Music Academy of the West

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How to Apply

Deadlines, Fees, Audition Schedule & more

Application Requirements & Deadlines

Application Form

APPLY HERE

Application Deadlines

Application deadlines are through 11:59 pm Pacific Time

2019 Voice, Vocal Piano & Collaborative Piano Programs / Oct 15, 2018

2019 Solo Piano Program Video Upload Auditions required / Jan 15, 2019

2019 Instrumental Programs 

  • Live Audition Requests for Strings, Winds, Brass, Percussion / Jan 15, 2019
  • Video Upload Auditions for Strings, Winds, Brass, Percussion, Harp / Feb 15, 2019

Application Fees

  • Voice, Vocal Piano & Collaborative Piano Programs: $50
  • Instrumental & Solo Piano Programs: $75

Fees can be paid online using a credit card. Money orders, cash and checks are not accepted. Academy fellows attend on full scholarship including free tuition, housing and meals. A $400 enrollment fee is due upon acceptance of a Fellowship invitation. After completion of the summer program, $200 will be refunded minus deductions in the event of loss or damage to any Academy property.

Out of fairness to all applicants, the application and enrollment fees cannot be waived.

Age Requirements

  • Minimum age is 18
  • Maximum age is 34 (27 for string players)

Audition Locations & Schedule

VIEW SCHEDULE

Alumni Eligibility

All alumni are welcome to re-apply. Enrollment is limited to a maximum of three summers for all studios.

Festival, Arrival, and Departure Dates

Festival: Jun 17 – Aug 10

Arrival: Jun 14/15  * Select vocal piano, voice, and string fellows will be asked to arrive several days earlier for pre-season training

Departure: Aug 11

Application FAQs

Level of education required to apply

There is no minimum education level required. However, please note most applicants are currently in the process of their undergraduate or graduate degrees in music.

Letters of Recommendation

Letters of recommendation are not required.

International Applicants & Documentation

Applications are welcome for international students. Those residing overseas (outside North America) at the time of the auditions may submit a video upload audition in lieu of a live audition, if advanced to the Live Audition Round.

International students do not need any special documentation to accompany the application. If enrolled, international students must have an United States F-1 student visa and Form I-20 (certificate of non-immigrant student status) or OPT (optional practical training) status covering the summer festival dates. Canadians are visa exempt but still must have Form I-20. US permanent residents must simply provide a copy of the permanent resident card if enrolled. Music Academy staff will help guide international students through the visa process and can issue Form I-20 to those not already enrolled in a US program, but all visa documents and fees are the student’s responsibility. If an international student is graduating from a US school prior to the Music Academy program, the student’s I-20 may be transferred to the Music Academy.

Late Application Submissions

Late application submissions will depend upon the program and/or audition availability. If interested in submitting a late application, please contact the Admissions Office prior to completing the application.

Applying to more than one program of study

Applicants may apply to more than one program (Vocal, Vocal Piano, Collaborative Piano, Instrumental, Solo Piano). An application and application fee is required for each individual program. Should you be accepted into two programs, you would need to select one in which to enroll.

Required Enrollment Materials

  • Signed Enrollment Agreement
  • $400 Enrollment Fee ($200 of which is a refundable security deposit)
  • Online Enrollment Form collecting important information such as emergency contacts, professional biography, etc.

Timeline to receive audition time

1-2 weeks following the application deadline, applicants will receive audition appointment details via email.

Timeline to receive admissions results

Voice, Vocal Piano and Collaborative applicants receive admissions results in early December.
Instrumental and Solo Piano applicants receive admissions results in early March.

Audition & Repertoire Requirements

Audition Requirements for Strings, Winds, Brass & Percussion (see rep listed separately)

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 following the application deadline. Live auditions are filmed by Academy administration for later 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. 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).

Violin

Audition selections must be unaccompanied            

  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, Finale, mm. 33-80

Violinists 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 in two minutes or less:
    “What are your goals for a summer at the Music Academy, as well as your professional goals?”

Viola

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).
  • 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.

Cello

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).
  • 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?”

Double Bass

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).
  • 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?”

Flute

All selections must be unaccompanied.

  1. Mozart, D Major or 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, “P espressivo”

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)
  • Include a verbal statement at the end of your audition video answering the following question: “What are your three favorite pieces?”

Oboe

 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)
  • 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?”

Clarinet

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)
  • Beethoven: Symphony No. 6, Mvt 2, mm. 69-78 (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)
  • 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?

Bassoon

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. 65-158
  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)
  • 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”

Horn

All selections must be unaccompanied and in the following order:

  • Strauss, Concerto No. 1, Op. 11, exposition
  • R. Strauss, Ein Heldenleben, beginning to [2]
  • Mussorgsky, Pictures at an Exhibition, promenade solo
  • Strauss, Till Eulenspiegel, opening
  • Beethoven, Symphony No. 7, Op. 92, Mvt 1, Vivace, mm. 84-110 (2nd bar of letter C)
  • 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 can you contribute to the Music Academy?”

Trumpet

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)
  • 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?”

Trombone / Tuba

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)
  • The camera angle only needs to 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 profile.
  • 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?”

Percussion / Timpani

Solos

  • Short marimba solo or étude of choice
  • Snare drum solo: Etude no. 1 from Delécluse 12 Etudes
  • Short timpani solo or étude of choice

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

Timpani/Percussion applicants have the option of a Live Audition or Video Upload Audition.

Live Auditions are 15 minutes each. Faculty will select from the list above during the live auditions.

Video Upload Audition applicants:
Applicants who do not audition live must upload an unedited video audition recording with the following reductions to the above repertoire list: After the three 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.

Harp

AUDITION PROCESS: Video Upload Audition ONLY (no live auditions)

  • Videos may be uploaded to the online application as 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. See 2019 repertoire requirements for your studio below.

The harp fellow performs as a member of the Academy Festival Orchestra, receives private lessons, and participates in public masterclasses and chamber music ensembles as opportunities become available. The harpist is offered additional solo performance opportunities, including recitals and public outreach concerts.

Harp applicants must apply online and upload a video audition along with the application.

1. One solo
2. Three orchestral excerpts

Solo Piano

AUDITION PROCESS: Video Upload Audition ONLY (no live auditions)

Video Upload Auditions must include three works for solo piano (i.e. no concertos)

  • One work must be a Classical Sonata
  • Applicants are strongly encouraged, but not required, to include a work written after 1945
  • All three submitted works must be complete unless the piece is commonly excerpted (e.g. Claude Debussy, Preludes; György Ligeti, Etudes)

Each piece should have its own recording/”track”; multi-movement works may be on separate tracks.

Performances included in the Video Upload Audition must have been recorded within one year of the application submission.

Include three references, including your primary teacher, on the application.

Application Form

APPLY HERE

For admissions inquiries, please email [email protected]