Cello audition guide

Components

1) Scales and arpeggios (two of the following scales and arpeggios)  

• Scales:
  - C, G, D, F major, 3 octaves, detached, 2 and 4 notes to a bow  
• Arpeggios:
  - C, G, D, F major, detached, 3 notes to a bow  

2) One Etude chosen by applicant (the following or equivalent, more advanced level encouraged)  

• Etudes:
  - Dotzauer, J.J.F. / Exercises, Book 1-2  
  - Feuillard, L.R. / 60 Études and Daily Exercises  
  - Popper, D. / High School of Cello Playing, Op. 73  
  - Schroeder, A. / Foundation Studies, Vol. 1-3  

3) Repertoire: two contrasting movements (the following or equivalent, more advanced level and memorization encouraged):  

• Sonatas:
  - Corelli, A. / Sonata in D minor  
  - Eccles, H. / Sonata in G minor  
  - Bach, J.S. / Sonata in D major (originally for viola da gamba)  
  - Vivaldi, A. / Six cello sonatas op. 14  
• Concertos:
  - Monn, G.M. / Concerto in G minor  
  - Bréval, J.B. / Concertinos and Concertos No. 1, 2  
  - Romberg, B. / Concerto No. 2 in D major  
  - Goltermann, G. / Concertos  
  - Klengel, J. / Concertinos  
• Pieces:
  - Bach, J.S. / 6 Suites  
  - Bloch, E. / Prayer  
  - Glazunov, A. / Minstrel’s Song, Op. 71  
  - Saint-Saëns, C. / The Swan, from *Carnival*  
  - Squire, W.H. / Tarantella op. 23  

4) Sight reading (to be given)  

• Please provide copies of the ‘etude’ and ‘repertoire’ to the jury.  

You greatly improve your chances of acceptance when you prepare your audition requirements with the guidance of a qualified Cello teacher.  

Need help preparing for your audition? Explore the Vanier Music School.