Auditions | College of Music | University of Colorado Boulder

Composition Audition Information

Audition Requirements

For prospective Composition majors, the audition process has three parts:

1. Pre-Screening: You must submit scores and sound recordings of at least three of your best works. While quality of performance is not to be disregarded, what interests the composition faculty most is the quality of your talent as a composer. Submit those works which show you at your best. Hard copy scores should be bound and not originals. Midi recordings are acceptable if live performances are not available. Scores and recordings must be submitted online via your application checklist page on the CU Boulder Admissions page. Scores must be received by December 1 to be considered a priority applicant. Jan. 4 is the final deadline to submit for consideration.
   If scores and recordings submitted are evaluated to be at an acceptable level for admittance, then you will be offered the opportunity to complete an audition and interview.​
2. Audition: You must pass an audition on an orchestral instrument, piano, voice or classical guitar. Auditions on synthesizer are not accepted. For specific repertoire recommendations, please review the Audition Requirements web page for your instrument.
3. Interview: Interviews may be completed in-person if you are auditioning on campus or via Skype if you do not plan to audition on campus. However, note that in-person interviews are strongly preferred. Interviews will be no more than 15 minutes and will be conducted by our composition faculty. You will be asked about your interests in pursuing a composition degree, how you got involved in composing, profound experiences related to composing and composers who mean a great deal to you.

Prospective composers should keep in mind that the composition curriculum at CU Boulder is designed for the composer of serious "concert" music (as opposed to curricula designed for commercial, popular or jazz composition). Our experience shows that composers equipped with this kind of basic training have the necessary background to specialize later in others areas of music if they should so choose.

Live auditions and interviews are strongly preferred. Students who are unable to travel to Boulder for a live audition may submit a high-quality recorded audition and complete an interview via Skype before Feb. 20. Please see the Recorded Audition Guidelines for information on submitting a recording.

Audition times on campus are also available by appointment for those who cannot attend one of the scheduled audition dates.

 Updated on 08/22/2018