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West Virginia University College of Creative Arts

Trumpet Audition Requirements

The following audition requirements are for undergraduate WVU School of Music trumpet students interested in pursuing a degree in BME, IND, BA, COMP or THER.

Trumpet candidates are encouraged to showcase their versatility in classical and jazz idioms. 

Please prepare the following:

  • Three contrasting pieces of choice (i.e. solos, etudes, movements from concertos or sonatas). 

    • Suggested solos (but not limited to the following):

      • Pennequin Morceau de Concert, Barat Andante et Scherzo, Balay Prelude et Ballade or Andante et Allegretto, Cornet solo by Herbert Clarke, Ropartz Andante et Allegro

    • Suggested etudes (but not limited to the following):

      • Bordogni Melodious Etudes for Trumpet, Charlier 36 Études Transcendantes, ArbansCharacteristic Studies 

  • Chromatic scale from lowest to highest notes.

  • (Optional, but strongly encouraged) - Showcase ability in jazz/commercial music. This can take the form of preparing a lead trumpet part from a swing, funk, Latin/salsa chart, and/or improvising over a bules, rhythm changes, or other standard tune(s).

Jazz Requirements (for Jazz major and minor applicants only)
  • One piece from the classical trumpet repertoire (i.e. a solo, etude or movement from a concerto or sonata) that demonstrates an understanding of classical trumpet tone, phrasing, and style. 
  • Major scales. Additional scales are encouraged if prepared.  (you may submit these with your audition videos, but may be asked to play again during your interview with the Jazz faculty)
  • Chromatic scale from lowest to highest notes.
  • Solo transcription, or jazz etude (in swing, funk or Latin/salsa styles).
  • Play the melody and improvise over one jazz standard and medium tempo blues of choice. Be prepared to improvise for several choruses.
  • Possible jazz standards options (but not limited to these): There Will Never Be Another You, Autumn Leaves, It Could Happen to You, Recorda-me, All the Things You Are, But Not for Me, Blue Bossa, All of Me, Four etc.
  • Applicants must provide their own accompaniment! Play-alongs or good quality accompaniment tracks are acceptable. 
  • Sight-Reading
  • ( Optional but encouraged): Demonstrate lead playing ability by preparing two contrasting excerpts.

Feel free to reach out to Dr. Robert Sears ( robert.sears@mail.wvu.edu ) with any questions about musical selections.