(Please note that your declaration of major can be changed at any time. If you are interested in more than one degree, please let us know at the time of your audition.)
Bachelor of Music in String Performance
For those who aspire to a career in performance and further study on the graduate level. Student advancement through performance levels is determined by a jury of the string faculty. All Bachelor of Music Performance Majors must successfully complete the 464 level on their instrument, present a partial junior and a full senior recital.Bachelor of Music in Music Education
For the future public school teacher. This degree qualifies one for the teaching of elementary, junior and/or senior high school music. Music Education majors must reach the 364 level and successfully complete 4 credits of study at this level. In addition to string study, this degree provides instruction on piano, voice, woodwind, brass and percussion instruments.Bachelor of Music/Business
This innovative curriculum provides students with additional career opportunities in the music industry. The program includes an internship with an established member of the music business community.Bachelor of Arts
For the student whose interest is less vocationally minded, but still wishes to pursue a music major.Music Minor
For the student whose music interest is strong, but still secondary to some other area.Masters Degrees
Graduate degrees are offered in String Performance, String Performance/Pedagogy and Music Education.
University Admissions Applications
Applications will be taken on a first-come, first-serve basis until the enrollment maximum has been reached. Last year, in 2002, no students were admitted past June 1st. This year the enrollment is expected to be even heavier, and an earlier cut-off date may be established. Don’t take any chances, apply for admission to the university as soon as possible!
(Please note that no scholarships can be offered unless you have been admitted to the university. You must contact the Admissions Office to apply for admission to CWU. You will receive notification directly from them indicating your admission status. )
CWU Office of Financial Aid and Scholarships Applications
Scholarships up to full tuition for four years are available through the University for qualified applicants. Information about university academic scholarships, grants and loans is available in the Office Financial Aid and Scholarships , 963-3049.
Farrell Merit Scholarships
After their first year, music students maintaining a 3.25 grade point are eligible to apply for a Farrell Merit Scholarship--which funds research projects in the fine arts. These scholarships not only fund expenses, but also pay for tuition and books. more info
MUSIC ADMISSIONS AND SCHOLARSHIP AUDITIONS
AUDITION INFORMATION
As with all NASM accredited music departments, you must audition for the music faculty in order to be accepted into the program as a major or minor and be able to enroll in applied music courses (private lessons). The audition serves the dual purpose of enabling the faculty to evaluate your prospects for success as a music major and competing for departmental music scholarships. Keep in mind that this is an opportunity for the faculty to evaluate your potential, and you can help them to do this by performing works that demonstrate your level of technical accomplishment and your musicianship.Music department scholarships are awarded based on demonstrated talent and skills. In cooperation with the Yakima and Wenatchee Symphonies, CWU is able to award additional scholarships to string players. Typically, most string players receive some scholarship support. Recipients are expected to perform with the University Orchestra, take private lessons, and participate in the chamber music program.
(Please note that these auditions are not for the purpose of acceptance or placement in any department ensemble. Those auditions will happen at the beginning of fall quarter next year.)
AUDITION DATES
Throughout the year, possible times to schedule an audition for admission and/or scholarships are during:
1.) the annual Music Department Open House which usually takes place during the Winter quarter in February or March; (see below for more info.)
2.) the CWU High School Orchestra Festival (if this occurs before scholarship decisions are made);
3.) a personal visitation to the campus.
Please contact the string faculty well in advance to schedule an audition time. To be considered for scholarship, the audition must take place before the music scholarship committee meets. This is usually around mid-March.
CWU Music Department Open House
This is a chance for you to visit the department, become acquainted with the program, its classes, performing ensembles, faculty and students. It is also a time for you to audition for the faculty. The auditions are for acceptance into the program as a music major or minor and also for scholarships.You are welcome to visit any class or rehearsal, to come and go as you like. Please contact the string faculty about attending a lesson and/or getting a short lesson. All the large ensembles will be rehearsing on Thursday, including the Wind Ensemble, Symphonic Band, the string section of the Orchestra, The University Choir and the Chamber Choir. Jazz Bands and Choirs will also meet, in addition to some of the small ensembles, such as the String Chamber Music Seminar, Brass Choir and Percussion Ensemble. You may also meet with faculty in their areas of expertise, including composition, jazz improvisation and Music Education.
Special events on Thursday include a lunch with faculty in the Student Lounge, an afternoon recital by CWU music students, a free pizza dinner hosted by CWU music majors at Grants Pizza, just two blocks from the Hertz Hall, and an evening "Collage" Concert by CWU faculty and students. A complete schedule of events, classes and rehearsals is listed online.
Staying Overnight Thursday?
Due to the current high enrollment, much of the Conference Center is being used as a dormitory, limiting the space available for overnight accommodations. There is room for just 30 students, so make your reservation early! The cost for an overnight stay and breakfast in the Student Dining Hall is just $15, payable by check to CWU Music. Once this space is filled, motels must be used. If parents are attending, it is recommended that you make alternate housing arrangement for yourself and your student. For information about motels, contact the Ellensburg Chamber of Commerce at: www.ellensburg-chamber.com
STRING AUDITIONS
Your audition includes a brief interview, and time is limited, so expect that you may not be able to perform your entire selection. Keep this in mind as you plan your audition performance. Please perform works that best demonstrate your level of technical accomplishment and musicianship. Memorization is encouraged.
I. AUDITION REQUIREMENTSVIOLIN
Non-Performance Degree:
1. One three-octave scale
2. One movement of a concerto, sonata or concert piece that demonstrates highest level of technical and musical achievement on their instrument.Performance Degree:
Each of the following:
1. At least one major and minor three-octave scale, legato and sautille;
2. One standard etude (e.g. Kreutzer, Dont, Campagnoli, Paganini);
3. One movement of solo Bach;
4. One movement of a standard (non-student) concerto or concert-piece (e. g. Barber, Mendelssohn, Bruch, Lalo, Wieniawski, Saint-Saens)
VIOLA
Non-Performance Degree:
1. One 3 octave scale
2. One movement of a concert piece that demonstrates highest level of technical and musical achievement on their instrument.Performance Degree:
Each of the following:
1. One 3 octave scale played leggato and spiccato
2. One prelude or two contrasting dance movements of a Bach suite
3. One additional concert piece that demonstrates the student’s highest level of technical and musical achievement on their instrument such as the follow or equivalent work:
Concerti: Teleman G major, Accolay (transcribed from violin), Vivaldi D major (transcribed), J.C. Bach/Casadesus, Handel , Hoffmeister, Hummel Fantasie, Rolla Concertino, Stamitz, David.
or
Unaccompanied: Bach G major Suite, Hindemith Meditation, Reger Suite No. 1 (first movement).
CELLO
Non-Performance Degree:
1. One 3-octave scale
2. One movement of a concerto, sonata or concert piece that demonstrates highest level of technical and musical achievement on their instrument.Performance Audition Requirements:
Each of the following:
1. One movement of a standard concerto of moderate difficulty, such as Saint-Saëns, Haydn, Lalo, or Boccherini
2. One movement of a standard sonata, such as Sammartini G Major, Beethoven, Brahms E minor, Francoeur E Major, or Boccherini A Major or equivalent piece.
3. Two contrasting movements of a Bach suite
4. One Popper or similar etude
5. One 4 octave major and minor scale and arpeggios
BASS
Non-Performance Degree:
1. One 2-octave scale
2. One movement of a concerto, sonata or concert piece that demonstrates highest level of technical and musical achievement on their instrument.
Performance Degree:
Each of the following:
1. One movement from one of the following double bass concerti: Bottesini, 2. Capuzzi, Dittersdorf, Dragonetti, Koussevitsky, or Vanhal
3. One contrasting solo work of the applicant’s choice
4. Two scales (one major, one melodic minor) of the applicant’s choice in two or three octaves.
II. RECOMMENDATIONS
Recommendations are not required but encouraged by the string area. To strengthen your application, complete and return recommendations before or at the time of your audition. Please download and print the string program recommendation form here.
III. RESUME / REPERTOIRE LIST
Your resume, repertoire list and other supporting documents may be submitted at the time of audition, but are not required.
We look forward to meeting you and hearing you play!
the String Faculty