets. E-flat and flugel horn are also welcomed. If you are not sure about your choices, please email Professor Joe Burgstaller at joeburgstaller@asu.edu.

Doctor of Musical Arts

To be considered for an audition with faculty, applicants for all doctoral performance concentrations must upload a prescreening recording to the music application and submit the application by Oct.1 for spring admission and Dec. 1 for fall admission. Review the “Audition recordings and portfolios” section below for recorded audition guidelines.

The prescreening consists of the following:

• Two solo works or movements of contrasting style.
• Three or four standard excerpts.

If you pass the prescreening round, you will be invited to audition. An audition is required for admission. Please prepare the master's degree audition repertoire. Although the audition requirements are the same as the master's, anticipate that the standards for entry into the DMA in music are substantially higher than for the master's program.

Interview questions during audition (all applicants):

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?
• DMA only: Regarding the doctoral project at the end of your degree, what are your research interests?
• DMA only: Considering that the following six categories of experience are required for employment at the University level, please analyze and then share/describe where you think you currently are in regards to where you’ll need to be. How do you envision leveraging your time at ASU towards fulfilling these categories of experience? (Credit to the Musician’s Way, Preparing DMA Candidates to Win Tenure-Track Jobs, by Gerald Klickstein)
  • Teaching: Demonstrated success instructing students in lessons, classes, ensembles
  • Artistic/Scholarly Work: Significant accomplishments and impacts demonstrated
  • Career Development: Ongoing professional activity such that future work will meet the criteria for promotion and tenure
  • Recruiting: Evidence of success enrolling and retaining students in a teaching studio along with the ability to recruit students to the hiring institution
  • Service/Governance: Past contributions to an institution and a discipline, experience with organizational governance (e.g., by serving on committees), and capacity to execute university governance duties
  • Diversity/Inclusion: Knowledge of and commitment to practices for recruiting and educating students from varied backgrounds

Recorded auditions:

The faculty strongly recommends that applicants come to campus for a live audition. Recorded auditions are submitted in your music application. Review 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 demonstrate the following items:

• Several contrasting styles from the standard trumpet repertoire that demonstrate all facets of your playing and show proficiency on B-flat, C, E-flat and piccolo trumpets.
• Sight-reading
• Transposing at sight
• Orchestral excerpts from standard audition materials
• Answer interview questions as listed above

Audition dates

• Nov. 18, 2023: On campus. For spring admission only. All other dates are for fall admission.
• Jan. 27, 2024: On campus.
• Feb. 10, 2024: On campus.
• Feb. 17, 2024: Virtual interview and recorded audition submission. Faculty highly recommend attending your audition / interview in person.
• Feb. 24, 2024: On-campus.

What to prepare for your audition:

Master of Music

Auditions are 20 minutes in length.

• Four orchestral or band excerpts of your choice
• Prepare two contrasting solos of your choice (may be one movement from one solo and a movement from another solo)
• Additional demonstrations or samples of your work as a musician are welcome (jazz, composition, other styles of music, instrument double, other).
• Sight-reading

Interview questions will include though are not limited to the following:

• What are your career goals?
• In what way do you see yourself sharing music with your community?
• What type of collaborations have you experience? 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.

Doctor of Musical Arts

Prescreening requirement:

You are required to submit a YouTube or Vimeo link to your prescreening recording when you submit your music application. The deadline for spring admission is Oct. 1, and for fall admission is Dec. 1. The prescreening consists of the following:

• Two solo movements of contrasting style.
• Two orchestral and/or band excerpts.
• One-minute video talking about a potential creative (or research) project you are interested in pursuing.

Passing the prescreening round: You will be notified by email approximately three weeks after the application deadline with your prescreening decision. If you pass, you will be invited to audition.

For the audition, please prepare the following:

• Three orchestral or band excerpts of your choice.
• Two contrasting solo works/selected movements of your choice.
• Additional demonstrations or samples of your work as a musician are welcome (jazz, composition, other styles of music, instrument double, other)

Interview questions may include but 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 type of collaborations can you imagine?
• Describe yourself as a member of the euphonium/tuba studio.
• What are your research interests?
• If you were asked to submit an article to the ITEA Journal, what topic is of interest to you?
• Thinking about Diversity, Equity and Inclusion. how can you re-imagine teaching and organizing curriculum in applied music?
• Describe yourself as a leader and role model.

Recorded auditions:

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

Recorded auditions are submitted in your music application. Review 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 about the euphonium/tuba studio, answer interview questions, and discuss your recorded audition.

Audition dates

• Nov. 18, 2023: On campus. For spring admission only. All other dates are for fall admission.
• Feb. 10, 2024: On campus.
• Feb. 17, 2024: Virtual interview and recorded audition submission. Faculty highly recommend attending your audition / interview in person.
• Feb. 24, 2024: On-campus.

What to prepare for your audition:

Piano accompaniment is not required for your audition. However, you are permitted to perform with accompaniment through your own arrangements, if you wish. 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).

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.).

Master of Music

The audition consists of the following:

• J.S. Bach: Two contrasting movements from any of the unaccompanied Cello Suites, Violin Sonatas or Partitas.
• First movement from one of the major viola concertos, such as Bartók, Walton, Schnittke, or Hindemith Der Schwanendreher.
• An additional work of contrasting style or written by a BIPOC composer.

Doctor of Musical Arts

Prescreening requirement: You are required to submit a YouTube or Vimeo link to your prescreening recording when you submit your music application. The deadline for spring admission is Oct. 1, and for fall admission is Dec. 1. The prescreening consists of the following:

• An outer movement of a standard concerto and two movements of unaccompanied Bach.

Passing the prescreening round: You will be notified by email approximately three weeks after the application deadline with your prescreening decision. If you pass, you will be invited to audition.

Prepare the following for your audition:

• J.S. Bach: A complete unaccompanied Suite, Sonata or Partita.
• A complete viola concerto, such as Bartók, Walton, Hindemith, or Schnittke.
• An additional work composed since 1970 or written by a BIPOC composer.

Recorded auditions:

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

For a graduate recorded audition, please prepare:

• 2 contrasting movements from an unaccompanied Bach Suite, Sonata or Partita (no repeats)
• an outer movement of a standard concerto
• and one additional contrasting piece
• DMA candidates must include the contemporary work or BIPOC composition as mentioned above.

Recordings of Bach, the concerto, and additional contrasting piece may be uploaded as separate files. Total recording time should not exceed 30 minutes, and recordings must be unedited. Recordings must have been recorded within the last several months (no earlier than September 2023 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. 18, 2023: On campus. For spring admission only. All other dates are for fall admission.
• Jan. 27, 2024: On campus.
• Feb. 10, 2024: On campus.
• Feb. 17, 2024: Virtual interview and recorded audition submission. Faculty highly recommend attending your audition / interview in person.
• Feb. 24, 2024: On-campus.

What to prepare for your audition:

Piano accompaniment is not required for your violin audition. However, you are permitted to perform with accompaniment through your own arrangements, if you wish. 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 Jonathan Swartz, Professor Danwen Jiang, Professor Katherine McLin). 

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.).

Master of Music

Audition requirements:

• An outer movement of a standard concerto from the 19th or 20th century.
• J.S. Bach: Two contrasting movements from any of the unaccompanied violin sonatas or partitas.
• An additional work of contrasting style.

Doctor of Musical Arts

Prescreening requirement: You are required to submit a YouTube or Vimeo link to your prescreening recording when you submit your music application. The deadline for spring admission is Oct. 1, and for fall admission is Dec. 1. The prescreening consists of the following:

• An outer movement of a standard concerto and two movements of unaccompanied Bach.

Passing the prescreening round: You will be notified by email approximately three weeks after the application deadline with your prescreening decision. If you pass, you will be invited to audition.

Audition: Please prepare the following repertoire:

• A complete concerto from the 19th or 20th century.
• J.S. Bach: A complete unaccompanied violin sonata or partita.
• An additional work of contrasting style.

Recorded auditions:

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

Recorded auditions are submitted in your music application. The music application must be submitted by the application deadline, but you will have an opportunity to submit the recorded audition after the deadline. Review the “Audition recordings and portfolios” section below for technical 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.

Audition dates

• Nov. 18, 2023: On campus. For spring admission only. All other dates are for fall admission.
• Jan. 27, 2024: On campus.
• Feb. 10, 2024: On campus.
• Feb. 17, 2024: Virtual group meeting and recorded audition submission. Faculty highly recommend attending your audition / interview in person.
• Feb. 24, 2024: On-campus, but reserved for out-of-state applicants.

What to Prepare for your Audition:

Prescreening requirement: 

You are required to submit a YouTube or Vimeo link to your prescreening recording when you submit your music application. The prescreen deadline for spring admission is Oct. 1, and for fall admission is Dec. 1. Review the “Audition recordings and portfolios” section below for recorded audition guidelines. The prescreening consists of the following:

• Opera or Voice Performance emphasis: Three complete classical selections: one each in French, German and Italian. One selection must be an opera aria, but not all three.
• Music Theatre emphasis: Two complete contrasting musical theatre selections - for treble voices, one selection should demonstrate the head voice; OR one complete music theatre selection and one complete classical selection. Finally, 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 the list provided.

Passing the prescreening round: You will be notified by email approximately three weeks after the application deadline with your prescreening decision. If you pass, you will be invited to audition.

The audition consists of the following: 

• Opera or Voice Performance emphasis: All pieces should be performed memorized and with live piano accompaniment.
  • Four memorized classical pieces. At least one must be an opera aria, but not all four. Each must be in a different language. One should be in English, two should be in standard operatic languages (French, German, Italian) and the last may be in a language of your choice.
• Music Theatre emphasis: All pieces should be performed memorized and with live piano accompaniment.
  • Three complete contrasting musical theatre selections, whole songs and no cuttings, from contrasting time periods and/or styles demonstrating versatility, vocal quality and range. For treble voices, one selection should demonstrate head voice. One of these may be a classical selection.
  • One monologue speech, memorized with clear character choices made, 60–90 seconds in length. You may choose your own from a published play, musical or from the list provided.
  • 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.)

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 Dr. 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 auditions are submitted in your music application. For deadlines and technical guidelines, review the “Audition recordings and portfolios” section below.
• For those submitting a recorded audition, live piano accompaniment is preferred, but recorded accompaniment is allowed. 
• All of the audition should be video recorded.
• Dance Assessment - required for the Music Theatre emphasis:
  • Required: Learn and prepare the music theatre combination. There are 3 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. Access the 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.

Audition dates

• Nov. 18, 2023: On campus. For spring admission only. All other dates are for fall admission.
• Jan. 27, 2024: On campus.
• Feb. 10, 2024: On campus.
• Feb. 17, 2024: Virtual group meeting and recorded audition submission. Faculty highly recommend attending your audition / interview in person.
• Feb. 24, 2024: On-campus, but reserved for out-of-state applicants.

Prescreening requirement: You are required to submit a YouTube or Vimeo link to your prescreening recording when you submit your music application. Review the “Audition recordings and portfolios” section below for recorded audition guidelines. The deadline for spring admission is Oct. 1, and for fall admission is Dec. 1. The prescreening consists of the following:

• Three complete selections. Two selections must be classical and one may be a genre of your choice. At least two of the following languages must be represented: English, French, German and/or Italian. One selection may be an opera aria, but not all three.
• The prescreening must be accompanied.

Passing the prescreening round: You will be notified by email approximately three weeks after the application deadline with your prescreening decision. If you pass, you will be invited to audition.

The audition consists of the following:

• Four memorized selections. Three must be classical and one may be a genre of your choice. At least three of the following languages must be represented: English, French, German and/or Italian. The last selection may be in a language of your choice. One selection may be an opera aria, but not all four.
• The audition must be accompanied by a live pianist.
• Please scroll down for notes on ASU piano accompaniment or on recorded auditions.

Prescreening requirement: You are required to submit a YouTube or Vimeo link to your prescreening recording when you submit your music application. The deadline for spring admission is Oct. 1, and for fall admission is Dec. 1. The prescreening consists of the following:

• One classical selection in French
• One classical selection in German
• One classical selection in Italian
• One of the above selections must be an aria.
• The prescreening must be accompanied.

Passing the prescreening round: You will be notified by email approximately three weeks after the application deadline with your prescreening decision. If you pass, you will be invited to audition.

For the audition: Prepare a 30-minute mini-recital. The audition must be accompanied by a live pianist. The audition should consist of the following:

• A minimum of four song groups in different languages. Please include at least one opera aria and one oratorio aria.
• Scores may be used for oratorio arias only. All other repertoire must be memorized. 
• For your live audition, please bring four copies of a printed list of your audition repertoire (with your name at the top) to give to the panel. 

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 Dr. Andrew Campbell to inquire after hiring an accompanist for the audition.

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

Recorded audition guidelines:

• Recorded auditions are submitted in your music application. For deadlines and technical guidelines, review the “Audition recordings and portfolios” section below.
• For those submitting a recorded audition, live piano accompaniment is preferred, but recorded accompaniment is allowed. 
• All of the audition should be video recorded.

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.