Live Audition OR Video Upload Audition *equal consideration granted to both audition methods

Live Audition Applicants

• Indicate preferred audition city/date within application
• Live auditions are granted in the order that applications are received
• Some audition dates may fill prior to the application deadline, so early applications are encouraged
• Review audition schedule prior to submitting an application to verify if your preferred date is still available
• Live audition appointments will be communicated by email after the application deadline
• Live auditions are filmed by Academy administration for review by Academy faculty/adjudicators. Faculty are present on select dates to observe live auditions

Video Upload Audition Applicants

• Upload one continuous, unedited audition video within the online application (upload one video, not separate tracks; do not stop the camera between repertoire selections)
• Videos must be unaccompanied
• Avoid backlighting (do not record in front of a window unless curtains/shades are fully closed)
• Ensure your music stand is not blocking the camera’s view of you and your instrument
• Video file must have been recorded within the past year and may not be the same file submitted during a previous Music Academy application season.
• For best video upload speed, we recommend the following internet browsers: Chrome, Safari and Firefox (the most updated versions of each)

Application deadlines are through 11:59 pm Pacific Time

2020 Voice Program / Oct 6, 2019 (this deadline has passed)

2020 Vocal Piano Program / Oct 20, 2019 (this deadline has passed)

2020 Collaborative Piano Programs / Jan 6, 2020

2020 Instrumental Programs 

• Live Audition Requests for Strings, Winds, Brass, Percussion / Jan 6, 2020
• Video Upload Auditions for Strings, Winds, Brass, Percussion, Harp / Feb 10, 2020

2020 Solo Piano Program Video Upload Auditions required / Feb 10, 2020

Voice and Vocal Piano Results announced in Early December.
Instrumental and Solo Piano, and Collaborative Piano Audition Results Announced the first week of March.

VIEW SCHEDULE

Violinists have the option of a Live Audition or Video Upload Audition
Audition selections must be unaccompanied; the standard concerto should be performed first.                                   

1. First movement exposition from a standard concerto of the 19th or 20th century (with no cadenza).
   *If you choose the Sibelius Concerto, play until five bars after Reh 7—this includes the cadenza.
2. First movement exposition of Mozart Concerto Nos. 3, 4, or 5 (exposition only, no cadenza)
3. Brahms, Symphony No. 4 in E Minor, Mvt 3, Allegro giocoso, beginning to Letter “B”

Video Upload Audition applicants:

• Label Festival Video File according to this format: “2020 Festival Audition – Last Name, First Name, Violin”
• Upload one continuous, unedited audition video within the online application
  (upload one video, not separate tracks; do not stop the camera between repertoire selections).
• Ensure your music stand is not blocking the camera’s view of your arms, hands, face, or instrument
• Avoid backlighting (do not record in front of a window unless curtains/shades are fully closed)
• Include a verbal statement at the end of your audition video answering the following question in two minutes or less:
  “What are your goals for a summer at the Music Academy, as well as your professional goals?”If necessary, the verbal statement may be uploaded as a separate track from your audition repertoire video.
• See complete list of video audition instructions outlined within “Audition Requirements for Strings, Winds, Brass & Percussion” link above

Audition selections must be unaccompanied.

1. One movement of a standard viola concerto
2. The Prelude movement from any of the solo Bach Cello Suites, or solo violin Sonatas or Partitas
3. A Romantic or Classical Sonata (2-3 minutes from any movement)

Violists have the option of a Live Audition or Video Upload Audition.

Video Upload Audition applicants:

• Upload one continuous, unedited audition video within the online application
  (upload one video, not separate tracks; do not stop the camera between repertoire selections).
• Avoid backlighting (do not record in front of a window unless curtains/shades are fully closed)
• Include a verbal statement at the end of your audition video answering the following question in two minutes or less:
  “What has been one of your most treasured and memorable musical moments – one that had a big impact on you and why?” If necessary the verbal statement may be uploaded as a separate track from your audition repertoire video. If necessary, the verbal statement may be uploaded as a separate track from your audition repertoire video.
• See complete list of video audition instructions outlined within “Audition Requirements for Strings, Winds, Brass & Percussion” link above

All selections must be unaccompanied.

1. Up to three minutes from any standard concerto.
2. Up to 3 minutes of a movement from any solo cello music – Bach or any other work for unaccompanied cello.
3. Richard Strauss, “Ein Heldenleben” – beginning to 5 bars after rehearsal number 5. DOWNLOAD PDF
4. Beethoven String Quartet, Op. 127 – Scherzo opening to bar 36; Finale bar 153-176. DOWNLOAD PDF

Cellists have the option of a Live Audition or Video Upload Audition.

Video Upload Audition applicants:

• Upload one continuous, unedited audition video within the online application
  (upload one video, not separate tracks; do not stop the camera between repertoire selections).
• Avoid backlighting (do not record in front of a window unless curtains/shades are fully closed)
• Include a verbal statement at the end of your audition video answering the following question in two minutes or less:
  “Why would you like to spend a summer at the Music Academy of the West?” If necessary, the verbal statement may be uploaded as a separate track from your audition repertoire video.
• See complete list of video audition instructions outlined within “Audition Requirements for Strings, Winds, Brass & Percussion” link above

All selections must be unaccompanied.

(In this order)             

1. J.S. Bach, Suites 1-6 for cello solo in key of applicants choice:
Any one Courante or Gigue, without repeats
OR
Any one pair of Menuets, Bourées, or Gavottes, without repeats or Da Capos.

2. First movement exposition of one of the following concertos:

• Bottesini, Concerto No. 2
• Vanhal, Concerto
• Koussevitzky, Concerto (beginning through m. 40)

3. Mozart, Symphony No. 35, Mvt 4, mm.134 – 181
4. Strauss, Ein Heldenleben, rehearsal [9] – 5 after [12]
5. Ginastera, Variaciones Concertantes, solo

Double Bassists have the option of a Live Audition or Video Upload Audition.

Video Upload Audition applicants:

• Upload one continuous, unedited audition video within the online application
  (upload one video, not separate tracks; do not stop the camera between repertoire selections).
• Avoid backlighting (do not record in front of a window unless curtains/shades are fully closed)
• Include a verbal statement at the end of your audition video answering the following question in two minutes or less:
  “Why would you like to spend a summer at the Music Academy of the West?” If necessary, the verbal statement may be uploaded as a separate track from your audition repertoire video.
• See complete list of video audition instructions outlined within “Audition Requirements for Strings, Winds, Brass & Percussion” link above

All selections must be unaccompanied.

1. Mozart, G Major Concerto, Mvt I, exposition only
2. Mendelssohn, Midsummer Night’s Dream, Scherzo, two before [P] to end
3. Stravinsky, Firebird Suite (1919), Firebird Variation
4. Ravel, Daphnis and Chloé, Suite No. 2, solo
5. Brahms, Symphony No. 4, Mvt 4, solo beginning at bar 93

Flutists have the option of a Live Audition or Video Upload Audition.

Video Upload Audition applicants:

• Upload one continuous, unedited audition video within the online application (upload one video, not separate tracks; do not stop the camera between repertoire selections)
• Avoid backlighting (do not record in front of a window unless curtains/shades are fully closed)
• Include a verbal statement at the end of your audition video answering the following question: “What are your three favorite pieces?” If necessary, the verbal statement may be uploaded as a separate track from your audition repertoire video.
• See complete list of video audition instructions outlined within “Audition Requirements for Strings, Winds, Brass & Percussion” link above

 All selections must be unaccompanied.

1. Mozart, Oboe Concerto, Mvt 3 (Rondo Allegretto), mm. 1-119
2. R. Strauss, Don Juan, slow solo only
3. Brahms, Symphony No. 1, Mvt 2 solos
4. Rossini, La Scala di Seta, fast solo only
5. Tchaikovsky, Symphony No. 4, Mvt 2 solo

Oboists have the option of a Live Audition or Video Upload Audition.

Video Upload Audition applicants:

• Upload one continuous, unedited audition video within the online application (upload one video, not separate tracks; do not stop the camera between repertoire selections)
• Avoid backlighting (do not record in front of a window unless curtains/shades are fully closed)
• Include a verbal statement at the end of your audition video answering the following question:“What do you believe are your strengths and/or weaknesses as a young professional oboist?” If necessary, the verbal statement may be uploaded as a separate track from your audition repertoire video.
• See complete list of video audition instructions outlined within “Audition Requirements for Strings, Winds, Brass & Percussion” link above

Bb and A Clarinets

All selections must be unaccompanied and in the following order.

• Mozart, Clarinet Concerto, Mvt 2, mm. 1-54 Please do not count or play the tutti passage mm. 9-15 and mm. 25-31 (A clarinet)
• Kodály, Dances of Galánta, mm. 31-66 (A clarinet)
• Mendelssohn, A Midsummer Night’s Dream, Scherzo, mm. 1-48 (Bb clarinet)
• Brahms: Symphony No. 3, Mvt 2, mm. 1-23 (Bb clarinet)

Clarinet applicants have the option of a Live Audition or Video Upload Audition.

Video Upload Audition applicants:

• Upload one continuous, unedited audition video within the online application (upload one video, not separate tracks; do not stop the camera between repertoire selections)
• Avoid backlighting (do not record in front of a window unless curtains/shades are fully closed)
• Include a verbal statement at the end of your audition video answering the following question: ”What are two reasons you would want to attend the Music Academy, and why? If necessary, the verbal statement may be uploaded as a separate track from your audition repertoire video.
• See complete list of video audition instructions outlined within “Audition Requirements for Strings, Winds, Brass & Percussion” link above

All selections must be unaccompanied.

1. Solo piece, concerto or sonata movement of applicant’s choice
   (3 minutes maximum) *If Mozart bassoon concerto, present the first movement exposition only
2. Mozart, Symphony No. 41 (Jupiter), Mvt 4, mm. 65-172
3. Rimsky-Korsakov, Scheherazade, Mvt 2, solo (no cadenzas)
4. Ravel, Boléro, solo

Bassoonists have the option of a Live Audition or Video Upload Audition.

Video Upload Audition applicants:

• Upload one continuous, unedited audition video within the online application (upload one video, not separate tracks; do not stop the camera between repertoire selections)
• Avoid backlighting (do not record in front of a window unless curtains/shades are fully closed)
• Include a verbal statement at the end of your audition video answering the following question: “What do you hope to accomplish at the Music Academy this summer” If necessary, the verbal statement may be uploaded as a separate track from your audition repertoire video.
• See complete list of video audition instructions outlined within “Audition Requirements for Strings, Winds, Brass & Percussion” link above

All selections must be unaccompanied and in the following order:

• Strauss, Concerto No. 1, Op. 11, exposition
• R. Strauss, Ein Heldenleben, beginning to [2]
• R. Strauss, Don Quixote, Variation 7, Horn 2
• Strauss, Till Eulenspiegel, opening
• Shostakovich, Symphony No. 5, Op. 47, Mvt 1, rehearsal Nos. 17-21
• Wagner, Götterdämmerung, Siegfried short call

Horn players have the option of a Live Audition or Video Upload Audition.

Video Upload Audition applicants:

• Upload one continuous, unedited audition video within the online application (upload one video, not separate tracks; do not stop the camera between repertoire selections)
• Include a verbal statement at the end of your audition video answering the following question: “If selected for enrollment, how will you be a team player?”
  If necessary, the verbal statement may be uploaded as a separate track from your audition repertoire video.
• See complete list of video audition instructions outlined within “Audition Requirements for Strings, Winds, Brass & Percussion” link above

All selections must be unaccompanied and in the following order:

1. Honegger, Intrada, beginning to Allegro
2. Mahler, Symphony No. 5, opening solo
3. Stravinsky, Petrushka, Ballerina’s Dance, pick-up to mm. 135-139
4. Strauss, Don Juan, slow solo after letter F
5. Mussorgsky, Pictures at an Exhibition, Goldenberg & Schmuyle mm. 58-61

Trumpet Players have the option of a Live Audition or Video Upload Audition.

Video Upload Audition applicants:

• Upload one continuous, unedited audition video within the online application (upload one video, not separate tracks; do not stop the camera between repertoire selections)
• Required Video Angles:
  • Capture your image above the shoulders, not a head-to-toe image
  • Ensure your music stand is not blocking the camera’s view of your face
  • Avoid backlighting (do not record in front of a window unless curtains/shades are fully closed)
• Include a verbal statement at the end of your audition video answering the following question:“What do you hope to accomplish while at the Music Academy?” If necessary, the verbal statement may be uploaded as a separate track from your audition repertoire video.
• See complete list of video audition instructions outlined within “Audition Requirements for Strings, Winds, Brass & Percussion” link above

All selections must be unaccompanied and in the following order:

Tenor Trombone

1. Frank Martin, Ballade, solo – beginning through [6] (pedal B flat)
2. Mozart, Requiem, Tuba Mirum, solo
3. Berlioz, Hungarian March (2nd trombone part) 6 before [4] to 3rd bar of [5]
4. Ravel, Boléro, solo
5. Wagner, Ride of the Valkyries, B Major solo section

Bass Trombone

1. Bach, Cello Suite No. 5, Sarabande (no repeats)
2. Haydn, The Creation, Mvt 26, beginning to letter C
3. Wagner, Ride of the Valkyries, B Major section
4. Kodály, Háry János Suite, solo
5. Strauss, Ein Heldenleben, [62] to two after [65]

Tuba

1. Vaughan Williams, Tuba Concerto, Mvt 2, [1] to 3 before [3], and 2 before [4] to [5]
2. Berlioz, Symphonie fantastique, Mvt 4, [56] – 6th after [57]
3. Prokofiev, Symphony No. 5, Mvt I, [3] – [6], one before [23] to [24]
4. Wagner, Ride of the Valkyries, B-Major section
5. Hindemith, Symphonic Metamorphoses on Themes by Weber, Turandot, 4th bar of [L] to [O]

Trombone and Tuba applicants have the option of a Live Audition or Video Upload Audition.

Video Upload Audition applicants:

• Upload one continuous, unedited audition video within the online application (upload one video, not separate tracks; do not stop the camera between repertoire selections)
• Required Video Angles:
  • Capture your image above the shoulders, not a head-to-toe image.
  • Make the camera zoom in on your right-side profile (not straight ahead of you nor your left-side profile) so your instrument’s bell does not block your face within the camera angle.
  • Ensure your music stand is also not blocking the camera’s view of your right profile.
  • Avoid backlighting (do not record in front of a window unless curtains/shades are fully closed)
• Include a verbal statement at the end of your audition video answering the following question: “What would be your goals for a summer at the Music Academy?” If necessary, the verbal statement may be uploaded as a separate track from your audition repertoire video.
• See complete list of video audition instructions outlined within “Audition Requirements for Strings, Winds, Brass & Percussion” link above

Solos

• Short marimba solo or étude of choice
• Snare drum solo: Etude No. 9 from Delécluse 12 Etudes

Snare Drum

• Prokofiev, Lieutenant Kijé Suite, Op. 60, The Birth of Kijé beginning and end
• Rimsky-Korsakov, Scheherazade, Mvt 3, [D] to [E]; Mvt 4, [P] to [U], condense rests before S
• Rimsky-Korsakov, Capriccio Espagnol, Mvt 4

Xylophone

• Gershwin, Porgy and Bess, four after [13] – [15] (standard excerpt from the Overture)
• Copland, Appalachian Spring, 48 to four after 49
• Kabalevsky, Colas Breugnon (all)
• Kodály, Háry János, Mvt 6 (all)

Glockenspiel

• Dukas, The Sorcerer’s Apprentice, [17] – [20]
• Mozart, The Magic Flute (Goldenberg book, p. 102)
• Respighi, Pines of Rome, Mvt 1, seven after [2] – end of the Mvt

Timpani

• Martin, Concerto for Seven Winds, 5 after 18 to 7 after 22
• Beethoven, Symphony No. 9, Mvt 1, coda only
• Tchaikovsky, Symphony No. 4, Mvt 1, four before [T] through the passage; include all ff roll at end of passage

Sight-reading may be requested

Live Audition applicants:

• Faculty are present to adjudicate live percussion/timpani auditions.
• Live Auditions are 15 minutes each. Faculty will select from the list above during the live auditions.
• Indicate preferred audition city/date within application. Live auditions are granted in the order that applications are received. Some audition dates may fill prior to the application deadline, so early applications are encouraged. Review audition schedule prior to submitting an application to verify if your preferred date is still available.
• Live audition appointments will be communicated by email following the application deadline.

Video Upload Audition applicants:

• Upload an unedited video audition recording with the following reductions to the above repertoire list: After the two solos, play only the first two excerpts from the lists for snare drum, xylophone, glockenspiel, and timpani.
• Videos must be recorded in the order above.
• Upload one continuous, unedited audition video within the online application (upload one video, not separate tracks; do not stop the camera between repertoire selections).
• Video file must have been recorded within the past year and may not be the same file submitted during a previous Music Academy application season.
• For best video upload speed, we recommend the following internet browsers: Chrome, Safari and Firefox (the most updated versions of each).

The harp fellow performs as a member of the Academy Festival Orchestra, receives private lessons, and participates in public masterclasses, chamber music ensembles, and solo performances as opportunities become available. The harpist is eligible to participate in the annual Duo Competition, through which the winners receive a cash prize and recital tour. The London Symphony Orchestra Keston MAX Exchange is not available for harp.

Repertoire Requirements (four selections)

• One solo
• Three orchestral excerpts

Video Upload Audition

• Harp applicants must apply online and upload a video audition within the online application
• Video Upload Auditions ONLY (no live auditions)
• Video audition may be one continuous video, or separate tracks for each repertoire selection
• Video file must have been recorded within the past year and may not be the same file submitted during a previous Music Academy application season
• Videos must not be edited
• For best video upload speed, we recommend the following internet browsers: Chrome, Safari and Firefox (the most updated versions of each)

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