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