Audition for the Cello Program
Eastern Michigan University’s School of Music & Dance is accepting undergraduate and graduate applications for the upcoming academic year! The following are cello audition requirements and guidelines. The audition will last approximately 15–20 minutes and is an important part of the application process. Please try to attend an official audition date if possible. All candidates must submit an online application. International students, please visit International Admissions for additional information and support.
2023-2024 Audition Dates
During the academic year, EMU School of Music & Dance auditions will be offered with the choice of in-person or remote. If you chose to audition remotely, after you complete the audition application, send an email to Dr. Babcock expressing that you would like to audition remotely.
Please prepare an instrument/voice audition using these guidelines.
If you are auditioning remotely, create a video of your audition and post it as unlisted to YouTube. Send the link to the video to [email protected] no later than 1 day prior to your chosen audition date. Accompaniment for remote auditions (live or pre-recorded) is required for vocal auditions only.
Friday, November 3, 2023
Friday, January 12, 2024
Friday, February 9, 2024 (cello only)
Friday, March 15, 2024 (cello only)
The typical audition day schedule for those auditioning in-person in January, February and March is as follows:
8 a.m. – Registration and refreshments – Alexander Music Building lobby
8:30 a.m. – Welcome session – Alexander Recital Hall
You'll receive written confirmation of your audition day via email approximately two weeks prior to the scheduled audition.
Audition Requirements
Undergraduate repertoire requirements:
- 3-Octave Galamian Scales:
- Choose 2 keys from the list (Key of Eb, F, G, Ab, A, or Bb) and play the major, melodic minor, and harmonic minor scales in each corresponding key using the Galamian scale method. Download Scale PDF.
- Metronome: quarter note equals 60 with scales in eighth notes.
- Scales must be played slurred, four notes to a bow as shown in the highlighted green box (refer to Scale PDF). Please be sure you are using the full length of the bow and distributing the bow evenly among all four notes in each slur.
- Scales must be played for memory in both in-person and remote auditions.
- Etude of choice (Popper, Duport, Piatti, or other technical study)
- Two solo selections presenting contrasting styles chosen from the standard repertoire. Piano accompaniment is welcome but not required.
Graduate repertoire requirements:
- Etude (Popper, Duport, Piatti, or other technical studies)
- Two contrasting movements, one of which is the Prelude, from one of the Bach unaccompanied suites.
- An allegro movement from the standard cello concerto literature. Piano accompaniment is welcome but not required.
*Movements of Bach and the concerto must be memorized.
Music Minor repertoire requirements:
- Choice of two major scales (3 octaves, if applicable)
- One solo selection demonstrating your level of playing. Piano accompaniment is welcome but not required.
- 3-Octave Galamian Scales:
How to Apply (Step-by-Step)
University Application
All prospective students must submit an online application to Eastern Michigan University prior to auditioning for the school. Additionally, prospective students must be accepted by the university to be considered for a music scholarship. International students, please visit International Admissions for additional information and support.
School of Music & Dance Application
All prospective music students must submit an undergraduate music application or graduate music application to the School of Music & Dance at least seven days prior to the audition date. As part of this process, applicants will provide names and contact information for two recommenders.
Audition Day
- Principal instrument/voice audition - Required of all applicants.
- Music Literacy Assessment or Music Theory Exam (undergraduate or graduate) - Required of all applicants.
- Program interview - Required of Music Education and Music Therapy applicants.
- Piano placement exam - Students with 2-4 years of previous keyboard experience are encouraged to take this exam to determine which semester of piano is appropriate.
- Audition day schedule - (January, February, March)
Audition Results
Official audition results are determined by the Director of the School of Music & Dance based on the recommendations of the music faculty and are mailed to the applicant, normally within ten business days of the audition.
Not ready to apply, but want to know more about EMU Music?
Questions?
If you have questions concerning the Music & Dance application process, please contact Dr. Donald Babcock, admissions coordinator.
Students with disabilities who feel that they may need an accommodation to complete the admissions process should contact Dr. Donald Babcock at [email protected] for assistance.