Auditions | College of Music | University of Colorado Boulder

Guitar Audition Information

Pre-Screening Recording



A pre-screening recording is required for all graduate string applicants. All applicants are required to submit their pre-screening recordings online to the Graduate Application by December 1.

Repertoire Requirements

Master's of Music

• A substantial movement by J.S. Bach
• Two substantial pieces of the applicant’s choice

Doctor of Musical Arts

• Two contrasting movements from a single work of J.S. Bach
• Two contrasting movements from a sonata, suite or similar multi-movement work (Sor, Ponce, José, Castelnuove-Tedesco, Berkeley, Ginastera, Henze, Brouwer, Tippett, etc.) OR a substantial set of variations (19th century, Ponce, Britten, etc.)
• A substantial piece of the applicant’s choice

Live Auditions

The live audition requirements are the same as listed above. In the live audition, memorization of works such as the concerto and Bach is required.

Recorded Auditions



Live auditions are strongly preferred. 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 Teaching Assistantships. Applicants unable to travel for a live audition should contact their respective faculty member directly. 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/video) must be in a digital format with high quality audio.

Please note that while recorded auditions will be given full consideration, the best demonstration of your musical ability is through a live audition.

Updated on 08/23/2018