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Graduate choral conducting applicant requirements​

Pre-screening recording

Pre-screening audition videos should be prepared with the following content and specifications:

1. Your video, recorded in “high-definition” within the last three years, should be uploaded to through the application portal.
2. It should include approximately 10 minutes of you teaching in a live choral rehearsal on two contrasting pieces (preferably from different style periods).
3. It should also include approximately 10 minutes of you conducting in a performance setting.
4. It should include brief samples of warm-ups and tuning exercises with your choir. 
5. The video camera should be pointed towards you with a portion of your choir in view.
6. The video camera should have high-quality sound recording capabilities.

Applicants are required to upload their Pre-screening audition video online to the  by Dec. 1.

Live auditions

Applicants will be invited to conduct a brief portion of a live rehearsal with one of the ŷ���ڱ���Ƶ Choirs. In addition, you will be asked to sing a vocal solo (folk song, art song or aria— memorization not required) and will interview with the choral faculty as well as the resident choral graduate students.

Recorded auditions


Live auditions are strongly preferred. Though not encouraged, 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 merit-based aid. 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, or video) must be in a digital format with high quality audio. Instead of auditioning live, after submitting the preliminary tape, you can send in another recording. Please note that while recorded auditions will be given full consideration, the best demonstration of your musical ability is through a live audition.

1. The video camera should be pointed at you—that is from a chorister's perspective—and with quality sound production equipment 

2. Include brief samples of vocalises and tuning exercises with your choir. 

3. Be sure to include approximately 10 minutes of your leadership in a live choral rehearsal on two 
contrasting pieces (preferably from different style periods) 

4. Also, please include 5-10 minutes of your conducting in a performance setting. 


Graduate degree sheets

• MM choral conducting
• MM choral conducting (with secondary emphasis in voice performance)
• DMA conducting + literature (choral)

Choral studies    
Conducting

Graduate Orchestral Conducting Applicant Requirements

Pre-Screening + Audition Procedures

Not accepting MM nor DMA applications for the Fall 2025 cycle

Submit the following prescreening material to the :

• A face to the camera video of performance that is approximately 30 minutes in length.  The repertoire is the applicant’s choice, but ideally will include contrasting styles.
• A list of repertoire including works studied and works performed.
• Questions regarding the prescreening materials should be directed to Gary Lewis, Director of Orchestral Studies.
• Based on prescreening materials, selected applicants will be invited to campus for a live audition in February or early March.

On-Campus Audition

Invited applicants will conduct the Chamber Orchestra and/or the ensemble in the Graduate Conducting Seminar.  The audition repertoire will be communicated with the candidate upon being invited to campus. 

There will also be an interview with Mr. Lewis.  This will include questions relating to the work(s) conducted during the audition and other works communicated to the candidate.  These questions may be related to historical or theoretical aspects of these works.  The candidate may also be asked to sing parts or rhythms from the works to be discussed.  You may use the score for this portion of the interview.

Graduate Degree Sheets

• MM orchestral conducting
• DMA conducting + literature (orchestral)

Orchestral studies
Conducting

The University of ŷ���ڱ���Ƶ Boulder offers both masters and doctoral degrees in wind conducting. These programs are designed to offer a wide variety of opportunities for the graduate conductor who is interested in an academic or professional conducting career. ŷ���ڱ���Ƶ Boulder provides opportunities with our three concert bands and our athletic band program.

Pre-screening + audition procedures

Submit the following pre-screening materials to the .

• A face to the camera video that is approximately 30 minutes in length. The video should include 15 minutes of rehearsal and 15 minutes of performance. The repertoire is the applicant’s choice, but should represent a variety of tempi and style. 

• A repertoire list of pieces conducted in performance. 

• Doctoral applicants ONLY: In addition to the materials above, please include a written analysis of a work from the standard wind repertoire. 


Questions regarding the pre-screening material should be directed to Matthew Dockendorf, Interim Director of Bands.

Based on the pre-screening materials, selected applicants will be invited to an on-campus audition that will take place in February

On-campus audition

Graduate Wind Conducting auditions take place in late February. Invited applicants will complete a 20-minute audition with the ŷ���ڱ���Ƶ Wind Symphony or Symphonic Band. The audition repertoire will be chosen in consultation with the candidate and the wind conducting faculty.

There will also be an interview with the wind conducting faculty.

Graduate degree sheets

• MM wind conducting
• DMA conducting + literature (wind)

Wind conducting     
Conducting