Application and Auditions
Steps to Apply
STEP 1: Apply to UTRGV
The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley application is available through the Office of Admissions:
A separate application to the School of Music is required for all music majors and minors.
STEP 2: Apply to the UTRGV School of Music
UTRGV School of Music Auditions for admission are accepted via live audition or via video audition. Applications are required for all music majors and minors. Please find detailed instructions on the Music Audition Request Form:
Bassoon
UNDERGRADUATE MUSIC EDUCATION MAJOR or MUSIC MINOR
- Two works (or movements of larger works) contrasting in style (period, tempo) from the standard repertoire. One of the selections may be an etude, such as one from the Weissenborn 50 Advanced Studies.
- Major scales, 2 octaves through 5 flats and 2 sharps, plus 2 1/2 - 3 octave chromatic scale.
Memorization is not required.
UNDERGRADUATE PERFORMANCE MAJOR
- Two contrasting movements from a standard concerto or sonata;
- One étude or additional solo piece that shows applicant's technical and musical strengths;
- Major scales 2 octaves through 6 flats and 4 sharps (3 octave Bb major), plus 3 octave chromatic scale.
MASTER OF MUSIC – BASSOON CONCENTRATION
- Two contrasting movements from a standard concerto
- One additional work from the standard repertoire either accompanied or unaccompanied
- Three orchestral excerpts from the standard orchestral literature
- All major & minor scales full range
Cello
UNDERGRADUATE MUSIC EDUCATION MAJOR - CELLO CONCENTRATION
- Two contrasting works or two contrasting movements of works from the standard cello repertoire. One of the works may be an etude
- One major scale and corresponding arpeggio (three octaves)
- One minor scale and corresponding arpeggio (three octaves)
Memorization is not required.
UNDERGRADUATE PERFORMANCE MAJOR - CELLO CONCENTRATION
- Two contrasting works or two contrasting movements of works from the standard cello repertoire.
- One Etude or additional solo piece that shows applicant's technical and musical strengths
- Two major scales and corresponding arpeggios (three or four octaves).
- Two minor scale and corresponding arpeggio (three or four octaves).
Memorization is not required.
MUSIC MINOR - CELLO CONCENTRATION
- Two contrasting works or two contrasting movements of works from the standard cello repertoire
- One major scale and corresponding arpeggio (two-octave)
- One minor scale and corresponding arpeggio (two octaves)
Memorization is not required.
MASTER OF MUSIC - CELLO CONCENTRATION
- First movement of a standard cello concerto with cadenza if applicable
- Additional work showing the applicants technical and musical strength (E.g. concert showpiece, concert etude or caprice)
- Two contrasting movements from Bach's Solo Suites
- Two major scales and corresponding arpeggios (three or four octaves)
- Two minor scales and corresponding arpeggios (three or four octaves)
The concerto and/or Bach should be performed by memory
**Prospective cello students interested in arranging for a lesson or cello studio class visit, please contact Dr. Tido Janssen to set up an appointment.
Clarinet
UNDERGRADUATE CLARINET MAJOR
Performance and Music Education
Two works contrasting in style (period, tempo) from the standard repertoire or two contrasting movements from sonata/concerto repertoire. One of the selections may be an etude. Accompaniment is not required. Memorization is not required. While it is not mandatory to play a Class 1 solo, certainly a more challenging solo, if well played, will create a better impression than a simpler solo.
All major scales three octaves if possible. Chromatic scale through the full range of the instrument.
MASTER OF MUSIC CLARINET AUDITION
Two contrasting movements from a major sonata/concerto (eg Brahms, Mozart, Poulenc, Nielsen, Copland). If you are uncertain about the appropriateness of a selection, please contact Dr. O’Neil well in advance lorne.oneil@utrgv.edu.
All major and melodic minor scales in three octaves if possible, taken at a good tempo to demonstrate technical capability. Chromatic scale, full range.
Sight reading may be asked at either undergraduate or graduate level level.
Composition
UNDERGRADUATE PERFORMANCE MAJOR
- Perform two contrasting pieces or movements from the repertoire on your instrument or voice type.
- Perform from memory the following two-octave major scales (C, G, F, Bb) (instrumentalists only)
- Submit a portfolio of three original compositions in any style (one may be an arrangement).
MASTER OF MUSIC - Composition
Submit a portfolio of four or five original compositions in any style (one may be an arrangement).
Basic piano skills – Be able to play at sight the bass and soprano (no inner voices) from a Bach chorale.
Double Bass
UNDERGRADUATE MUSIC EDUCATION MAJOR – DOUBLE BASS CONCENTRATION
- Two contrasting works or two contrasting movements of works from the standard double bass repertoire. One of the works may be an etude.
- One major scale and corresponding arpeggio (three octaves).
- One minor scale and corresponding arpeggio (three octaves).
Memorization is not required.
UNDERGRADUATE PERFORMANCE MAJOR - DOUBLE BASS CONCENTRATION
- Two contrasting works or two contrasting movements of works from the standard double bass repertoire
- One Etude or additional solo piece that shows applicant's technical and musical strengths.
- Two major scales and corresponding arpeggios (three octaves)
- Two minor scale and corresponding arpeggio (three octaves)
Memorization is not required.
MUSIC MINOR - DOUBLE BASS CONCENTRATION
- Two contrasting works or two contrasting movements of works from the standard double bass repertoire. One of the works may be an etude.
- One major scale and corresponding arpeggio (two-octaves)
- One minor scale and corresponding arpeggio (two octaves)
Memorization is not required.
MASTER OF MUSIC - DOUBLE BASS CONCENTRATION
- Two contrasting movements from a major standard double bass concerto (e.g. Bottesini, Dittersdorf, Koussevitsky, etc.)
- Additional work showing the applicants technical and musical strength (E.g. concert showpiece, concert etude or caprice).
- Two contrasting movements from Bach's Solo Suites
- Three orchestral excerpts from the standard orchestral literature (e.g. Mozart, Beethoven, Brahms, Strauss, etc.).
- Two major scales and corresponding arpeggios (three octaves)
- Two minor scales and corresponding arpeggios (three octaves)
The concerto and/or Bach should be performed by memory.
Prospective bass students interested in arranging for a lesson or cello studio class visit, please contact Dr. George Amorim to set up an appointment.
Flute
UNDERGRADUATE PERFORMANCE MAJOR
- Two contrasting movements from a standard flute concerto (e.g. Mozart, Ibert, Nielsen, etc.).
- Two contrasting movements from one or more Bach Sonatas.
- One additional standard flute solo.
- Two orchestral excerpts from the standard orchestral literature (e.g. Debussy, Beethoven, Brahms, Mendelssohn, Saint-Saëns, etc.).
- Two three-octave major scales & two three-octave minor scales, and corresponding arpeggios.
Memorization of the concerto is not required but is preferred.
UNDERGRADUATE MUSIC EDUCATION MAJOR - FLUTE CONCENTRATION
- Two contrasting works or movements of the applicant's choice from the standard flute repertoire that best demonstrate both lyrical and technical abilities of the performer.
- Two three-octave major scales & two three-octave minor scales, and corresponding arpeggios.
Memorization is not required.
MASTER OF MUSIC - FLUTE CONCENTRATION
- Two contrasting movements from a standard flute concerto (e.g. Mozart, Ibert, Nielsen, etc.).
- Two contrasting movements from one or more Bach Sonatas.
- One additional standard flute solo.
- Two orchestral excerpts from the standard orchestral literature (e.g. Debussy, Beethoven, Brahms, Mendelssohn, Saint-Saëns, etc.).
- Two three-octave major scales & two three-octave minor scales, and corresponding arpeggios.
Guitar
UNDERGRADUATE APPLIED MUSIC- GUITAR PERFORMANCE
1. A minimum 15 minutes of concert-level solo repertoire consisting of varied stylistic periods and requiring advanced technique. All of the pieces must be memorized. Examples include: Bach Lute Suite or Violin Partita movements, A classical sonata or large theme and variations, Multi-movement “Spanish sonata” from the mid-20th century, A large work in the post-1960 modern style. Candidates must choose works from diverse eras like: Renaissance, Baroque, Classical, 20th century Spanish, post 1960.
2. Technical Exercises: scales, slurs, arpeggios, etc.
3. Reading
You will be asked to play music from a written score (including upper fretboard positions) that will contain accidentals, multiple rhythms and expressive markings (dynamics, etc.).
Suggested texts: Steve Marsh, Sight reading for Guitarists; Charles Duncan, A Modern Approach to Guitar Playing, (3 vols combined); Frederic Noad, Solo Guitar Playing, Bk.1
UNDERGRADUATE MUSIC EDUCATION MAJOR - GUITAR CONCENTRATION
1. 10 minutes of memorized solo repertoire- All of the pieces must be memorized. It is strongly recommended that students choose works similar to the following: F. Carulli, Studies; M. Carcassi, Studies Op. 60 (no’s: I, 2, 3, 7, 9, 14,19); L. Brouwer, Simple Studies (vols. III, IV); F. Tarrega, Studies; F. Sor Studies (5, 6, 9); H. Villa-Lobos Preludes 3, 4, 1, Etudes 1, 8.
2. Technical Exercises: scales
3. Sight Reading - You will be asked to play music (not fast!) from a written score in 1st, 2nd, 3rd, and 5th positions. Suggested texts: Steve Marsh, Sight reading for Guitarists; Charles Duncan, A Modern Approach to Guitar Playing, (3 vols combined); Aron Shearer, Method Supplement 3: Scale Studies; Frederic Noad, Solo Guitar Playing, Bk.1.
MASTER OF MUSIC – GUITAR PERFORMANCE
- The student must perform a thirty-minute program that consists of contrasting repertoire.
Horn
Undergraduate Performance or Education Major or Music Minor
- One Solo from the Class 1 UIL French Horn Solo list
- Major Scales from memory (all 12 keys)
Master of Music – French Horn Concentration
- 2 Contrasting movements from the standard solo repertoire
- 5 Orchestral Excerpts
Mariachi Guitar/Vihuela
- Demonstrate proficiency in the various styles of mariachi chord progressions and basic rhythmic patterns of Mexican regional styles and variations
- Must have knowledge of mariachi styles of a huapango, joropo, etc., and various regional sones
- Guitar: an etude by Matteo Carcassi (from 25 etudes) or Leo Brouwer (Nuevos Estudios Sencillos), or the equivalent
- Guitar: a short piece by Tarrega, Sor, Giuliani, or the equivalent, that demonstrates the use of arpeggios, two voices (melody and accompaniment)
- Guitar: 4 Scales from Andres Segovia’s Edition (C Major, A minor, G Major, E minor)
- Guitar: A sight reading portion utilizing 1st and 5th position
Mariachi Guitarron
- Demonstrate proficiency in the various styles of mariachi chord progressions and basic rhythmic patterns of Mexican regional styles and variations
- Must have knowledge of mariachi styles of a huapango, joropo, etc., and various regional sones
- Guitar: an etude by Matteo Carcassi (from 25 etudes) or Leo Brouwer (Nuevos Estudios Sencillos), or the equivalent
- Guitar: a short piece by Tarrega, Sor, Giuliani, or the equivalent, that demonstrates the use of arpeggios, two voices (melody and accompaniment)
- Guitar: 4 Scales from Andres Segovia’s Edition (C Major, A minor, G Major, E minor)
- Guitar: A sight reading portion utilizing 1st and 5th position
Music Technology
Undergraduate
The audition for the Music Technology degree consists of 1) an audition on your primary instrument and 2) the submission of a digital portfolio showcasing your experience using technological tools for music making. Examples of this include performing/composing music using a digital audio workstation or hardware electronic instruments, creating original sound design for media using a digital audio workstation, building software or hardware musical instruments and tools, and engineering/producing recording projects. Follow-up interviews with the Music Technology faculty may be scheduled after the portfolio pre-screening process is complete.
Instrumental Audition Requirements
- Perform two contrasting pieces or movements from the repertoire on your instrument or voice type.
- Perform from memory the following two-octave major scales (C, G, F, Bb) (instrumentalists only)
Portfolio Requirements
The portfolio will consist of three musical examples that prominently feature the use of software and/or hardware technological tools in your creative process. Examples of materials to submit include:
Audio examples of original electroacoustic/electronic compositions (works should contain at least two tracks and be no longer than 5 minutes in length) created in a digital audio workstation
- Examples of digital audio workstations for composition include Reaper, FL Studio, Ableton Live, Logic Pro X, ProTools, Soundtrap, BandLab, GarageBand, and Traction Waveform
- Tools include computers (laptops/desktops/tablets/mobile phones), analog/digital hardware synthesizers and samplers, digital hardware controllers (MIDI keyboards, finger-drumming grids, turntables), software synthesizers and samplers performed live within a DAW (FL Studio, Ableton Live, Logic Pro X), acoustic instruments coupled with digital/analog audio processing tools (audio effects including guitar effects pedals that significantly modify the sonic properties of your instrument), homemade/circuit-bent electronic musical instruments, music programming languages (Max, Gibber, Sonic Pi, SuperCollider)
- Audio examples (up to 5 minutes in length) of recording projects that you were involved in producing (including but not limited to the recording of acoustic/electronic instruments, audio editing, mixing, and/or mastering)
- Audio or video examples (up to 5 minutes in length) of multimedia projects that you were involved in as a sound designer (including but not limited to the creation of original sound effects/foley artistry and underscoring).
When preparing your portfolio, please keep the following guidelines in mind:
- Audio examples must be submitted as either .wav, .aiff, or .mp3 files
- Video files must be submitted as either .mov, .m4v, or .mp4 files
- Original composition examples created entirely in music notation software such as MuseScore, Finale, or Sibelius will not be accepted. Examples of original compositions made with technology must be created within a digital audio workstation (such as Reaper, FL Studio, Ableton Live, Logic Pro X, ProTools, Soundtrap, BandLab, GarageBand, and Traction Waveform) using virtual software instruments.
Oboe
UNDERGRADUATE MUSIC EDUCATION MAJOR or MUSIC MINOR
- Two works (or movements of larger works) contrasting in style (period, tempo) from the standard repertoire. One of the selections may be an etude, such as one from the Ferling 48 Famous Studies.
- 1 1/2 or 2 octave major scales through 5 flats and 2 sharps, plus 2 octave chromatic scale.
Memorization is not required.
UNDERGRADUATE PERFORMANCE MAJOR
- Two contrasting movements from a standard concerto or sonata; One étude or additional solo piece that shows applicant's technical and musical strengths.
- 1 1/2 or 2 octave major scales through 6 flats and 4 sharps, plus 2 1/2 octave chromatic scale.
MASTER OF MUSIC – OBOE CONCENTRATION
- Two contrasting movements from a standard concerto
- One additional work from the standard repertoire either accompanied or unaccompanied
- Three orchestral excerpts from the standard orchestral literature
- All major & minor scales full range
Percussion
UNDERGRADUATE MUSIC EDUCATION MAJOR - PERCUSSION CONCENTRATION
Bachelor of Music (BM) in Education
Percussion Studio Audition Information
Acceptance into the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley School of Music is granted following a successful Audition. A prospective student’s audition should demonstrate proficiency in the main areas of percussion performance: Snare Drum, Keyboard Percussion, Timpani, and Drumset. The following lists contain audition repertoire suggestions appropriate for each undergraduate and graduate degree program available to Percussion majors. These suggestions are not requirements. Auditionees should prepare repertoire which best demonstrates their ability on each percussion instrument. Snare drum and keyboard percussion sight-reading will be required for each audition.
Bachelor of Music (BM) in Education
Choose at least three of the four instruments.
Snare Drum (one solo or etude):
Concert (required):
Cirone, Portraits in Rhythm
Peters, Advanced Snare Drum Studies
Rudimental (optional):
Wilcoxon, Modern Rudimental Swing Solos
Pratt, 14 Modern Contest Solos
Marimba:
Four and/or two-mallet solo work best representing student’s ability level.
Timpani (one solo or etude):
Carroll, Exercises, Etudes, and Solos for the Timpani (Any solo, pg. 126 or later)
Firth, The Solo Timpanist
Hochrainer, Etüden für Timpani
Equivalent solo work best representing student’s ability level (Beck, Fink, Peters, etc.)
Drumset:
Demonstrate basic skills and techniques with an emphasis on time and feel in several styles, such as rock, jazz/swing, bossa nova, samba, reggae, calypso, etc.
UNDERGRADUATE PERFORMANCE MAJOR
Bachelor of Music (BM) in Performance
Percussion Studio Audition Information
Acceptance into the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley School of Music is granted following a successful Audition. A prospective student’s audition should demonstrate proficiency in the main areas of percussion performance: Snare Drum, Keyboard Percussion, Timpani, and Drumset. The following lists contain audition repertoire suggestions appropriate for each undergraduate and graduate degree program available to Percussion majors. These suggestions are not requirements. Auditionees should prepare repertoire which best demonstrates their ability on each percussion instrument. Snare drum and keyboard percussion sight-reading will be required for each audition.
Bachelor of Music (BM) in Performance
Choose at least three of the four instruments.
Snare Drum (one solo or etude):
Concert (required):
Cirone, Portraits in Rhythm
Peters, Advanced Snare Drum Studies
Delecluse, Douze Études pour Caisse-Claire
Rudimental (optional):
Wilcoxon, Modern Rudimental Swing Solos
Pratt, 14 Modern Contest Solos
Marimba:
Intermediate solo work best representing student’s ability level.
Four-mallet solo encouraged but not required.
Timpani (one solo or etude):
Carroll, Exercises, Etudes, and Solos for the Timpani (Any solo, pg. 126 or later)
Firth, The Solo Timpanist
Hochrainer, Etüden für Timpani
Equivalent solo work best representing student’s ability level (Beck, Carter, etc.)
Drumset:
Demonstrate basic skills and techniques with an emphasis on time and feel in several styles, such as rock, jazz/swing, bossa nova, samba, reggae, calypso, etc.
MASTER OF MUSIC - PERFORMANCE
MASTER OF MUSIC - EDUCATION
Master of Music (MM) in Percussion Performance
Master of Music (MM) in Education (when applying for a Graduate Assistantship)
Percussion Studio Audition Information
Acceptance into the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley School of Music is granted following a successful Audition. A prospective student’s audition should demonstrate proficiency in the main areas of percussion performance: Snare Drum, Keyboard Percussion, Timpani, and Drumset. The following lists contain audition repertoire suggestions appropriate for each undergraduate and graduate degree program available to Percussion majors. These suggestions are not requirements. Auditionees should prepare repertoire which best demonstrates their ability on each percussion instrument. Snare drum and keyboard percussion sight-reading will be required for each audition.
Snare Drum:
Concert (required):
Delecluse, Douze Études pour Caisse-Claire
Orchestral Excerpts:
Prokofiev, Lieutenant Kijé, mvmt I
Rimsky-Korsakov, Scheherzade, mvmts III & IV
Rudimental (optional):
Tompkins, Nine French-American Rudimental Solos
Pratt, 14 Modern Contest Solos
Keyboard Percussion:
Advanced four-mallet keyboard solo work best representing student’s ability level
Orchestral Xylophone Excerpts:
Gershwin, Porgy and Bess
Kodaly, “Hary Janos” Suite, mvmt VI
Timpani:
Carter, Eight Pieces for Timpani
Delecluse, Vingt Études pour Timbales
Orchestral Excerpts:
Bartók, Concerto for Orchestra, mvmt IV
Beethoven, Symphony No. 9, mvmt IV
Tchaikovsky, Symphony No. 4, mvmt I
Drumset (optional but strongly encouraged):
Demonstrate basic skills and techniques with an emphasis on time and feel in several styles, such as rock, jazz/swing, bossa nova, samba, reggae, calypso, etc. Must demonstrate at least three contrasting styles.
Non-Western Percussion (optional):
Demonstrate ability/knowledge in area(s) of student’s choice (Afro-Cuban, Brazilian, Afro-Caribbean, etc.)
For questions contact Dr. Mark Ramirez at mark.ramirez@utrgv.edu.
Piano
UNDERGRADUATE PERFORMANCE MAJOR
Two contrasting works, representing two of the following style periods: Baroque, Classical, Romantic or 20th Century, both performed from memory.
UNDERGRADUATE MUSIC EDUCATION MAJOR
Two contrasting works, representing two of the following style periods: Baroque, Classical, Romantic or 20th Century, at least one performed from memory.
MASTER OF MUSIC
Three contrasting works, representing three of the following style periods: Baroque, Classical, Romantic or 20th Century, totaling at least 15 minutes, all performed from memory.
Saxophone
Saxophone Audition Requirements for incoming undergraduate majors and minors, graduate students, and transfer students.
The following are suggestions for audition preparation, but not limited to the mentioned composers, tempo markings, or materials. If there are questions, please contact the instructor: cynthia.cripps@utrgv.edu.
UNDERGRADUATE
UNDERGRADUATE MUSIC EDUCATION, (including Technology and Composition Concentrations) - SAXOPHONE MAJOR
- Two contrasting movements from a standard saxophone solo (preferably “grade I”) from the UIL PML list (works of suggested composers: Heiden, Maurice, Bozza, Creston, Milhaud, Singelee, Schmidt, Hartley, etc.)
- All major scales 2 octaves (although preferably performed full range) and corresponding arpeggios – from memory. Recommendation: prepare varying articulations and at a tempo of two eighth notes = 100
Undergraduate Applied (Performance) - Saxophone Major
- Two contrasting movements from a standard (preferable original) saxophone concerto or sonata (works of suggested composers: Bozza, Heiden, Ibert, Creston, Milhaud, Dubois, Tull, Villa-Lobos, Di Pascuale, Schmidt, Hartley etc. or equivalent grade I solo from the UIL PML list)
- One étude or additional solo piece that shows applicant's technical and musical strengths (possibly from the 48 Etudes after Ferling or Voxman Selected Studies). This may be contrasting piece demonstrating contemporary/extended techniques or facility in the jazz idiom.
- All full range major scales and arpeggios from memory. Recommendation: prepare varying articulations and at a tempo of two eighth notes = 120
GRADUATE
MASTER OF MUSIC – SAXOPHONE PERFORMANCE
- Two contrasting movements from a standard original saxophone concerto or sonata (works of suggested composers: Muczynski, Desenclos, Creston, Dubois, Glazunov, Ibert, Bonneau… etc)
- One étude or additional solo piece that shows applicant's technical and musical strengths. It is recommended that this be a contrasting piece demonstrating contemporary/extended techniques (works of suggested composers: Noda, Lauba, Caravan, etc) or facility in the jazz idiom.
- All major & minor scales played full range and corresponding arpeggios from memory. Recommendation: prepare varying articulations and at a tempo of four sixteenth notes = 100
Trombone
Undergraduate Performance or Education Major
- One Solo from the Class 1 UIL Trombone Solo list
- Major Scales from memory (all 12 keys)
Master of Music – Trombone Concentration
- Two Contrasting movements from the standard solo repertoire
- Five Orchestral Excerpts
Trumpet
Undergraduate Performance or Education Major or Music Minor
- One Solo from the Class 1 UIL Trumpet Solo list
- Major Scales from memory (all 12 keys)
Master of Music – Trumpet Concentration
- Two Contrasting movements from the standard solo repertoire
- Five Orchestral Excerpts
Trumpet – Mariachi Concentration
Undergraduate Performance or Education Major or Music Minor
- One Solo from the Class 1 UIL Trumpet Solo list
- Major Scales from memory (all 12 keys)
- A trumpet selection from the Mariachi Trumpet repertoire (email Francisco Loera to receive it)
Tuba/Euphonium
Undergrad
- Two contrasting etudes or one complete class 1 UIL Solo
Graduate
- Two complete pieces or movements from standard solo repertoire
- Five Orchestra and/or band excerpts
EUPHONIUM
Undergrad
- Two contrasting etudes or one complete class 1 UIL Solo
Graduate:
- Two complete pieces or movements from standard solo repertoire
- Five Orchestra and/or band excerpts
Viola
UNDERGRADUATE MUSIC EDUCATION MAJOR - VIOLA CONCENTRATION
- Two contrasting works or two contrasting movements of works from the standard viola repertoire.
- One of the works may be an etude.
- One major scale and corresponding arpeggio (two or three octaves)
- One minor scale and corresponding arpeggio (two or three octaves)
Memorization is not required.
UNDERGRADUATE PERFORMANCE MAJOR - VIOLA CONCENTRATION
- Two contrasting works or two contrasting movements of works from the standard viola repertoire.
- One Etude or additional solo piece that shows applicant's technical and musical strengths.
- Two major scales and corresponding arpeggios (three octaves)
- Two minor scale and corresponding arpeggio (three octaves)
Memorization is preferred but not required.
MUSIC MINOR - VIOLA CONCENTRATION
- Two contrasting works or two contrasting movements of works from the standard viola repertoire.
- One of the works may be an etude.
- One major scale and corresponding arpeggio (two or three octaves)
- One minor scale and corresponding arpeggio (two or three octaves)
Memorization is not required.
Prospective viola students interested in arranging for a lesson or viola studio class visit, please contact Dr. Joel Pagan to set up an appointment.
MASTER OF MUSIC – VIOLA CONCENTRATION
- First movement of a standard viola concerto with cadenza if applicable
- Additional work showing the applicants technical and musical strength (E.g. concert showpiece, concert etude or caprice)
- Two contrasting movements from Bach's Suite for Viola Solo
- Two major scales (three octaves) and corresponding arpeggios
The concerto and/or Bach should be performed by memory
Prospective viola students interested in arranging for a lesson or violin studio class visit, please contact Dr. Joel Pagan to set up an appointment.
Violin
UNDERGRADUATE MUSIC EDUCATION MAJOR - VIOLIN CONCENTRATION
- Two contrasting works or two contrasting movements of works from the standard violin repertoire. One of the works may be an etude.
- One major scale and corresponding arpeggio (three octaves)
UNDERGRADUATE PERFORMANCE MAJOR - VIOLIN CONCENTRATION
- Two contrasting works or two contrasting movements of works from the standard violin repertoire.
- One Etude or additional solo piece that shows applicant's technical and musical strengths
- Two major scales and corresponding arpeggios (three or four octaves)
Memorization is preferred but not required.
Prospective violin students interested in arranging for a lesson or violin studio class visit, please contact Dr. Diana Seitz or Dr. Joel Pagan to set up an appointment.
MUSIC MINOR - VIOLIN CONCENTRATION
- Two contrasting works or two contrasting movements of works from the standard violin repertoire. One of the works may be an etude.
- One major scale and corresponding arpeggio (two or three octaves)
- One minor scale and corresponding arpeggio (two or three octaves)
Memorization is not required.
Prospective viola students interested in arranging for a lesson or viola studio class visit, please contact Dr. Diana Seitz or Dr. Joel Pagan to set up an appointment.
MASTER OF MUSIC – VIOLIN CONCENTRATION
- First movement of a standard violin concerto with cadenza if applicable
- Additional work showing the applicants technical and musical strength (E.g. concert showpiece, concert etude or caprice)
- Two contrasting movements from Bach's Sonata or Partita for Violin Solo
- Two major scales (three or four octaves) and corresponding arpeggios (5-7 kinds of arpeggios).
The concerto and/or Bach should be performed by memory
Prospective viola students interested in arranging for a lesson or viola studio class visit, please contact Dr. Diana Seitz or Dr. Joel Pagan to set up an appointment.
Violin – Mariachi Concentration
Undergraduate Performance or Education Major or Music Minor- Two pieces or two contrasting movements, one of which can be an etude.
- One major scale and corresponding arpeggio (three octaves)
- A violin selection from the Mariachi Violin repertoire (email Francisco Loera to receive it)
Voice
Undergraduate Audition Requirements
BM Music (Teacher Cert., Voice Conc.), BM Performance (Voice Conc.), BM Music (Teacher Cert., Mariachi Conc.), BM Music Technology, BM Composition, and any music minor or major with voice as the principal instrument:
- Entering First-Year Students (this applies to any student auditioning as a first-semester music major)
- Perform two classical pieces from memory in two of the following languages: English, French, German, Italian, Latin, or Spanish. Selections should be from the solo Art Song, Operatic, or Oratorio repertoire (selections from the Texas UIL Solo and Ensemble PML would be appropriate choices).
- Take a sight-singing and aural skills assessment.
- Lower-Division Transfer Students*
- Perform three classical pieces from memory in a minimum of two of the following languages: English, French, German, Italian, Latin, or Spanish. Selections should be from the solo Art Song, Operatic, or Oratorio repertoire (selections from the Texas UIL Solo and Ensemble PML would be appropriate choices).
- Take a sight-singing and aural skills assessment.
- Upper-Division Transfer Students*
- Perform from memory 15-20 minutes of music in the following languages: English, French, German, and Italian. Selections should be from the solo Art Song, Operatic, or Oratorio repertoire.
- Take a sight-singing and aural skills assessment.
An accompanist will be provided for all officially-scheduled live audition dates (please bring a clean copy of your music for the pianist). Note that all auditions submitted by video should be performed with live or recorded piano accompaniment. Sight-singing and aural skills will be assessed in person at live auditions, and students submitting video auditions may be contacted to schedule an assessment via Zoom. Please contact the auditions coordinator or other voice area faculty if you have questions about the auditions process or appropriate audition repertoire.
* The audition panel may recommend entry into the program at any level of applied study. If you aren’t sure whether you should audition as a Lower-Division or Upper-Division student, please contact one of the Voice Area faculty members.
Graduate Audition Requirements
MM in Vocal Performance:
- Audition Repertoire: Prepare five selections, including three art songs and at least one aria (opera or oratorio), representing a variety of musical periods and classical styles. Repertoire should include selections in English, French, German, and Italian.
- All selections must be performed from memory.
- An accompanist will be provided if needed.
MM in Choral Conducting
- In addition to the standard graduate school application, conducting students should also send a link to an online video of the following:
- Video with front view of the applicant conducting an ensemble of 16 voices or more performing two contrasting pieces, and
- One 10 minute video with front view of the conductor leading an instructional rehearsal with an ensemble of 16 voices or more.