School of music
Audition Requirements - Woodwinds and Brass (Commercial Music)
In a prospective woodwinds and brass concentration audition, students must play three memorized works chosen from one or more popular genres (pop, rock, classical, jazz, country, urban, hip-hop, gospel, Latin) that exemplify their technical ability and artistic expression. A committee of faculty will observe and engage the student in follow-up discussion.
These Pieces may be performed with a collaborateive musician or recorded tracks.
Recording and Production Concentration Students:
- Pieces should include a blues selection, up tempo selection, and one additional selection
The following skills will also be explored in the audition:
- Chord voicings/spellings (comping and other patterns)
- Scales, arpeggios, and other technical patterns
- Sight-reading
- Aural abilities
Criteria for Evaluation:
- Technique
- Tempo and Rhythm
- Melody, Pitch, Harmony, Chord Voicing
- Expression and Dynamics
Equipment Available for Popular Music Major Auditions (upon request):
- Piano/Keyboard
- Speaker with inputs for smart phone/laptop/Bluetooth.
- Microphone
- Amplifier for bass, guitar, and keyboard
- Drum kit (5-piece)
- Music stand
Online Submission Requirements:
If an in-person audition is not possible, students may upload videos to YouTube and submit unlisted links to Director John Buteyn ([email protected]). Please slate each video with your name and intended degree concentration. In addition to the three requested pieces, also include:
- Two-octave major scales in A major and B♭ major.
- A brief statement regarding your music reading and sight-reading abilities.