Woodwinds, Brass & Percussion

Master of Music in Performance
Audition Requirements and Other Essentials

The Master of Music in Performance is an applied-based degree requiring 30 units of study in private lessons, ensembles, chamber music, history and literature, and theory. The Cal State Fullerton School of Music faculty include nationally and internationally recognized performers. Students thrive in an environment large enough to engage in challenging, vital music-making, but intimate enough for specialized individual attention. For those intending to pursue doctoral studies, the Master of Music degree normally leads to the DMA.

Auditions as well as Scholarship Auditions for the Master of Music in Performance degree are normally held in Spring (for Fall semester entrance) and each semester (Fall or Spring) during Registration Week, just prior to the start of school. It might be possible to arrange an audition at another time convenient to the student; however, this is unlikely to include scholarship consideration. Under certain circumstances, a video recorded audition may be used for preliminary assessments of ability; however, a live audition is always required.

Flute, Oboe, Clarinet, Bassoon, Saxophone

The student should be prepared to perform three contrasting selections of their choice but representative of the major solo repertoire for their instrument (i.e., at least one piece should be a concerto or a sonata) and two orchestral excerpts. Ideally, at least two style periods would be represented. Accompaniment is not required for this year's audition.  However, applicants may use a piano accompanist at their own expense for their audition recording.

Trumpet, Horn, Trombone, Euphonium, Tuba

The student should video record three contrasting selections of their choice but representative of the major solo repertoire for their instrument (i.e., at least one piece should be a concerto or a sonata). Ideally, at least two style periods would be represented. Accompaniment is not required for this year's audition.  

Percussion

Graduate Percussion applicants please prepare:

If you do not have access to percussion equipment, please contact Professor Sycil Mathai to discuss your audition options.  

1. Mallets:  1 two-mallet solo AND 1 four-mallet solo demonstrating graduate-level abilities.
   Two major orchestral excerpts on any mallet instrument (ex. Porgy and Bess Xylophone or Pines of Rome/ Sorcerers Apprentice Glockenspiel)
2. Snare Drum: Any Delecluse Etude or equivalent, and two major orchestral excerpts (examples-Scherezade or Lt. Kije). Demonstrate a long roll on the snare drum starting ppp and gradually crescendoing to FF and then gradually back down to ppp. 
3. Timpani (Due to pandemic, Timpani is optional for this year's entrance audition recording): Any 3-drum or 4-drum Etude from Peters Fundamental Method for Timpani OR any Delecluse Timpani Etude OR equivalent, AND two major orchestral excerpts (ex Beethoven 9,7 or 5, Tchaikovsky Sym. 4) 
4. Scales:  Ab Major and C# Harmonic minor (both two octaves). 

These Selections should be representative of the major solo repertory of each instrument at the level of a Bachelor’s degree graduate in instrumental performance.