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

Woodwinds Audition Information

Bassoon (BM)

Pre-screening Requirements

This program does not pre-screen at this time. Please be sure to fill out the required portions of the Artistic Profile but you do not need to upload recordings unless you are doing a Recorded Audition.

In-Person Audition Requirements

Prepare one or two movements from a standard concerto, sonata, or other major work for bassoon. In addition, please prepare two contrasting etudes equivalent in difficulty to the Concert Studies by Ludwig Milde.

Clarinet (BM)

Pre-Screening Requirements

Please submit video recordings of at least two contrasting pieces. (Total duration: 5–15 minutes; single movements of larger works are acceptable)

In-Person Audition Requirements

Prepare two compositions of your choice from the basic repertoire representing different styles. In the case of compositions with several movements, it may not be necessary to play the complete work. In addition, please prepare two etudes showing legato style and articulation.

Flute (BM)

Pre-Screening Requirements

Please submit video recordings of the following:

1. B Major scale (2 octaves, not extended)
2. Any Minor scale of your choice (2 octaves, not extended)
3. Two contrasting pieces: Single movements of larger works are acceptable. Accompaniment is preferred if the piece has accompaniment.

Applicants who have attended the MPulse Flute Institute in the past two years are exempt. Please contact our auditions coordinator, to inquire about receiving a pre-screening waiver.

In-person Audition Requirements

Prepare three compositions from the standard solo flute repertoire. Please include a movement of a concerto as one of your selections. You may perform one movement from a composition with multiple movements or an advanced etude. Representative audition repertoire include Mozart concerti, Paris Conservatoire pieces, 20th century compositions, and French, German, or English Baroque sonatas.

In addition, please prepare two orchestral excerpts that represent your highest level of proficiency.

Memorization of all major, minor, and chromatic scales is assumed and may be assessed at the audition. Memorization of solo literature and orchestral excerpts is not required. Competitive undergraduate applicants typically have a minimum of five years of private study and significant ensemble experience.

Oboe (BM)

Pre-Screening Requirements

This program does not pre-screen at this time. Please be sure to fill out the required portions of the Artistic Profile but you do not need to upload recordings unless you are doing a Recorded Audition.

In-Person Audition Requirements

Prepare approximately 20 minutes of major solo literature including music from the Baroque and 20th century periods. In addition, please prepare two orchestral excerpts of your choice. Knowledge of all major and minor scales is assumed, and sight-reading will be assessed.

Saxophone (BM)

Pre-screening Requirements

Upload unedited video recordings of at least two contrasting pieces. Single movements of larger works are acceptable. Total duration should be 5–15 minutes.

In-Person Audition Requirements

Prepare 15 minutes of alto saxophone solo literature representing your highest proficiency. Suggested literature includes the Sonata by Creston, Concertino da Camera by Ibert, Concerto by Glazunov, and Prelude, Cadence et Finale by Desenclos.

In addition, please prepare two Ferling Etudes (one slow and one that displays your technical skills).

You will also be assessed on all twelve major scales (full range B-flat to F-sharp 3) and on major thirds in all keys (full range-varied articulations). Be prepared to demonstrate your altissimo skills, overtones, and/or altissimo scales. Tuning response will also be tested.

Jazz improvisation skills are welcomed and, if you have significant jazz experience, you are encouraged to request a separate audition with our Jazz & Improvisation Studies faculty. Indicate your request for a supplementary jazz audition on the application or by contacting our Auditions Coordinator (music.auditions@umich.edu).

Updated on 10/05/2018