Graduate Auditions

Your university application will be processed by both the Office of Admissions and Orientation and the Irving S. Gilmore School of Music. After completing your application, the Coordinator of Graduate Studies in Music will act as the liaison between the Irving S. Gilmore School of Music and the graduate admissions office. International students may obtain admissions information through the Office of International Student and Scholar Services. If you're not a resident of the United States, be sure and review the Information for international students. 

GRADUATE AUDITION PROCESS

In addition to completing an application, entrance into the Irving S. Gilmore School of Music requires that you audition for the trombone professor. While most undergraduate students choose to audition at one of the New Student Audition Days, most graduate students set up a separate audition to allow more time for the audition process. For international students, a recorded audition may be considered. Please contact Professor Wolfinbarger for more detailed information regarding the exact recording requirements. 

Students auditioning for the graduate program should expect to play the following:

• At least two solos of your choice from the trombone repertoire that demonstrate your best technical and lyrical playing. Please note that piano accompaniment is not required for any solo material. However you may bring a pianist if you wish.
• A sampling of three to four orchestral excerpts of your choice.
• Sight reading may also be required.

While a live audition is preferred, if you live more than 300 miles from Kalamazoo, Michigan, submitting video and/or audio files for your studio audition can be an option. 

Entering students will be required to take exams in music history and literature and music theory. Although the results of these exams have no effect on your acceptance into the trombone studio, they may ultimately be used in determining your course requirements at WMU. You are encouraged to use the theory and history exam study guides supplied by the School of Music to assist in your preparation.

GRADUATE ASSISTANTSHIP, SCHOLARSHIP AND FUNDING OPPORTUNITIES

A number of funding opportunities exist for entering graduate students. They include:

• Trombone graduate assistantship: Graduate assistantship applications must be submitted by February 1. The application cannot be given consideration unless the student has applied for admission to both the Graduate College and the Irving S. Gilmore School of Music.  
• Trombone studio awards: Graduate students auditioning for the trombone studio will automatically be considered for a trombone studio award.
• Jazz scholarships: Students auditioning for the Jazz Area will automatically be considered for a jazz award. To be considered, students should expect to play a selection of your choice in 12-bar blues form with two or three improvised choruses to follow, a jazz standard of your choice with improvised choruses, and sight reading of jazz pieces.