Carnegie Mellon University

School of Music

Where artistry and innovation share center stage

Bassoon Audition Requirements

All applicants to the bassoon studio are expected to prepare the following audition requirements:

  • Two etudes from the Weissenborn Studies or the Middle Scale or Concert studies: one melodic and one demonstrating technique
  • Two movements in contrasting styles: slow and fast from a standard Sonata and/or Concerto
  • Two major and two minor scales of your choosing, showing full range of the instrument

Orchestral excerpts may be played as part of the audition, but are not required.


All performance candidates are required to complete an audition. Note: All solo instrumental auditions are unaccompanied.

All applicants to the bassoon studio are expected to prepare the following audition requirements:

  • Two etudes showing both technique and musicality
  • Two movements in contrasting styles (slow and fast) from a standard Sonata and/or Concerto
  • Two major and two minor scales of your choosing, showing full range of the instrument
  • Orchestral excerpts may be played as part of the audition, but are not required

All performance candidates are required to complete an audition. Note: All solo instrumental auditions are unaccompanied.

All applicants to the bassoon studio are expected to perform an audition recital of 15-20 minutes, including a minimum of five works showing representative repertoire of various periods. Although there are no set requirements for this audition, please choose a solo piece, a movement from a concerto, three orchestral excerpts, and etudes that show tone, musicianship and technique. 


All performance candidates are required to complete an audition. Note: All solo instrumental auditions are unaccompanied.