Trumpet audition information
All undergraduate applicants must apply to the University of Colorado and complete a College of Music Admission Application. Applications may be obtained online through the Admissions section. Undergraduate auditions will not be scheduled until both applications have been received. Graduate students need only complete the graduate application.
For information on applying for our ensembles, visit the Ensembles section.
Undergraduate application instructions
Graduate application instructions
Audition requirements
Audition material is flexible and—while there is no required repertory list—candidates should choose works that demonstrate their very best in both technical and lyrical playing.
- :C chromatic scale (two octaves)
- Solo:Two contrasting solos or movements from major solo literature (i.e. Haydn, Hummel, Arutunian, Hindemith, Kennan, Stevens, Enesco, etc.)
- Etudes:One to twoetudes from Charlier, Arban, Bousquet, Brandt, Goldman, Bitsch, etc.
- Excerpts:Three to fourstandard orchestral excerpts
- It is strongly discouraged that candidates perform any region/all-state etudes.
If you have any questions about repertoire, please contact Ryan Gardner.
Applicants may choose to audition in-person or remotely. To audition remotely, applicants must complete bothofthe following:
- Submit a recording
- Register for a Zoom interview with faculty.
More information about the audition process and recording specifications can be found .
Essay prompt
A short music essay is required with your application. Upload the essay on your status page. Please choose one of the following prompts:
- Tell us why you would like to be a music major, describe your most powerful musical experience and list your future goals as a musician. Comment on your musical background and share anything else you would like us to know.
- “Music lets you rediscover your humanity, and your connection to humanity.” -Hans Zimmer. In what ways do you believe music can or should connect people across difference?
Degree sheets
Graduate trumpet applicant requirements
Pre-screening recording
A pre-screening video is required for all graduate trumpet applicants.
Required repertoire (pre-screening recording only)
- One movement of a standard concerto or sonata or five to eight minutes from a single-movement work
- One contrasting piece (solo or etude) from the trumpet literature
- Two standard orchestral excerpts
It is important that you record these selections with a high-quality microphone. If you would like to include other pieces of your choice, these will be listened to. Please feel free to submit supporting materials such as a resume or biography but these are not required.
All pre-screening recordings must be submitted online to the on or beforeDec. 1. Students are encouraged to upload supporting materials along with their recordings.
Live auditions
Students invited to the in-person auditions will be notified of their acceptance to the auditions by late December.
For the most part, audition material is flexible.Candidates should choose works that demonstrate their very best in both technical and lyrical playing.Works by diverse composers are encouraged.
Required repertoire (live auditionsonly)
- DzԱԳٰ岹(MM and DMA applicants), and one contrasting solo from the trumpet literature (MM applicants) or two additional contrasting works including a full concerto (DMA applicants)
- Two etudes–select from Charlier, Bitsch, Smith Top Tones, etc.
- Three standard excerpts
- One excerpt from the following: BachB Minor Mass(Credo, m. 29-47), BachChristmas Oratorio(No. 64, m. 1-12), BachMagnificat(opening) or Mussorgsky/RavelPictures at an Exhibition(Goldenberg and Schmuyle)
- Sight reading:Technical (no transposition) and Lyrical (with transposition)
- DMA candidates should be prepared to play for 30 minutes.
Live auditions arestronglypreferred. Students who are unable to travel to 山 for a live audition may submit a high-quality recorded audition. Please see therecorded audition guidelinesfor information on submitting a recording.
A live audition is required to qualify for Teaching Assistantships.Applicants unable to travel for a live audition should contact Dr. Ryan Gardner. Requirements for a recorded audition are identical to a live audition. Editing within a movement is prohibited. Any indication of editing may disqualify the candidate from admission. The recording (audio/video) must be in a digital format with high quality audio. Please note that while recorded auditions will be given consideration, the best demonstration of your musical ability is through a live audition. Recorded auditions will not be considered for merit-based financial aid.
If the candidate has any questions about repertoire, please contact Dr. Ryan Gardner.
Artist Diploma auditions
For information on auditioning on trumpet for the Artist Diploma program, see the documents below
- Artist Diploma in solo performance
- Artist Diploma in chamber music performance
- Artist Diploma in orchestral performance