oboeinsight

Listed below are audition requirements to various colleges and universities I
have located online. Please note: I have copied the requirements directly from
the schools’ websites. If there are errors, I can’t be held responsible for
them. If you, the reader, are looking to audition at one of these schools I
recommend you verify any information you see here, as I will not catch all
updates.

Want another school listed? email
me and make a request!

The inclusion or exclusion of schools is in no way a comment regarding any
colleges and universities. These school listings are given merely to inform
oboists of the typical requirements for auditions. I’m happy to add more schools
as I locate them online, as time allows.

—
ARIZONA STATE UNIVERSITY
Music Department Website
Oboe Instructor: Martin Schuring, (website).

Undergraduate MUP 111 Applicants (for all degrees except performance)

• Basic knowledge of reed making is required.
• Scales. Major scales in two octaves up to E-flat and chromatic scale.
• Sight-reading
• One etude. Suggested etudes can be found in the Barret Oboe Method, Brod
  Oboe Method, and Ferling Forty-eight Etudes.
• A solo comparable in difficulty to Bellini Concerto, Donizetti Sonata,
  Guilhaud Concertino, Haydn Concerto, Hindemith Sonata, Hummell Adagio, Theme and
  Variations, Mozart Quartet or Concerto, Paladilhe Solo de Concert, Saint-Säens
  Sonata, and Telemann Sonata in A-minor.
  The etude and solo must be contrasting works that demonstrate a good demand of
  tone, technique, articulation and musicianship.

Undergraduate:
Undergraduate MUP 127 Applicants (for performance degree)

• Basic knowledge of reed making is required.
• Scales. Major and natural and harmonic minor scales in two octaves up to
  E-flat.
• Sight-reading.
• One etude. Suggested etudes can be found in the Barret Oboe Method, Brod
  Oboe Method, and Ferling Forty-eight Etudes.
• A solo comparable in difficulty to Bellini Concerto, Donizetti Sonata,
  Guilhaud Concertino, Haydn Concerto, Hindemith Sonata, Hummell Adagio, Theme and
  Variations, Mozart Quartet or Concerto, Paladilhe Solo de Concert, Saint-Säens
  Sonata, and Telemann Sonata in A-minor.
  The etude and solo must be contrasting works that demonstrate a good demand of
  tone, technique, articulation and musicianship.

Graduate:

In addition to the Division of Graduate Studies requirements, and the School of
Music application form, the School of Music requires an acceptable audition,
either in person or by taped performance, as well as submission of repertoire
lists as evidence of previous study.

Admission to a graduate degree program in music is a two-fold process. The
applicant must apply and be accepted by both the Division of Graduate Studies
and the School of Music. Anyone who holds a bachelor’s or graduate degree from a
university of recognized standing is eligible to apply for admission to the
Division of Graduate Studies. An applicant must have a grade-point average of
3.00 (4.00 = “A” scale), or the equivalent, in the last two years of work
leading to the bachelor’s degree. The Division of Graduate Studies and the
School of Music require a 3.0 GPA for all master’s level work accomplished prior
to admission to the doctorate. Applicants to the master’s programs must meet
minimum Division of Graduate Studies standards for admission, including a
junior/senior minimum 3.0 GPA.

—

BOSTON UNIVERSITY
Music Department
Website
Oboe Instructor: Laura Albeck, (bio).
Oboe Instructor: John Ferillo, (bio).
Oboe Instructor: Robert Sheena, (bio).

Undergraduate:
The applicant should be prepared to perform solo works and études or studies
written expressly for the instrument.  The applicant should be prepared to play
passages from the orchestral repertoire as well as all scales and arpeggios that
demonstrate musical and technical command of the instrument.  Applicants should
be prepared also to sight-read literature appropriate to their instrument.

Auditions are usually performed without accompaniment.

Below are examples of the literature appropriate for an audition.  Where the
requirements allow substitutions, you should consider works that demonstrate
cantilena style (slow tempo, legato melodic lines, sustained phrasing, singing
tone quality) and technical facility (fast tempo, variety in rhythm, correct
phrasing, tone quality, clean articulation, etc.):
Sonata No. 1 or No. 2 by Handel; First movement from Sonata by Hindemith; First
movement, F Major Quartet, K. 370 by Mozart; or works equal to these in
difficulty.  Orchestral repertoire-major passages from works such as Symphony
No. 4 (slow movement) by Tchaikovsky; Symphony No. 3 (”Eroica”) by Beethoven;
symphonies by Brahms, Schumann, or Mozart; or symphonic works equal to these in
difficulty.

Graduate:
Applicants to the Oboe program must be prepared to perform three compositions,
one from the Baroque or Classical periods, one from the Romantic period, and one
from the Contemporary period.  The candidate may also offer orchestral excerpts
suitable to his or her own instrument.

Doctoral:
Applicants to the Oboe program should prepare material equivalent to a master’s
level recital program.

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UNIVERSITY OF CINCINATTI
Music Conservatory
Overview
Conservatory of Music Website
Oboe Instructor: Mark Ostoich, (bio).

Undergraduate (BM):

Applicants should be prepared to play all major and minor scales and
arpeggios plus two contrasting solo selections and two orchestral
excerpts.

Graduate, Doctoral (MM,DMA,AD):

The College-Conservatory of Music has no set repertoire requirement
for the graduate admissions audition. It is important that the applicant choose
selections which represent current performance capabilities from a variety of
musical styles and periods. A recommended audition program for prospective
graduate students woudl include three contrasting solos, sonata, or concerto
selections, an étude of Ferling or Barret, adn at least three orchestral
excerpts.

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UNIVERSITY OF COLORADO AT
BOULDER
Music Department Website
Oboe Instructor: James Brody, (website), <a
href=”http://www.colorado.edu/music/Bios/brody.html”> (bio).
Oboe Instructor: Peter Cooper(bio)

Undergraduate:

1. Chromatic scale (sixteenths at quarter note = 72:)

At least two octaves (low C to high C)

2. Major scales (sixteenths at quarter note = 72):

- Two octaves: B-Flat, B, C, D-Flat, D (if possible, E-Flat and
E)
- One octave and a fifth: E-Flat, E, F, G, G (if possible, A-Flat and A)

- One octave: A-Flat and A

3. Repertoire:

- Two selections in contrasting styles, chosen to best demonstrate
the ability of the student.

- One selection may be from a standard etude book or method, such as Ferling,
Barret, Sellner, Rubank, Brod, etc.
- It is acceptable to play two movements from a single work (e.g. sonata or
concerto) if the movements are contrasting in tempo.

4. Sight reading

Live auditions are preferred, but a high quality recording may be
substituted if travel distance is prohibitive. Please write on the label and
announce at the beginning of the recording your name, instrument and repertoire
selections. Audition times on campus are also available by appointment for
those who cannot attend one of the Saturday audition dates in February.

Graduate:
Graduate auditions are by scheduled appointment or may be accomplished by audio
or videotape, depending on the student’s major area. Graduate students may also
audition on Saturdays during February.

If you are applying for performance or pedagogy, you should make an appointment
for a personal audition in Boulder or submit an audition tape of at least ten
minutes in length. The tape should demonstrate your understanding of and your
ability to perform music of varying styles and from different eras. If you are
applying in composition, you should submit scores and tapes of some of your
compositions in performance. If you are applying in music literature, you should
submit a term paper or brief research paper that represents your best writing.
If you are applying in conducting, you should submit a video cassette tape.
Applicants in music education who want to use conducting as a specialization or
as a minor must submit a video tape of a rehearsal or performance; those who
want to use the performance or pedagogy of an instrument or voice as a minor
should sbmit an audio tape or arrange to audition in person. Other applicants in
music education, though not required to submit a tape or to audition, are
encouraged to make arrangements for an interview.

Please contact the Graduate Music Office for further information at 303-492-2207
or gradmusc@Colorado.EDU.

—

UNIVERSITY OF HARTFORD
The Hartt School
Music Department
Website
Oboe Instructor: Humbert Lucarelli, (bio).<p
>

Undergraduate:

INSTRUMENTAL AUDITION INFORMATION:
Candidates auditioning with classical repertoire should prepare contrasting
works drawn from the standard classical literature, together with major and
minor scales, and technical studies where appropriate. Selections should reflect
contrasting styles and periods. Most auditions will include
sight-reading. Your playing time with the committee will be 10-15 minutes. All
instrumental performance majors who audition by tape must submit a standard VHS
format videocassette or DVD (see href="http://www.hartford.edu/hartt/admission/audition/music.asp">website
for Hartt’s policy on the submission of
tapes). All majors will interview with their audition committee. Undergraduate
instrumental auditions are unaccompanied. Applicants may bring their own pianist
or audition without accompaniment.

Suggested Repertoire:
An étude from Barret or Ferling
Two contrasting movements from any Handel, Telemann, or Bach sonata or Mozart
Concerto

Masters, Doctoral:
Check href="http://www.hartford.edu/hartt/admission/graduate/audition.asp">this page
for a good list of what you need to know.

Here’s a bit of info:

Instrumental Performance:
Your playing time with the committee will be 20 minutes for Master of Music and
Graduate Professional Diploma candidates, 30 minutes for Doctor of Musical Arts
and Artist Diploma candidates. Sight-reading and scales may be included. Please
note details for your specific area included in the following pages. All Doctor
of Musical Arts and Artist Diploma candidates must audition with piano
accompaniment where appropriate. If applicants are unable to bring their own
accompanist to the audition, please contact The Hartt School Admissions Office
at (860) 768-4465 with a list of audition pieces and movements at least three
weeks before the audition date to receive local pianists’ names and contact
information.

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INDIANA UNVERSITY
Music Department Website
Oboe Instructor: Linda Strommen,
(bio).

Undergraduate:

1. two contrasting etudes from Barret, A Complete Method for the Oboe, or
Ferling, 48 Famous Studies;
2. two contrasting movements from a major concerto or a sonata by Bach, Handel,
Telemann, or Vivaldi;
3. one movement of a standard major concerto of the applicant’s choice;
4. three orchestral excerpts;
5. all major and minor scales.

Graduate:
All graduate auditions must be in person. An accompanist is required only for
D.M. and A.D. applicants, but highly recommended for M.M. and Ph.D. applicants.
Applicants should prepare:

Two contrasting etudes from Barret, Grand Etudes from A
Complete Method for the Oboe or Ferling, 48 Famous Studies
One complete major concerto or sonata by Bach, Handel, Telemann, or Vivaldi
One complete major post-baroque concerto (such as Martinu, Mozart, Strauss, or
Vaughan-Williams)
Four orchestra excerpts: Beethoven, Symphony No. 3; Brahms, Violin Concerto;
Rossini, La scala di seta; and Strauss, Don Juan

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LAWRENCE UNIVERSITY
Music Conservatory
Website
Oboe Instructor: Howard Niblock,(website).

Undergraduate:

An 18th-century, or earlier, concerto
A second piece in contrasting style, such as another solo work, an etude, or an
orchestral excerpt
Number 25 in d minor from “Forty Progressive Melodies,” Barret Oboe Method (also
found on pg. 32 of the Vade-Mecum of the Oboist, ed. Andraud)
Major and minor scales

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UNIVERSITY OF MARYLAND
Music Department Website
Oboe Instructor: Mark Hill, (bio)

Admission to the UM School of Music is by audition and/or interview only.
Auditions & interviews are held once a year to select the incoming class.
Admission is very competitive.

Degrees: Bachelor of Music, Bachelor of Arts, Bachelor of Music in Music
Education

Undergraduate:

Two compositions of contrasting styels, one of which must be selected from the
solo literature; the other may be a solo or an etude. The solo may be selected
from any State Festival List of repertoire, such as the Maryland Band Director’s
Association Festival List, and must be from grades 4-6.

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NORTHWESTERN UNIVERSITY
Music Department Website
Oboe Instructor: Ray Still, (bio).
Oboe Instructor: Michael Henoch, (bio).

Undergraduate:

The titles suggested in this section illustrate the kind and
quality of music appropriate for an audition. Applicants are free to choose a
program that will best show their ability, using music from this list or music
of comparable quality. Whenever possible, music should be selected from a
variety of stylistic periods. The audition program should consist of four
different compositions, or in some cases three compositions and orchestral
excerpts. Instrumentalists should be prepared to
play scales in all keys.

Concertos by Cimarosa, Marcello, Handel, Mozart; sonatas by Telemann, Handel,
Hindemith; Three Romances, Six Metamorphoses.

Graduate:

The titles suggested illustrate the kind and quality of music
appropriate for a Master of Music audition. Except where specific requirements
are listed, applicants are free to choose a program that will best show their
ability, using music from this list or music of comparable quality. Whenever
possible, music should be selected from a variety of stylistic periods. The
audition program should consist of four different compositions, or in some cases
three compositions and orchestral excerpts. Instrumentalists should be prepared
to play scales in all keys.

Concertos by Cimarosa, Marcello, Handel, Mozart; sonatas by Telemann, Handel,
Hindemith; Schumann’s Three Romances; Britten’s Six
Metamorphoses.

—
RICE UNIVERSITY
Music Department Website ( The
Shepherd School of Music)
Oboe Instructor: Robert Atherholt, (bio).

Undergraduate:

Preliminary Tape: Two contrasting movements of standard solo
work.

Live Audition: Prepare a Handel Sonata, two orchestral
excerpts, and two contrasting etudes by Ferling.

Graduate:

A Bach aria, two contrasting etudes by Ferling, the 1st Schumann Romance, the Mozart concerto and excerpts of the applicant’s
choice.

—
SUNY Fredonia
Music Department Website

Oboe Instructor: John DuBois, (bio).
Oboe Instructor: Sarah Hamilton, (bio), Website
Bassoon Instructor: John C. Gillette

The school does not specify audition repertoire; rather, we encourage you to consult with your teacher to choose good literature that you can perform well. Bear in mind that the purpose of the audition is to gather evidence of both current ability and the potential to complete the preferred degree program. Thus, we look for pitch accuracy, correct and steady rhythm, physical coordination, the ability to make expressive musical statements, and disciplined work habits. Vocalists are required to audition with accompanist (NOTE: SUNY Fredonia will provide accompanists for On-Campus Vocal Auditions, but we cannot provide accompanists at Off-Campus Auditions). Instrumentalists may audition with their own accompanist, however it is not required and is not encouraged.

Candidates for the Bachelor of Music degree in Performance are expected to demonstrate a higher level of proficiency than applicants for other programs. The audition includes tests in pitch matching, sight reading, and sight singing. Students will also be asked to take a rudimentary theory test while on campus.

Students are encouraged to audition on-campus, if at all possible. We currently offer an off-campus audition in Long Island, NY (note:we do not audition percussionists at off-campus sitess). There is a $15 fee for on-campus auditions; a $40 fee for off-campus auditions. Audition fees are non-refundable. Audition requests should be made at least FOUR weeks in advance. Space in some studios is limited, so you are urged to audition as early in the year as possible. Students wishing to be considered for music scholarships must audition no later than March.

Perform two contrasting movements (slow-fast) from a sonata or concerto showing technique, tone and general musicianship. Contrasting etudes may be substituted. Also perform the chromatic scale (two-octaves) and all major scales legato and staccato.

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UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA, SANTA
CRUZ
Music Department Site

The music program at UCSC integrates music performance, theory, composition,
history and literature. It offers a wide variety of possibilities both to
students wishing to major or minor in music, and to all students who wish to
increase their musical abilities and understanding. The Music Department
supports an unusually diverse curriculum for a department of its size. By a
choice of electives, the student can emphasize aspects of music beyond the basic
core courses required of the major or minor. Students may obtain preparation for
graduate or professional work in the following broad areas:

A. Performance (including orchestral and chamber music instruments, piano and
Baroque keyboard instruments, and choral and vocal studies);

B. Composition and Theory (including instrumental, vocal, electronic and
computer techniques);

C. Musicology and Early Music Performance;

D. Ethnomusicology. Advanced students may also enroll in some master’s level
courses and/or undertake research projects, field work, or student-taught
seminars in association with faculty.

While UCSC has no audition for admission to the university, there are
scholarships available and I encourage you to send in your tapes and CDs.

Scholarship Awards are available for incoming undergraduate students. The Music
Department awards scholarship money to advanced performers in all areas of
musical performance for the 2004-2005 academic year. Strong performers are
encouraged to apply. Simply apply to UCSC as a Music Major, and send a
non-returnable cassette or CD to:

Music Department Scholarships

244 Music Center
1156 High Street
University of California
Santa Cruz, CA 95064

Deadline for Postmark of Recordings: JANUARY 31, 2004

Guidelines: The cassette or CD should contain at least two solo pieces in
contrasting styles, preferably from different historical periods. Label the
recording clearly with your name, address, phone number, instrument, and the
composers and titles of the works included. For more information, please contact
Patrice Maginnis at (831) 459-3213 or patrice@ucsc.edu.

—

UNIVERSITY OF SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA
Music Department Website
Oboe Instructor: Barbara Northcut, (bio).
Oboe Instructor: Allan Vogel, (bio).

Undergraduate:

A performance audition is required of applicants to all programs in
woodwind and brass instruments. Three selections representing various stylistic
periods of music should be prepared for the audition. These selections should be
full-length pieces from the standard solo literature, although excerpts from
ensemble literature may also be included. 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 play
standard etudes of their choice as well as various scales and arpeggios.

A recent, high-fidelity recording may be submitted with the Thornton School of
Music Supplementary Application in lieu of a live audition if
necessary.

Graduate:

A performance audition is required of applicants to all programs in
woodwind and brass instruments. Three selections representing various stylistic
periods of music should be prepared for the audition. These selections should be
full-length pieces from the standard solo literature, although excerpts from
ensemble literature may also be included. 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 play
standard etudes of their choice as well as various scales and arpeggios.

A recent, high-fidelity recording may be submitted with the Thornton School of
Music Supplementary Application in lieu of a live audition if
necessary.

—
WESTERN ILLINOIS UNIVERSITY
Music Department Website
Oboe Instructor: Michael Ericson, (bio), (website).

Music majors and minors must:

1) Be academically admitted to the University
2) Be accepted by audition by the Department of Music

Candidates should prepare to perform two selections — either two solos or a
solo and an etude. Select works of differing styles that will best exhibit your
talent. I would rather hear you play a piece of medium difficulty well, than a
difficult piece badly. If your piece calls for an accompanist, it is best for
you to arrange for one. If you cannot secure an accompanist, we will provide
one for you. Music for the accompanist must be sent to the Department of Music
at least two weeks prior to your audition. Mark the music with indications of
cuts, tempo, etc. and have your name and address on the first page. Photocopies
are illegal and will not be accepted.

You should be prepared to play the following in an oboe audition.

For general admission to the Music Education, Music Business or Music Therapy
programs as well as admittance as a music minor, you should prepare:

A. One prepared etude:

Selected from the Barret Oboe Method or Ferling 48 Famous
Studies

B. One prepared movement from an oboe solo:

Handel Concerto in G Minor (or equivalent work)

C. Scales

All major scales, 2 octaves (up to at least high D)
2 octave C chromatic scale

D. Sight reading

For admission as a Music Performance Major you should prepare:

Same as above - plus a movement from a standard oboe concerto
(Haydn, Marcello), or a standard oboe sonata (Telemann,
Hindemith)

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