Cello Home | John Michel | CWU Strings | Cello Celebration

For New Cello Students

In order to complete your acceptance into the CWU Department of Music program, you must audition for the music faculty. This gives us an opportunity to hear the level you have achieved in your musical skills and it gives you the opportunity to discuss your development with collegiate instructors.

For Cello Students Pursuing a Performance Degree
If you would like to audition for admission to the BM in Performance, we would like you to come prepared to complete the requirements section below. We recommend you select a solo that best demonstrates your current skills. It is desirable to choose a piece that is competitive at the district or (preferably) state contest level, emphasizing both musical and technical capabilities.

Requirements:

• One movement of a standard concerto of moderate difficulty, such as Saint-Saëns, Haydn, Lalo, or Boccherini
• One movement of a standard sonata, such as Sammartini G Major, Beethoven, Brahms E minor, Francoeur E Major, or Boccherini A Major or equivalent piece
• Two contrasting movements of a Bach suite
• One Popper or similar etude
• One four-octave major and minor scale and arpeggios

For Cello Students Pursuing a Music Ed. or Composition Degree
In general, there is no difference in the expectations of performance level for any music major, but those who wish to major in music education, but may feel under-prepared or insecure about their current performance skills, may choose a piece of music that demonstrates either musical or
technical skills.

Requirements:

• One 3-octave scale.
• One movement of a concerto, sonata or concert piece that demonstrates highest level of
  technical and musical achievement on their instrument.

Your audition includes a brief interview, and time is limited, so expect that you may not be able to perform your entire selection. Keep this in mind as you plan your audition performance. Please perform works that best demonstrate your level of technical accomplishment and musicianship. Memorization is encouraged. Accompaniment is encouraged but not required as well. If you would like to hire a pianist, we can offer referrals to local professional accompanists.

PRE-AUDITION FORM
Please fill out the Audition Registration Form before your audition.

RECOMMENDATIONS
Recommendations are not required but encouraged by the string area. To strengthen your application, complete and return recommendations before or at the time of your audition. Please download and print the string program recommendation form here.

RESUME / REPERTOIRE LIST
Your resume, repertoire list and other supporting documents may be submitted at the time of audition, but are not required.

In addition to an audition, students should also expect to interview with Music Education or Composition faculty as a part of their visit to campus.

For Cello Students Pursuing a Master of Music Performance Degree
To audition for admission to the MM in Performance degree program, we ask that you come prepared to perform the following requirements listed below. We recommend you select pieces that best demonstrate your musical and technical capabilities.

Requirements:

• One movement of a standard concerto, such as Dvorak, Haydn D, Shostakovich, Tchaikovsky Rococo, Brahms Double or other similar work
• Two contrasting movements of a Bach suite
• One movement of a post-Romantic work
• One etude that demonstrates some of your technical prowess
• One four-octave major and minor scales and arpeggios; one three-octave scale in thirds, sixths and octaves.

Please note: because of limited live audition time, we may only hear your concerto and one other selection.

Ensemble Audition Requirements
For New and Returning Cello Students wishing to play in a large ensemble

Orchestra, Wind Ensemble, and Symphonic Band auditions take place during the first week of each new quarter. Fall auditions have specific materials for all who intend to play in a large ensemble. Auditions for Winter and/or Spring will be announced as needed. Contact Dr. Caoile for more information.