Performance & Audition Videos
Audition videos should be submitted to ccheng@csusm.edu by March 18, 2022 to assess the musicianship of in-coming students.
In addition to acceptance to CSUSM all freshmen and transfer students must meet basic
performance proficiency standards for their instrument and complete a written theory
placement exam (at 70%) in order to begin taking core courses leading to the B.A.
in Music or Music Minor programs. Students should prepare a brief performance that
demonstrates these proficiencies Standard Etude Repertoire. Each student will have a maximum of 15 minutes to complete the proficiencies listed
below. Faculty will evaluate the overall performance considering technique, expression,
intonation and interpretation.
Piano
- Scales and arpeggios in all major and harmonic minor keys; hands together in four
octaves.
- Proficient sight-reading skills.
- Proficient harmonization skills to provide basic harmonies to any melody - ability
to read standard Roman numeral symbols.
- Three solo pieces from three different eras: baroque, classical, romantic, 20th century,
or contemporary.
Contact: Dr. Cheng chcheng@csusm.edu for approval of repertoire.
Voice
Perform three songs; one each from three different categories/genres:
- Western art songs
- Jazz / American musical theater
- Folk (of any ethnic tradition)
- Country
- Religious
- Contemporary pop / R&B
All three selections must be memorized, two of the song selections must use an accompanist,
and one should be sung a Capella. Pre-recorded accompaniment will not be accepted.
CSUSM will provide an accompanist for a $20 fee, and a score must be provided at least
two-weeks prior to the audition.
Contact Dr. Imara mimara@csusm.edu for approval of repertoire.
Composition
Potential composition students must demonstrate proficiency on piano (intermediate
level), voice or one of the band/orchestral instruments listed below. Additionally,
composition students must submit two examples of original musical works. This may
include songs, compositions for a solo instrument, and/or ensembles.
Contact: Dr. Imara mimara@csusm.edu for approval of repertoire.
Music Technology
Potential music tech students must demonstrate proficiency on piano, voice or one
of the band/orchestral instruments listed below.
Contact: Dr. Bradbury bradbury@csusm.edu for approval of repertoire and other qualifications.
Percussion & Drum Set
- One standard solo or etude (marimba)
- Major scales – one octave [through 4 sharps and 4 flats] (marimba)
- Two contrasting etudes from standard repertoire (snare drum)
- Play time demonstrating at least three different rhythmic styles; e.g. samba, Afro
Cuban (clave, mambo), funk, rock, shuffle, etc. (drum set)
- Trade 4’s, 8’s or chorus on a standard jazz composition (drum set)
- Sight reading
Orchestral Strings & Guitar
- Major scales – one octave [through 4 sharps and 4 flats]
- Solo or etude from Standard Repertoire
- Sight reading
- An excerpt from a piece of any genre that best reflects your overall musicianship.
[No orchestral excerpts]
Woodwinds & Brass
- Major scales – one octave [through 4 sharps and 4 flats] & chromatic scale
- Sight reading
- An etude from the Standard Etude Repertoire
- An excerpt from a piece of any genre that best reflects your overall musicianship
[no orchestral or wind ensemble excerpts]
Standard Etude Repertoire for Band & Orchestral Instruments
Woodwinds
Bassoon
Flute
- Andersen
- Berbiguier
- Cavally
- Moyse
Clarinet
- Jeanjean
- Polatscheck
- Rose
- Sadigursky
Oboe
- Barret
- Ferling
- Ployhar
- Sellner
-
Staska
Saxophone
- Berbiguier Ferling
- Klose
- Mule
- Niehaus
Brass
F Horn
- Andraud
- Maxime/Alphonse
- Ployar
- Reynolds
- Shoemaker
Low Brass
Trombone
- Bordogni
- Hering
- Raph/Rochut
- Staska
Trumpet
- Arban
- Bitsch
- Brandt
- Hering
Strings
Violin
- Don't
- Fiorillo
- Kreutzer
- Wohlfahrt
Viola
- Don't
- Fiorillo
- Kreutzer
- Wohlfahrt
Cello
- Bach
- Duport
- Klengel
- Lee
- Minsky
- Schroeder
Bass
Guitar
- Bernal
- Carcassi
- Moszkowski
Percussion
Marimba
- Buton
- Cirone
- Difilippantonia
- Richards
Snare Drum