Carnegie Mellon University
School of Music

Where artistry and innovation share center stage

Harp Audition Requirements

Use the drop-down menus below to view the audition requirements for your degree/certificate area.

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

  • Etude No. 1, from “Cinquante Etudes,” Op. 34, Book 1, by Bochsa
  • Two contrasting works: one Classical and one by a 20th-Century composer, such as an etude from “Bach-Grandjany Etudes for Harp” and “Natra Sonatine”
  • Two orchestral excerpts, including the harp cadenza from “Waltz of the Flowers” by Tchaikovsky

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

All graduate applicants to the Harp 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
  • Etudes that show tone, musicianship and technique. 

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

All Advanced Music Studies Certificate (AMSC) applicants to the Harp 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
  • Etudes that show tone, musicianship and technique. 

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