Audition Requirements
General Information | Audition Dates
Private Instruction Readiness Self-Assessment
Private Instruction Auditions | Ensemble Auditions
Instruments Taught at Metro State
Private instruction for music majors and minors is available for the following instruments:
Piano, Voice, Strings, Woodwinds, Brass, Percussion,
Classical Guitar, Electric Guitar, Electric Bass,
Jazz Guitar, Jazz Bass, Jazz Piano
Upcoming Audition Dates:
Sat., Jan. 9, 2010
Sat., April 17, 2010
Sat., Aug. 7, 2010
Important General Information
QUALIFICATIONS:
- Students must demonstrate sufficient prior musical experience in order to be eligible for private instruction.
- Students must be eligible to take Theory I or higher in order to audition for private instruction.
- Students must pass an audition to be accepted into the private instruction program for their instrument.
AUDITION APPOINTMENT:
- Auditions for each semester are typically held one to two weeks before classes start, as well as during the spring semester.
- Contact the music office to sign up for the audition; 303-556-3180.
- The Private Lesson Request Form must be completed prior to scheduling the audition.
WHAT TO EXPECT:
- Appropriate attire at the audition is expected and appreciated
- Auditions are usually approximately 12-15 minutes in length.
- Audition results will be made available within several days following the audition.
- Plan to arrive at least 15 minutes prior to the scheduled audition time
- A warm-up area will be available; check at the Music Office prior to the audition time
TRANSFER STUDENTS:
- Students, especially transfer students, who have studied previously may present a list of repertoire
*NOTE: Entrance into Music Theory I and Music Theory Lab I are required in order to begin enrollment in private instruction. It is advisable to assess theory readiness before proceeding.
Private Instruction Readiness Self-Assessment Questionnaire:
Check all that apply in both LIST 1 and LIST 2:
LIST 1:
I have studied with a private instructor in my primary instrument area for (specify)
years
I have taken class instruction I and/or II at Metro State in my instrument area
I have at least one piece of music in the classical/art music repertoire that I am ready to perform for an audition
I can play major scales and/or minor scales
I can sight-read music
I have performed several times as a soloist
LIST 2:
I have never had private lessons in my primary instrument area
I have never had class instruction or I had class instruction outside of Metro State
I do not play classical/art music
-
If you checked at least four items on LIST 1 and one or fewer on LIST 2, you are eligible to register for private instruction in your instrument area and should sign up for an audition.
-
If you checked three or fewer of the items on LIST 1 and some items on LIST 2, you would benefit from further assessment by one of our studio instructors prior to auditioning, but may register for private instruction and sign up for an audition in your instrument area.
-
If you checked only one or more items on LIST 2, you should register for class instruction at Metro State and/or arrange for outside private instruction to prepare for an audition in a future semester.
If you believe you are not prepared to audition for private instruction, we encourage you to consult the coordinator of private instruction for your area in order to guide your own private study before auditioning.
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Voice – Dr. MeeAe Nam (namm@mscd.edu)
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Strings – Alejandro Rivas (arivas2@mscd.edu)
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Woodwind/Brass/Percussion – Dr. David Kish (dkish@mscd.edu)
-
Piano – Dr. Tamara Goldstein (goldstet@mscd.edu)
-
Guitar – Alex Komodore (komodore@mscd.edu)
-
Composition – Dr. Fred Hess (hess@mscd.edu)
- Jazz – Ron Miles (milesr@mscd.edu)
If you are uncertain whether you qualify for private instruction, we highly encourage you perform an audition in order to ascertain your readiness.
NOTE: Students who are enrolled in private instruction must also be enrolled in the required primary ensemble for their instrument area
Private Instruction Auditions
The audition for private instruction generally consists of at least three components: basic skills, such as playing scales; performing prepared repertoire; and sight-reading. For the most current information on audition requirement detailss for all instrument areas,, download Audition Requirements for Private Instruction (pdf document).
Ensemble Auditions
Several ensembles require a successful audition for participation, including Symphony Orchestra, Wind Ensemble, and Choral and Jazz Ensembles. Auditions are held during the first week of classes each semester. For most ensembles, these auditions are discussed in the first meeting of the ensemble and then held at a subsequent class meeting. For jazz combos, sign-up sheets will be posted on the bulletin board outside the music office for auditions during the first week of class; combos will be formed after auditions.
For additional audition information, contact the following ensemble directors/coordinators:
Choral: Dr. Michael Kornelsen (kornelse@mscd.edu)
Symphony Orchestra: Alejandro Rivas (arivas2@mscd.edu)
Wind Ensemble, Symphonic or Concert Band: Dr. David Kish (dkish@mscd.edu)
Jazz Ensemble/Combos: Ron Miles (milesr@mscd.edu)
Accompanying for Pianists: Dr. Tamara Goldstein (goldstet@mscd.edu)
Guitar Ensemble: Alex Komodore (komodore@mscd.edu)
All ensembles hold auditions during the first week of class. Check the departmental bulletin board the week prior to semester start-up for ensemble-specific information. Go to the first scheduled ensemble/rehearsal for more information about the audition process.