Official auditions for entry into the WMU School of Music happen several times a year. Please visit the main School of Music website for more information about audition dates
Audition Requirements for the Tuba Euphonium Studio
Your audition will be performed for tuba euphonium professor Deanna Swoboda. You will have approximately 15 minutes for your audition.
Euphonium Audition Requirements: You will be asked to perform a solo of your choice OR two contrasting etudes (technical/lyrical) and your major scales 2 octaves. For a solo you might consider a piece such as Morceau Symphonique and selected etudes from Bordogni and/or Voxman books. Selected sight reading will be part of your audition as well.
Tuba Audition Requirements:You will be asked to perform a solo of your choice OR two contrasting etudes (technical/lyrical) and your major scales 2 octaves. For a solo you might consider the first movement of the Gregson Tuba Concerto or the first movement of the Haddad Suite for Tuba. Instead of a solo you may perform 2 contrasting etudes (one technical/one lyrical). Scales and selected sight reading will be part of your audition as well. Etudes books to consider when selecting your etudes would be Bordogni Melodius Etudes and Blazevich Etudes.
Audition Tips
1. Be prepared. Prepare your music as much as possible prior to the audition. The more you have practiced your music ahead of time, the more comfortable you will be. Consider playing your audition for your family and friends, or possibly playing your solo for solo and ensemble. The more performances you give, the easier it gets!
2. GPA is important! In order to be successful as a music major, it is important that you maintain a good high school gpa. A music major has one of the busiest schedules on campus and you will have to maintain a GPA in order to be admitted into your program of study.
3. Learn music theory. During your audition process, you will be asked to take a theory placement exam. This exam is necessary for placement into the appropriate music theory course at Western. Ask your high school band director how you can brush up on your theory ahead of time.
4. Scales and arpeggios: Know your major sclaes and arpeggios two octaves. Always practice with your metronome for evenness of your fingers and play with a full, resonant tone quality.
5. Be confident and have fun! The more prepared your are, the more confident you will be and the more fun you will have.
There are many wonderful careers in music to choose from. Like any major you choose, it takes hard work, persistence, and dedication. The reward is doing something that you love to do and getting paid for it in the end! Good luck and I look forward to meeting you.
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