Auditions Carnegie Mellon University School of Music

Percussion Audition Information

Percussion (BM)

All applicants to the percussion studio are expected to prepare the following audition requirements:

l  Snare Drum: Rudimental snare drum solo/etude of applicant’s choice (Pratt, Wilcoxin, etc.) and concert snare drum solo/etude of applicant’s choice (Delecluse, Peters, Aleo, etc.) 

l  Timpani: Solo/etude of applicant’s choice (Firth, Carroll, Goodman, etc.) 

l  Mallets: Two mallet solo/etude of applicant’s choice,  four mallet solo/etude of applicant’s choice and Major and minor scales and 

       arpeggios 

l  Drumset: If desired, but not required  

Notes for all percussion applicants:

l  All applicants must supply their own sticks and mallets 

l  The following will be provided on campus: timpani, mallet instruments, adjustable thrones, snare drums, snare drum stands, cymbals 

l  Applicants may bring their own snare drums, stands, cymbals, and thrones if they wish 

l  If available audition dates are not compatible with an applicant’s schedule, they may contact Mr. Branson to schedule another date. 

l  A live audition is preferred, but in special circumstances (i.e. travel, time) a video-recorded audition will be accepted. Details must be worked out in advance with Mr. Branson PRIOR TO uploading the recording to the Audition Dropbox. 

Note: Interviews are only held on campus and not at regional sites. 

All performance candidates are required to complete an audition. A live audition is preferred. These auditions are scheduled on campus or at a regional site (not available for all studios). 

Recorded auditions may also be accepted but must be received by January 10. Pre-screening applicants will be notified in early January if they are granted a live audition or interview. Auditions will be confirmed at least two weeks prior to your audition date. School of Music audition materials should not be sent to the Office of Undergraduate Admission.

Note: All solo instrumental auditions are unaccompanied during the live auditions.

                                                                                                                                               Updated on 04/17/2019