Collaborative piano audition info

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.

Requirements for collaborative piano applicants

  • Pre-screening: Required; due Dec. 1 (repertoire below)
  • Audition: Required

Please reach out to collaborativepiano@colorado.edu with questions.

Pre-screening recording

Pre-screening recordings are required for all graduate collaborative piano (including Vocal Coaching) applicants. Recordings will not be reviewed until the online application and supporting materials have been received. Live auditions will be granted to applicants chosen from these recordings. Applicants will be notified of the faculty decision no later than Dec. 15.

Recordings must be made with instrumental and vocal partners. If invited for a live audition, applicants may choose to present the repertoire previously submitted for pre-screening consideration.

Pre-screening recording requirements

The recording should feature the following repertoire:


  • Two contrasting movements of a standard sonata for violin or cello and piano, such as Franck, Brahms, Beethoven or Prokofiev
  • Two art songs of contrasting styles and character, one French and the other German (this repertoire may include - but is not limited to - the list of recommended vocal repertoire)

Applicants are required to submit their pre-screening recordings to the . The deadline for submission is Dec. 1.

Live auditions

Applicants should prepare a program comprising all elements listed below. All auditions must be presented with partners; applicants may bring their own partners when possible. Otherwise, partners will be arranged locally and applicants will have the opportunity to rehearse once with their instrumental colleagues prior to the audition. All vocal selections will be performed unrehearsed.

In addition to performance of the prepared repertoire, there will be a sight-reading component as well as an interview during the audition process. Applicants should bring a current repertoire list with them to the audition.


Master of Music repertoire requirements

  • One complete standard sonata for stringed instrument and piano, such as Franck, Brahms, Beethoven, or Prokofiev
  • The first movement of one of the following Mozart concerti:
    • Violin: K. 216 in G major, K. 218 in D major, or K. 219 in A major
    • Flute: K. 313/285c in G major

    • Oboe: K. 314/271k in C major

    • Clarinet: K. 622 in A major
    • Bassoon: K. 191/186e in B-flat major

    • Horn: K. 217, K. 447, or K. 495 in E-flat major
  • A group of six art songs of contrasting styles and character, representing the French, German and English languages.See recommendation list below.

Doctor of Musical Arts repertoire requirements

  • Two complete standard sonatas for instrument and piano, such as Franck, Brahms, Beethoven, or Prokofiev. One sonata must be for a stringed instrument and piano, the other for a wind/brass instrument and piano
  • The first movement of one of the Mozart concerti listed above
  • A group of six art songs of contrasting styles and character, representing the French, German and English languages. See recommendation list below.

Applicants should indicate their repertoire selections using the online before Jan. 1.

Questions regarding the collaborative piano program and the audition requirements can be sent to: collaborativepiano@colorado.edu.

Recommended vocal repertoire

Applicants may select art songs from the standard repertoire, and every effort will be made to partner the chosen pieces. A list of recommended repertoire follows:

German

  • J. Brahms—Botschaft
  • F. Schubert—Ganymed
 or Gretchen am Spinnrade
  • R. Schumann—²ä or Mondnacht
  • R. Strauss—Allerseelen or äԻ峦
  • 
H. Wolf—Er ists

French

  • C. Debussy—Il pleure dans mon coeur or C’est l’extase
  • H. Duparc—ʳ󾱻é or Chanson triste
  • G. Faure—Mandoline or Clair de lune

English

  • S. Barber—St. Ita’s Vision
o The Monk and His Cat
  • A. Copland
—Heart! We Will Forget Him!
  • R. Vaughan Williams—The Vagabond or The Roadside Fire

Graduate degree sheets

Collaborative piano
Roser Piano and Keyboard Program

Pre-Screening Recording Requirements:

One aria and one art song of contrasting styles performed with a singer.

Live Auditions:

Choose one of the following Mozart arias to play and sing (substitutions upon request):

  • “Hai già vinta la causa” from Le nozze di Figaro
  • “Temerari, sortite fuori di questo loco... Come scoglio” from Cosi fan tutte

Choose one of the following arias to play. A singer will be provided at the audition.

  • “No word from Tom” from Stravinsky’s The Rake’s Progress (complete)
  • “Sein wir wieder gut” from Strauss’ Ariadne auf Naxos

Choose one ensemble to play with a conductor. Be prepared to provide basic cues.

  • “Bella figlia dell’amore” quartet from Verdi’s Rigoletto
  • Quartet from the 3rd act of Puccini’s La bohème

Choose 3 art songs to play – one each in English, German, and French. A singer will be provided. Be prepared to coach any of these songs in your audition.

Choose the first movement of a standard string sonata to play. An instrumentalist will be provided.

Visit the Artist Diplomas page for more information