The audition process for acceptance into the Instrumental Music Studio is different depending on the instrument - please see below. These auditions should be recorded as a video performed in one take and included in your application to the Instrumental Music Studio.

You will be screened for an accurate interpretation of the music stylistically, intonation, expressiveness, articulation, dynamics, rhythmic and pitch accuracy, overall musicianship, and potential.

It is recommended that a music teacher help you prepare for your audition.

Strings

Students auditioning on a string instrument (violin/viola/cello) should be prepared to:

Perform Concert G and D major scales . Optional: two or more octaves.

Perform two selections or etudes that demonstrate playing ability, contrasting in style. These selections can come from materials current worked on in class, from a method book, etc. For contrast, please select:
1. One in a lyrical, slower tempo . Your selection can be any part of a piece and should be between 8-16 measures long. You must provide a copy of this music.
2. One in a more technical, moderate to fast tempo. Your selection can be any part of a piece and should be between 8-16 measures long. You must provide a copy of this music.

Woodwinds

Students auditioning on a woodwind instrument should be prepared to:

Perform Concert C and Bb major scales .Optional: two or more octaves

Perform Chromatic scale starting from lowest Concert F to as high as personally possible, at least one octave. Should be played ascending and descending.

Perform two selections or etudes that demonstrate playing ability, contrasting in style. These selections can come from materials current worked on in class, from a method book, etc. For contrast, please select:
1. One in a lyrical, slower tempo . Your selection can be any part of a piece and should be between 8-16 measures long. You must provide a copy of this music.
2. One in a more technical, moderate to fast tempo.
  Your selection can be any part of a piece and should be between 8-16 measures long. You must provide a copy of this music.

Brass

Students auditioning on a brass instrument should be prepared to:

Perform Concert F and Bb major scales. Optional: two or more octaves

Perform Chromatic scale starting from low Concert Bb to as high as personally possible, at least one octave. Should be played ascending and descending.

Perform two selections or etudes that demonstrate playing ability, contrasting in style. These selections can come from materials current worked on in class, from a method book, etc. For contrast, please select:
1. One in a lyrical, slower tempo. Your selection can be any part of a piece and should be between 8-16 measures long. You must provide a copy of this music.
2. One in a more technical, moderate to fast tempo. Your selection can be any part of a piece and should be between 8-16 measures long. You must provide a copy of this music.

Bass

Students auditioning on bass should be prepared to:

Perform C and D major scales.

Perform one octave chromatic scale in first position beginning on E. Optional: two octaves

Perform an etude or selection of your choosing that demonstrates playing ability. Your selection can be any part of a piece and should be between 8-16 measures long. You must provide a copy of this music.

Piano

Students auditioning on piano should be prepared to:

Perform G and Bb major scales. May be performed hands together. Minimum of two octaves.

Perform an etude or selection of your choosing that demonstrates playing ability. Your selection can be any part of a piece and should be between 8-16 measures long. These selections can come from materials currently worked in lessons, from a method book, etc. You must provide a copy of this music.

Guitar

Students auditioning on guitar should be prepared to:

Perform C and G major scales in first position.
Demonstrate Open position chords:
1. Major chords: C, F, G
2. Minor chords: a, d, e

Perform an etude or selection of your choosing that demonstrates playing ability. Your selection can be any part of a piece and should be between 8-16 measures long. You must provide a copy of this music.

Percussion

Students auditioning for percussion must prepare at least TWO of the following:

Drum Set
- You will play 8-16 measure of basic styles:
  - swing
  - rock
  - funk
  - bossa nova
  - samba

Snare Drum
- Perform a selection or etude that demonstrates playing ability. Your selection can be any part of a piece and should be between 8-16 measures long. These selections can come from materials currently worked in class, from a method book, etc. You must provide a copy of this music.
- Play 3 basic rudiments: Paradiddle, Flams, 5-stroke-roll. Should be performed open-close-open.

Mallet percussion
- Perform an etude or selection that demonstrates playing ability (can be for marimba, vibraphone, xylophone, bells/glockenspiel, etc.) Your selection can be any part of a piece and should be between 8-16 measures long. These selections can come from materials current worked on in class, from a method book, etc. You must provide a copy of this music.
- Perform G and Bb major scales at two octaves
- Perform chromatic scale for the full length of the keyboard, ascending and descending.

Timpani
- Tune the drums yourself starting from pedal down (drum at lowest pitch)
- Perform an etude or selection that demonstrates playing ability. Your selection can be any part of a piece and should be between 8-16 measures long. These selections can come from materials currently worked in class, from a method book, etc. You must provide a copy of this music.
- You will be asked to play a long roll from piano to forte and back again.
2026-2027 Instrumental Studio Audition/Application

Hazleton Area Arts and Humanities Academy

Hazleton Area Arts and Humanities Academy