USC Thornton School of Music
Classical Guitar Audition Information
BA, BM,
MM, Graduate Certificate (GCRT), DMA, AD
Undergraduate Applicants
Pre-screen recording requirements
The
prescreen video should include the following for all degrees of application:
- The submitted video recording must contain
two pieces of contrasting character and those pieces must be from
different style periods. Ideally, one piece should be composed before 1900
and the other should be composed after 1900. The video recording should be
about 12 minutes long.
Live audition requirements
It is
not necessary that the repertoire submitted as pre-screening material be
included in what will be performed at the live audition and the pre-screening
material does not need to conform to the live audition repertoire requirement
described below. Live audition repertoire should include the following:
- BA
and BM applicants: Three selections of
contrasting styles from the standard solo literature should be prepared
for the live audition. If any of the selections are taken from a
multi-movement sonata or concerto, applicants need only prepare one
movement of the piece. In addition, applicants should be prepared to
demonstrate the proficient use of both apoyando (rest stroke) and tirando
(free stroke), as evidenced in the prepared audition repertoire or with
representative technical exercises such as selections from the Giuliani
120 Studies for the Right Hand and major and minor scales from the Shearer
or Segovia or similar pedagogical systems. Sightreading may also be
required at the time of audition.
- MM,
GC, and DMA applicants: Thirty minutes of
standard solo and/or ensemble pieces from the classical guitar literature
should be prepared for the live audition.
In the
event that a student is not able to perform the live audition at USC, s/he may
request that a pre-screen video recording be considered in lieu of the live
audition. It is extremely important to note, however, that only a video
recording which includes both the required pre-screen audition repertoire and
the required live audition repertoire would be considered in lieu of a live
audition. Audio recordings will not be considered in lieu of a live audition
nor will any recording that does not include the required live audition
repertoire.
Important
notes:
- DMA applicants are required to submit a
“Personal Introductory Video” as part of their SlideRoom Portfolio. For
detailed instructions click here.
- Undergraduate applications are not accepted
for Spring admission to this program unless the applicant is already
enrolled at USC. All applicants for spring admission are also required to
submit a video recording for pre-screening. Spring applicants will be
notified via email regarding their prescreen decision.
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Updated on 08/15/2018