WVU School of Music Double Bass applicants should present technical and solo materials at their audition:
For "Classical" Bass
Performance
- One caprice/etude such as Simandl, Rabbath, etc.
- A movement from a standard concerto (or work of equivalent difficulty) and a movement of a Baroque sonata.
- All major and melodic minor two-octave scales.
Music Education, Music Therapy, Music and Health, Bachelor of Arts, or Composition
- One etude such as Simandl, 30 Etudes.
- Two contrasting works from two different stylistic periods (Baroque, Classical, Romantic, or 20th Century or 21st Century). Selections could include individual movements from a concerto, sonata, or suite. Please contact instructor to discuss appropriate repertoire.
- A scale may be requested at the audition.
Music Industry, Commercial Music
- Two contrasting selections of music that represent the applicant’s current level of performance.
- A scale may be requested at the audition.
Jazz Emphasis and Jazz Minor:
Electric or upright are acceptable for the audition with the understanding that upright proficiency is required before completion of the degree program.
- Play major scales with at least two fingerings for each scale (you may submit these with your audition videos, but may be asked to play again during your interview with the Jazz faculty).
- Perform a solo transcription or traditional etude.
- Walk bass lines for 12 bar blues in at least three different keys at various tempi.
- Demonstrate a bass line in a bossa nova or samba feel.
- Improvise a walking bass on a jazz chord chart.
- Be ready to sight read bass line charts.