Examples of music, where provided, are not intended to influence the applicant’s choice of prepared music, nor are they intended to limit their selections to a particular body of work except insofar as the music relates to performance context (solo, accompanied, concerto, etc.). Rather, applicants are encouraged to perform the music that they connect with most, demonstrating their personal connection to and command of the instrument, regardless of if those selections are considered standard, traditional, or part of the canon. If there are questions about repertoire, please write about them directly to Dr. Doug O’Connor at [email protected].

Pre-screening

There is no pre-screening requirement for saxophone.

Bachelor of Music

Saxophone applicants should prepare the following:

• Two etudes or movements from solo works demonstrating contrasting styles. Examples include, but are not limited to:
  • Movements of any unaccompanied works by J.S. Bach
    
  • Star Bits by Corey Dundee
  • 48 Etudes by Wilhelm Ferling
  • 28 Etudes on Modes of Olivier Messiaen by Guy Lacour
  • 9 Etudes by Christian Lauba
  • Vignettes by Remy LeBeouf
  • 25 Caprices by Sigfrid Karg-Elert
  • Maï by Ryo Noda
  • Tango Etudes by Astor Piazzolla
    
  • Sonate by Jeanine Rueff
  • Wings by Joan Tower
  • Black Mary by Shelley Washington
  • Naica by Viet Cuong
• Two contrasting movements from accompanied work(s). Examples include, but are not limited to:
  • Sonata, Op. 19 by Paul Creston
  • Unquiet Waters by Kevin Day
  • Prelude, Cadence et Finale by Alfred Desenclos
    
  • Brilliance by Ida Gotkovsky
  • Sonata by Bernard Heiden
  • Yes No Maybe by Jennifer Higdon
    
  • Tableaux de Provence by Paule Maurice
  • Sonata, Op. 29 by Robert Muczynski
  • Gradient by Baljinder Sekhon
  • Romance by William Grant Still
  • Klonos by Piet Swerts
  • Fuzzy Bird Sonata by Takashi Yoshimatsu
  • Eglogue et Danse Pastorale by René Corniot
• Applicants need not be confined to a specific saxophone (i.e. alto, tenor, etc.).
• At least one of the applicant’s selections should be by a composer from a background that is under-represented in concert halls. Some examples have been provided and more can be offered upon request.

OPTIONAL

• One movement of a concerto. Examples include, but are not limited to:
  • Concerto by Paul Creston
  • Concerto by Ingolf Dahl
  • Concerto by Jacques Ibert
  • Concerto by Alexandre Glazunov
  • Unquiet Waters by Kevin Day
  • Let the Darkness Out by Catherine Likhuta
• The applicant may also choose to perform a selection demonstrating additional versatility. For example: jazz improvisation, self-composed works, doubling, etc.

Graduate Degrees

The applicant must present sufficient material to perform a full solo recital (50 minutes of music or more), containing works which show a diversity of periods and styles. At least two of the applicant’s selections should be by composers from backgrounds that are under-represented in concert halls.

Artist Diploma

AD applicants in saxophone must prepare a program of no less than 70 minutes duration, representing at least three styles or historical periods, including at least two larger works, and including selections by composers from backgrounds that are under-represented in concert halls.