Strings Auditions
Notes for Strings Applicants:
- Applicants must submit a screening audition for review via the Audition and Screening Dropbox on your Applicant Portal.
- Screening recordings and recorded auditions must be audio/video recordings. Audio only recordings will not be accepted.
- The repertoire performed for screening need not be identical to the repertoire performed for final audition, but must meet the requirements detailed below.
- Screening deadline: December 4.
- Final audition recordings deadline: February 1. Recordings submitted may not be those used for screening, even in circumstances where the repertoire performed is the same. In addition to submitting a recorded audition, applicants will be required to participate in a virtual meeting with applied faculty in their area of study.
- When choosing repertoire to satisfy requirements of your choice, we encourage exploring the works of composers from historically underrepresented groups, or other works that you find personally meaningful or diverse. Check the Oberlin Conservatory Library webpage Diversify your Repertoire for ideas to get started.
2024 - 2025 On-Campus Violin Audition Dates
Saturday, February 8, 2025
Sunday, February 9, 2025
Saturday, February 15, 2025
Sunday, February 16, 2025
Screening Requirements:
- One movement from a Bach solo sonata or partita
- The first or last movement of a major concerto from the 19th, 20th, or 21st century
- One étude or caprice by Paganini, Ernst, Wieniawski, Dont, or Rode; or a short virtuosic work or movement for solo violin
Final Audition Requirements:
- One movement from a Bach solo sonata or partita
- The first or last movement of a major concerto from the 19th, 20th, or 21st century
- One étude or caprice by Paganini, Ernst, Wieniawski, Dont, or Rode; or a short virtuosic work or movement for solo violin
- One work or movement of the applicant's choice
We are committed to a diversity of voices in the literature. Works by composers from historically underrepresented groups are especially welcome in all choice categories. The required work by Bach; movement of a concerto; and étude, caprice, or short virtuosic work should be performed by memory for both screening and final audition performances.
2024 - 2025 On-Campus Viola Audition Dates
Saturday, February 8, 2025
Sunday, February 9, 2025
Saturday, February 15, 2025
Sunday, February 16, 2025
Screening Requirements:
- One movement of a significant concerto or sonata
- One movement of a Bach solo piece
Final Audition Requirements:
- One movement of a significant concerto or sonata
- Two contrasting movements of a Bach solo piece
- One piece of the applicant's choice
The faculty encourages the applicant to choose a work by composers from historically underrepresented groups or a work of their own composition. Compositions chosen should demonstrate the applicant's ability in phrasing, sustained playing, and technical facility, including legato and staccato at varied tempi.
2024 - 2025 On-Campus Cello Audition Dates
Saturday, February 8, 2025
Sunday, February 9, 2025
Saturday, February 15, 2025
Sunday, February 16, 2025
Screening Requirements:
- One movement of a standard concerto
- Two movements of a Bach suite
Final Audition Requirements:
- One movement of a standard concerto - if you plan to play the first movement of either the Elgar: Concerto in E minor or Shostakovich: Cello Concerto No. 1, please also prepare the second movement
- One complete étude by a composer such as Duport, Popper, etc.
- Two movements of a Bach suite
- One piece of the applicant's choice
The faculty encourages the applicant to choose a work by composers from historically underrepresented groups or a work of their own composition. Compositions chosen should demonstrate the applicant's ability in phrasing, sustained playing, and technical facility, including legato and staccato at varied tempi. In recorded audition materials, piano accompaniment for the concerto is preferred but not required.
2024 - 2025 On-Campus Double Bass Audition Dates
Saturday, February 8, 2025
Saturday, February 15, 2025
Screening Requirements:
- Two or more selections from final audition requirements listed below, totaling approximately ten minutes of playing
Final Audition Requirements:
Choose three of the following bulleted requirements:
- Two contrasting movements (or pieces) from the concerto, sonata, or similar repertoire
- One or two movements from any of the Bach Cello Suites or any comparable piece or movement composed before 1750
- Three contrasting excerpts from the standard orchestral repertoire
- One piece composed after 1950, may be by a living composer
The faculty encourages the applicant to choose a work by composers from historically underrepresented groups or a work of their own composition.
2024 - 2025 On-Campus Harp Audition Dates
Saturday, February 15, 2025
Sunday, February 16, 2025
Screening Requirements:
- One solo piece of the applicant's choice
- One orchestral excerpt of the applicant's choice
- Additional works may be submitted, but are not required
Final Audition Requirements:
- Two contrasting solos of the applicant's choice
- One orchestral excerpt of applicant's choice
- Additional works may be submitted, but are not required
2024 - 2025 On-Campus Classical Guitar Audition Date
Saturday, February 15, 2025
Screening Requirements:
- Two contrasting pieces of the applicant's choice
- One major scale (any), two or three octaves
Final Audition Requirements:
- Three contrasting pieces of the applicant's choice, at least one should be written before 1900
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One major scale (any), two or three octaves
Compositions chosen should demonstrate the applicant's ability in phrasing, sustained playing, and technical facility, including legato and staccato at varied tempi.