Boston University
School of
Music | College of Fine Arts - Boston University
Strings Audition Information
Prescreening
Applicants to the following programs and instruments need to submit a prescreening video recording or portfolio for review before they can be invited to a live audition or interview.
Prescreening recordings and portfolios are due by December 1. Applicants will be notified of prescreening results in early January.
Violin (MM) and Performance
Diploma (PD)
Prescreen & Live audition Repertoire
The repertoire for the prescreening and live audition is the same.
Applicants should prepare one movement from each of the following:
• An
unaccompanied Bach sonata or partita.
• A standard concerto.
• A standard sonata with piano (preferably from a different style period).
• A virtuoso show piece.
We strongly suggest memorization for the Bach, the concerto, and the show piece.
Accompanists are provided for violin auditions in Boston. Applicants should bring legible and easily managed piano scores to the audition. This can be from a book, a separately bound copy, or double-sided music in a binder. It is not necessary to send scores in advance.
Violin (DMA)
Prescreen & Live audition Repertoire
The repertoire for the prescreening and live audition is the same.
Applicants should prepare the following:
• A
complete unaccompanied Bach sonata or partita.
• A complete standard concerto.
• A standard sonata with piano (preferably from a different style period).
• A virtuoso show piece.
We strongly suggest memorization for the Bach, the concerto, and the show piece.
Accompanists are provided for violin auditions in Boston. Applicants should bring legible and easily managed piano scores to the audition. This can be from a book, a separately bound copy, or double-sided music in a binder. It is not necessary to send scores in advance.
Violin (AD)
Prescreen & Live audition Repertoire
The repertoire for the prescreening and live audition is the same.
Applicants should prepare each of the following:
• A
complete unaccompanied Bach sonata or partita.
• A complete standard concerto.
• A standard sonata with piano (preferably from a different style period).
• A virtuoso show piece.
We strongly suggest memorization for the Bach, the concerto, and the show piece.
Artist diploma applicants are required to provide their own pianist for Boston auditions.
Viola (MM) and Performance
Diploma (PD)
Live Audition Repertoire
Applicants should prepare one movement from each of the following:
We strongly suggest memorization for the Bach and the concerto.
Accompanists are provided for viola auditions in Boston. Applicants should bring legible and easily managed piano scores to the audition. This can be from a book, a separately bound copy, or double-sided music in a binder. It is not necessary to send scores in advance.
Viola (DMA)
Live Audition Repertoire
We strongly suggest memorization for the Bach and the concerto.
Accompanists are provided for viola auditions in Boston. Applicants should bring legible and easily managed piano scores to the audition. This can be from a book, a separately bound copy, or double-sided music in a binder. It is not necessary to send scores in advance.
Viola (AD)
Live Audition Repertoire
We strongly suggest memorization for the Bach and the concerto.
*Artist diploma applicants are required to provide their own pianist for Boston auditions.
Cello (MM) and Performance
Diploma (PD)
Prescreen & Live Audition Repertoire
The repertoire for the prescreening and live audition is the same.
We strongly suggest memorization for the Bach and the concerto.
Accompanists
Accompanists are provided for cello auditions in Boston. Applicants should bring legible and easily managed piano scores to the audition. This can be from a book, a separately bound copy, or double-sided music in a binder. It is not necessary to send scores in advance.
Cello (DMA)
Prescreen & Audition Repertoire
The repertoire for the prescreening and live audition is the same.
We strongly suggest memorization for the Bach and the concerto.
Accompanists
Accompanists are provided for cello auditions in Boston. Applicants should bring legible and easily managed piano scores to the audition. This can be from a book, a separately bound copy, or double-sided music in a binder. It is not necessary to send scores in advance.
Cello Artist Diploma (AD)
Prescreen & Live Audition Repertoire
The repertoire for the prescreening and live audition is the same.
We strongly suggest memorization for the Bach and the concerto.
Accompanists
Artist diploma applicants are required to provide their own pianist for Boston auditions.
Double Bass (MM) and Performance
Diploma (PD)
Prescreen Repertoire:
Live Audition:
Memorization is not required.
Double Bass (DMA)
Prescreen & Live Audition Repertoire
The repertoire for the prescreening and live audition is the same.
Memorization is not required.
Double Bass (AD)
Prescreen & Live Audition Repertoire
The repertoire for the prescreening and live audition is the same.
Memorization is not required.
Harp (MM) and Performance
Diploma (PD)
Live Audition Repertoire
Applicants must be prepared to perform three compositions, one from the Baroque or Classical period, one from the Romantic period, and one from the Contemporary period. Applicants may also offer orchestral excerpts.
Harp (DMA)
Live Audition Repertoire
Applicants should prepare material equivalent to a master’s-level recital program.
Updated on 09/24/2018