Guitar Studies at the University of Kentucky

Audition Information:

• Undergraduate
• Graduate

UNDERGRADUATE AUDITION INFORMATION FOR GUITAR (B.M., B.M.M.E., B.A)

An Audition may be requested using the online Audition Request Form for regular auditions in January and February. For auditions any other time of year, contact Professor Hennings.

The following list serves as a guide to choosing appropriate audition material for incoming undergraduate students. Although this list serves only as a suggestion, please choose literature that is similar in style, depth, and breadth. The purpose of an audition is to demonstrate your talents, so choose literature that you are comfortable with.

Prospective music majors and minors should demonstrate ability in three (3) core areas: sight reading, scales and repertoire. Since time constraints of the audition process limit the total interview time, students may choose to submit additional video/DVD materials that includes other performances such as previous auditions or live concerts.

Please note that auditionees must play from original scores of their selected music – no duplicated copies will be allowed.

If a personal audition is not possible, you may submit a video/DVD audition (audio recordings will not be acceptable for auditions). However, only live auditions can be considered for a scholarship.

REQUIRED AREAS:

• Technical demonstration and/or theoretical understanding of all major and minor scales and arpeggios - two octaves.
• Sight reading of easy studies such as Carcassi or Giuliani
• A standard solo work or study to demonstrate musicianship such as
  • a movement from a Lute suite, Cello Suite or Sonatas & Partitas for Violin by J.S. Bach.
  • a work selected from one of the following or similar composers Heitor Villa-lobos, Manuel Ponce, Leo Brouwer, Mario Castelnuovo Tedesco, Andrew York, Roland Dyens, Carlo Domeniconi, John Duarte, Abel Carlevaro, Agustin Barrios, etc.

OPTIONAL AREAS (not required):

• Ensemble performance: If you participated in a related ensemble during high school, this is an adequate optional material for your audition

ADDITIONAL INQUIRY

All questions pertaining to repertoire, auditions, or curriculum can be directed to:
Dieter Hennings, Professor
Director of Guitar Studies
E-mail: guitarprogram@uky.edu

GRADUATE AUDITION INFORMATION FOR GUITAR (M.M., D.M.A.)

Along with the application to the UK School of Music, all graduate student applicants for guitar must submit a Recording to the Director of Guitar Studies. Audition repertoire is listed below. This recording must be postmarked no later than March 1 of the year prior to entrance. All applicants should include a copy of their audition repertoire with the screening DVD recording (NTSC format). The screening materials should be clearly labeled and will not be returned.

Graduate Music Performance applicants who have been invited to campus for an audition/interview are required to take entrance exams in the areas of music theory and music history. Please consult Information for Prospective Graduate Students in the Admissions section of the School of Music web site. You’ll also find useful information regarding Graduate Degrees, Course Descriptions, Scholarships, Fellowships, Assistantships and Audition Requirements.

There are a limited number of graduate Teaching Assistantship opportunities. Although they are not available every year, these positions are highly competitive and will only be awarded to select candidates who have successfully completed the audition process, required entrance exams, and have been accepted by the Graduate School and the School of Music Graduate Committee.

The following lists serve as a guide to choosing appropriate audition material for prospective graduate students. Please feel free to contact Professor Hennings (guitarprogram@uky.edu) if you have questions about appropriate literature.

Examples of repertoire for audition (pieces of similar difficulty should be performed in audition):

• Bach, J. S. Lute Suites
• Berkeley, L Sonatina
• Britten, B. Nocturnal
• Dyens, R. Libra Sonatina, Tango en Skai; Suadade #3
• Giuliani, M. Sonata Eroica, Op.150
• Pereira, M. Pieces Bresiliennes
• Piazzolla, A. Tango transcriptions
• Ponce, M. Theme varie et Finale Pujol, M. D. Elegia por la muerte de un tanguero
• Rodrigo, J. En los trigales, Three Spanish Pieces
• Sor, Fernando Variations on the Magic Flute
• Walton, W. Five Bagatelles
• a movement from a Lute suite, or Sonatas & Partitas for Violin by J.S. Bach

Students should also demonstrate knowledge of the following guitar publications

• Etude requirements (students should have played in their undergrad one of the following sets of studies):
• Brouwer: Simple Etudes, Volumes 1-4
• Carcassi: Etudes, op. 60
• Sor: 20 Etudes, Segovia edition and various op.
• Giuliani: Etudes, op. 48
• Villa-lobos: 12 Etudes, 5 Preludes

Reference materials:

• Tennant: Pumping Nylon Technique Handbook
• Romero: Guitar Style and Technique
• Duncan: Art of Classical Guitar Playing
• Shearer: Learning the Classic Guitar
• Berg: Mastering Guitar Technique
• Royal Conservatory of Music Guitar Series
• Klickstein: The Musician’s Way

All questions pertaining to repertoire, auditions, or curriculum can be directed to:

Professor Dieter Hennings guitarprogram@uky.edu