Audition Information
The goal of the music audition is to enable you to highlight your musical achievement and potential. You should select pieces from the repertoire list below that best demonstrate your current level of musicianship. We encourage you to consult with your music teacher and/or private lesson teacher when selecting and preparing your repertoire. If you have any questions about these requirements, need assistance selecting appropriate repertoire, or would like to schedule a free sample lesson, please contact:
Music Building 
Each audition will include scales, studies, solo repertoire, and sight-reading
Please note: the Department of Music only offers a major in classical guitar
Scales
- Diatonic Major and Minor Scales, 2-3 octaves. Candidates should be prepared to play scales that are in the same keys as the pieces they perform for the audition, as well as the relative major or minor key. For example, if you will be performing a piece in the key of G major, play a G major scale and its relative minor, E minor. Suggested fingerings are those by Segovia, Shearer or equivalent.
Studies*
- One study/etude. Suggestions include: Carcassi Op. 60 (Chanterelle); Sor- Segovia Studies (Marks Music M394), Giuliani Op. 50 or 100; Brouwer Études Simples (Estudio sencillos), Villa-Lobos – Etude no. 1; Scott Tennant’s Pumping Nylon: Supplemental Repertoire, or equivalent.
Solo
- Two solo pieces contrasting in style, character, and key (if possible)
- The following is a sampling of pieces you might select, but is intended only as a guide:
- Milán – one of the Six Pavans
- Dowland — any Galliard
- Bach – Prelude BWV 999
- Bach – Minuets from 1st Suite for ‘Cello (trans. for guitar) BWV 1007
- Giuliani – Sonatinas, Op. 71
- Tárrega – Logríma, a mazurka, or a vals
- Ponce-Segovia – one of the Twelve Preludes
- Villa-Lobos – Prelude 1 or 4
Sight Reading
Required secondary instrument audition for guitarists
Harpists are asked to choose whether they will pursue a Guita – Vocal track or a Guitar – Instrumental track and to audition on their secondary instrument.
- If you choose Guitar – Vocal track, the vocal audition will include a short, prepared song of your choice, sight-reading, and vocalization. You may sing “My Country ‘Tis of Thee” or some other familiar song, instead of an art song, should you wish to do so.
- If you choose Guitar – Instrumental track, the audition on your secondary instrument will include scales, sight-reading, and a short, 2 – 5 minute prepared piece of your choice. You may perform your part from one of your band pieces in lieu of a solo piece, should you wish to do so.
Thus, the audition for the secondary instrument is not meant to be seen in the same light as the audition for the primary instrument. Rather, students must demonstrate through audition the ability to successfully participate in a curricular ensemble as determined by an ensemble Director and/or a studio instructor.
*The studies and solo repertoire listed on this page are available for purchase at major sheet-music retailers, including JWPepper, Sheet Music Plus, and Amazon.