U of Colorado

Auditions | College of Music | University of Colorado Boulder

Classical Audition Information

 

Audition Requirements

The audition consists of classical music played on a classical guitar (nylon strings, fingerstyle, no pick).

  • Scales: One major and one melodic minor scale of at least two octaves, in keys of your choice, performed from memory.
  • Sight-reading: You may be asked to play a short piece of music at sight. The piece will be between 8 and 16 measures at a moderate tempo, in two voices, with up to three sharps or one flat in the key signature. It will be mostly in first or second position with at least one shift between the two positions.
  • Repertoire: You should be able to play at least three pieces from the standard classical repertoire.  Repertoire for the audition must include three pieces from different historical periods. One of the pieces will be a study by Sor, Carcassi, Aguado or Giuliani; the other two will be your own choice (selections could include a prelude by Manuel Ponce, a short dance by Tárrega, a dance or prelude by J.S. Bach, etc). You may perform from music or from memory.
  • Matching pitch: You may be asked to sing a note that is played to you.

 

If you are applying to transfer from another institution at junior or senior level, contact the guitar instructor,  Nicolò Spera, directly for the audition requirements appropriate to your level (contact details below).

 

The Audition

Live auditions are strongly preferred. Students who are unable to travel to Boulder for a live audition may submit a high-quality recorded audition. Please see the Recorded Audition Guidelines for information on submitting a recording. Only video recordings will be accepted. Please announce your name and repertoire selections at the beginning of the recording. Do not forget to record scales, as required in the audition. View tips for the audition here. 

 

Updated on 08/22/2018