Applying to the University of Arizona

Applying to become a member of the UA Bassoon Studio is a two-step process: 

  1. Apply to the University of Arizona through the platform Slate (acceptance is based on academic records and history) **be sure to select Music as your major — if you are interested in a music minor, please email Dr. Olegario: molegario@arizona.edu
  2. Schedule a live audition with David Boulton

Grad students need to make a separate application on getacceptd.com (that should be phased out by 2024 auditions). More information about the application process can be found here. You are encouraged to email Dr. Olegario at molegario@arizona.edu with any questions or to schedule a preliminary lesson.

Audition Repertoire

 Undergraduate applicants

  • All major scales and arpeggios at your chosen tempo
  • Chromatic scale that indicates your full range
  • One etude from the following:
    • Weissenborn 50 Concert Studies
    • Orefici 20 Melodious Studies
    • Milde 25 Studies in Scales and Chords, op 24
  • One solo composition of your choice. Please include selections that demonstrate both lyrical and technical playing. You may select from the following suggested solo pieces or choose one that is representative of your playing ability:
    • Bourdeau: Premiere Solo
    • Brandon: Colored Stones
    • Hailstork: Bassoon Set
    • Siqueira: Three Études for Bassoon and Piano
    • Smalys: Confessions
    • Telemann: Sonata in F minor

Graduate Applicants

  • All major and minor scales and arpeggios
  • Chromatic scale that indicates your full range
  • One Milde Concert Study of choice
  • 2-3 contrasting orchestral excerpts 
  • 2 works of your choice contrasting in era and style. One must be from the following:
    • Jenni Brandon: Colored Stones
    • Nancy Galbraith: Sonata for Bassoon and Piano
    • Adolphus Hailstork: Bassoon Set
    • Kaghondi wm Mwanga: A Nightmare
    • Jeff Scott: Elegy for Innocence
    • José Siqueira: Three Études for Bassoon and Piano

For more information or if you have specific questions, please contact Dr. Marissa Olegario at molegario@arizona.edu.

Scholarships & Financial Aid

Undergraduate

Undergraduate students are also eligible for academic scholarships from the University of Arizona, based on your unweighted, core class GPA. Once your online application is complete and submitted, it will be reviewed and you should receive a letter with any academic scholarship offers. More info here.

Merit-based scholarships are available for music majors and BA students in the form of Fine Arts Tuition Scholarships. These awards are based on your performance at the live audition. More info here.

All students should complete the FAFSA to be eligible for grants and loans. Try to complete and submit this form no later than December 15.

Visit the School of Music Scholarships and Financial Aid page for more information.

Graduate 

Graduate students are eligible for scholarship awards from the Fred Fox School of music. Decisions are based on live audition (decisions usually by mid-March).

Additionally, assistantship positions are available for outstanding graduate bassoonists to serve as teaching assistants (TA’s). These are generally two-year .25 FTE TA positions that provide a ½ tuition waiver and a stipend, available to in-state and out-of-state students. TA duties may include administrative, teaching, or assisting an academic class. Total TA hours for .25 FTE are 10 hours per week. Qualifications for TA positions include: an advanced level of playing, good interpersonal skills, the ability to work with others, comfort with ear-training, organizational skills. Please provide a resume that shows any professional experience and teaching experience.

    More info here.

     

    Degrees

    Undergraduate Degrees

    Master and Doctoral Degrees

    • MM in Performance (Instrumental) (Bassoon) 
    • DMA in Performance (Instrumental) (Bassoon)
    • Detailed information

    Music Minor

    Graduate Handbook

    Deadlines

    The UA School of Music has rolling admissions, which means we do not have a formal cut-off date for applications. However, in order to be considered for scholarships, financial aid, and graduate TA opportunities, students are encouraged to apply by December 15 and especially no later than January 15. Auditions take place in late January and early February and at that time, school of music scholarship offers will be made.