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.

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.

  • Scale:ÌýC chromatic scale (two octaves)
  • Solo:ÌýTwo contrasting solos or movements from major solo literature (i.e. Haydn, Hummel, Arutunian, Hindemith, Kennan, Stevens, Enesco, etc.)
  • Etudes:ÌýOne to twoÌýetudes from Charlier, Arban, Bousquet, Brandt, Goldman, Bitsch, etc.
  • Excerpts:ÌýThree to fourÌýstandard orchestral excerpts
  • It is strongly discouraged that candidates perform any region/all-state etudes.

If you choose to submit a recorded audition, submit separate and unedited recordings for each requirement.ÌýPlease check out the recorded audition guidelines for more information on submitting a recording. If you have any questions about repertoire, please contact Ryan Gardner.

Degree sheets

Trumpet studio ÌýÌýÌýÌý
Brass + percussion page

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 literatureÌý
  • Two standard orchestral excerptsÌý

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 Ìýon or beforeÌýDec. 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.ÌýCandidates should choose works that demonstrate their very best in both technical and lyrical playing.ÌýWorks by diverse composers are encouraged.

Required repertoire (live auditionsÌýonly)

  • ±á´Ç²Ô±ð²µ²µ±ð°ùÌý±õ²Ô³Ù°ù²¹»å²¹Ìý(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: BachÌýB Minor MassÌý(Credo, m. 29-47), BachÌýChristmas OratorioÌý(No. 64, m. 1-12), BachÌýMagnificatÌý(opening) or Mussorgsky/RavelÌýPictures at an ExhibitionÌý(Goldenberg and Schmuyle)
  • Sight reading:ÌýTechnical (no transposition) and Lyrical (with transposition)
  • DMA candidates should be prepared to play for 30 minutes.

Live auditions areÌýstronglyÌýpreferred. Students who are unable to travel to 91¸£ÀûÉç for a live audition may submit a high-quality recorded audition. Please see theÌýrecorded audition guidelinesÌýfor information on submitting a recording.

A live audition is required to qualify for Teaching Assistantships.ÌýApplicants 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.Ìý 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

Graduate degree sheets

Trumpet studio ÌýÌýÌýÌý
Brass + percussion page

Applications for Artist Diploma in solo instrumental performance are only accepted in percussion (marimba/vibraphone), strings (violin, viola, cello, bass, guitar, harp),Ìýjazz and woodwinds (bassoon, clarinet, flute, oboe, saxophone).Ìý

Artist Diploma in solo instrumental performance

Applications for Artist Diploma in chamber music performance are only accepted in strings (violin, viola, cello, bass).​

Applications for Artist Diploma in orchestral performance are only accepted in brass (trumpet, trombone, horn, tuba), strings (violin, viola, cello, bass, guitar, harp) and woodwinds (bassoon, clarinet, oboe).

Artist Diploma in orchestral performance