Mary Pappert School of Music | Duquesne University

Strings Audition Information

Violin (BM)

Applicants should prepare a major and minor scale and some arpeggios of their choosing (Ex: Exercise #5, Carl Flesch); an etude (Kreutzer); and any concerto, solo or concert piece that best represents their playing ability at the time of the audition. Memorization is recommended but not required. Professional dress is recommended for the audition.

Viola (BM)

Applicants should prepare a major and minor scale and some arpeggios of their choosing (Ex: Exercise #5, Carl Flesch); an etude (Kreutzer or Campagnoli); and any concerto, solo or concert piece that best represents their playing ability at the time of the audition. Memorization is recommended but not required. Professional dress is recommended for the audition.

Cello (BM)

Applicants are expected to prepare major and minor scales and arpeggios, three octaves; studies by Dupont, Popper or their equivalent and a movement of a concerto or sonata from the standard repertory.

Double Bass (BM)

Suggested solos include an etude by Simandl, Bille, Storch, etc.; sonata by Marcello, Vivaldi, etc. (two movements acceptable). Applicants should also be prepared to perform major and minor scales (two octaves preferred).

Harp (BM)

Applicants should be expected to perform two contrasting works, one by a 17th or 18th century composer and one by a 20th century composer (preferably memorized). In addition, applicants are asked to prepare an etude (such as Bochsa Etude No. 1 from Cinquante Etudes Op. 34, Book One) and an orchestral excerpt (such as the Waltz of the Flowers harp cadenza from the Nutcracker Suite). There may be a brief sight-reading excerpt.

                                                                                                                                                           Updated on 04/20/2019