Entrance Auditions

Please contact Dr. Laura Kellogg at laura.kellogg@ndsu.edu for any questions pertaining to the audition requirements, and/or to schedule an audition.

Undergraduate Students (Incoming Freshmen & Transfer Students)

1. Scales:

  • All Major scales up to two sharps/two flats (At least two octaves)
  • Chromatic scale (Full Range)

2. Two contrasting works, preferably from the standard repertoire.

3. Sight reading may be included.

Graduate Students (MM only):

1. Scales (Taffanel & Gaubert and/or Moyse patterns are suggested):

  • All Major & Minor scales (harmonic & melodic) (Full Range)
  • Chromatic scale (Full Range)
  • Excerpts: 3-4 Standard Orchestral Excerpts

2. Two contrasting works, preferably from the standard repertoire.

3. Sight-reading may be included.

Please contact Prof. Philip McKenzie at philip.mckenzie@ndsu.edu for any questions pertaining to the audition requirements, and/or to schedule an audition.

Undergraduate Students (Incoming Freshmen & Transfer Students):

1. Scales:

  • All Major Scales (Two or more octaves)
  • Chromatic Scale (Low B-flat to high D above staff)
  • Works may be chosen from studies and or contrasting movements of oboe sonatas/concerti.

2. Two contrasting works (ONE technical & ONE lyrical)Suggested Repertoire- Selections may be chosen from but not limited to: Studies

  • W. Ferling: Studies (No.1-48)
  • Barret: Studies (forty progressive melodies)

Solos

  • R. Schumann: 3 Romances
  • D. Cimarosa: Concerto
  • C. Saint Saens: Sonata for oboe and piano

3. Sight Reading

Graduate Students (MM only)

1. Scales:

  • All Major Scales (Two or more octaves)
  • Any two Minor Scales: (Two or more octaves)
  • Chromatic Scale (Low B-flat to 3rd octave G above staff)
  • Works may be chosen from contrasting movements of clarinet sonatas/concerti.

2. Two contrasting complete works (ONE technical & ONE lyrical).Suggested Repertoire- Selections may be chosen from but not limited to:

Solos

  • C. Saint Saens: Sonata
  • P. Hindemith: Sonata
  • F. Poulenc: Sonata
  • W.A. Mozart: Concerto or Quartet
  • B. Britten: Six Metamorphoses
  • Marcello: Concerto

3. Sight Reading

Please contact Dr. Cassie Keogh at Cassie.Keogh@ndsu.edu for any questions pertaining to the audition requirements, and/or to schedule an audition.

Undergraduate Students (Incoming Freshmen & Transfer Students):

1. Scales

  • All Major scales up to two sharps/two flats
  • Chromatic scale (full comfortable range)
  • Please prepare all slurred and all articulated patterns for all of the scales.
  • These works may be chosen from studies and or contrasting movements of standard clarinet studies/sonatas/concerti.

2. Two contrasting works (ONE technical & ONE lyrical).Suggested Repertoire- Selections may be chosen from but not limited to:
Studies

  • C. Rose: Studies (Set of 40)
  • C. Rose: Studies (Set of 32)
  • D. Hite: Melodious and Progressive Studies
  • D. Hite: Melodious and Progressive Studies

Solos

  • G. Tartini: Concertino (Arr. Gordon Jacobs)
  • G. Finzi: Five Bagatelles
  • C. Saint Saens: Sonata
  • C. Stamitz: Concerti
  • C.M. Weber: Concertino and Concerti
  • Other approved work by Dr. Keogh

Graduate Students (MM & DMA):

1. Scales:

  • All Major Scales (Full Range)
  • All Minor Scales: (Harmonic & Melodic in full range)
  • Chromatic Scale (Full Range)
  • Please prepare all slurred and various articulation patterns for all major and minor scales.
  • These works may be chosen from studies and or contrasting movements of clarinet studies/sonatas/concerti.

2. Two contrasting works (ONE technical & ONE lyrical).Suggested Repertoire- Selections may be chosen from but not limited to:
Studies

  • C. Rose: Studies (Set of 32 or 40)
  • Polatschek: Advanced Studies for Clarinet
  • Cavallini: 30 Caprices
  • Baermann: Complete Method for Clarinet
  • J.S. Bach: Partitas & Suites

Solos

  • C. M. von Weber: Concertino
  • R. Schumann: Fantasy Pieces (I or II)
  • W.A. Mozart: Concerto (I or II)
  • I. Stravinsky: Three Pieces
  • Other approved work by the instructor.

3. Two Contrasting Orchestral Excerpts

4. Sight Reading

Please contact Dr. Matthew Patnode at Matthew.Patnode@ndsu.edu for any questions pertaining to the audition requirements, and/or to schedule an audition.

Undergraduate Students (Incoming Freshmen & Transfer Students):

1. Scales:

  • Chromatic scale (low Bb to high F or F#.)
  • s.

2. Two contrasting works (ONE technical & ONE lyrical).These works may be chosen from studies and or contrasting movements of original saxophone works or etude
Suggested Repertoire- Selections may be chosen from but not limited to:
Studies

  • Ferling: 48 Famous Studies
  • Voxman: Selected Studies for Saxophone
  • Rubank Advanced Method Volume 1 and/or Volume 2
  • Mule: 18 Exercises after Berbiguer

Solos

  • Paul Creston: Sonata
  • Bernhard Heiden: Sonata
  • Lawson Lunde: Sonata
  • Glazounov: Concerto
  • Gurewich: Concerto
  • Other approved work by Dr. Patnode.
  • (Optional) Jazz standard or blues approved by Dr. Patnode

Graduate Students (MM & DMA):

1. Scales:

  • All majors and harmonic minors (Full Range & Various Articulation Patterns)
  • Broken Thirds
  • The works may be chosen from studies and or contrasting movements of saxophone sonatas/concerti.

2. Two contrasting works (ONE technical & ONE lyrical).Suggested Repertoire: Please contact Dr. Patnode
3. Sight Reading

Please contact Dr. Martin Van Klompenberg at m.vanklompenberg@ndsu.edu for any questions pertaining to the audition requirements, and/or to schedule an audition.

Undergraduate Students (Incoming Freshmen & Transfer Students)

1. Scales

  • F, G major 2 octaves
  • C, B-flat major 3 octaves
  • F chromatic 2 octaves
  • The works may be chosen from studies and or contrasting movements of bassoon sonatas/concerti.

2. Two contrasting works (ONE technical & ONE lyrical).Suggested Repertoire- Selections may be chosen from but not limited to:
Studies

  • Weissenborn Studies for Bassoon
  • Rubank Advanced Method for Bassoon
  • Ozi Caprices

Solos

  • Jenni Brandon: Colored Stones
  • Concert and Contest Collection (Rubank)
  • Schoenbach: Solos for the Bassoon Player
  • Weissenborn: Any solo
  • Telemann: Sonata in f minor
  • Vivaldi: Any concerti

3. Sight Reading

Graduate Students (MM only):

1. Scales:

  • All 12 major scales in 2 octaves
  • F harmonic and melodic minor 2 octaves
  • Bb harmonic and melodic minor 2 octaves
  • Bb chromatic 3 octaves
  • The works may be chosen from studies and or contrasting movements of bassoon sonatas/concerti.

2. Two contrasting works (ONE technical & ONE lyrical).Suggested Repertoire:
Studies

  • Milde
  • Ozi
  • Weissenborn
  • Jancourt

Solos

  • Hindemith: Sonata
  • Saint-Saens: Sonata
  • Mozart: Concerto in Bb
  • Weber: Concerto in F
  • Bourdeau: Premiere Solo
  • Hummel: Concerto in F
  • Weber: Andante and Hungarian Rondo
  • Zwilich: Concerto for Bassoon and Orchestra

3. Sight Reading

Please contact Dr. Jeremy Brekke at jeremy.brekke@ndsu.edu for any questions pertaining to the audition requirements, and/or to schedule an audition.

Undergraduate Students (Incoming Freshmen & Transfer Students)

1. Scales

  • Major Scales (slurred, one octave) three will be asked
  • Chromatic scale (playable range)

2. Two contrasting musical selections (ONE lyrical & ONE technical) 2-5 minutes each in length, accompaniment is optional. Suggested Repertoire- Selections may be chosen from but not limited to:
Studies

  • J. L. Small: Twenty Seven Melodious and Rhythmical Studies
  • H. L. Clarke: Technical Studies (etudes)
  • J. B. Arban: Characteristic Studies

Solos

  • Haydn, Hummel or Neruda Trumpet Concerti
  • Balay: Andante and Allegro
  • Ropartz: Andante and Allegro
  • Clarke: Maid of the Mist
  • Barat: Andante and Scherzo
  • Goedicke: Concert Etude

Graduate Students (MM & DMA)

Please contact Dr. Brekke for audition repertoire.

Please contact Prof. Kayla Nelson at kayla.l.nelson@ndsu.edu for any questions pertaining to the audition requirements, and/or to schedule an audition.

Undergraduate Students (Incoming Freshmen & Transfer Students)

1. Scales:

  • Any scales in full range - minimum of two
  • One work from the following or any other piece approved by the instructor

2. Solos:Suggested Repertoire:

  • Mozart: Concerto (Any Movement)
  • Strauss: Concerto No.1 (Movement I)
  • Strauss: Nocturno
  • Saint Saens: Moreau de Concert (Movement I)
  • Any other piece approved by the instructor

lease contact Prof. Connor Challey at Connor.Challey@ndsu.edu for any questions pertaining to the audition requirements, and/or to schedule an audition.

Undergraduate Students (Incoming Freshmen & Transfer Students)

Tenor Trombone and Euphonium:

1. Scales:

  • Major Scales: Bb, C & F (Two octaves)
  • Two Contrasting Works

2. Solos:Suggested Repertoire:
Studies:

  • Bordogni/Rochut: Melodious Etudes, Vol. 1
  • Arban: Complete Method

Solos:

  • Galliard: Sonata No. 1
  • Guilmant: Morceau Symphonique
  • Hasse: Hasse Suite
  • Ropartz: Andante et Allegro
  • Saint-Saens: Cavatine
  • Telemann: Sonata in F minor
  • David: Concertino (Tenor Trombone only)
  • Jacob: Fantasia (Euphonium only)

Bass Trombone:

1. Scales:

  • Same with Bb Major down to pedal Bb
  • Two Contrasting Works

2. Solos:Suggested Repertoire- Selections may be chosen from but not limited to:
Studies:

  • Bordogni/Rochut: Melodious Etudes, Vol. 1 (8ba/Loco)
  • Arban Complete Method
  • Bordogni/Ostrander: Melodious Etudes for Bass Trombone
  • Gillis: 20 Studies
  • Grigoriev: 24 Studies

Solos:

  • Hoffman: The Big Horn
  • Koetsier: Allegro Maestoso
  • Lebedev: Concerto in One Movement
  • Lieb: Concertino Basso
  • Tcherepnin: Andante
  • Telemann: Sonata in F minor

Undergraduate Students (Transfer Upper Class)

Solos:
Same as Incoming Freshmen with more focus on (depending on level of experience):

  • Tenor Trombone: Guilmant and David
  • Euphonium: Guilmant and Jacob
  • Bass Trombone: Lebedev and Telemann

Graduate Students (MM & DMA):

1. Scales:

  • C, D & F Major (2 octaves), Bb Major (3 octaves)

Studies: Same as above

Solos: Contact Prof. Challey

Please contact Prof. Connor Challey at Connor.Challey@ndsu.edu for any questions pertaining to the audition requirements, and/or to schedule an audition.

Undergraduate Students (Incoming Freshmen & Transfer Students)

  1. Scales:
    1. Major Scales: Bb (Two Octaves), C & F (One Octave)
    2. Two Contrasting Works (Etudes or Solo)
  2. Solos:Suggested Repertoire:
    1. Studies:
      1. Bordogni/Rochut: Melodious Etudes, Vol. 1
      2. Blazhevich Book 1
      3. Arban: Complete Method
    2. Solos:
      1. Capuzzi: Andante and Rondo
      2. Gregson: Tuba Concerto
      3. Haddad: Suite for Tuba
      4. Lebedev: Concerto in One Movement
      5. Marcello: Sonata No. 1 in F Major
      6. Barat: Introduction and Dance
      7. Bach: Air and Bouree

If you have any questions pertaining to the audition process, and/or to schedule an audition, please contact Dr. Daniel Lee at daniel.lee.3@ndsu.edu.

Undergraduate Students (Incoming Freshmen & Transfer Students)

  • Two selections or movements that contrast in tempo and style, one of which may be an etude.

Please contact Dr. Mark DeMull at mark.demull@ndsu.edu for any questions pertaining to the audition requirements, and/or to schedule an audition.

Undergraduate Students (Incoming Freshmen & Transfer Students)

Snare Drum

Concerto Solo:

  • Cirone: Portraits in Rhythm (Any Etude)
  • Contact Dr. DeMull for suggestions

Rudimental Solo (Optional)

Mallet Instruments

Scales: C Chromatic, Bb Major, D Harmonic Minor- (3 Octaves, Ascending & Descending)

“2” Mallet Solo Suggested Repertoire- from the following books:

  • McMillan: Masterpieces for Marimba
  • Goldenberg: Modern School for Xylophone, Marimba, Vibraphone (Any Etude)
  • Contact Dr. DeMull for suggestions

“4” Mallet Solo (Optional)

Timpani

Firth: The Solo Timpanist

Drum Set (Optional)

Contact Dr. DeMull for suggestions

Graduate Students (MM & DMA):

Please contact Dr. DeMull for suggestions.

Voice Performance: Graduate Audition Information and Requirements

General Information

The NDSU Challey School of Music is accepting applications for graduate degrees in voice performance for the 2025-2026 academic year.

Live Auditions: An in-person audition is strongly preferred for all graduate applicants in voice performance. A live audition will be arranged after you have completed the graduate application and successfully passed the pre-screening audition (see Pre-Screening Requirements below). If you are unable to travel to Fargo a live audition, a video audition can be arranged.

Application Deadline: The NDSU Graduate School accepts applications for graduate study on a rolling basis throughout the year. However, to be fully considered for an assistantship in music, please submit your completed graduate application and pre-screening recordings by the December 1, 2024 (priority deadline). Assistantship consideration is possible after this date if awards remain available.

Video Auditions: In-person auditions are strongly preferred to video auditions. However, the voice faculty will review your application based on video recordings if you cannot travel to Fargo for a live audition. In order to qualify for a video audition, you must submit recordings of all your required audition selections as well as complete an interview via Zoom or a similar platform. Both components are required in order to gain admission to the Challey School of Music. Please contact our voice faculty to discuss this alternative application route and to make arrangements. Refer to the audition repertoire requirements in the yellow box below for the MM and DMA programs.

IMPORTANT: We cannot schedule your audition (or review your video audition) until you have successfully completed your application to the NDSU Graduate School. We recommend applying to the Graduate School as soon as possible and notifying Dr. Charlette Moe, Director of Graduate Studies in Music, by email.

QUESTIONS: If you have any questions regarding the audition requirements or audition process, please email our voice faculty at voice.faculty@ad.ndus.edu.

Pre-screening Requirements

All MM and DMA applicants must submit a pre-screening recording to the NDSU Voice Faculty (priority deadline December 1, 2024). Recordings should meet the following requirements:

  • MM Applicants: One art song and one aria (opera or oratorio) showcasing different languages, styles and moods.
  • DMA Applicants: Three contrasting selections. At least one art song and at least one aria from opera or oratorio showcasing different languages, styles, and moods.
  • ALL Applicants: Your pre-screen recordings should be videos that clearly show you performing your selections in a live, un-edited setting. Your body should be visible from the knees up. Your videos should be submitted as YouTube or Vimeo links.

Master of Music in Voice Repertoire Requirements

  1. Prepare four classical vocal selections:
    1. At least 1 aria from an opera or an oratorio, mass, cantata, etc.*** sung in the original language and key.
    2. At least 1 art song in English.
    3. At least 1 art song in French or German.
    4. A fourth selection of your choosing.
  2. All repertoire must be sung from memory.
  3. Your selections must be contrasting in a variety of keys and moods and must represent a variety of major musical eras chosen from the Renaissance, Baroque, Classical, Romantic, and/or Modern periods.
  4. Your selections must cover English plus at least two languages chosen from French, German, and Italian. Additional languages such as Russian, Czech, Spanish, and Latin are welcome in the audition, but are not required.

Doctor of Musical Arts in Voice Repertoire Requirements

  1. Prepare six classical vocal selections:
    1. At least 1 opera aria in the original key and language.
    2. At least 1 aria from a standard oratorio, mass, cantata, etc.*** in the original key and language.
    3. At least 1 art song in English.
    4. At least 1 art song in French.
    5. At least 1 art song in German.
    6. A sixth selection of your choosing.
  2. All repertoire must be sung from memory.
  3. Your selections must be contrasting in a variety of keys and moods and must represent at least three major musical eras chosen from the Renaissance, Baroque, Classical, Romantic, and/or Modern periods.
  4. Your selections must demonstrate proficiency in English, French, German, and Italian lyric diction. Additional languages such as Russian, Czech, Spanish, and Latin are welcome in the audition, but are not required.

***Exception: Arias from oratorio, mass, cantata, etc. may be sung in English translation if doing so is considered standard performance practice, for example: arias from Mendelssohn’s Elijah or Haydn’s Creation.

What to Expect at Your Audition

On the day of your in-person audition, you will start with the selection of your choosing, and the voice faculty will select pieces to be heard from the remaining titles on your audition list. A pianist is provided to you, free of charge. You will have an opportunity to rehearse with your pianist prior to your audition. After your sung audition, you will complete a brief interview with the voice faculty.

Collaborative Piano

The NDSU Collaborative Piano Program will be facilitating live auditions as well as accepting video auditions for applicants wishing to audition for the 2025-2026 academic year.

For those wishing to travel to Fargo, ND for a live audition: Please contact Dr. Tyler Wottrich to discuss dates and audition repertoire so that we can secure appropriate vocal and instrumental partners for your audition. Refer to the audition requirements in the yellow box below. For those submitting a video audition: Please contact Dr. Tyler Wottrich to discuss submission of your audition video as well as to arrange an interview by Zoom or comparable platform. Refer to the audition requirements in the box below.

For your audition to the NDSU Collaborative Piano programs, please prepare an audition program that includes the following repertoire (comparable repertoire substitutions may be permitted on a case-by-base basis):

  • An outer movement of a Sonata by Beethoven or Brahms for violin, cello, or clarinet; or the 2nd movement of the Franck Violin Sonata.
  • A set of three or more contrasting art songs, including at least one song by Franz Schubert

And, for D.M.A. applicants only, either one of the following arias:

  • Any Mozart operatic aria

OR

  • The first movement of the Fauré A Major Violin Sonata

If you have any questions regarding the audition requirements, please contact Dr. Tyler Wottrich at Tyler.Wottrich@ndsu.edu or 701.231.7884.

Challey School of Music

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