School of the Arts and Architecture

Department of Music

AUDITION REQUIREMENT

 

CELLO

 

Undergraduate Applicants

 

* String Auditions.

At your audition, all works that have a piano or orchestra part should be played with piano.  Hearing how you play with a piano is one of the skills faculty will be evaluating.  We will provide a pianist, but of course you are welcome (and even encouraged) to come with your own pianist.  Whether or not you come with your own pianist, please BE SURE TO BRING ALL PIANO PARTS WITH YOU!  Rehearsal time with our staff pianists is very limited, but we will try to be as helpful as we can. Try to come early enough to take advantage of any rehearsal time that may be possible.

All Performance Specialists:

 

TECHNIQUES:

 

·   Scales:            major and minor, 4 octaves 

·  Arpeggios:  major and minor, 4 octaves

·  Etudes:  One from the following: 

            Servaise Caprices

            Popper (High School of Cello Playing)

            Piatti Caprices

 

REPRESENTATIVE REPERTOIRE

 

            A Short Virtuoso Piece or a Movement from a Major Sonata.

            Two contrasting movements from a Bach Suite for Cello Solo

            One movement of a major concerto

 

 

All Music Education specialists:

 

 TECHNIQUES:

 

§       Scales: major and minor, 3 octaves 

§       Arpeggios: major and minor, 3 octaves 

§       Etudes: One Etude from the following: Duport, Franchomme, Popper.

            

 

REPRESENTATIVE REPERTOIRE

 

A Short Piece or Sonata movement

Two contrasting movements from a Bach Suite for Cello Solo

One movement of a concerto

 

 

 

 

Graduate Applicants

 

Unless the program is specified below, you should prepare a full recital, demonstrating your familiarity with a variety of musical styles and periods, including the 20th Century.  You should prepare complete works, unless otherwise noted. Sight reading on the level of standard orchestral excepts or recital repertoire for your instrument may be required.  Your choice of repertoire must be submitted at least one week in advance of the audition.

 

NOTE: All works, except for Sonatas with Piano and complicated 20th Century music, must be presented from memory.

Repertoire: MM: You should prepare the following program: a) one movement of a standard concerto for cello, b) two contrasting movements of any suite by Bach, and c) two contrasting movements from a Sonata for Cello or two contrasting short works from the standard repertoire.

Repertoire: DMA: Your program should be similar to the above, except a) complete works for all categories must be prepared, b) you must include one of the Bach unaccompanied suites and c) you must prepare a major 20th century work.