Auditions | College of Music | University of Colorado Boulder

Conducting Interview/ Audition Information

Choral Conducting

Pre-screening Recording

Pre-screening audition videos should be prepared with the following content and specifications:

Applicants are required to upload their Pre-screening audition video online to the Graduate Application by December 1.

Live Auditions

Applicants will be invited to conduct a brief portion of a live rehearsal with one of the CU Choirs. In addition, you will be asked to sing a vocal solo (folk song, art song or aria— memorization not required) and will interview with the choral faculty as well as the resident choral graduate students.

Recorded Auditions


Live auditions are strongly preferred. Though not encouraged, a recorded audition (live performance or studio recording) may be submitted in place of a live audition. Please see the Recorded Audition Guidelines for information on submitting a recording.

A live audition is required to qualify for Merit Based Aid. Requirements for a recorded audition are identical to a live audition. Editing within a movement is prohibited. Any indication of editing may disqualify the candidate from admission. The recording (audio, or video) must be in a digital format with high quality audio. Instead of auditioning live, after submitting the preliminary tape, you can send in another recording. Please note that while recorded auditions will be given full consideration, the best demonstration of your musical ability is through a live audition.

1. The video camera should be pointed at you—that is from a chorister's perspective—and with quality sound production equipment 

2. Include brief samples of vocalises and tuning exercises with your choir. 

3. Be sure to include approximately 10 minutes of your leadership in a live choral rehearsal on two 
contrasting pieces (preferably from different style periods) 

4. Also, please include 5-10 minutes of your conducting in a performance setting. 

Orchestral Conducting

We are no longer accepting applications for the Orchestral Conducting program for 2018. We will begin accepting applications again in fall 2019.

Wind Conducting

The University of Colorado Boulder offers both masters and doctoral degrees in wind conducting. These programs are designed to offer a wide variety of opportunities for the graduate conductor who is interested in an academic or professional conducting career. CU Boulder provides opportunities with our three concert bands and our athletic band program.

Pre-Screening Audition Procedures

Submit the following prescreening material to the Graduate Application.

• A face to the camera video that is approximately 30 minutes in length. The video should include 15 minutes of rehearsal and 15 minutes of performance. The repertoire is the applicant’s choice, but should represent a variety of tempi and style. 

• A repertoire list of pieces conducted in performance. 

• Doctoral applicants ONLY: In addition to the materials above, please include a written analysis of a work from the standard wind repertoire. 


Questions regarding the prescreening material should be directed to Donald McKinney, Director of Bands.

Based on the prescreening materials, selected applicants will be invited to an on- campus audition that will take place in February of 2017.

On-Campus Audition

Invited applicants will complete a 20-minute audition with the CU Wind Symphony or Symphonic Band. The audition repertoire will be chosen in consultation with the candidate and the wind conducting faculty.

There will also be an interview with the wind conducting faculty.

Updated on 08/23/2018