Cello Audition Requirements
Undergraduate requirements (BM, BME)
Prepare three contrasting selections that demonstrate your instrumental ability, musical interests, and musicianship. These selections should demonstrate slow and fast playing and contain no less than 15 minutes of music. Selections might include; the first movement of a concerto, a movement of a Bach cello suite, a Popper etude, a 20th/21st-century composition, a work of your own composition, a work by a BIPOC composer, or a work from a musical style or period not otherwise represent in the audition.
Piano accompaniment for the audition is not required.
On-campus audition dates can be found here. It is highly recommended that all undergraduate candidates attend an on-campus audition. If you are unable to audition on-campus, please select the “recorded” audition format preference on your supplemental music form. Undergraduate applicants who would like to submit a recorded audition should follow the steps outlined here.
Graduate requirements (MM, DMA, AD)
Master of Music (MM)
• A fast movement of a concerto from memory.
• Two contrasting movements of a Bach cello suite from memory.
• An etude, caprice, or virtuoso work.
• One contrasting work of your choice that demonstrates your musical interests and musicianship. Selections might include: a 20th/21st-century composition, a work by a BIPOC composer, a work from a musical style or period not otherwise represented in the audition, etc.
Piano accompaniment for the audition is not required.
Graduate applicants who would like to submit a recorded audition should upload the audition directly to their Graduate College application. Graduate applicants who submit a recorded audition will also register for a virtual interview with the faculty. Applicants can register for their interview after submitting the Graduate College application.
Doctor of Musical Arts (DMA)
• Two contrasting movements of a concerto from memory.
• Two contrasting movements of a Bach cello suite from memory.
• Two contrasting works of your choice that demonstrate your musical interests and musicianship. Selections might include: a 20th/21st-century composition, a work by a BIPOC composer, a work from a musical style or period not otherwise represented in the audition, etc.
Piano accompaniment for the audition is not required.
Graduate applicants who would like to submit a recorded audition should upload the audition directly to their Graduate College application. Graduate applicants who submit a recorded audition will also register for a virtual interview with the faculty. Applicants can register for their interview after submitting the Graduate College application.
Artist Diploma (AD)
Prepare a 30-minute audition program with three or more contrasting selections that demonstrate the highest level of instrumental ability and artistry, as well as your musical and programmatic interests. Selections might include: a movement of a concerto, movements from a Bach cello suite, a virtuoso piece, a 20th/21st-century composition, a work by a BIPOC composer, a work from a musical style or period not otherwise represented in the audition, etc.
Piano accompaniment for the audition is not required.
It is highly recommended that all graduate candidates attend an on-campus audition. If an applicant is unable to travel to campus for a live audition, the faculty will accept a recorded audition, and a virtual interview may occur. Graduate applicants who would like to submit a recorded audition should upload the audition directly to their Graduate College application.