Entrance into Hayes School of Music degree programs with guitar as the primary instrument of student is competitive. The available openings in the guitar studio are usually filled after the February auditions. A limited number of scholarships are available to guitarists. Given the large number of students auditioning to pursue a program of study with guitar as a major instrument, early auditions are encouraged to have the best opportunity to be awarded a scholarship.
All guitarists auditioning to be music majors must have and demonstrate music reading skills. Auditionees will be expected to sight-read a single-line passage in 4/4, 3/4, or 6/8 meters using simple and dotted note values.
Suggested audition music is as follows:
Bachelor of Music in Music Performance (Guitar)
Two pieces of contrasting style period from the standard classic guitar repertoire, including but not limited to works of Villa Lobos, Ponce, Giuliani, Bach, Sor, etc. Selections may also be taken from the Royal Conservatory Series (published by Frederick Harris Music), level 3 or higher.
Bachelor of Science in Music Industry Studies
Two prepared pieces, at least one of which must be learned from written music in standard notation (NOT tablature). Classical guitar is an option, NOT a requirement for Music Industry Studies. Students may complete all of their requirements for the Music Industry Studies degree in jazz guitar, and may audition with plectrum/steel string/electric style guitar. Some sight-reading of unprepared material will be required as well (see above). Students are advised to audition in either classical or jazz styles, but not both.
For prospective students interested in focusing on jazz guitar studies at Appalachian State University, it is strongly suggested that they choose jazz material for their two prepared audition pieces. Jazz standards, bebop tunes, bossa nova, jazz waltzes, contemporary modern jazz (etc) are solid choices as they make up the standard jazz repertoire. Examples can be found in the Hal Leonard Real Book Series, Aebersold Play-along series or from one of the Berklee Press publications (such William Leavitt's Melodic Rhythms for Guitar), etc. Any questions regarding the suitability of jazz-related material should be directed to Professor Andy Page well in advance of the audition date. This material should demonstrate the applicant's melodic interpretation, comping, and improvisation skills. If applicable, a backing-track CD may be used along with your audition. Instead of a (preferred) physical CD, the applicant must provide the means to playback a digital recording.
For prospective students interested in focusing on classical guitar studies at Appalachian State University, two classical pieces as described for Performance major auditions are acceptable, Royal Conservatory series (published by Frederick Harris Music) level 1 or higher. Any questions regarding the suitability of classical style material should be directed to Dr. Adam Kossler, Coordinator of Guitar Studies well in advance of the audition date.
Bachelor of Music in Music Education (Guitar)
As described above in Performance Major, with selections from the Royal Conservatory Series (published by Frederick Harris Music) Level 2 is also acceptable.
Bachelor of Music in Music Therapy
Guitarists applying to the Music Therapy program may audition in either classical or jazz style as described above for Music Industries Studies and Music Education.
All Majors
Please consult with Professors Kossler or Page before the audition if in doubt of the suitability of any audition pieces. Questions regarding classical pieces should be directed to Dr. Adam Kossler. Jazz-related audition questions should be directed to Professor Andy Page.
(updated July, 2024)