UM School of Music, Theatre & Dance - University of Michigan

Strings Audition Information

Strings (MM & SM)

Pre-screening Requirements:

Applicants to MM or SM programs must upload by December 1 an unedited video recording of at least three contrasting pieces for preliminary examination before an audition will be scheduled. Movements of larger works are acceptable. Upload separate tracks for each piece.

Upon a favorable evaluation of this video recording, your resume, repertoire list, and collegiate transcripts, an audition may be scheduled.

Current U-M students applying to the MM/SM programs are exempt from pre-screening and should contact the Auditions Coordinator (music.auditions@umich.edu) to obtain a pre-screening waiver. The Artistic Profile is still required.

Audition Requirements:

Accompanists are neither required nor provided for string auditions.

Cello (MM & SM)

Prepare an étude representing your current level of technical development, two contrasting movements from one of the Bach unaccompanied suites, and an allegro movement from the standard cello concerto literature.

The Bach and the concerto should be played from memory.

Double Bass (MM & SM)

Prepare an étude representing your current level of technical development, two solo pieces or movements in contrasting styles and tempi, and a few minutes of excerpts from the standard orchestral repertoire.

One of the works or movements should be played from memory.

Harp (MM & SM)

Prepare four octaves of ascending and descending arpeggios in two keys, alternating hands; and four octaves of a scale, hands together (one key); one etude; one orchestral excerpt from standard audition repertoire; and two advanced works of contrasting style/time period.

All solos are to be performed from memory.

Viola (MM & SM)

Prepare a movement of a standard sonata (Brahms, Schubert, Clarke); two contrasting movements of a Bach sonata, partita, or unaccompanied suite; and a movement from a 20th century viola concerto.

The concerto movement and the Bach movements should be performed from memory.

Violin (MM & SM)

Prepare two contrasting movements of a concerto, two contrasting movements of a Bach sonata or partita, a Paganini caprice of choice, and an additional piece of choice from the 20th century. Sight reading may be required.

All solo repertoire should be performed from memory.

Strings (DMA)

Pre-screening Requirements:

Applicants to the doctoral program in violin, viola, cello, double bass, and harp must create an Artistic Profile to upload required materials (resumé, repertoire list, pre-screening recordings, etc.).

Upload unedited video recordings of at least three contrasting pieces for preliminary examination. Complete movements of larger works are acceptable.

The pre-screening video recording requirement is waived for current U-M graduate string majors applying to the DMA program. Please contact our Auditions Coordinator (music.auditions@umich.edu) to obtain a waiver.

Upon a favorable evaluation of this video recording, your resume, repertoire list, and collegiate transcripts, an in-person audition may be scheduled. Doctoral applicants in string performance must audition live in Ann Arbor. 

Audition Requirements (DMA):

Prepare three complete works of contrasting nature demonstrating your highest level of artistry. An accompanist is required for all auditions. You may bring your own or an accompanist may be supplied by the school if requested in advance and confirmed.

 Updated on 10/08/2018