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Trumpet Audition Requirements

The following audition requirements are for prospective undergraduate trumpet students interested in pursuing a degree in Music Education, Music Performance, Music Business and Industry, Bachelor of Arts in Music, Music Composition, Music Therapy, and Music and Health.

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, jazz standard highlighting improvisation ability, jazz transcription, lead trumpet part from a swing, funk, Latin/salsa chart). One piece must be from the classical trumpet repertoire. Jazz/commercial playing is strongly encouraged but not required.

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

      • Balay, Prelude et Ballade or Andante et Allegretto; Barat, Andante et Scherzo; Bozza, Badinage; Cornet solo by Herbert Clarke; Delmas, Chorale et Varations; Kennan, Sonata; Pennequin. Morceau de Concert; Ropartz, Andante et Allegro; Senee, Concertino; Turrin, Three Episodes.

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

      • Arban, Characteristic Studies; Arban, Style Etudes; Bordogni, Melodious Etudes; Charlier, 36 Études Transcendantes, Concone, Lyric Studies.

    • Suggested jazz tunes to showcase improvisation (but not limited to the following):**

      • Standards - All of Me, All the Things You Are, Autumn Leaves, Blue Bossa, But Not for Me, Four, It Could Happen to You, Have You Met Miss Jones, Recorda-me, There Will Never Be Another You.

      • Blues - Billie’s Bounce, Mr. P.C., Sandu, Things Ain’t What They Used to Be.

      • Rhythm Changes - Anthropology, Oleo, Lester Leaps In.

  • Chromatic scale from lowest to highest notes.

**Applicants must provide their own accompaniment. Play-alongs or good-quality accompaniment tracks are acceptable.

Jazz Emphasis and Minor Requirements

  • 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 sound, 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): All of Me, All the Things You Are, Autumn Leaves, Blue Bossa, But Not for Me, Four, It Could Happen to You, Have You Met Miss Jones, Recorda-me, There Will Never Be Another You.

  • 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.

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