Carnegie Mellon University

School of Music

Where artistry and innovation share center stage

Saxophone Audition Requirements

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

  • A technical etude
  • Solo compositions of the applicant’s choice that will demonstrate their musical and technical level of achievement - a contrast of lyrical and technical styles is suggested.
  • A jazz selection of the applicant’s choice that will demonstrate style and articulation (improvisation suggested, but not required.)

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

All applicants to the graduate saxophone studio are expected to perform an audition  of 15-20 minutes, including a minimum of three works demonstrating  representative repertoire of various historical periods. Although there are no set requirements for this audition, please select solo pieces that provide evidence of lyric and technical playing as well as  overall musicianship.


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

All applicants to the saxophone studio are expected to perform an audition of 15-20 minutes, including a minimum of three works demonstrating representative repertoire of various historical periods. Although there are no set requirements for this audition, please select solo pieces that provide evidence of lyric and technical playing as well as overall musicianship.


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