Tuba and Euphonium Audition Information
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.
For information on applying for our ensembles, visit the Ensembles section.
Audition requirements
Solo work (accompaniment optional)
- Two contrasting solos or etudes, or one piece with contrasting sections. One piece should demonstrate technical ability and the other should highlight lyrical and expressive qualities. Solos should be performed with piano accompaniment if possible (An accompanist can be provided with adequate notice for live auditions by contacting Professor Dunn).
- This repertoire may be selected from the following list (but is not limited to):
- Tuba
- Arnold, Malcolm - Fantasy, Op. 102ÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌý
- Hartley, Walter S. – Suite for Unaccompanied Tuba
- Bach, J.S., arr. Wm. Bell - Air and BoureeÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌý ÌýÌýÌýÌý
- Hindemith, Paul - Sonata for Bass Tuba
- Barat, J. Edouard, arr. Glen Smith- Introduction & Dance ÌýÌý
- Lebedev, Alexi; arr. Allen Ostrander - Concerto in One Movement
- Broughton, Bruce - Sonata (Concerto)ÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌý
- Marcello, Benedetto; trans. Little/Nelson – Sonata No. I in F
- Capuzzi, Antonio; trans. Catelinet - Andante and Rondo
- Marcello, Benedetto; trans. Little/Nelson – Sonata No. V in C
- Gregson, Edward - Concerto, mvt. 1ÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌý
- Nelhybel, Vaclav – Suite for Tuba and Piano
- Haddad, Don – Suite for Tuba Ìý Ìý Ìý Ìý Ìý Ìý Ìý Ìý Ìý Ìý Ìý Ìý Ìý Ìý Ìý Ìý Ìý Ìý Ìý Ìý Ìý
- Vaughan Williams, Ralph - Concerto for Tuba
- Euphonium
- Barat, Ed. - Andante and Allegro Ìý Ìý Ìý Ìý Ìý Ìý Ìý Ìý Ìý Ìý Ìý Ìý Ìý Ìý Ìý Ìý Ìý ÌýÌý
- Guillmant, A. - Morceau Symphonique
- Capuzzi, A. - Andante and Rondo Ìý Ìý Ìý Ìý Ìý Ìý Ìý Ìý Ìý Ìý Ìý Ìý Ìý Ìý Ìý Ìý Ìý Ìý
- Marcello, B. - Sonata in F Major
- Curnow, J. - Rhapsody for Euphonium Ìý Ìý Ìý Ìý Ìý Ìý Ìý Ìý Ìý Ìý Ìý Ìý Ìý Ìý
- Mozart, W. - Bassoon Concerto
Etude
- An etude of your choice that demonstrates tone, musicianshipÌýand technique. The etude may be selected from the following list (but is not limited to):
- Tuba
- ​BlazhevichÌý Ìý Ìý Ìý Ìý Ìý Ìý Ìý Ìý Ìý Ìý Ìý Ìý Ìý Ìý
- KoppraschÌý Ìý Ìý Ìý Ìý Ìý Ìý Ìý
- Bordogni/RochutÌý Ìý Ìý Ìý Ìý Ìý Ìý Ìý Ìý Ìý
- ShoemakerÌý Ìý Ìý Ìý Ìý Ìý Ìý Ìý
- FinkÌý Ìý Ìý Ìý Ìý Ìý Ìý Ìý Ìý Ìý Ìý Ìý Ìý Ìý Ìý Ìý Ìý Ìý Ìý Ìý
- TyrellÌý Ìý Ìý Ìý Ìý Ìý Ìý Ìý Ìý Ìý Ìý Ìý Ìý Ìý Ìý Ìý Ìý Ìý Ìý Ìý Ìý Ìý Ìý
- GregorievÌý Ìý Ìý Ìý Ìý Ìý Ìý Ìý Ìý Ìý
Euphonium
- ​Bordogni/Rochut Ìý Ìý Ìý Ìý Ìý Ìý Ìý Ìý Ìý Ìý
- Slama
- Kopprasch Ìý Ìý Ìý Ìý Ìý Ìý Ìý Ìý Ìý Ìý Ìý Ìý Ìý Ìý Ìý
- Voxman
- Tuba
If you choose to submit a recorded audition, then you can submit a single recording, unedited; but may pause between selections. Please see the Recorded audition guidelines for specific information on submitting a recording.Ìý
Degree sheets
Graduate tuba + euphonium applicants audition requirements
Pre-screening recording
Pre-screening recordings are not required for all graduate tuba/euphonium applicants.
Live auditions
Applicants should prepare a full recital. Recital repertoire should represent multiple styles (i.e. Baroque transcriptions, Classical Period, any appropriate sonatas and/or concerti from the 20th/21st centuries, unaccompanied work). All literature should be well considered for the particular degree plan you wish to enter. The audition selections will be chosen from the recital repertoire.
Four or five excerpts from the major orchestral and band literature. Typical first and/or second round selections are acceptable for both tubists and euphoniumists. Please have at least four or five ready to go. Tubists should demonstrate their proficiency on both the bass and contrabass tubas. If the applicant doubles on euphonium and wishes to include it as part of their audition, the applicant should select repertoire based on experience.
Most graduate-level auditions will have a sight-reading component as well. The literature will be selected from both familiar and unfamiliar repertoire.
Recorded auditions

Live auditions are strongly preferred. A recorded audition (live performance or studio recording) may be submitted in place of a live audition. Please see the recorded audition guidelines for information on submitting a recording.
A live audition is required to qualify for Teaching Assistantships. Applicants unable to travel for a live audition should contact their respective faculty member directly. Requirements for a recorded audition are identical to a live audition. Editing within a movement is prohibited. Any indication of editing may disqualify the candidate from admission. The recording (audio/video) must be in a digital format with high quality audio.
Please note that while recorded auditions will be given full consideration, the best demonstration of your musical ability is through a live audition.Ìý