Undergraduate Audition Requirements - Strings

Violin

Updated August 2020
Professor Elizabeth Chang, echang@music.umass.edu, (413) 545-0023 
Link to Violin Studio webpage

Live Audition Requirements

Repertoire

• A movement from a concerto or a short piece demonstrating the level of technical proficiency in both hands
• A contrasting work in another style
• An etude from Kreutzer, Dont, Fiorillo, Rode, Mazas or comparable study

Technique
Demonstrate a three-octave scale in any key

Remote Audition Requirements

• Prepare a video performance of all Live Audition Requirements and have it available to view via YouTube
• A link to the video must be submitted with the Audition Request Form. Raw video files are not acceptable.
• Following submission of the video, the string faculty may contact the applicant for a follow-up interview via Zoom.

Violin | Viola | Cello | Double Bass | All

Viola

Updated August 2020
Professor Kathryn Lockwood, klockwood@music.umass.edu,
Viola Studio website

Live Audition Requirements

Repertoire
Two (2) contrasting selections that best represent your level of performance; one selection to demonstrate tone quality and control, and the other to demonstrate left hand technical facility.

Technique
Major and melodic minor scales in three (3) octaves; choose one to demonstrate.

Remote Audition Requirements

• Prepare a video performance of all Live Audition Requirements and have it available to view via YouTube.
• A link to the video must be submitted with the Audition Request Form. Raw video files are not acceptable.
• Following submission of the video, the string faculty may contact the applicant for a follow-up interview via Zoom.

Violin | Viola | Cello | Double Bass | All

Cello

Updated Oct. 2020
Professor Edward Arron, earron@umass.edu,

Live Audition Requirements

• The first movement of a concerto or sonata OR an equivalent work that best represents your level of performance.
• One movement of a Bach Suite for Solo Cello

Remote Audition Requirements

• Prepare a video performance of all Live Audition Requirements and have it available to view via YouTube.
• A link to the video must be submitted with the Audition Request Form. Raw video files are not acceptable.
• Following submission of the video, the string faculty may contact the applicant for a follow-up interview via Zoom.

Violin | Viola | Cello | Double Bass | All

Double Bass

Updated Oct. 2020
Professor Salvatore Macchia, smacchia@music.umass.edu
David Casali, adjunct bass faculty

If applying for the Jazz Bass program (Fumi Tomita, jazz bass faculty), click here. Jazz Bass applicants are not required to perform a classical bass audition, but are required to study on upright bass for two years.

Live Audition Requirements

Repertoire

• A sonata such as those by Marcello, Telemann, Eccles or the first movement of the Dragonetti Concerto
• An etude from Simandl 30 Etudes, Storch-Hrabe 57 Etudes, or another etude of comparable difficulty

Technique

• Two- and three-octave major and minor scales

Remote Audition Requirements

• Contact Prof. Salvatore Macchia (smacchia@music.umass.edu) to arrange an interview via Zoom after submitting an Audition Request Form.
• For the interview, please be prepared to perform Live Audition Requirements noted above as well as to discuss your musical background and goals.
• Pending on the result and direction of the interview, the student may be required to submit a video demonstrating all or part of the Live Audition Requirements. The link to the video must be sent to Prof. Macchia via the email provided above no later than Feb. 28th, 2021.

Violin | Viola | Cello | Double Bass | All