Audition & Program Requirements

Bachelor of Music: Trumpet

Prescreening required; must be video recording. Video should be framed so that it is close enough to be able to see the applicant's face and embouchure.

Prescreening and audition unaccompanied.

Fall 2023 Audition Formats:

Applicants will have the option to audition on campus or complete a live Zoom interview and submit a recorded audition. Applicants unable to audition on campus are required to submit recordings of all their audition repertoire; those auditioning virtually who do not submit recordings of all the audition requirements may be at a disadvantage in the admission process. Audition recordings must be submitted via the applicant's Bienen School Supplement.

For Prescreening:

1 étude of applicant’s choice from Charlier, Brandt, Arban Characteristic Studies, or equivalent
1 short standard solo piece (Enescu Légende or equivalent), or the first movement of a standard concerto or sonata of applicant’s choice (Haydn, Hummel, Hindemith, Kennan, or equivalent) NOTE: No piccolo trumpet solo allowed

NOTE: Choose contrasting works that will display your highest level of achievement musically and technically. Repertoire can be recorded in separate takes and uploaded in separate files.

NOTE: Applicants who submit incomplete prescreening repertoire requirements may be disqualified from consideration.

For Final Audition:

1 étude of the applicant’s choice from Charlier, Brandt, Arban Characteristic Studies, or equivalent
2 contrasting solos or movements from a standard concerto or sonata of applicant’s choice. One piece must be the first movement of a standard concerto or sonata
3 contrasting standard orchestral excerpts

NOTE: Applicants who submit incomplete audition repertoire requirements may be disqualified from consideration.

Master of Music: Trumpet

Prescreening required; must be video recording. Video should be framed so that it is close enough to be able to see the applicant's face and embouchure.

Prescreening and audition unaccompanied.

Fall 2023 Audition Formats:

For Prescreening:

1 étude of applicant’s choice from Charlier, Bitsch, or equivalent.
1 short standard solo (Honegger Intrada or equivalent) or first movement from a standard concerto or sonata of applicant’s choice (Haydn, Hummel, Tomasi, Jolivet, or equivalent).
2 contrasting standard orchestral excerpts:
- Choose contrasting works that will display your highest level of achievement musically and technically.

For Final Audition:

All repertoire required. No substitutions.

2 études of applicant’s choice from Charlier, Bitsch, or equivalent.
1 movement from a standard concerto or sonata of applicant’s choice.
Honneger, Intrada
4 contrasting standard orchestral excerpts
1 piccolo trumpet orchestral excerpt of J. S. Bach (Magnificat, Christmas Oratorio or B Minor Mass)

Doctor of Musical Arts: Brass Performance

Prescreening required for all instruments; must be video recording. Prescreening repertoire should be recorded with accompaniment.

Please note: The Bienen School of Music is not accepting DMA horn applications for fall 2023 admission. Updated 9/21/2022

For Prescreening:

The applicant must submit their prescreening online, and it must contain 45 to 60 minutes of music representing different styles and historical periods. Repertoire can be divided out into separate videos if desired. If reviewed favorably, the applicant will be invited to a final audition round.

For Final Audition:

If invited to the final audition round, the applicant will perform for and interview with a music faculty jury. Candidates are expected to prepare 60 minutes of music appropriate for the doctoral level. Selections should represent various styles and historical periods from the standard repertoire. The audition will last approximately 30 minutes. The applicant should perform selections used in the prescreening, but can also bring additional repertoire. Candidates will be required to submit their audition repertoire in advance. Auditions will be accompanied.